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.

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.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?offer_id=12959&forceStep=STYLE_STEP

Any comments or concerns you have about the ring would be greatly appreciated. We didn’t know if these stones were significant enough in size that we have to worry about color matching to the center stone. Also was wondering how much we should be worried if the side diamonds are eye clean. I had a diamond previously that did have black inclusions (2 fairly small but visible) and it was always disappointing. Even though otherwise it was a beautiful diamond, those black dots always bothered me.

As for the center stone the most important thing to us is that it’s brilliant, white and sparkly. We are looking for a round cut, eye clean and somewhere between 1-1.35 ct. We don’t want to have to pay for something unneccessary, but would like a big wow factor. We realize that there is a lot left open on options for size, but we’re more concerned with the other factors that fit within these size parameters.

Also, I know you often suggest diamonds from james allen just because you can actually see what you are buying before you buy it. If that is the case would we be able to take the setting purchased from Blue Nile and separate center stone to a local jeweler to be set or do you have another suggestion?

Thanks for your site and all your help! It’s much appreciated.

A: That is a beautiful ring indeed! Lets move forward like this – your best bet in this situation would be to have JA match the setting from BN for you. I’ve helped many people in the past accomplish this and they’ve always left very satisfied.

Btw, these side stones aren’t small at all (as far as sidestones go), so you do need to be concerned about color. If JA can make the ring with G/Hs, then it should be perfectly fine to stay in the H/I range for the center stone.

I’m CCing to this email Mr. Jim Schultz from JA who will hopefully respond to us both positively or negatively re: their ability to match this setting for you. Keep in mind also that when JA matches a ring, it is not simply pressed out of a mold, but is rather hand made and considered to be of higher quality.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Response from James Allen:
Ira/xxxxx,

Thank you for the email. We can reproduce the setting in the link below for $3,000. Production time is approximately two weeks. As a custom design, however, the ring would be subject to a 15% restocking fee if returned.

I want to quickly also point out that we offer a similar setting that is substantially less expensive and also has a matching wedding band. Our item number is 11009p and a link to the design can be found here:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-1935.asp

To give you some sense of how this diamond looks with a 1.00ct center diamond, you can view this photograph from our Recently Sold Collection:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/settings-with-sidestones/1502/Engagement-Rings-Side-Stones.html

The 11009p features slightly smaller side diamonds that the other design, but they are still large enough to make a really “pop” next to the center diamond. By reducing the size of those side diamonds by just a few tenth of a millimeters, you can still get a fantastic look, but free up almost $1,300 that can then be applied towards the center diamond.

Hope this helps!

Q: Thanks for the suggestion of having JA custom match the setting. We looked at the setting Jim suggested from JA and have one concern when compared to the one we had picked out from BN. The setting from BN (to us) looks like the first diamond off the center stone on either side is farther to the side, allowing it to be seen better. It seems to us that the first stone on either side of the center stone on JA setting is 1/2 hidden by the center stone. We had actually seen that one and ruled it out previously because of that. Do you think that is a non issue or valid concern? We have discussed possibly going with the JA setting and if we are not satified with the look of it we could return it and have them custom match the other setting at that point. Do you know, if we went ahead with having them custom make the ring would we be able to pick out the side stones or would they just do that as they do with their settings? Thanks for all of your help with this!

Also, we see the clarity rating of the diamonds in the JA is slightly less… any way we could make sure they would be eyeclean?
…….
After doing a little more talking and window shopping at local jewerly stores this weekend we’ve decided we are going to have James Allen match the setting from BN. We are also looking for a center stone between 1.25-1.5. We did some searching through JA site and picked out a few that we thought might be possibilities but wanted your opinion on which are the best/cleanest and best value. Also, if you have any other suggestions, we’d love to look at them!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1280700.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344860.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1347641.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353926.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1360339.asp
We haven’t asked Jim yet if the quote he gave for matching the setting was with diamonds in the G/H range or the F that BN had on their site. We’re going to have it made with G/H diamonds though.

Hope you had a great weekend.

A: I think that’s a great choice! I don’t know if the price of the ring will be any cheaper for G/H color side stones, but I’m sure they can definitely accomodate that request!

Can I assume that 12,000 is your max budget? I think the stones you picked, for the most part, are really nice. My only suggestion would be to allow some lower clarity stones in the mix. I can help you find ones that will be clean to the naked eye. For example:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192013.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1333866.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1360374.asp

Let me know what you think of those!

Q: Wow! There sure is a lot to get excited about when looking at diamonds. The 3 you sent us were beautiful. Yes, max budget for the diamond is 12,000. Of course if we can get a great looking diamond for less that’s even better. After we sent off that email last night we did find one more that was a lower clarity and wanted to have you look to see if it would be eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1306843.asp

I guess the question now is where do we go from here. Which of the ones we sent you would you stay away from? Any suggestions as to how to make a decision from the choices we have or should we do more searching for a lower clarity diamond? You have been so extremely helpful in this process!

A: All that’s really left to do is make a decision! You can definitely save a lot of money going with a 1.2ct stone like the one you linked to (which is really nice btw). But going up to a 1.50ct stone will definitely be a noticeable jump in size. It’s about 0.5mm which is very easily noticeable.

Maybe pick your favorite 3 and have JA do a side by side comparison for you?

Q: Wanted to let you know we made a decision. We split the difference on the diamond size. We purchased the 1.36 diamond you had offered as a suggestion.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1360374.asp

The customs setting has been ordered and will take a couple of weeks for production. Thanks for all your help, we’ll let you know what we think when we receive the ring!

A: Great! I can’t wait to hear your reaction!!

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!

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!

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!

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]

So anyways, here are the details I wanted to provide you. First off, I am looking to buy this rign for my girlfriend, but my first main question is “Is now the time to buy?” I ask this because I am in no huge rush to purchase the ring since I won’t be popping the question until this summer. I have read on websites that buying around Christmas/Valentine’s day is not a good time to buy diamonds because prices are inflated. In your experience is that true? Let me know your thoughts on if I should wait or what you think (I do have the money to make the purchase whenever).
Now when I do purchase, I definitely want to look at all the websites, but I agree, the James Allen site looks really good. So that would be an awesome one to start with. Now below I have answered the questions you asked:

• Is your goal cheapest price for given parameters, or best diamond for fixed budget?
o My goal is to get the best diamond for a fixed budget. Now there is something her to consider as well. My girlfriend has very small hands so anything larger than 1.4 Carats actually starts looking too big. So I am looking for a size in the range of 1.25-1.4 Carats. I also want to make it as “Sparkly” as possible (sorry for the poor terms, ha). So I know I want to go with an ideal cut. Also, while getting a good deal price was is definitely awesome, I want to keep my purchase definitely between 9-10k (with a 10.5k max).
• Shape
o Round
• Desired Color Range
o I would like your opinion on this, but I am thinking that I will go with an “H” for color
• Desired Clarity
o Again I would like your opinion on this and I actually think this is where I could use the most help. Before I found your website, I was looking at VVS2, but the more I have read, it looks like I might be able to knock this down a bit and get more “bang for my buck” (aka get a very nice, very shiny ring and save some money on this feature). However, I still don’t trust my judgment on what I should get. My girlfriend is definitely not the type to go “comparing her ring to other peoples or in jewelers” so again as long as the clarity is pretty good (no big visible spots) and it gives and overall very sparkly diamond, I think it would be perfect.
• Budget
o Again, my budget is 9k-10k with a 10.5 max. And to be honest, I have budgeted for this much, so I don’t really want to go below 9k.
• Anything else you might feel is relevant
o I think this pretty much sums everything up. Again, I really appreciate this and please let me know if I can give you any more info. When I actually go about purchasing this I will DEFINITELY make sure I have the cookies on so that you get credit. Thanks again!

A: THanks for writing, and thanks for the very kind words about the site! Listen, in all honestly, I would say you should hold off for a while. not because prices are higher now (they’re not) but because there’s no reason you should have a $10,000 ring sitting in your house for 6 months. Buy it within 30 days of the time you plan on proposing so if there’s an issue and she doens’t like it, you can return it.

Q: Very good point and I think I’ll do that. Is it ok that I still reach out to you when it gets around that time? Thanks!

A: Of course!

Q: Thanks again Ira! Really appreciate it and I’ll reach out to you in a couple of months. Have a great day!
…….
Hope you had a great weekend! I am still going to reach out to you in several months about my diamond purchase, but I was just wondering if you had any advice (or links to a website) that would give any information on the pros/cons of platinum vs. Gold. All these places keep trying to sell me on platinum and I really want to see if it is worth it.

Thanks again!!

A: I think the major benefits are that plat doesn’t require maintenance to stay white and it’s hypoallergenic.

Q: Hope you are doing well!

So I just wanted to let you know that I am now somewhat open to buying my diamond earlier than I originally thought. While I still probably won’t give it to her until June, I am pretty confident I have a good ring in mind and that she will love it, so I don’t think I need to worry about the 30 day return policy. That being said, if I buy it early and I don’t like it, then I can return it (because I believe on your website you said Jared Allen is pretty good with their returns).

Anyways, I am in NO RUSH AT ALL, but if one of these days you are browsing and see something that fits this a little, just let me know (I changed what I was looking for a bit based on your website recommendations, and I went to a jeweler and actually looked at some stones that were S1 clarity and you really couldn’t see anything at all!): Anyways here is what I am thinking:

Cut: Ideal
Clarity: S1 or VS2 (probably go with a good S1)
Color: H
Carots: slightly less than 1.5 ish (can be slightly less based on your writeup that they get marked up when they hit 1.5, so a 1.47-1.49 would work just fine!)
Polish/Symmetry/Depth/Table/Girdle – Whatever you think is good based on your writeup
Florescence: I know you said that for colors H Floresence might actually help it, but again I will trust your judgment on this

Max Price: $10,500ish (Somewhat flexible) – but anything a bit lower would be great too!

Again, no rush, just if you see something when you are browsing.

Thanks again!!!

A: I took a look for you and here’s what I found:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1357338.asp
and
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353935.asp

I like the 1.43 better since it looks cleaner. But if this is what you want, you should jump on it soon as diamonds of this size are few and far between – I’m actually amazed that I found two 1.40-1.49s for you with H SI1. I didn’t think I’d find any!

Q: thanks a ton Ira! do you think the 1.43 would look good to the naked eye?? that’s all that really matters to me

A: Oh yeah!