We live in New York. He’s Dutch, and we will move the Amsterdam in late 2011. He has a friend in the jewelry business in Amsterdam that I think he might want to go through to buy the diamond–however, I would almost rather go through someone who is not a friend so that we can really be hard bargainers without feeling bad about it.

My first question is, where does it make the most sense to buy the diamond? New York through someone you know? Amsterdam through someone he knows? Either?

My second question is this: I want a round solitaire 3 carat ring (the bigger it looks, the better). I feel silly saying this but what can I say, looking at all the stones here has ruined me. Is it possible to do this between $15-20k? If possible I would love an I color with medium (or strong blue) fluorescence. I say I and not J because if we get micropave sidestones on the band I don’t want them to look obviously whiter than the stone itself.

That said, what do you recommend? I would also be happy to consider using your brokering service if it will bring down the price–I know from your site that both James Allen and Blue Nile have a markup of 18%, and I would rather not pay that. My boyfriend may take quite a bit of convincing to buy from someone he has never met–and online!–but I’m sure the frugal Dutchman in him will see the sense of it if I show him how honest you seem to be from every interaction on this website. For now if you could just answer my initial questions, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much, in advance, for your time & advice!

…….

I want the diamond to be eye-clean–fine with VS2/SI1, even SI2–BUT the SI2 would have to be examined by someone who swears on bibles that you can’t see any flaws!

A: Thanks for writing. I’m very happy you’ve been enjoying my site!

As for your questions – I would think it makes most sense to buy in NY. It has a much higher sophisticated and well developed market. There isn’t much of a market at all in Amsterdam. Aside from the fact you’ll have to pay whatever exorbitant VAT they have there now.

Most people that come to me AFTER they’ve been to “a friend of a friend” or something like that realize that the vast majority of diamond dealers usually just lick their chomps when they see someone who’s unaffiliated with the business walk through their doors. You’re better off buying online. Btw, that 18% figure is outdated. It’s closer to 10% now.

You will not be able to get a 3 carat stone for under 20K. Your best bet is probably finding a 2.70 stone. An I SI1/SI2 will cost about 23K roughly.

Q: Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly!

A few quick follow-up questions:

- Will an I SI1 cost 23K for 3 carats, or for 2.70?

- I’d be willing to do a J with strong blue fluoresence if it will look the same as an I with medium blue fluorescence. (Maybe I will just forgo the sidestones for now.) In your opinion, how noticeable will the color difference be?? I think I have a fairly good eye for color (I’m an artist); I’m just not sure how much the fluo will actually “mask” the tint.

-I’d also be interested in a stone that is cut just shy of 3 carats for whatever reason–2.9 or whatever. Will this be hard to find?

-You say it makes the most sense to buy in NY–but I’m assuming you mean buy a stone online while we’re still living here, right? Or is there some person we should go see who you trust?

Thanks again for all your help! I have told friends who are thinking of getting engaged about your website.

A: The 23K is for a 2.70.

As for the color questions, I would strongly suggest you go to a store and look at some up close. As you know being an artist there’s no real way for me to describe in words how you will perceive the color of a diamond. You need the experience yourself.

Yes, finding a 2.90ct sotne will be near impossible.

I meant NY over Amsterdam in a head to head comparison, but your best bet is online – and having it shipped to NJ to a fedex facility for pickup so you avoid sales tax.

Thanks for the referrals!

Q: Is it still possible to get a deal like this guy ended up with?? This was why I thought maybe I could get a 3 carat for 20K…

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2009/12/06/qa-20000-for-3-carat-stone-interested-in-brokering-service/

A: Problem is prices are a lot stronger now. The market has picked up a lot since then.

Q: Argh–I never have any luck. OK.

One other question–are twinning wisps a pretty “good” kind of inclusion to have, even if they’re in the table? Based on the photos I’ve looked at on James Allen, it seems like they’re very hard to detect. But maybe it depends on the twinning wisp in question?

A: I personally think they’re the best kind of inclusion for the exact reason you specified.

Just curious, which direction do you think you’re going to go in regarding the diamond?

Q: This is all so interesting to me–kind of makes me want to go to diamond school! I find it fascinating that one gemstone is the center of so much psychology, detailed analysis, emotion, and wheeling & dealing!!!

Well, here’s what I’m thinking now:

If we buy the diamond sight unseen (after having someone inspect it to at least make sure it’s eye clean) I want:

-Round brilliant

-I color

-Medium blue fluorescence (am fine with strong if it doesn’t make it hazy at all)

-SI1 or S12, preferably with ONLY twinning wisp inclusions

-a table of 58-60 (I know aficionados prefer smaller, but it seems to me the diamond looks bigger when the table is bigger)

-thin to medium girdle

-3 carats OR something between 2.6 and 3 that has measurements close to 9 x 9 mm (or more!) across the top.

-GIA or AGSL cert

-Excellent cut

-Very good or excellent polish

-Very good or excellent symmetry

-no culet

Would love to get all this between 20 and 25K (obviously the less, the better). My boyfriend can deal with it–marriage is a long time and if you amortize the cost of this thing over the length of a marriage, it really isn’t that bad.

I think based on what you’ve said that it definitely makes sense to get it in the States, or maybe to go through you or someone you trust here? If I can see the diamond in person I would likely be fine with a J color with strong blue fluorescence–but I’d need to see it. I tried to go color compare yesterday and the woman showed me a 3 carat “F SI2″ but it had EGL cert so I walked out. (It was only 18K, though! Even going down 2 grades that still seemed like a good deal… but you said to stay away from EGL, right?)

Let me know what you think!

A: Those seem like good specs, but you should just know that if you limit your search to medium fluorsecence it might take you a long while before you find your ideal stone. Med fluor is not so common in I colors, especially when you’ve got relatively narrow parameters set aside from the fluorescence.

For example, looking at what’s available in Israel, this is the closest I could find:

http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=5121245123&weight=2.52

This one seems to be the closest on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1302005.asp

Anyway, my point is, this is a very narrow set of parameters that might be very hard to find.

As regards the EGL stone, yes, it’s a bad value. The “F” is probably an “I” and the SI2 is without a doubt an I1.

Q: The Israel stone looks nice, but if it’s VS1 I’m assuming it would be pricier. I can be flexible on the table width–can be 57-60. I can also be flexible on the inclusions as long as I can’t see them. I figured the clarity is the place where I can save money without hurting how the diamond appears, as long as I choose one that’s eye-clean.

Also, if I go look at some I-color stones and I think they look fine without fluoro, then I’m fine with none or faint fluoro. That should help widen the search, right?

What’s your feeling on culets? I’m assuming if the stone has an excellent cut there would be small or no culet.

…….

Hey look at this one!

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform#diamonds_pid=LD01693218

But how do I know it’s eye clean??

A: An SI2 in a 3ct stone is most likely not eye clean. The inclusion plot on the cert is pointing in that direction as well.

Q: Darn it! OK, it seems like I’m going to have to go smaller–or wait till I can find an SI2 that’s only has twinning wisps. I don’t really mind waiting if it means saving.

This one looks good though:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform#diamonds_pid=LD01631054

The measurements seemed a little odd on this one: 8.99 x 9.14–?

A: Something seems fishy about that stone.

Q: Hahaha. OK, fair enough–you’re the expert.

I think this one below looks nice and non-fishy–plus it has our favorite inclusion, twinning wisps! And is therefore likely eye-clean, right?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform#diamonds_pid=LD01499722

A: Yes, that stone does seem nice on paper. but even with wisps, you still need to be careful on such a large stone. Take a look at this example:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1302886.asp

Those black strings you see are twinning wisps.

Q: OK, what about this one? I found this using the search engine on your site!

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-29011284-2.php

This one looks amazing!!! I would just need to make sure it was eye-clean and not hazy (b/c the fluorescence is strong). A J color with strong blue flurorescence will look like an H or I, right?

A: J with STB *might* make it look like an I color at best. I think you might be overestimating the whitening effect.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to call the owner tomorrow when they open in NY. I have attached a copy of the cert.

Q: Hi there!

Sorry, I tend not to check email on weekends–since I’m plugged in all week. Oh wow, that’s so nice of you (to call him)! The cert looks pretty clean to me. I would love to hear what it looks like from someone who can see it, though. Or maybe I could even go and see it?

If it looks like an I, that’s good enough for me. The color grade differences are pretty slight (and, as you have noted in your website, relative).

Let me know! And thank you!!!

A: I called the owner. The stone is now out on consignment, but the owner said that the stone is fantastic. The fluorescence doesn’t affect it at all and the SI1 is very nice. If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll have to get back in touch with them to see if it hasn’t sold yet.

Q: Oh wow, great. I will have to let my bf know. What does “out on consignment” mean???

A: It means the stone hasn’t been sold yet, but it’s being borrowed by someone who wants to sell it. Possibly a store, etc.

Q: Can we go and see it? Is it in NY somewhere??

…….

Also, does the price of $23,652.73 include your commission?

A: Yes.

Q: Great. Can we go and see it somewhere? Is it being borrowed by someone in NYC?

A: They won’t call it back from wherever it is unless you’re on the cusp of buying. I could probably arrange for you to see it, but only if it’s available for sale in their office. Send me a reminder on Sunday, and I”ll try again in the beginning of next week.

Q: OK, I will remind you on Sunday–I would love to see it if possible!!

I’ve been looking at oval diamonds, too–they seem to be slightly less pricey. What do you think of this one??

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1334985.asp

I know you can see the flaw in the photo, but it seems like in person it would be very hard to do so. What do you think of this stone?

