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

Shape: Oval

Click on image for enlarged photo.

Carats: 1.51

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: VS1

Measurements: 8.52*6.39*4.26

Depth: 66.7%

Table: 54%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: Faint

Diamond Price: $9,630

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Round Brilliant

Carats: 1.22

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 6.89*6.87*4.23

Depth: 61.4%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $8,640

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

I am looking to get a princess cut diamond in the 8500-9000 range. I am confused if I should go for a H/SI1 or I/VS2 ring.

Thanks for any advice.

A: Even with the 5% cash back, I think you could do better on James Allen. Here’s why – I could never recommend you buy an SI1 princess cut from blue nile without being able to see the stone. Even a VS2 is risky on a princess. There’s just too great of a chance that the stone will have an eye visible inclusion. Now, on JA, I could recommend an SI1 with absolute confidence. The difference between the SI1 and VS2 will easily surpass 5%. Plus, you can use the TAD0611 coupon to get 10% off the setting which will tip the scale even more in JA’s direction.

On JA, you can find a stone like this that absolutely maximizes your value:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1311153.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

SI1, totally eye clean, near perfect cut, I color will look white.

Q: Thank you very much for the advice. Yes, the diamond you selected is very nice. It does make a difference seeing the diamond. However, I was actually looking to get a little bigger diamond than that one. I tried looking for other Ideal/SI1/I diamonds but anything larger than the one you selected is out of my budget. If there is anything else you would recommend, i would appreciate it.

Thanks again for your help.

A: I understand. Here’s a few to consider:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1342806.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – borderline eye clean. You should have JA inspect the stone for you to be certain.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1269711.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – just out of your budget, but a perfect cut and eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277224.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – pic is out of focus, so can’t tell if it’s eye clean or not. Also worthwhile to have JA inspect it

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1324798.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I’m fairly certain the black inclusion is too small and faint to be visit to the naked eye.

Q: Thanks again for your help. I am leaning towards the first and third diamond you recommend. From the pictures, they do look nice and are a good value. I have contacted them about the diamonds and am having them do an inspection for me.

Thanks again

A: Sounds great. Please let me know what they say!

Q: It took JA a little bit to get back to me, but they did give me the information. I think i will go with the first diamond you recommended, unless you feel from the information I should not. Here is what they said:

“”

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection of diamonds 1342806 and 1277224. Between these two diamonds; diamond 1342806 is definitely your best bet. There is a feather on the crown that you may be able to see with the unaided eye; however, it blends with the rest of the diamond. The other inclusions in this diamond blend very well and you will not be able to see them without magnification. This diamond has a mid-high I color grade and faces brighter than diamond 1277224.

Diamond 1277224 has eye visible inclusions that reflect throughout the diamond; the feather on the corner also may present durability issues. The cut on this diamond is not very good, and this is made obvious by the facets not lining up and the off center table.

“”

Thanks again

A: You should definitely go with their opinion. Nothing compares with a face to face inspection. Their description sounds great.

Q: Ok I ordered it . I told the woman on the phone about the referral part at the end of the URLs that you sent me. Hopefully you will get credit for it.

Thanks again for all your help. Without you I would have just blindly picked a diamond that probably would not have been as good quality and would be more expensive.

A: Thanks for looking out for me! Did they allow you to use the coupon, btw?

Q: Yes they did

A: Fantastic!

I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a princess cut diamond not including the price of the ring in the $8,000 to $9,000 range (preferably on the lower end of this range unless something outstanding is available.)

In terms of priorities I would prefer that the diamond is at least relatively eye clean and above 1.5 carats if both of these conditions can be met.

Additionally, could you please give me at least one Blue Nile diamond to choose from because I currently have a 5% off coupon with my credit card company if I use them. I’ll make sure you get your affiliate link income from whatever diamond I choose.

A: I wish I could send you a link to a stone on BN, but I just don’t feel right recommending diamonds I can’t inspect. But I’m sure I can get you a better deal than the 5% coupon will save you. Here’s what I mean:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1325998.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

You could never successfully blindly buy an SI2 princess cut from blue nile. But from JA, since I was able to inspect that stone, I can verify that it’ll be eye clean. The price difference between an H VS2 and an H SI2 1.70-1.80ct princess cut is about $2000 – well over the 5% that the coupon will get you.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for the quick response Ira. That diamond looks beautiful and has an awesome price! I understand your reasoning behind not recommending Blue Nile. It makes perfect sense once you explain it.

I really like the diamond you recommended but can you give me two or three other choices for comparison’s sake? Also, how do I ensure you get your affiliate payment from JA? Do I just purchase the diamond via the link you sent me in your email or through some other process?

A: Thanks for the concern about the affiliate stuff! The link should be enough, but even if it doesn’t work for one reason or another, the TAD0611 coupon code acts like a fail-safe measure. That’ll give you 10% off the setting.

Here are a couple more options:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277224.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1103116.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: Thanks for all the help! After much indecisiveness, I think I want to go with a round diamond. I’ve determined which ring I want to buy and I think a round stone will look better in the ring. Can you recommend two round diamonds with the same parameters as the my previous request (i.e. in the $8,000-9,000 range, eye clean). I’m very excited to make the purchase today if possible.

A: Here’s my picks:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339604.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 - looks eye clean. Beautiful cut. Great value at 1.46cts.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1308049.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know which one you decide to go with!

Q: I went with the 1.46cts diamond but it was definitely a tough decision! In the end I didn’t think I could justify an extra $800 or so for the 1.51cts diamond or $1,300 for a 1.61cts diamond that just went up on the James Allen website. Thank you so much for helping me with the diamond selection process.

I was sure to use the coupon code provided on your website and even saved a few bucks on the ring. If it wasn’t for your website I would have never known about James Allen. If there is anything I can do to help promote your website (like write a review somewhere) please feel free to ask.

A: I think it’s a fantastic choice. And I really appreciate your offer for a review. I’ll definitely hit you up for that BUT only after you receive the ring and you let me know how much you love it!

Q: Sounds good Ira! The ring is scheduled to arrive no later than Wednesday next week. I’ll contact you after it arrives.

I’m interested in buying a 2 carat total weight round diamond studs in a white gold 4 prong wire basket setting for my wife.

I wanted to ask if you would consider helping me pick one (either through an online vendor or your buying service)?

Thank you.

A: I’d be happy to help! Are you looking to just make sure that the pair is bright and lively and clean to the naked eye, or are you looking for a higher quality than that?

To put it differently, how much are you expecting to spend?

Q: I would like a pair that is bright, lively and clean to the naked eye as you described and would like to avoid as you put it “waste of money” category. I saw prices online range from $6-$10K. Am I in the ballpark? Would prefer to stay toward the lower end of this range but I am willing to pay more if need be to get a nice pair.

Thanks.

A: Here’s what I like for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1256309&item2=1300755&a_aid=dmnd1357

They’re both eye clean. They both have a cut grade of Excellent so they’ll be very bright and lively. And J color is a great balance of value and looks for studs.

Let me know what you think!

Q: The ones you picked look very nice. Couple of questions: I see a lot of spots on these diamonds and I see that the polish & symmetry are “very good”. Will these distract from the look? Would it make sense to upgrade these characteristics for ~$1K more to one like on the link below? From what I read on you site, no reason to upgrade the color beyond J, right?

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-earrings?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOE|pid=LD01712909|pid=LD01867445

Thank you.

A: Re: Polish & Symmetry, see the relevant articles on my site here:

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/diamond-polish/

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/diamond-symmetry/

The small spots you see are inclusions, but they won’t be visible at all to the naked eye.

If you want, I can find you a nice pair on JA that’s VS2, but I really think it’s a big waste of money – especially for studs. Generally, the rule in the diamond business is that clarity requirements are usually more relaxed than normal for studs because they’re usually viewed at a greater distance than engagement rings. SO it’s really a waste to go all the way to VS2.

Q: I’m going to order the ones you selected today. Thank you for all your help. I would like to pay you for your advice. How can I do that?

Warm Regards.

A: Absolutely no need to! See this article here:

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/truthaboutdiamonds-com/

Congrats!

Q: Ira, I’m very appreciative of your assistance. Earrings arrived today and they look very nice. I wish you and your family well. Thanks again.

A: Fantastic news! Congrats! It was my pleasure.

Following yesterday’s selection of the Best Round Brilliant Diamond for $10,000, today we present you with the best Round Brilliant Diamond for $9,000.

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Round Brilliant

Carats: 1.60

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 7.50*7.53*4.62

Depth: 61.5%

Table: 58%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $8,590

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

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Pear

Carats: 1.56

Diamond Color: F

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 9.72*6.48*4.16

Length/Width Ratio: 1.50

Depth: 64.2%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $8,590

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

Your site is excellent!! Plan on doing an online diamond purchase (Blue Nile or James Allen). Not huge $$$, but I am totally obsessed with finding some value out there! And its seems your the guy. So here’s an easy one:

Total budget 9k (USD) for the stone (keeps me around 10k all in)

Parameters: Round. Thats it.

After reading every article you’ve written, I’m cutting you loose. Find me a stone summon all your creative powers and make my future wife smile!

As per your writings, color can be low, clarity is hit or miss, carats don’t tell the whole tale. So I don’t want to curtail you. Take some chances, I implore you. Looking for a hidden gem that might escape a less discerning eye. I’m not a stickler for ”grades” and I don’t care what its assessed value is,and don’t mind a singular large flaw that makes an otherwise unaffordable diamond within reach. Just hoping to find a stone that has ”bang for the buck”

(and if you have anything offline available I’d pay the 10% gladly if you made it an offer I can’t refuse, though I understand my purchase price isn’t heavy enough to have you sorting through the whole of Israel)

Thanks for in advance for anything you can do,

A: Thanks for the kind words! If I get any more emails like yours its going to inflate my ego too much

I took a look for you, and this stone stood out:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310583.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s got an excellent cut. It’s got medium blue fluorescence which should temper the J color just enough so it looks completely white. The only issue I have is that the picture is terrible, so I can’t say for certain if the stone is eye clean. In all likelihood it is, but I can’t guarantee it. To get that guarantee, you should contact JA and have them take a look at it.

What do you think?

Q: I contacted JA.  we’ll see how they respond.   But your selection is right up my alley.   Thanks and I’ll be sure to follow up.

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

Q: They said it was eye clean, I’m gonna give it a shot.  Thanks for your help. I’ll follow up upon delivery.

A: Great! I look forward to your response.

Q: Ira,

Just received the diamond you suggested….

I am utterly satisfied. First off, the diamond pops nicely. In the daylight the thing just makes noise. So it was very well cut, and the light loved it. Secondly, the 1.7 was bigger than I initially thought given my budget.

Which leads me to my Aha! moment when buying round diamonds, thanks to you. The color of a round diamond MUST be sacrificed by value-hunters. When mixed with medium fluorescence, my J/SI1 diamond, to my eye, looks like ice. I mean – its perfect. Its got a white/black/ice blue/ sparkle thing going on that is just mesmerizing. I just took it to a jewelry store to compare it to some F’s and G’s side by side, and really you couldn’t realistically say either one had any yellow in it at all. I know I am biased, but I would strongly recommend not paying up for color in a round. Take a leap of faith and slide down the color scale and up the size scale.

The stone I got cost 8.5K and has the look of a much more $$$$ diamond. She’s gonna be happy with it. Good work my man…

A: That’s great to hear!  Congratulations!

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.74

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 6.75*7.04*4.75

Length/Width Ratio: 1.04

Depth: 70.4%

Table: 71%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $9,120

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

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.50

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Diamond Cut: Ideal

Measurements: 7.28*7.31*4.57

Depth: 62.7%

Table: 55.2%

Crown Angle: 36.0°

Crown %:

Pavilion Angle: 40.6°

Pavilion %:

Diamond Polish: Ideal

Diamond Symmetry: Ideal

Diamond Fluorescence: None

James Allen Engagement Ring

Diamond Price: $8,410

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

If what you’re looking to accomplish with your purchase of an engagement ring is uniqueness, then sometimes you need to think outside the box.  There are definitely a fixed number of style groups when it comes to engagement rings.  You have tapered baguette side stones, pave halo, pave on the shank, solitaire, etc.  But aside from these easily categorized style groups, you occasionally have styles that are so unique they defy classification.  Today’s ring is once such design.

Today’s selection features a double shank that is slightly split just before it reaches the basket at the top of the ring. Surrounding the basket is a artfully woven strip of gold studded with ideal cut pave stones.   This creates a fiery pave style look but with the added beauty of this uniquely artistic design.

You can view the ring on JamesAllen.com here: 18k White Gold Pave Frame Split Shank Engagement Ring.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen