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!

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!

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!

Thanks for your help!

A: Here you go:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1353162.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326994.asp

Q: Thanks for your help! I have almost saved up enough money for the diamond. Of the ones you sent, the first one is not available, so I was looking around and I found this diamond that looks like a good value. What do you think? Is it eye clean? Do you think it is better than the other one you sent?

Thanks for your help

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1347625.asp

A: It has great potential! The only issue is that it’s slightly less deep than the vast majority of most princesses. So I would suggest that if you’re interested, you contact JA and ask them to inspect the stone face to face to make sure it’s not dull do to the shallow depth.

Q: I did as you suggested, and here is the report that I got back on the diamond (I threw two more in just for fun because they offered to inspect up to three for free).

Hello xxxx,

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection of diamonds 1347625, 1360165, and 1360178.

I have great news, our gemologist has determined that diamond 1347625 is perfectly eye clean and faces larger than diamond 1360165. This diamond has superior light performance compared to your other selections and is your best option.

The remaining diamonds do not have the light performance of the your best option. Diamond 1360165 is also eye clean but there is some light leakage under the table which makes the diamond dark in the center. Diamond 1360178 is eye clean as well and faces the largest, as expected. However, this diamond also appears dark under the table.

I believe you will be very happy with diamond 1347625 when you see it in person. This diamond will look gorgeous in any setting.

It sounds like it’s a good stone, so I think I’m going to pull the trigger on it. Here is the diamond again:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1347625.asp

Is there anything that would make you think twice about this purchase, or should I go ahead with it?

Thanks again for all your help! I learned a ton from your site, and I’m actually a Wharton grad as well (December 08), so I’m happy I discovered it.

A: That definitely sounds like the one!

Funny about Wharton! Did you ever have Paul Kleindorfer? I loved that man. What a great teacher.

Q: Haha he’s still around, I never had a class with him though. Professor Shell and negotiations was my favorite!

I think I’m going to purchase the diamond today — I’m pretty excited about it! I think I’m just going to do it through a bank wire transfer, but I’ll make sure when I talk to them that I was referred from your site.

Thanks again for all your help — I feel like a diamond expert now.

A: Sounds great. If you have any questions, please let me know. And please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

Best wishes!

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

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!

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!