At this point, don’t know what I should be searching for under the microscope. Would love to see some suggestions from you and/or commentary. Also see that by expanding the carat search size to 1.01 opens it up to even more diamonds.

Appreciate your expertise. Thank you.

A: I’m very happy to help! As for these two suggestions, I don’t like the H SI2 since it only has an excellent grade from AGS – which is akin to a VG grade from GIA. I do like the I SI1 very much, though.

As for your budget, does that include the setting as well?

Q: Thanks for the reply.  I would like to spend total of 6k including the platinum setting, so right around 5k for the diamond. Ideally would like to stay under total of 6k, but could spend a little more if you think it makes a big difference from a diamond standpoint.

If you could send some links for me to evaulate that would be great. Also, does using your discount code get you proper sales credit?

Thank you

A: If you’ve clicked on any links from my site to JA, then I’d actually get credit even without you using the coupon. But the coupon does add a level of security just in case the tracking software doesn’t work for whatever reason. Anyway, here’s some suggestions for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1332376.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338554.asp

Let me know what you think of those!

Q: You are the man. I went with the first and put the order in. Let me know where I can leave you feedback because you took the guess work out of this important purchase. Can’t say how much I appreciate your help on this. Thank you!

A: Hey! That’s great news! Congrats! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives.

Thanks!

Q: I’ll let you know when I receive the ring. Thanks again for your help!

A:  Please do stay in touch. I would love to hear what you think when the ring arrives.

I’m contacting you for your expert advice, or at lest nudge in the right direction. I am looking at engagement rings with diamonds in the ~10k range.

The Bride-to-be is interested in size over quality, she thinks 1.5ct would be about right. Setting is a Platinum channel setting.

I noticed in one of your daily diamonds you selected a 1.51 and a 1.60 diamonds, both of which seem to still be available. Have you come across any other stock that would be better then these?

A: Thanks for writing and the kind words about the site. What shape are you looking for?

Q: I think we will stick with the round shape.

A: I just took another look, and i still think that 1.60 is your best bet!
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310703.asp

Q: I know you will find this hard to believe, but she has changed her mind regarding size. I took her to show what some 1.60 looked like and it is just too big for her hands. So, can you recommend something in the 1 – 1.2 range?

Round shape, with price around $5,000.

A: This looks like the closest I could get for about $5000.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334591.asp
Let me know what you think!

Q: I think it looks fine, but what the heck do I know. I’m a little worried (uneducated about the whole thing) about the SI2, is it worth expanding the value range up to $7,500, or is there no significant increase in “sparkle”.

A: Sorry for the delay! I wasn’t able to respond due to the Jewish Sabbath followed by the holiday of Purim (which is the celebration recounted in the biblical Book of Esther).

I’m pretty confident that stone is clean to the naked eye. As long as that’s the case, then there’s no visual difference. An SI2 and a flawless stone will look exactly alike as long as all else is equal.

Q: I’m sorry to keep bothering you on this, but when I went to place the order today the last diamond you picked out, has now been sold.

A: No problem! Here goes:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1362693.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1235887.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326360.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338554.asp

Let me know what you like!

Q: Great! I went with this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1235887.asp

A: Looks like a great choice! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

A: I think you made a smart move staying with SI2 and excellent cut. My only concern for you is that you can’t buy SI2s blindly. It’s very possible, even almost likely, that any of these could be visible to the naked eye. With James Allen, however, you can make sure since you can view a magnified pic of the actual stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355356.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353951.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338554.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353906.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for getting back to me. Of the 4 you recommended, the first 2 have too many inclusions don’t you think? I’m leaning towards the last 2, with the last one being the front runner. Would that be your selection as well?

A: Yes, 100%. The last one is definitely the nicest.

Q: Thanks again for your time. I went ahead and ordered the last one you recommended.

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

A: If all you’re looking for is white, fiery, and eye clean, then you can go much lower than E/F VS2. First question – what kind of setting will this stone be going in?

Q: Setting is Solitar,platnium, (petite trellis solitar from blue nile to be exact)and she wants princess cut diamond. Yes thats exactly what im looking for, something that shines and is sparkly but is clean and white. I dont care about how perfect it looks under i microscope, but rather flashy and no imperfections noticable to the eye. Any help you can give would be great. thx again

A: So here’s what i like for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1344657.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1329759.asp – great cut. Lighter, but not really any smaller than the one above. Would like to see the pic on this one.

Q: Ira, I emailed james allen and got pictures of the other diamond you said to look at. There looks like brown marks in the diamond, can you take alook and tell me what it is and if its a good clean diamond. Id rather go with a a higher colour like H then G, and have a smaller size stone. So if this one checks out with you ill probably buy it. thx

A: Sure, send me the pics

Q: Its the same picture you sent me. The link is on the page u sent me. if you scroll down on this email and click the link the picture will come up.

A: Aha! Gotcha. That stone is basically perfect. I’d say you should buy it before someone else does. The little orange spot is simply fiery brilliance being caught in a freeze frame. That’s just the colored light being created by the refraction of the light. That’s not a spot in the diamond.

Q: Hey Ira, Thanks for all your help with everything. It’s a very kind thing you do helping guys like me with such a expensive purchase like a diamond with no clue with what we are looking at! I purchased the diamond you suggested so i look forward to getting it. With the little research i have done it looks like its a nice diamond and should be saving at least some money then if i were to buy from a retailer, or at least i hope so? Thanks for everything you do, and from all the clueless guys out there like me; we thank you for your time and expertise in such a difficult decision that we have to make.

A: Great news! I’m sure you’re going to love it!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1356790.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1346534.asp

I am thinking of putting it in this setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1346534.asp

Do you think that the 1.2 Carat will be too high in that setting? Any other diamonds that you can find on there?
The smaller diamond is also not available to see and I tried to get a picture e-mailed but it never came through.

The last question I have is about the Ideal cut. Is there a difference between an Ideal at James allen and a signature ideal at Blue Nile??

xxxx

P.S. I am from canada and have read about the person who was going to save the duty and get it shipped to the states and pick it up. Did they ever let you know how that went?

A: Thanks for writing. Could you please send the link for the setting again? The link you sent was to the 2nd diamond again.

As for the Canada issue, people do it all the time. What’s the closest US State to you?

Q: Thanks for the response

Here is the link for the setting. I don’t know if they do it with a princess cut.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/engagement-solitaire-rings.html

so here is another one that is on james allen

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-White-Gold-2-2mm-Wire-Basket-Solitaire.html

If you could comment on the two diamonds that would be great as well. For details on a diamond, if you would like to search as well, are as follows.

Princess cut, VS1/VS2, Ideal cut, G or H. around 5000 and over a carat

When I started looking at the diamonds i sent you in a little bit more detail i noticed that the 1.2 carat haw quite a large table, 76% i think, thoughts about that??

The closest state to me would be new york state. I talked to a girl on the live chat at James Allen and said that they would have to charge 8% tax if i got it sent there. I might also be able to drive to Pennsylvania to get it if I save $1000 it might be worth the drive.

One last thing. They are going to load up the picture for the 1.05 diamond in the next couple of days. The customer service rep said that it is eye clean, but i would still like to see it.

Thanks again, your site has been amazing and has been a great help for me. If you would like i will let James Allen know that i found the site through you so you can get the referral money.

…….

One last thing
It would be only 3 hours to drive to Erie Penn for me. So it would be worth the 1000

A: I was able to see the rings this time. They’re great – i was simply concerned if there were going to be side stones or not in terms of matching their colors.

I actually think that the categorization of the 1.20 you found as an Ideal Cut is a mistake. Usually, a princess with a table of 73 or larger automatically falls into the “premium” category. Ironically, though, the picture on that stone is amazing, and I would have never had guessed that its table was 76%! I took another look anyway, and found a nicer alternative:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1333885.asp

Thanks! Let me know how it all goes!

Q: I am a little bit concerned with the inclusions in the center of the diamond that you sent me.
Would that be considered eye clean??
They have put the picture up for the 1.05 carat diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1356790.asp

The largest difference between the length or width of the diamond is only 0.4 mm. Would you consider paying $1000 more for the .15 carats??

And I feel like the 1.05 is the nicest looking diamond out of the bunch.

Let me know your thoughts
Thanks

A: There’s no way those inclusions would be clean to the naked eye. The diamond in real life is less than 6 millimeters on a side! That’s almost half a centimeter! Imagine just how tiny those spots are in real life.

Q: There is one more diamond that I found. It has pretty much the same dimensions as the 1.21 that you showed to me. It is 1.06 carats. I currently have it on hold until they get the picture. I believe that it is $4400. I think this is the one for me.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1361952.asp

They will have the picture up either today or tomorrow. I will let you know when they do. Thank you so much for your help, I think i will end up saving $3500 on the ring, and getting a better diamond. I went to a store here, and put a deposit on a ring and then canceled it after i read your site and James Allen.

I want to ask you another quick question. The guy at the store almost sold me a princess, H, VS1, eye clean but it had the corners chopped off. I am thinking that it might have A) either been a radiant or B) been damaged in the cutting process or when they mined it so they just cut the corners off. I believe that he called it a princess cut corner cut and was selling it as very rare.

Either way it only cost $100 to get my deposit back and am going to get a better diamond for a much better price.

A: A “princess cut corner” is a princess cut that got chipped, and so they decided to polish off the other corners to make it symmetrical. “rare” indeed!

I think you’re making a very smart decision!

Q: Sorry to bother you again.

I might be thinking of changing my setting. If I go with the setting below would I have to get a G colour, I am planning on getting a princess cut diamond.
Would an H be alright??

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-3779.asp

Thanks Again.
Could you possibly find a diamond for this ring. Ideal cut. Around 1.05 to 1.15 carats Eye clean.

Thanks so much

A: I do believe than an H would still be perfectly fine for that ring.

Q: Just want to say thanks for all of the help.
I purchased this diamond in this setting. Diamond # 1361952

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-3779.asp

Thanks again for everything

A: Can’t wait to hear your first-hand report! Please stay in touch!

We were looking at 1 ct princess cuts for a 2mm-solitare setting.

Anything under $5500 is ”money in the bank” and I like money in the bank!

Was looking at diamond 1359966 on james allen…

Any reccos from you would be great too! Especially looking for a good cut stone since the princesses lake the cut on the GIA…

 A: Thanks for writing! I think you can do a bit better than that stone you linked to:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1343921.asp – great value just under 1.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327167.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1244485.asp

I believe an I color is fine when mounted in a solitaire.

Q: First off, thank you for the quick response. Your service is truly innovative and I applaud you on the business idea. I hope it is enough income to keep you happily working from home in Israel.

Before work this morning I quickly glanced over the stones you selected. The are all beautiful and I definitely think they have a little more elegance to the cut the the stone I sent you. I was up until 330AM last night with a 700 AM wake up call looking at diamonds. It definitely can get addicting and overwhelming. It is great to feel like I have someone “on my side” in the search.

I remember looking closely at the 1.00 stone you picked, the middle one. I remember the price. Although I think my favorite of the bunch is the last one, if for no other reason than it’s slightly bigger.

Although I have no fears of buying such an item online, the soon bride to be is not as big of a fan of the idea as I am. She likes the diea of being able to walk in someplace if we ever have problems or she would like a cleaning. But the savings, as well as the comfort of knowing someone with your history helped pick the stone (not SELL the stone!) overweighs that in my book. $1000 will pay for a lot of cleaning anyways

and if it ever needs plating, James Allen will be there. We’ve been together for 5 years and as soon as we started this “marriage” talk, things are moving fast and she’s looking for results. I need to get put her on a mission to figure out her ring size while I am out of town this week so I can place the order fast and just spring it on her! There’s no way she’d turn one of those stones down!

Well I’m going to see what I can get her to do in the ring size department and I’ll let you know how things go..

Thanks again for your help and I hope you are enjoying the Lysol wipes!

Let me know what you think!

[IRA FORWARDED THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE TO THE QUESTIONER IN 'LYSOL WIPES' Q&A WITH THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION:]
I thought you’d like this. Look at the last line in his email.

A: My pleasure! Thanks for this very kind email – and I have to say, I’m impressed you read that whole Q&A! It’s really massive!

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

[THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WAS A RESPONSE TO IRA FROM THE 'LYSOL WIPES' QUESTIONER]

That’s great… At least you know people are reading it. I also loved the Q&A. BTW, Erica is loving her ring. Everyone comments on how amazing the stone is. I’m very happy with the purchase.

…and by the way, you should tell xxxx that he ABSOLUTELY needs to buy online. It saved me a forture and James Allen wil clean, re-plate and maintain the ring for free. Not to mention that there is just as much (if not more) risk with the store. Who’s to say they won’t move, get sold, merge or go out of business. The chances of James Allen and Blue Nile going out of business are virtually none, since they have much lower overhead.

Having looked at the offerings in-store, the only place I would even consider buying is Costco. Prices are comparable with JA (except for Sales Tax).

Hope all is well with you

[MESSAGE FROM IRA TO 'LYSOL WIPES' QUESTIONER]

Man, I should hire you!

[MESSAGE FROM 'LYSOL WIPES' QUESTIONER TO IRA]
Why don’t you? I’m bored at work… hahaha…

Seriously though, it’s easy to recommend something that’s common sense. A buddy of mine had to buy an engagement ring at Tiffany’s of all places (his fiancee only wanted her ring from there). He spent $25K (+ Tax) on a ring that he could have got from James Allen for $17,500 (and all because of that blue colored box).

I told him to cheat and buy a “cheap” ring at Tiffany’s (for like $200), then get the engagement ring from James Allen and switch the boxes Hahaha…

A: I forwarded your message to xxxx, the guy who sent the lysol wipes because I thought he’d get a kick out of the fact that people are actually reading his Q&A. He wanted me to send you the following message: [QUOTED ABOVE WITH STARTING SENTENCE: "That's great...At least you know people are reading it."]

Q: Great insight from xxxx. Let him know I said thanks… I don’t know if many people read as much as I did on the site but I did read nearly all everything under the top headers, at least those that applied to my purchase. I’m a little crazy detail oriented like that… I don’t just like random stats like, you need an XX carat and XX cut. I like to know the why. I like to know the motivation of the person sending the information to me as well. That is why I really enjoyed the read on your blog post about how you make money and how internet advertising sales work. Very intriguing for me…

I think I’ve decided to just buy online. As I said, I am already comfortable with it, and I am pretty sure she won’t care once she has a ring on her finger after 5 (pushing 6) years together! We went ring shopping together already so it’s no secret it’s going to happen, but I did send her the txt today that she needed to get me her ring size. She replied “6ish”, and I said “that’s not close enough…” She hates surprises and just not knowing the exact date/time/ring will be enough to drive her crazy…

Once I get a ring size, we’ll talk a little more on specific diamonds. I’d hate to pick one out and have it disappear online before I can purchase it!

We’ll check again for diamonds soon, hopefully she got the hint that I was looking now!

A: Sounds like a plan! I look forward to hearing from you!

Q: In case she moves fast to get a ring size, I requested the “Idealscope” image from James Allen for the 1.01 from your list below. I also asked if I could place it on hold until after I get the image and am able to review it… With you of course!

–No need to reply, just giving you a heads up…

…….

In some more conversations, color seems to be very important to her for reasons unknown, regardless of what I tell her. She’s concerned she could tell the difference when comparing rings to others. Sounds shallow to me but hey, who am I to judge when I drive a lifted 4×4 pick-up truck. She has come up with a size of 6.5 at work. I asked her to test some of her other rings at home against one of this size-circle charts to see if that agrees with what she came up with. I’d just hate to have to take the ring away from her to have it resized right after she gets it!

In the G/H Color range, is there a diamond or two that stick out to you… I’ll throw you a couple I was looking at and I am sure you will find one better!

I thought this one looked pretty flawless and fit in your suggested parameters… 1.08 H VS2

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1360134.asp

…….

I put it on as well while talking to a James Allen associate since you won’t be able to see it, price is $4240…

…….

Sorry to flood you with emails, hopefully I hear from you after you soon after you wake up, obviously I am getting a little excited!

The only eye-flaw I saw in the diamond I sent you was in the lower left corner and I think that would be at least disguised a bit by the setting, and the $700 over the I-Colors we were looking at is safe so I can tell her I “went with the better color” to appease her probably unfounded worries…

As I said though, let me know your opinion and you opinion comparing the 1.08 H VS2 to the 1.01 I VS2 you sent at the start of our exchanges (should still show below). And as I said, let me know what you see in that 1-carat G/H color range out their with my $5k budget in mind.

You are a real help and glad I stumbled across you site. It’s amazing how much time I can spend looking at pure internet junk before finding something valuable like truthaboutdiamonds.com.

A: That H VS2 you linked to is a great option. I think you’re better off going with this – it’s for her after all, so why screw around? Get what you know she’ll like. Listen, in the end, there’s no real value to diamonds themselves. We only buy them for the psychological reaction it creates for the women. So not buying what she says she wants kind of defeats the purpose.

The inclusions in the corner would be completely invisible to your eye whether you cover them or not, so don’t worry about that. And don’t bother with an Idealscope. I don’t think it adds anything – especially with princess cuts.

Q: Great help and advice. She will be off to get her ring size checked at a Jewelry Store after work today to make sure what she came up with is correct, and I will most likely place the order as soon as we get off the phone and have the coveted ring size in hand.

I’m more proud more than anything that the H VS2 is a diamond that I picked out after “learning the ropes” so to speak from yourself. I told you earlier I don’t just like blank recommendations, I like to understand the reasoning. I’m detailed oriented and want to know each characteristic and its real effect myself. A step beyond that, I really like to being able to take that knowledge of diamonds (knowledge you almost single-handedly helped me gain by the way), and take the examples you gave me as a learning tool, and go out and find a stone myself. That will make it that more special to us both. I get the sense of accomplishment and knowledge, and she gets the ring she’s dreamed of.

I’ll be sure to use the coupon code and will let you know how things work out in the end.

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

Q: Still awaiting ring size for another day… Work didn’t let her out in time to get sized.

I did a search to see if anything new turned up and found this diamond…

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1359966.asp

The other diamond I picked was this one…

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1360134.asp

Price difference is +300 for the VS1. Does one have more ideal proportions (table/depth) in your mind than the other? If so are we splitting hairs? To me it appears slightly more ‘brilliant’ but I believe its a camera focus issue…

I’ve asked James Allen the same question..

A: I don’t think there’s any reason to switch. They’d probably look identical to you if you had them in front of you right now.

Q: Order placed on 136014.

Thanks again so much for your help! You really do provide a value-added service. While making a decision where advice you can trust is difficult but twice as hard to find, you definitely filled the niche, at least for me. I don’t know if I ever have the opportunity to recommend you site or your advice, but if I do it will be quick and convincing.

I wish you and your family the best and I will pray for a peaceful resolve in the middle east for Israel with all of you in mind.

I will be sure to update you when the ring arrives and the imminent “Yes!” I have no doubts as to the quality. One of the uneasiest parts of ordering online (and I order EVERYTHING online) is waiting to see if your first purchase from a new source is as described and performed professionally. Due to your site reviews, countless Q & A’s on your website, and your diamond knowledge has completely mitigated that feeling.

I truly applaud you for the business as much as I do the help. You probably don’t hear this as much as you do thank you’s for the guidance but I appreciate the ingenuity. It’s times like these I wonder, how would I explain this transaction to anyone, even myself, 20 yrs ago?

Any way, I am rambling as I have tendency to do. I appreciate your help, and will stay in touch when the ring arrives next Thursday…

…….

FYI: Big diamond image link from JA…

http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/ads-9824pic.JPG

A: Looks great! Thanks so much for all your kind words! Your prayers are always needed, so please continue!

Q: We have not communicated since you helped me with my diamond order. I do not consider ourselves friends or acquaintances but I felt the need to write this letter anyways. After the President of the United States made his speech today, I was embarrassed and felt the need to reach out to you with my support for yourself and your country. I am sure you may receive many notes to this affect, but I needed to stand somehow, and you are my only contact I have ever had directly with anyone in Israel. Although the President of the United States may not stand for a free defensible Israel, many people in the United States do, and I am one of them. I stand with Israel. And I believe so does the majority of this Christian nation, at least they would if they were knowledgeable of the issues.

As I said before, I am sure these are tough times in your part of the world and I pray for you and the people of Israel. I am sure there is nothing I can do myself but stand for what I believe in and voice my beliefs. I do so for those like yourself in Israel. Good will prevail, God will prevail.

God Bless

A: Your email is very kind and welcome. I haven’t received any notes to this effect, as a matter of fact. This speaks very strongly of your character as an individual. I only wish there were more people like you. Your support is very welcome and needed.

Please do what you can to get Obama out of office!

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD01938165
They’re currently holding this diamond for me so

I’ve contacted bluenile to make sure this stone was eye clean and because I was concerned about the strong blue flourescence. I’ve pasted the response I received below. Initially it put me at ease, but after reading your site I’m a bit nervous.

Thanks in advance for your help!

From Bluenile: “The gemologist found that this diamond is completely eye clean and the florescence does not have a milky effect at all. It will be on hold for you for the next 48 hours…”

A: I’m actually in the middle of writing a series of site review articles. Below is the paragraph I just wrote yesterday that’s relevant for you regarding blue nile:
People report that they can call Blue Nile and ask them to inspect diamonds listed on their site to get gemologists’ reports about whether or not a specific stone is eye-clean. All that Blue Nile’s gemologists do in such a case is call the specific vendor who owns the diamond in question and ask them for their opinion of the diamond. The flaw in the system is that since each vendor is motivated to sell his diamond over his competition’s, he’s always going to push his own stones. From the vendor’s perspective, the worst that can happen is the customer won’t be happy and he’ll return it – but if the vendor doesn’t push his stone, he knows he won’t stand a chance of closing the sale.

So you need to take their “gemologists report” with a huge grain of salt.

I think these would be better value for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351102.asp – the inclusion is all on the side. Can be covered / obscured by the prong of the setting.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315926.asp – almost certainly eye clean

Btw, you would never be able to see the difference between G and H colors with your naked eye once the stone is set in a ring.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for the help Ira! I wanted to go back to my local jeweler and look at some H color diamonds next to a G, but haven’t had a chance yet. I’ve also been doing research on indented naturals since one of the ones you recommended has those. With both of these, do you think the inclusions would affect the brilliance at all?

Thanks again, and sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I’ll be faster next time.

…….

Sorry, I thought of a couple more questions…

1. Between the two, which would you recommend? I’m planning to buy a simple platinum four-prong setting.

2. On to the setting…how wide of a band should I get? I’m really clueless when it comes to this. Do women generally have a preference whether it’s 2mm or 3mm? Does the size of the diamond or my girlfriend’s hand size dictate the size of the band?

Thanks once more

A: I like this stone the best out of those two:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315926.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

As for the width of the setting, I think you might be best off speaking to customer service at JA about this one. IN all honesty, my professional experience is limited to the loose diamond trade. I’m a complete ignoramus when it comes to jewelry!

Q: Thanks, I wasn’t able to find a lot of info about the natural indention. If I decide to go for a 1 ct, that’s the one I’m going to get. I went back to a store today, and am now thinking I might want to go a little bigger, maybe up to as much as 1.2 ct and extend my budget to $6k-$6.3k. Any suggestions? Sorry for bothering you so much, and thanks again.

A: You’re not a bother at all! here’s what I like for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334618.asp

Q: I just bought one of the diamonds you suggested! I didn’t go through you, and I’m sorry, but I gave them your full name and everything.
They couldn’t find your promo code, but here’s the diamond if you want to contact them and sort it out.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315926.asp

Thanks!

A: Thanks!

I have a budget of between 5-7K for the stone, and really want to get the best diamond for my money. Leaning towards buying a round diamond in the J color range between 1.25 – 1.5 Ct size. I’ve looking throught a few online vendors.. blue nile / james allen and found 2 i think are winners.

Here’s the 2 I was looking at, but wouuld appreciate any others you think would fit the mold.

This one I almost purchased yesterday, but had it put on hold while evaulating others.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-vs2-clarity_LD01904608

This one I found today on James Allen.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1341336.asp

thanks ahead of time for you feedback.

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

The JA stone you linked to looks great. I can’t really comment on the BN stone, though, because I can’t see what the VS2 looks like. I was thinking, though, that you’d get more for your money with a stone like this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1343076.asp

It looks to be completely clean to the naked eye in the picture – so there’s no downside to going with an SI1 instead of VS1. The cut is excellent and it’ll save you $740 without giving up anything noticeable.

Let me know what you thinK!

Q: thanks for the response. I really like the one you picked out, just illustrates how important it is to be able to inspect the actual piece before purchasing.

I’m still in the process of looking, but leaning towards the stone you selected, might go slightly bigger if I can find something of the same quality around the 7K mark. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

A: If you wanted to upgrade color, you could go witih this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1335851.asp

but honestly, I don’t think it’s worth it.

Q: I slept on that first recommendation and went to purchase it today, but it sold yesterday.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1348477.asp

This was the next best I thought in the price range, but @ 11oclock in the internal looks like a big black spot. What do you think? Any other suggestions you can make on what’s avialable?

A: That’s a great stone, and that inclusion won’t be visible to the naked eye. It’s too faint.
This might also be a nice option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1357370.asp

Q: I like that one as well. between the 2, which do you think is the better value? Also what are those squigly looking lines @10oclock?

A: THe SI is the better value. The squiglys are twinning wisps. They won’t be visible to your naked eye.

Q: thanks again. I truly appreciate the help. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and buy it. Your the man, I’ll be sure to leave a nice comment on your site. Now its time to figure out how I’m going to pop the question!

A: Sounds great! And please let me know what you think when it arrives!

I am looking for the ’best’ round brilliant or princess diamond in a 5-6K range, not paticular about clarity or colour (maybe, no less than VS2, I) but I’d like at least 1 carat.

I already have a wedding band so I’d like a raised, yellow gold setting to make sure they go togther.

Could I get your opinion on side gemstones. JA has beautiful rings with a round center diamond and square side rubies. I like this idea because it’s something different from the common solitaire, but I wonder if the side stones detract from the center one. What do you think?

A: Thanks for writing! If you like the color red, then ruby side stones are a great idea! I don’t think they’ll take away from the center stone at all. here’s what i like for your budget (since you’re setting it in yellow gold, I’m going to stick to the lower colors):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1320047.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346316.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1331708.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326994.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks!

Of course, I do love the size of the 3rd one! If I were to one day change my setting to white gold, do you think the K colour would be visible? If so, I am likely to go with the 4th one.

Do you give advice about settings? I have decided again gemstones but am thinking of this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-2442_design.asp?module=setting

do you think the thickness of the band will make the diamond less ‘shiny’?

…….

Can you give me your opinion on this diamond:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317163.asp

It has colour K but medium-blue fluorescene (will that compensate?) and I only see one small mark left of center.

A: Yes, if you changed to white gold, the K color stone would definitely have a noticeable warmth to it.

That setting is very nice. I don’t think the thickness of it would make the diamond less brilliant at all.

…….

A beautiful stone!
Let me know what you decide to go with!

Q: Thanks for your patience with me. I am planning to go with this diamond, but am a but anxious about the colour. Even the loupe seems quite yellow. Do you think the medium fluorescence will put it in the I-J range?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317163.asp

A: The stone looks yellow in the picture because of photograph issues. Even the background behind the diamond looks tinted yellow.

In that ring you chose, that diamond will be a great choice!

Q: Thank you! I am going to go for it!

…….

Do you think this stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1331708.asp

is worth the extra money over:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317163.asp

(ie. is the extra $400 worth the extra 0.25 carat)?

A: Those are both great stones. The only issue when deciding between them should be which shape do you like better. ie, the princess is only worth the extra money if you want a princess cut!

Q: Don’t know if you recall my diamond search that I had queried you about a couple weeks ago.

Just wanted to let you know that I finally made the purchase today for the http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317163.asp
and I did use the discount code.

I am very excited and can’t wait to see it. Really hoping the k colour will not be an issue, especially with medium blue fluorescence.

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

Q: Don’t know if you remember me but I just wanted to let you know that I have finally received my ring and I love it!

Thanks for all your help and for making such a great website.

A: Thanks so much for writing to let me know! That’s very kind of you and I’m very happy for you!

I am finally ready to go ahead with my purchase and your guidance would be much appreciated.

My budget for the diamond is 4500- 5200. The setting is a 18k white gold tension set split prong. Must be round brilliant ideal cut stone. Would like to end up above 1.1 caret. My goal is to find the biggest diamond within budget that doesn’t look like a lump of coal! My only worry about clarity, color, polish and symmetry is that the stone won’t ”pop”. Please help.

Here is what I’ve found so far.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351122.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1277735.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1021098.asp

I hope I’m on the right track with these picks. I’m still not too sure if I’m looking at the correct things in the pictures.

A: Thanks for writing. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my site! I don’t love the 1.26 J SI2 since it only has a “VG” cut grade. I like these:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1248590.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334150.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you for the quick response. Of the two you have picked out which would be your choice to go with. I’m ecstatic over the size I am able to get for this budget. I am very thankful for your help.

A: I like this one just slightly more:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334150.asp

It just looks very clean for an SI2 – nicer than the SI1 in fact.

Let me know how it goes! If you do order it, please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q: I ordered the j si2 as you suggested and I could not be happier!

I did upset a coworker whose e vvs1 1 carat that cost nearly double realized that no one in the office could notice a difference!

The ring is absolutely amazing and has the sparkling pop that I wanted. It will definitely be noticed when she wears it. I have no regrets about sacrificing color and clarity as you suggested! Thank you so much for your help and timely responses. I will be recommending everyone to both follow your advice and to use James Allen. Top notch!

Once again thank you!

A: That’s so great to hear! That’s so much for this email! You know, I’m always a little nervous about suggesting what I do because you never know how people will react when they see the stone. So I do love to get emails like yours that validate what I preach all the time.

Thanks! And congrats!