I’m looking for a diamond, round cut, that will be set in a platinum solitaire setting. My budget for the stone is up to about $3.5k – $4k, and I’m pretty much looking to get the best stone in that budget. So far, I’ve been looking at stones in the G-I color range, VS2/SI1/SI2 and Ideal cuts.

I was looking at some stones on James Allen, and I found the stones below, and was wondering if you could offer some guidance on how you feel they would look set, or if you could offer any better alternatives.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353916.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355089.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1358918.asp

Also, if I did order from James Allen, do you think it’s worthwhile to have them put the stone in a setting, or do you think I’d be better off having it set locally in Chicago?

Thanks in advance

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site!

I think this one is your best bet out of the bunch:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355089.asp

Here’s my comments on the others:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353916.asp – probably not eye clean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp -very nice as well, but like the price better on the one above
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1358918.asp – Not sure it’s eye clean.

As for the setting, if you find a setting you like on JA, then definitely buy from them. Otherwise, there’s nothing wrong with buying a setting locally. YOu might receive some resistance from some jewelers, but someone will definitely agree to do it for you.

Q: Thanks for the fast reply. I’ll most likely pick a setting from JA.

Do you think either of the two diamonds below would be a better option? Picking diamonds is definitely a little nerve wracking.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353916.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353862.asp

Thanks for all the help!
…….
Sorry for the back-to-back emails. I also came across this stone: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1211216.asp

The inclusion looks like it’s at about the 6-o’clock position, which I imagine could be covered by a prong (I’m thinking about this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-White-Gold-Thin-Cross-Prong-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html)

Let me know your thoughts on what you feel the best choice would be.

Thank again

A: The first one below was in your initial list and I already commented on it. The 2nd one has a big bunch of something in the lower left corner of the table that looks like it might be eye visible.

And the I SI1 from your other email has a strong black inclusion dead center that will definitely be visible. So I stick with my original call.

Q: Thank you very much. I’m going to call James Allen and place the first one (1355089) on hold as soon as they open; I’m hoping to order the ring today or tomorrow. I’ll be sure to send you a picture.

One final round of stones – I upped the price range a little bit (up to 4450 or so)… Do you believe any of these stones might look better, or be a better value? All but one are in the J-color category, and all are just over 1 carat. Do you think that will make a large difference in appearance; color vs. size, etc (the other stone is an I)?

I know as you said on your page that you do get a referral commission for these. Is there anything I need to do to make sure that you are credited properly? Additionally, other than writing a glowing review on ivouch, is there anything else I can do to compensate you for your time? Having someone who is uninterested in moving a particular piece of inventory, and simply willing to offer advice is a wonderful assistance, and makes this process far less difficult and stressful.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339479.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1332362.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1294243.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1330014.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351117.asp ** This one I think is the least likely…

Once again, thank you for all the help, it is greatly appreciated.

A: You know, for the life of me, I can’t understand why that I SI2 only received a “Very Good” cut grade. I think there might have been some kind of mistake, or it missed the “Excellent” grade because of some kind of technicality. I actually think that this is your best bet. Seems to me like a bargain since it’s priced as a VG, but it’s really an EX.

As for making sure the tracking works, that’s very kind! Just make sure you order from the same computer that you’ve been clicking on my links with and it should all be automatic. Also, don’t forget to apply the TADJ10 coupon code if you order the stone with a ring – it’ll give you 10% off the setting. That will act as a fail-safe measure in the event that the tracking doesn’t work. It would also be helpful for me if you could let me know the order number once you’ve placed the order.

Thanks so much!

Q: Which stone? I’m not seeing the VG in the list. I have two on hold right now, 1355089 and 1339479. Was it one of them?

Thanks!

A: This one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351117.asp

I like it the best.

Q: I just ordered that stone with this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-White-Gold-Thin-Cross-Prong-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

I’ll send you a picture of the ring once it arrives.

Thanks again for all the help Ira!

A: Great! It all tracked smoothly! Thanks!

Q: Ira,

I got the ring, and everything turned out great. Thanks again for all the help.

A: Great news!

Congrats!

Originally I put this one on hold with JA a couple of days ago. It’s $4190.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1356786.asp

But THEN today I found this one for $3500 and it looks better to me?! The inclusion seems to blend in with the arrow – do you think it’d be visible?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1306905.asp

I’m looking for brilliant eye clean with value. I would MUCH rather but a S1 or S2 that is eye clean than a more expensive VS1 or VS2.

You suggested some .9s to me before but I waited too long and they’ve been snatched up. Would you mind throwing another one or two into the hat for me to consider?

I plan on purchasing this week, and of course will attribute the sale to you.

Thank you

A: It would be my pleasure! Here’s what I like:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353862.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334233.asp

All look great. I think the H SI2 you linked to wouldn’t be eye clean.

Q: Thank you Ira! Out of those three, I think I like the 2nd one better but really have no basis for that. Do you have an opinion on your favorite of the three you linked below?