A: A nice oval can be very beautiful. The only issue is that it’s really hard to find a beautiful oval. Ugly ones outnumber nice ones like 20 to 1. The one you picked is actually pretty nice, it’s just that the inclusion there is almost certainly visible to the naked eye.

Q: Darn. That stone looked really nice. Any update on if it’s possible to see that round one–the one on consignment?

A: I’ll try to give them a call later today when they open up.

…….

They told me that stone isn’t available. They told me about another stone they have. See the attached cert. It sounds like it could be good. The cost for this one is a tiny bit less – 23,420 (including commission).

Should I pursue it further?

Q: Sad…that stone isn’t as nice at the other, it seems. Smaller, not excellent cut, etc.

A: He is supposed to be sending me a picture today. So lets see what it looks like. You could probably also go and see it for yourself if you’re in NY.

Q: OK, cool!

A: Attached is the pic. Despite the black inclusions, the owner said it’s completely clean to the naked eye and a very beautiful stone. Unfortunately, though, I don’t see a way for you to go see it. They dont allow private customers in their office. They’re a major wholesaler.

Q: Hi Ira! Sorry for the delay in responding. I was home for Thanksgiving and then got sick.

I think I need to shelve our search for the time being. After my boyfriend proposes (which will definitely be within the next 4 months), he and I need to talk about cost/expectations. I have already told him all about you. I sent him an email with some of what I’ve learned about diamonds and I think it made him nervous (I was just trying to be helpful).

So, whenever the happy event occurs, I will definitely get back in touch with you!!! I hope in the meantime that you have a very happy Hanukkah!

A: Thanks for the hanukkah wishes! I look forward to hearing from either or both of you when the time is right!

Q: You definitely will!!!!

…….

HE PROPOSED!!!

It happened when we were in Holland this past weekend! (he’s Dutch, as I think I mentioned before). I’m very happy; he’s a wonderful man.

Let the diamond-finding begin!

My dream stone is still about 3 carats… but he said he only wanted to spend $15,000. I don’t know how to do that and still get an excellent cut stone–seems impossible for that many carats. I would love to at least have 2.5 ct, if possible–?? Maybe we can at least get him up to 17 or 18. Or I will pay the difference, I don’t care. He’s a lawyer; he said we can upgrade the stone later–I would rather just do this once, but whatever. I don’t want to push too hard about this. if you have any words of wisdom, let me know.

I’m still looking for the same things: eye-clean, I color if possible with med fluo (unless you think “I” stones look pretty white anyway) or J (with med/strong blue fluo) and a large-ish table and low crown angle (is the crown what surrounds the table?) so that the stone looks bigger. Generally a medium or thin girdle seems to also make the stone appear bigger (or at least it makes the measurements bigger).

Alternatively, I think ovals with micropavé around them look very beautiful–IF we can find a nice oval, I would be happy to do that. I know you said it’s harder to find a nice oval. Am thinking between 2 and 2.5 carats, maybe a little more, if it’s an oval, since the micropave will make it look bigger. Then we have to worry a little more about color, though. Or maybe not–you’re the expert!

So excited!!!

A: Congratulations! Very exciting!

This stone seem sto have a lot of potential. you should have JA take a pic and send it to you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1333442.asp

Q: It does seem to have a lot of potential! I asked them for a photo and will send it to you when it comes in…

…….

Also this seems nice–really wish Blue Nile had photos:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform#diamonds_pid=LD01781884

A: I’m looking forward to it!

Q: What do you think of this one? (still waiting for the photo from James Allen–very excited about that one!)

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform#diamonds_pid=LD01287655

I noticed on your website you said color was slightly more important in oval diamonds–this one’s an H. I thought the proportions on this one seemed nice for some reason. Is there an ideal length/width ratio for oval diamonds, or is it a matter of personal preference?

Thanks!

A: No way to really tell without a pic! L/W is personal preference as long as it’s over 1.3. Under that it it looks like a lopsided round.

Q: I think this is it, right?? They never emailed me a photo but now there’s one online apparently. Also I think you have the same stone listed as brokered for less on your website.

What do you think of it? Cut looks good to me, color looks dark in the photo but maybe that’s just the photo??

Thanks!!

A: Yes, that’s the stone. The stone looks very good to me in the pic. The color looks fine to me. I think you should go for it!

Q: Awesome!! So that black inclusion won’t be visible to the naked eye?

And one last question: I want to surround it with micropave–what color should those diamonds be? Also I or could I do H?

Thank you so much Ira!!! Can I tell the James Allen people to give you a commission?? Let me know if I need to give them a heads up!! You have been so wonderful and I will definitely give you a glowing review and recommend you to everyone I know!!

A: No, I don’t think it will be visible to the naked eye. If it’s micro-pave, H color would be fine. But you shouldn’t go higher than that.

As for telling james allen about me, if you’ve clicked on my links from the email and you make the purchase from the same computer, it should work automatically. If you order it over the phone, they’ll send you a confirmation email with a link to click. If you make sure to click that link from the same computer from which you clicked on MY links, then it should all work out. Either way, it would be very helpful if you sent me your order number after you placed the order so I can confirm whether or not it worked. Thanks so much for being concerned!!

Q: What’s the deal with this guy? Never seen a 65% table. The measurements are big.

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamonds/I-SI1–Cut-Oval-Diamond-15484716-2.php

…….

Sorry–by “guy”, I meant “stone”…

A: The depth on this stone is quite shallow.  I can’t get a pic, so there’s no real way for me to tell what it looks like.

Q: I’m going to compare a couple different stones at James Allen in the diamond district at some pt this week. The one you sent me, and these 2:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1302347.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1324268.asp

But now I am also curious about these brokered ones. Neither one has fluorescence but they both look good anyway, and they’re less expensive. Can I see pics?

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-28832185-2.php

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamonds/I-SI1–Cut-Oval-Diamond-15484716-2.php (I sent you a separate email about this one)

Thank you! Sorry to flood your inbox but I think we’re getting close to the end.

A: Unfortunately, these brokered stones are in the USA and I’m in Israel, so I can’t get pics. THe I SI1 is in San Fran and the I VS2 is in NY. I known the guy who owns the I VS2 and he’s not really into working with private customers. He’s purely wholesale. Plus, btw, I noticed a bug in the pricing tool on my site. That price listed is supposed to show the price including my fee, but that price shown is the actual cost of the stone. So you’d have to add 10%.

Q: Well, even with adding 10% those stones still seemed like good deals to me, if they’re eye-clean.

Vince and I have an appt for Wednesday so I will keep you in the loop…

If you hear of or see any good-looking ovals in the meantime, let me know. Also, regarding that one that has a shallow depth–what is the effect of a shallow depth on the appearance of the stone, in general? Or is it impossible to generalize without seeing it?

I’m sure you’re fast asleep by now. You must have a lot of energy to have 5 kids and still respond to all my pesky emails. It’s just that if it’s something I’m going to see every day, I want to maximize the bang for buck.

Thanks!

A: With an Oval, there’s no way to generalize about cut. Occasionally, you can have very nice shallow ovals. Just let me know if you’d like me to make the call.

Q: Yes, I would love to hear if they’re eye-clean and what the assessment of the cut/look of the stone is. Thank you!!

A: I’m sorry, but they said they’re just not set up to allow private customers to come in to look at stones.

…….

This stone is available in Israel, but it’s more expensive. This one would be about $17,000 total including my fees. The difference here is that I could inspect the stone and send you pics as well since it’s in Israel.

Q: It’s OK, I understand. I think you forgot to attach the link maybe?

A: doe!

Q: We looked at the diamond you picked and 2 others–I picked one of the others, but still, I wouldn’t have known how to pick it if it wasn’t for your help!

Here’s my order number so you can get your percent: xxxxx

Thanks so much, again, for all your time and help!

Best regards

A: Great! Did you get to use the coupon code to get ten percent off the setting?

Q: We did! Thanks!

A: Great! Please be in touch and let me know how it looks when you get the ring!

Q: I will!

…….

Hi Ira!

I hope you have been well. I just wanted to follow up with you: the ring came! Its BEAUTIFUL, and it looks bigger than I expected–!!! My fingers are slender I guess!

I think the cut is really excellent–I attached pictures of the finished product. It needs to be resized; it’s a little big.

I attached a bunch of photos to this email and the next one. Just wanted to see what you thought!

My one (very tiny) complaint: the middle stone is slightly yellower than the pavé around it (middle stone is H SI1, with no fluorescence; side stones are F-G). In certain lights you can see this (for example, under yucky fluorescent lights). Also, in some of the photos the middle of the stone looks dark–I’m guesing this is the bow-tie affect associated with ovals (unless it’s somehow the band underneath? This seems unlikely though). You don’t really see the bow-tie effect in person so much, though.

Overall I think it’s awesome–and I think my nitpicky eyes are more critical than anyone else’s, anyway.

Thank you again SO MUCH for all your help, and Happy New Year! Well, it’s not the Jewish new year, but anyway.

I hope James Allen gave you your commission on it.

Best regards

…….

Do you think a different setting would show the main diamond to better effect? I love the micropavé,…I was just curious what you thought.

Oh, and it’s set in platinum.

Thanks!!!!!

A: No, I think this setting is stunning. Why change it?

Q: Thanks so much, Ira! I’d be happy to write something on iVouch!

…….

OK–I wrote a novella on iVouch.

[LINK TO iVOUCH REVIEW]

Thank you so much, again! I wish you every happiness.

All the best

A: I’m completely speechless. When I embarrassingly ask for these silly little reviews, I never really expect people to fill them out. And even when people do, I never expect more than a couple of sentences. What you wrote shows a level of investment that is so truly unexpected. But even beyond your investment of time and effort, your review was thoughtful and touching in a very personal way. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May you and your fiance be blessed with all of the blessings in the world.

I truly do hope one day I can accept your thanks in person in Israel!

Gratefully yours

Q: That brought tears to my eyes!

I’ve always wanted to go to Israel–so cool to know that when I do, I will know such a great guy!

All the best, and thank you!

Here’s the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 2.81

Diamond Color: G

Diamond Clarity: VS1

Measurements: 7.65*7.45*5.51

Length/Width Ratio: 1.03

Depth: 74.0%

Table: 68%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $28,000

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

James Allen Engagement Ring

I figured, since today is all about a new daily diamond series, and since we’re starting a whole new shape (princess cuts) after finishing a nice long series of Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut round diamonds, why not dedicate today through and through to the Princess Cut.

So, with that, I present to you our engagement ring setting selection of the day: James Allen’s 18k White Gold 3 Stone Channel Set Princess Diamond Engagement Ring.

As you can see in the picture to the right, this setting is all about the beauty of the princess cut.  The setting has 8 pave-like small princess cut diamonds channel set into the shank with two larger side-stone princess cuts creating a classic three-stone engagement ring setting look with a blinged out shank.

If your girlfriend is in love with princess cuts, this might just be the perfect setting.

After the TAD0611 discount, this setting costs $1431.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A: Thanks for writing.  Let me clear up a few things before we begin:

1) There are two services I provide.  One, I will help you choose the best diamond for your budget from online stores.  This service is free for you, as the various stores I work with (and I only work with the biggest and best and cheapest) pay me a commission for this service.  The other service I provide is I will help match you up with a stone direct from a wholesale company.  For this service, I charge you 10%. With your budget, it will most likely be cheaper with the 2nd brokering option.

2) The reason why rounds are more expensive has nothing to do with demand.  The reason is due to the yield from rough.  Yield from rough for princess cuts is over 80% whereas yields for round stones are about 40%.

Having said that, lets get to work!

In terms of rounds, it looks like it will be tough to get in your budget.  Here’s a the cheapest 3ct  J VS2 on James Allen:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1261945.asp

James Allen didn’t have any J VS2 Princess Cuts, but they did have this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1235954.asp

Compare that with the attached screenshot.  This is a search I did on Rapnet, the largest industry-only wholesale trade site.  The first stone (too deep) and 2nd stone (table way too big) have a ugly makes , but the 3rd stone looks VERY nice.  So your price would be what’s written there + another 10%.  So that would be 17,627.

See the next screenshot for Radiants.

Have a look at all of these, and let me know what you think!

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Q: Thank you. If you offer me significant savings, I would rather you find me the perfect diamond. But do you refer me to the dealer? How do I pay the diamond?and do I get a return policy? If recive the stone and have to get it set I suppose. Sorry I am a bit time restrained. I work in Dubai and need this to shipped to the U.S. and forwarded to Thailand or just forwarded to Thailand. I am meeting my girlfriend in Bangkok on the 16th of December to propose. Sorry after some research from you sight. I am set on a brillant round, 3carat+, ideal, SI1, J, fnt blue flourescent if possible. I can go up to 23k. Thanks.

A:  Hey C. Got the perfect stone for you:

http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=1106603427&weight=3.01

The total price including my commission will be 21,452.

The diamond can be shipped as soon as the money is paid. The way I usually work is that you pay me and the stone’s owner separately.  This way you know I’m only taking exactly my 10% fee and nothing else. And also, you can feel better knowing you’re wiring your money to an established diamond wholesale company and not some stranger you met on the internet.

Since every time the deal is with a different dealer, I can’t make a set return policy.  Usually the dealers are understanding and want future business, so they’re willing to give me some time.   You’ll have at least a week or two for sure, but I will try to negotiate for a little more.

We could have to stone shipped either to you in the US, or direct to Dubai or Thailand.  Not a problem.  Btw, I used to work quite a bit in Dubai as well.  Leo Schachter, my former employer, has an office in the Gold Land building in the Gold Souk.  I used to go there every month or so from Israel (through Jordan – one of the few countries in the region with relations with both countries).

But if you’re concerned about having the stone inspected during the window of time when you can return it, I would recommend you take delivery in the US and bring it to a local professional independent jewelry appraiser.

Let me know what you think.  If you are interested in this stone, I’ll make the call tomorrow.

Btw, how are you going to have the stone set?  Would you like me to help you with this as well?

Enjoy your Sunday!

Q: Ira,

I took a look at the link. It doesn’t have all the information like a regular GIA report. I like to know how the inclusions look like, even if not very accurately in the diagrams thats usually on the report. I have look through your site pretty extensively and or thru all the online diamond inventories. I am finding similar stones on blue nile for approximately the same price as your service. Do you have access to the stones. Due to the size, I want this stone to be eyeclean as you call it. In fact, I have found larger stones such as this http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si2-clarity_LD01553603 that looks from the diagram  ”eyeclean”.

These two are still available at Bluenile after the discount comes to your approximate price.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD01597600

and

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD01582937

If you can let me know that the stone you recommended is better, find a bigger diamond of similar quality for a similar price or can haggle with the sender for me, its hard for me risk the return policy and add the additional time with the setting.  I value your service and you site is a vault of information. If we can both benefit from this exchange.

Worst case scenario, I am actually in Afghanistan on a project for next few weeks and returning to Dubai mid December before heading to Thailand. If you have contacts there, and we are unable to find a diamond before then, I can always take a short trip to the Souk.

A: There must be something in the air.  You are the 3rd person in the last month who is based in Afghanistan to contact me for help.  I will take a look at these stones in a bit and get you an answer.  I can get you a scan of the other stone, but I need to request it from the stone’s owner and they’re not working today.  The GIA report check was all I have available today.

Btw, what discount are you referring to from BN?

Q: Ira,

Haha.. yes a lot of money is being poured into Afghanistan. I am here to get my little chunk or rather the biggest chunk for my company. Yes if you get me the report, that would be fantastic Ira. I decided to get married, short notice, and have to shop online while I am here on this project.

I meant the wire discount, unless you have a top secret code your willign to share for a percentage!

A: No, I wasnt’ aware of any, that’s why I was asking if you knew about one!

I’ll ask for the cert tomorrow.  I’m in the middle of a long email to you now.  You’ll get it in a sec.

……

I checked the three stones.  Here’s the thing about eye-cleanliness:

Odds are on a 3 carat stone that an SI1 is eye clean.  There’s certainly no guarantee, but the odds are probably between 60-70%.  I2s, however, are most likely NOT eye clean on a 3 ct stone.

You shouldn’t be fooled by inclusion plots on a GIA cert.  They give you absolutely no indication of eye-cleanliness.  You can have a feather that’s a dead white inclusion, or you could have a feather that’s completely translucent.  But on the plot, they will look exactly the same.  The plot only tells you type and location of the inclusions.  It doesn’t tell you anything of their strength or color, which are the most important factors determining eye-cleanliness.

For the SI1 I was recommending, I was going to have a colleague inspect it in NY before it shipped to you.

As far as your three suggestions go, I like the 2nd stone the best.  Ironically, it’s owned by my former employer Leo Schachter in Israel.  I had already seen the stone in the Rap results I generated this morning when I found the faint fluorescent stone I sent you earlier.  That stone was listed at 28% back and this stone from Leo Schachter is listed at 25% back. I called them to see if they could lower their price so I could offer you another stone.  I am still waiting for their response.  Needless to say, I will make sure to beat BN’s price to make it worth your while to buy through me.   I can also have the stone set for you in NY, or alternatively, I can have the stone shipped to Dubai for you to pick it up there.  I also spoke to them about extending the return window to 30 days.  If I can get them to go down to 28% back, so I could provide you that same stone for 21,455. That’s about $500 cheaper than BN.   Additionally, I could go into the diamond bourse myself and inspect it with my own eyes to guarantee eye cleanliness or not.

Q: Ira,

I think I will rely on you expertise. Shopping from some data on certs seems crazy. Do you operate out of nyc? I am a New Yorker myself out of brooklyn.

Can you view the stone you suggested first as well?

Once I know, I can make a decision and find a setting from Tacori or alike.

A: I’m in Israel, but I have a close friend in NY I can send to inspect the stone.  I myself can inspect the stone in Israel.

Both of my parents are brooklynites.  Both went to Midwood.

I’ll let you know about the cert for the first stone tomorrow, and whether or not my former employer can lower their price.

Q:  Ira,

How are we doing on the hunt?

What do you think of this stone below?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD01493739

A: That stone says not available.  And also don’t know if it’s eye clean.  The SI1 looks concentrated dead center based on the plot. Not conclusive, but needs to be checked.

Called for the cert once already today.  They weren’t in yet.  About to call again.

Still don’t have a definitive answer from my former employer about the other stone.  I’ll have all the answers soon for you.  Sit tight!

……

Update: they didn’t have a scan, so in the meantime they faxed me a copy. I’ll scan it and email it to you in a bit. I’m writing to you now from my blackberry as I give my baby a bath before bedtime

…..

Update:  The fax was really poor quality. So I called them back and asked them to scan it.  The secretary then passed me to the boss and he told me that the SI1 is not a nice SI1.  He said if you study it carefully you can definitely see the SI1 with your naked eye.

So lets move on to the other option.  The one owned by my former employer.  I’m still waiting their answer.  I hope they’ll be able to give it to me tomorrow.

I’ll be in touch.

……..

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I found this stone which was priced ridiculously cheap.  It’s a J with Medium Blue, so it will face up like an I color.  It’s priced at -36% back, where most of the J SI2 EX cuts are priced at around -25%.

There’s just one downside – the stone is in India.  So I can’t check it, and I don’t have anyone to check it.

The owner says it’s a very nice SI2 and is eye clean.

He says he’ll give you one week to return the stone for a full refund, but for 30 days he said he would need to charge you 3%.

The cost of the stone is 15,411, so your final total including my fee would be 16,952.

I think it’s worth going for.  You just need to time it well that you can have an appraiser look at it for you within that week.

Let me know what you think.

Q: This stone sounds like a good deal. Is this a stone you just found? What are the spec’s? carat weight? If I can see the GIA report, even better a picture, I think I will go for it. As for the return policy, I am having it send to California to my relative to check it for me. This one week does not include the shipping time right? It’ll take 2-3 days to reach California. Can we push for 2 weeks?

The diagram looks pretty clean. You look at these certs everydays and the actual stones. Seems most of the inclusions are concentrated outside of the table. How do you free about it? If we can clarify on the return date, or a possible extension of a week due to delivery time involved, I think this will be a good choice for the price. If they would be so kind to provide picture, we can finalize this sale.

How does this work? I wire money directly to the wholesaler. How can I pursue the return with a wholesaler, outside of the U.S.  Will I be provided an invoice? SInce they operate in India, I am a bit shaky on the business. I can wire the money and not get anything. I am sure you have done this quite a few times. With there be a sales agreement with the wholesaler.. etc? Thanks Ira

A: In all honesty, you can’t tell what a stone will look like based on the inclusion plot.

I’ll make sure the 7 days doesn’t include shipping time.  There’s almost no chance they’ll be able to take a picture.  I’ve never met a wholesaler who has this service.

Yes, you would wire money directly to the wholesaler, and you would send me the money one of several ways.  I’d prefer it if you could just pop into a bank of america and deposit it directly into my account.

As far as this dealer being trust worthy, you can’t become a member of rapnet unless you’re an upstanding member of the trade.  So just by dint of the fact that they’re on Rapnet, it’s enough to trust that they’ll ship this stone.

As far as the return procedure goes, I’ll have to ask him.  Since there’s very high VAT & Customs in India, I’m assuming he’d have to send you an invoice along so you can send it back to prove that it’s a return of an export and not a new import.

I’ll inquire about these various issues and get back to you asap.

Q: zoomed in on the diagram. There looks to be a big cloud in the center with a smaller one in the table.. I am going to need a picture. Its a big purchase with a foriegn vendor.

The stone, I linked you in Blue nile is one they have on hold for me hence unavailable. Its looks from the Diagram to be extremely clean(perhaps a bad scan).  The price is $22,816. If you can not locate anything on RAPS, this seems to be a good choice. Perhaps we can bypass bluenile on this and can both profit on the diamond. Worst case, you can give an opinion on the stone and you can refer me to the diamond, so you can take a comission from Bluenile.

A: It wasn’t meant to be!  See email below from the vendor in India.

I have more options better than BN. Don’t give up yet!

Sent from my BlackBerry

the stone is 80 percent eye clean.

KUNAL A NAHAR

Ok!  It’s been a busy morning.  Here’s the update:

The 2nd stone is in California, so I still haven’t heard from them.

The first stone was sold.

But since I got my friend Yossi involved, he started asking around the diamond bourse today and found two other options.

He has both stones in his office now.  Attached are the certs.

Click to Enlarge

Both are triple excellent ideal makes.

1) The first stone is Strong Blue fluorescence, which is actually a plus for a J color stone.  If you see my articles on Color and Fluorescence, I recommend as such as well.  On occasion a SB stone can look milky or cloudy, so in general when buying online sight unseen I don’t recommend it, but Yossi inspected the stone and said there is no milkiness at all.  He did say that the Fluorescence makes the stone look like an I or even an H.  With the loupe, you can see very small black dots in the table.  He said that from 5-10cm (about 4 inches) if you look very hard you can see them with your naked eye, but beyond that they aren’t visible to the naked eye.  This stone is 19,900 (including my commission).

2) The 2nd stone has no fluorescence.  This stone is completely eye clean.  The SI1 is white and completely invisible to the naked eye.  This stone is 23,950 (including my commission).

Lucky for us, Yossi has a great photography setup in his office (for his website – did you see it yet?).  Attached is a photo of the two stones. The stone on the left is the one with fluorescence.  I don’t think you can see the black inclusions in the pic because he focused at a lower depth in the stone.

Click to Enlarge

I personally think the stone with Fluor. is a much better deal.   It’s a better make.  Most ideal cut aficionados prefer smaller tables (53-57%).  The 2nd stone has a 60% table.  Also, it’s just much better value.  There’s an unfair stigma on Strong Blue stones across the board in the industry, when, in fact, the stigma should only apply to higher color stones (D-G).  It’s very rare that an I/J/K color stone with Strong Blue shows milkiness.  So it’s only because of this misplaced stigma that this stone is so much cheaper.

The only caveat I would have is if you or your fiance-to-be are the type of people who are very fastidious, then seeing the tiny black spots at 4 inches might get on your nerves.  Generally, people use 10-12 inches as the standard for judging eye-cleanliness.   Four inches is very close.

Click to Enlarge

Also, I don’t recommend you buy an I1 without consulting myself or another expert.  I am confident that I can tell whether or not a diamond will be eye-clean based on its virtual loupe photo.  But this is only because I have looked at so many diamonds through a loupe and without that I have the strong sense to be able to distinguish which magnified stone will be eye-clean and which stone will not be eye-clean.

Today, we begin with a $17,000 budget and have landed ourselves a monster 3 carat Pear Shape.

Here’s the Stats (or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 3.05

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: I1 Clarity

Measurements: 13.05*8.10*4.87

Length/Width Ratio: 1.61

Depth: 60.1%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

James Allen Engagement Ring

Diamond Price: $16,600

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

James Allen also has a great selection of engagement rings to choose from to match with this diamond.  Unlike smaller stones where you don’t want to take away from the center stone, a giant stone like this one can afford to sit on top of some bling.  I think this ring from James Allen would be perfect for a monster diamond like this one: Platinum Baguette Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring.

Click Here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

As a buyer, it pays to seek out these sizes and take advantage of the cutter’s mistake.  Today’s diamond is one such stone.

Click Here to Enlarge

Here’s the stats (Click here for a copy of the GIA Certificate):

2.90 carats

J Diamond Color

SI1 Diamond Clarity

Measurements: 9.12*9.17*5.58 (these are great even for a full 3 carat diamond)

Depth: 61.0%

Table: 59.0%

GIA Cut Grade: Excellent

Polish, Symmetry: Very Good

Price: $20,930

This diamond is just a super all around value.  At measurements over 9 millimeters, it’s got the full diameter size expected from a full 3 carat diamond.  You lose nothing by going down to 2.90 carats — except of course about seven or eight thousand dollars!  When I filtered my list on James Allen, I saw another diamond weighing an even 3.00 carats.  It was an I color, but also an SI1 (but this diamond’s SI1 was ugly and concentrated in the center of the diamond).  The Cut Grade, Polish, and Symmetry were likewise Excellent, Very Good, and Very Good respectively.  What was this diamond’s price?  $30,180!!  That’s almost a full $10,000 more for a slightly less attractive diamond.

The bulk of the SI1 is concentrated on the side of the diamond where it won’t be seen by the naked eye.  There is also a tiny pinpoint in the center of the table, but it’s so small that it won’t be visible to the naked eye.
Click Here to be Brought to the Diamond on JamesAllen.com

A: It looks like the “call stone” price for a stone like this is around 25% off rap.  That’s definitely not cheap, but that’s usually the case with unique stones.  It’s not too often someone goes around looking specifically for a 2.5ct Oval, so when they do, those who own them want to get a good high price.  If you would like some help in finding a good deal for a stone like this, then please let me know!  Good luck!

Q: I posted yesterday about a 2.5ct Oval and you stated you could help me find a good deal. I actually live in nyc, so if you have someone in the diamond district that you would recommend or could refer to me that would be great. Also, in the diamond district, I’m being shown a 3.01ct H Oval SI1, VG cut, sym, polish and girdle thin to vthick, no flor. It’s one of there own diamonds set in a ring (GIA Cert) They say, “We are willing to take a little loss on this one…$25,000″ What is really a fair price and what do you think it actually cost them?

A:  I see 2 3.01 H SI1s listed in NYC on an industry wholesale site.  One is listed for 27,600 and the other for 26,400.  Did you go to either Bellnor or Kashi?  (those are the 2 companies listing those stones).  So you can see, the price you were quoted is pretty good.  These prices are about 10-15% below Rap.

Anyway, I doubt the vendor you went to is really losing on that stone.  As I mentioned on the response to the comments, these kinds of stones are always listed for high prices on these industry wholesale sites because they know that if someone has that specific of a need, they’re going to end up paying for it.  Also, these kinds of stones, because of their lack of high quantities in the market, can have a very wide range of wholesale prices.

For example, I just found a 3.01 H VS2 in Israel (where business isn’t focused on “call stones” but on buying and selling and making quick small profits on the trades) for 25,826 which comes out to -35%.

Also, I just checked an online retail site and found an I SI2 3ct Oval for $17K.  Thats a big big savings over $25K and most likely you won’t be able to notice the difference in quality.  The vendor has a great return policy, so if you aren’t happy after you receive it, you can always send it back.  If you are interested, let me know and I’ll send you the link.

I have started offering a new diamond buying service where I will go into the diamond bourse in Ramat Gan (Israel’s diamond exchange) and buy the diamond for you for a 10% commission.  But in your case, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it because I also charge a non-refundable fee for my time which gets included in the commission if I end up buying something.  Since there’s so few available diamonds fitting your specific needs, it’s not worth your risk in paying me the up-front time fee.  It’s fairly likely I wouldn’t find a satisfactory diamond.