Truth About Diamonds » Excellent Cut http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com Opening the Eyes of the Diamond Consumer Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:24:25 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Q&A: Looking for Suggestions for 1 Carat Diamonds on James Allenhttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/02/09/qa-looking-for-suggestions-for-1-carat-diamonds-on-james-allen/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/02/09/qa-looking-for-suggestions-for-1-carat-diamonds-on-james-allen/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:24:25 +0000 DU http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4714 Q: Thanks for the info you provide on your site. I’ve taken your tips and narrowed the parameters to ”ideal cut”, ”I or H color”, and the low range of clarity. I am looking at 1 carats. Total budget is staying around 5k or so. I get 2 results on James Allen:
1. H, SI2 for 4810 (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197594.asp)
2. I, SI1 for 5670 (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338375.asp)

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.

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/02/09/qa-looking-for-suggestions-for-1-carat-diamonds-on-james-allen/feed/ 0 Q&A: Best Round Diamond for ~$1K Budgethttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/06/qa-best-round-diamond-for-1k-budget/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/06/qa-best-round-diamond-for-1k-budget/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:27:39 +0000 DU http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4270 Q: First of all, thanks a lot for your lectures on your website. I’ve learned quite much about diamonds. Even if I knew a little bit from before, your page has made you trustworthy (thanks to ”about”, lovely photos of a lovely family).

So to my points.
Ring
I wish to buy a Platinum ring. Already here I don’t what to choose. I want to give my gf a simple, but special ring. Is that even possible?

For solitares I have thought about:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-4039.asp

A: Thanks for the very kind words about the site and especially about my family! That’s very kind!

I think the ring you chose accomplishes exactly what you want. It’s simple, yet unique and special.

Now lets move on to the diamond! What’s your budget?

 

Q: Thanks for your fast reply. Haha I actually wrote a longer message with more links and details about stones and budget and more questions. Guess the form didn’t take it all.

I’ll be working throughout the day, so I’ll send you the details again this evening (gmt +1).

 

A: That sure is annoying! Sorry you have to go through everything again. Please send me the details when you can. I won’t be able to respond due to the Jewish Sabbath which begins at sundown, but I’ll hit you back with an answer tomorrow night.

 

Q: Let’s try this again, thanks in advance :)

Budget: 1800-2300 USD. If really necessary I might afford more if I give it some time to think about the economic consequences.

The ring:
Except for the first link I showed you I’ve also thought about two others. I think the first one will be my first choice, but I’ll let you know how I think about the others…
Platinum Thin Cross Prong Diamond Engagement Ring
- As you said, simple and special. I was also wondering if this style let’s in more light than usual since it’s open below the stone? I’m also if the thick sides would be thought as old lady-ish…?
Platinum Common Prong Four Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring – I have also thought about this one, but don’t think it’ll fit in my budget. It’s a lot more simple than the other side stone types, but will this be simple enough? Maybe only I can answer to that.
Platinum 2.5mm Comfort Fit Diamond Solitaire Ring – This just doesn’t seem to fulfil the special, but I like the style.
The stone
So my wish for the ring is it to sparkle as much as possible, then I guess it’s a go for the round stone, right?

If I choose #1 ring type, the page won’t let me pick anything below 0.5 carat. Is there a reason for that?

Anyways, I have added 1355662 my wish list, which too bad isn’t available anymore. I don’t remember if you have recommended it to someone else before or if I found it myself. I think that it looks like perfect symmetry on the miniature picture and is really amazing. Are you even supposed to look at the black shapes? At the moment, I don’t seem to find anything like it…

I have looked around for a handful, maybe I should look more. Don’t really know where to proceed.

Thanks for reading my request :)
Hope you enjoyed the Sabbath (I’m guessing, besides the religious reason of the ceremony, you spend time with family) if you have come this far.

 

A: A couple points:
1) The choice of setting really and truly is 100% a personal matter of choice and style. There’s really no objective advice I could offer you here.
2) Is that budget for the diamond, or for the whole package?

 

Q: I understand. Budget is for the whole package.

 

A: That leaves max 1300 for the diamond. Here’s what I like:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1354943.asp

It has an “excellent” cut grade and the inclusion is all on the side. THe stone will be completely clean to the naked eye.

Let me know what you think!

 

Q: Thanks for the advice. I trust that the inclusions won’t be noticed very easily. I have some thought about the clarity on the table.

Do I need to be concerned that the stone looks a little bit foggy the table compared to the sides? Is it an issue or is it just noticeable when maginfied?

 

A: I don’t think that the inclusion would be visible to the naked eye. I think the fogginess you describe is simply an issue of photography – not something in the stone.

 

Q: Ok, thank you! The fogginess was actually my biggest concern.
I’m putting an order right away!

Thank you Ira! I’ll come back to you with the results :)

 

A: Sounds great! I very much look forward to your report!

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/06/qa-best-round-diamond-for-1k-budget/feed/ 0 Q&A: “Driving myself insane looking for .9 – .95 [carat diamond], for under $4300″http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/04/qa-driving-myself-insane-looking-for-9-95-carat-diamond-for-under-4300/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/04/qa-driving-myself-insane-looking-for-9-95-carat-diamond-for-under-4300/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:14:48 +0000 DU http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4268 Q: I’ve had an epiphany that I do not want to spend the premium for a 1.0 carat weight diamond so my search has brought me to diamonds just under 1c and hopefully under $4300 as well.

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!

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2012/01/04/qa-driving-myself-insane-looking-for-9-95-carat-diamond-for-under-4300/feed/ 0 Best Round Brilliant Diamond for $3,000: 0.80 Carats, I Color, SI1 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cuthttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/30/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-3000-0-80-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/30/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-3000-0-80-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:57:41 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4136 I really like this diamond.  It is a great size for a $3,000 budget.  The diamond is beautifully cut and will be bright and brilliant.

Click on image for enlarged view

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

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.80

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements:  5.90*5.96*3.70

Depth: 62.5%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$3,110

 

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/30/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-3000-0-80-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/feed/ 4 Q&A: Ready for Round Diamond, 0.9 Caratshttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/25/qa-ready-for-round-diamond-0-9-carats/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/25/qa-ready-for-round-diamond-0-9-carats/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:47:45 +0000 DU http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4088 Q: First off I’d like to say I am a huge fan of the site. I’ve spent a lot of time reading the information you have posted. It was nice to find a single source of information with specific recommendations.

I’d like the nicest stone I can get for the following parameters:
H/I color
Eye clean clarity
Excellent cut

As for size, I’d like to be around a typical 0.90 carat stone size. I have a couple of stones I have been thinking about on jamesallen that I would like to run by you.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355089.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1350249.asp

The first is what I have typically been browsing at. The second I just stumbled upon today. It appears to have similar face up dimensions but a lower weight and thus price. Is this a good value given my search parameters? Both looked fairly clean.

If it helps, I plan on getting the stone mounted on a 4 prong platinum tiffany style setting.

Any help would be appreciated.

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

That second stone is an amazing find. Grab it before someone else does!

 

Q: Just ordered it. Thanks so much for the help Ira. I’ll definitely be recommending the site to anyone that asks.

 

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

 

Q: I decided to get the diamond mounted locally. The local jeweler I’m going to take it to just didn’t have much in the way of inventory compared to what I could find online so that’s why I turned to the internet for the stone. Most of his graded stock was EGL graded stuff and after reading up about them, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy anything other that a GIA/AGS stone. He seems like a very good guy and has a great reputation in the community so I’m feeling pretty good about taking the diamond to him for a setting.

I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Thanks again

 

A: Excellent! I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Q: The stone was amazing! She was very impressed and has gotten a lot of compliments on the ring.

Thanks again for your help!

 

A: That’s amazing! Thanks so much for writing and letting me know!

Thanks again! And may you and your fiance live a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/25/qa-ready-for-round-diamond-0-9-carats/feed/ 0 Best Round Brilliant Diamond for $11,000: 1.51 Carats, I Color, SI1 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cuthttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/23/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-11000-1-51-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/23/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-11000-1-51-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:50:54 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4105 This is a great buy if you are looking for a 1.50 carat diamond.  It is a beautiful cut, bright and 100% eye-clean.

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

Click here to view enlarged image of diamond.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 1.51

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements:  7.31*7.37*4.53

Depth: 61.7%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$11,100

 

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/23/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-11000-1-51-carats-i-color-si1-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/feed/ 2 Best Round Brilliant Diamond for Less than $2,000: 0.63 Carats, J Color, VS2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cut.http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/22/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-less-than-2000-0-63-carats-j-color-vs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/22/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-less-than-2000-0-63-carats-j-color-vs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:10:57 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4101 This is a great value buy.  You can pair this diamond up with a solitaire mounting and come in around $2,000 for everything.  Its a beautiful cut and will look great in a solitaire mounting.

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

Click on image for enlarged view.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.63

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements:  5.48*5.51*3.41

Depth: 62.1%

Table: 56%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$1,730

 

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/22/best-round-brilliant-diamond-for-less-than-2000-0-63-carats-j-color-vs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/feed/ 0 Best Round Brilliant Cut for $6,000: 1.02 Carats, H Color, SI2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamondhttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/21/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-6000-1-02-carats-h-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut-diamond/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/21/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-6000-1-02-carats-h-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut-diamond/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:06:28 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4093 This diamond is for those of you who are looking to purchase a setting with sidestones.  While an IJ diamond is usually the best value, it is important to purchase an H+ colored diamond when there is a sidestone setting because you don’t want the center diamond to look dark/yellow compared to the setting.  This is a beautiful diamond that will go great in a pave or sidestone ring.

Click on image for enlarged view

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

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 1.02

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 6.45*6.48*4.00

Depth: 61.9%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: Faint

Diamond Price:$6,020

 

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/21/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-6000-1-02-carats-h-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut-diamond/feed/ 0 Best Round Brilliant Cut Diamond For $4,000: 0.90 Carats, J Color, VVS2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cuthttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/07/best-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-for-4000-0-90-carats-j-color-vvs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/07/best-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-for-4000-0-90-carats-j-color-vvs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:30:18 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=4052 And the run on VVS2 diamonds oddly continues.  This is a great value buy.  Given the current diamond market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find nice 0.90 carat diamonds under $5,000.  This diamond is beautifully cut, eye-clean (obviously, given its clarity) and will have great fire and brilliance.

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

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/07/best-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-for-4000-0-90-carats-j-color-vvs2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/feed/ 0 Best Round Brilliant Cut For $7,000: 1.26 Carats, I Color, SI2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cuthttp://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/02/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-7000-1-26-carats-i-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/ http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/02/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-7000-1-26-carats-i-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:02:23 +0000 Mike http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/?p=3998 Here is another great diamond that I stumbled across on one of my searches.  This is a great deal.  The inclusions are just some scattered twinning wisps that are not noticeable to the naked eye.  Its an excellent buy.

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

Click on image for magnified view

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 1.26

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 6.93*6.88*4.27

Depth: 61.9%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Ecellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$7,170

 

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

]]> http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2011/11/02/best-round-brilliant-cut-for-7000-1-26-carats-i-color-si2-clarity-gia-certified-excellent-cut/feed/ 0