Can I run this one by you? Do you think that blue ‘arrow’ is going to stick out like a sore thumb in person?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352980.asp

A: That stone you linked to is also very nice. The blue spot in the arrow is just a reflection of light. YOu would never see that in person. You basically just caught the sparkle in mid sparkle.

I think I actually prefer this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp

because it seems like all the inclusions are around the edges.

Q: Okay, I’ve got a question about that one you like. It comes up when we search for “Ideal” cuts but if you open the GIA certificate for it, it is rated only as a ‘VG’ cut instead of ‘Excellent’.

Don’t I want to hold out for a ‘Excellent’?

It is $800 more than this one (that I showed you below), which has an Excellent rating.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352980.asp

This is such a confusing process that I’m tempted to buy three diamonds from JA so I can see them in person, and then return 2 of them. I wonder if they’d be open to that.

A: I stand corrected. I apologize for that slip up. The stone I suggested looked from the picture like an EX cut – it must be very borderline. The stone you linked to just now is probably a better choice. It, too, looks to be eye clean.

Q: Thank you Ira! I am going to buy this one -and- another one for $800-1000 more to see if I can tell a difference in person. If not, it will be an easy decision and either way I will send one back. I will let you know what happens in the end!

I have been reading the heck out of your site these past couple of weeks so I hope that JA has the cookie it needs to attribute the sale to you!

Thank you very much for your help,

A: Sounds like a plan! Just don’t mistakenly swap the stones with each other!

Q: Thanks again for your help! I’m excited to see the difference between a $3000 .9 and a $4000 .9 to evaluate S1 versus S1 is worth the 25% premium.

All the best!

A: JA and BN are the only two sites that really have some exclusive inventory. All the other sites share a pool of stones that are semi-publicly available on the major diamond wholesale-only trading sites. This is why you keep finding stones only to have them swept out from underneath you.

Have you tried asking JA about the setting you like to see if they can make it for you? I’ve had many readers successfully do this in the past.

Let me know what they say. If they agree, I’d be happy to help you pick out a stone!

Q: Great, I’ll check with JA about the setting. Thanks for your help, it is much appreciated!

A: Sounds good! I look forward to hearing from you!

Q: Hey Ira, I was wondering if you can give your opinion on a couple of stones? JA will do a custom setting. I’m looking for a princess cut with a budget of about 5 k for the stone. After reading your article on Princess cut I prefer not to go lower than a premium cut and color of H and SI1 clarity if it’s eye clean with a GIA cert. Altough I am open to different options if the diamond looks good to the trained eye. I found a few and was wondering what you thought? Also, the side stones in the setting are F-G color and VS1-VS2 clarity. Thanks, Ryan.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326370.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1347481.asp

A: Those two are very nice, indeed. The only suggestion I might make is to consider a stone like this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327016.asp

I myself am partial to smaller tables and this one looks like a beauty.

Q: Great, thank you! I think this might be the one!

A: My pleasure! Let me know how it goes! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q: I forgot to take into account the extra cost for my custom setting.. Do you see any good stones for around $4600? Thanks again.

A: Sure thing!
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1358906.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1323645.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks, I like them both. I can’t make up my darn mind… I’m still even thinking about the first one you recommeded even though it’s a little over the budget.. One more thing, the setting will be a square halo pave and the diamonds around it average F,G. Will there be a noticable diffence with an H color center stone, especially in the larger sizes? I’m wondering if I should look for a G color? The halo will be similar to thos one. Thanks.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

A: An H will still be OK. I wouldn’t suggest going down to an I, but an H will still be fine. Let me know what you decide to go with in the end!

Q: Thank you. One last question, how big of a difference is a 1.1 c compared to a 1.22 c stone? Will it be that noticeable in size difference?

A: The answer is simply that you need to only look at the actual LxW measurements. Some 1.22ct stones will look exactly the same as some 1.1ct stones. It all depends on the cut.

Q: Thank you so much for all of your help Ira. I ended up buying the 1.1 carat diamond that you sent me a few days ago. The LxW were almost the same size as the 1.22 so I figured it will look almost the same and it is around the price I wanted to spend. I can’t thank you enough for helping me out, I really learned a lot from you and your website. I’m so glad this search is over with, I have been stressed out and you really made it easy. I would offer a donation but I read on your site that you don’t accept and you are making money from the cookies. I would like to leave an ivouch review but cannot find your site on there. Do you have a link you can send me?

A: It was my pleasure to help! I’d love to have you write me an ivouch review! Here’s a link for you:
xxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks so much!

[LINK TO IVOUCH REVIEW]

Click on diamond for enlarged view.

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

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.90

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 6.23*6.27*3.82

Depth: 61.1%

Table: 53%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$4,020

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Click diamond for enhanced image.

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

Shape: Princess

Carats: 1.03

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 5.78*5.61*3.97

Depth: 70.8%

Table: 73%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$4,130

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Anyway, I have decided on the setting from James Allen (Platinum Double Claw Prong Pave Set) simple yet elegant:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-4114.asp

As for the diamond, I was looking at round shape, H-I color, Vs2-Si1 clarity, True Hearts or Ideal cut, and 0.9-1.05 carats. And my budget is $4000 to $5500. My girlfriend has mentioned a few times that the diamond size isn’t as important to her as the SPARKLE! So I figure you are the best person to ask. These are the four that caught my eye…maybe I am on the right track or maybe I am way off?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1316514.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315248.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351098.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315233.asp

The last one I think is my favorite, but I do notice a faint inclusion in the middle, and some odd criss-cross lines on the left side (approx. at 10-o’clock). I am not sure if those lines are a reflection of some sort or an inclusion. I also notice the depth/table are more than 2% from 60, and the girdle is ”thin to slightly thick” despite the H&A designation. Furthermore I don’t know if I just like the H&A best because the TrueHearts marketing is affecting me psychologically! Nonetheless that diamond popped out to me the most on the screen. I am hoping you can tell me if it will look great in person, or if another diamond is a better buy. Thanks SO SO much in advance!!

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the very kind words about the site!

I think the setting is fantastic. Don’t forget to apply the TADJ10 coupon code.  It’ll give you 10% off the setting.

I am looking for a diamond for my girlfriend’s engagement ring. I was hoping to get your opinions on a few diamonds and perhaps have recommendations for other diamonds that you may come across. Specifically, I am looking for a princess cut diamond in the 1 carat range for around $4,000, give or take a few hundred dollars. From reading your site, it seems like a nice diamond would be one that has G or H color with VS1 or VS2 clarity. All things being equal, I think I would sacrifice a bit of size for better color. I also was looking at SI1 diamonds, but I couldn’t find any that didn’t seem like the inclusions would be noticeable to the eye.

I found the following diamonds at James Allen and was interested to see what you thought of them:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1232675.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1344733.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1311317.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1261297.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1344001.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1345791.asp

Again, if you see any other diamonds that you would recommend, feel free to do so. I’m not totally against purchasing a diamond from a vendor other than James Allen, but it really is nice to get a good idea what you are getting. I greatly appreciate your help!

Thank you very much!

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site! Is there a reason why you’re not considering more nicely cut stones like these:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1337584.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1333900.asp

??

Q: Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I was including them in my searches, but I guess I wasn’t looking at them too closely because they were more slightly more expensive, with everything else being equal. If you think it is better to only look at ideal cuts, I will do that.

Both the diamonds that you linked look very nice. For the second one you linked to, I wanted to ask about the medium blue flourescence it has. I know that you mentioned on your site that flourescence in G or better diamonds might lead to cloudiness. Do you not see any reason for concern with this diamond? It looks like a very nice diamond!

I also saw the following ideal cut:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326696.asp

What is your thought on that spot near the center? Do you think it will be noticeable to the naked eye? Other than that, the diamond looks really nice.

Similarly for this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326505.asp

Thank you again for your help!!

A: The spot on the 1.03 makes me nervous but the spot on the 1.04 doesn’t. I actually REALLY like the 1.04.

I also wouldn’t worry about MB on a G color. The odds of that combo turning out milky are extremely low.

Q: I hope I’m not being too much of a pain! I think I’ve come up with a list of diamonds that I like based on your recommendations and I was hoping you would give me your thoughts on them (and maybe let me know which one you like most).

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1333900.asp (I like this one a lot too)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326505.asp (I still really like this diamond. I’ll be sure to ask if it is eye clean because of that spot on the top)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1350176.asp (I think this would be my fallback if the others aren’t eye clean)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1237769.asp (the GIA report shows that there are some naturals on the table of the diamond. I can’t make them out in the photo, so do you think they would be of concern?)

Thanks again for your help!! I think I’m about ready to make a decision

A: They are all really nice. Btw, the indented natural is not what you see on the inlcusion plot on the table. Naturals only occur on the underside of the diamond under the girdle. They’re nothing to worry about because you can’t see them.

If it’s eye clean, then this is your best bet:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1237769.asp

Q: Hi again Ira,

I just wanted to thank you for all of your help! I purchased that E SI1 diamond and am very pleased with it. No inclusions are visible to my eye and I couldn’t see anything under a loop. Very beautiful. I’m sure my girlfriend will love it! I will definitely recommend your site and resources to others!

A: So great to hear! Congrats!

If it’s not too much trouble, do you think you could do me a small favor? I would very much appreciate it if you could leave me a review on ivouch. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:

xxxxx

Thanks again for this email! I love getting emails like these!

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

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

Click on the photo to see an enlarged version

Shape: Princess Cut

Carats: 1.02

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 5.67*5.41*3.98

Depth: 73.5%

Table: 72%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $4,170

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346302.asp

A: I dont like that inclusion in the center. I like this stone better:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344207.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you so much for your help. I went with your suggestion and I can’t wait to see it in person. I know my girlfriend will love it!

Thank you for your informative and user-friendly website and your willingness to share your knowledge so freely.

Take Care

A: Excellent! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Princess Cut

Carats: 1.04

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements: 5.41 * 5.31 * 3.97

Depth: 74.7%

Table: 74%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $3,760

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

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen