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

Would you mind sending me a link to the setting you’re considering?

ALso, have you considered the GST/PST in your budget?

Also – do you live near the border with the US? Have you considered having it shipped there so you can go in and pick it up? I’ve helped many other people do this. From what I understand, it’s not technically legal, since you’re supposed to declare it upon your return to Canada, but I also understand it’s a VERY common practice for shoppers to cross the border into the US all the time to save money on taxes.

Now that that’s all out of the way, to answer your question, yes, JA does ship to Canada. I would suggest you use them precisely because of the virtual loupe as you mentioned. Also, I think you can definitely ease up on your color requirement. You can easily go down to a G or H and the diamond would still look completely white to the eye. If you do that, you’ll be able to get a significantly larger stone. Here are some examples:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1262552.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1293397.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Or you could drop down into the 0.60s and save a few hundred dollars:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1309492.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302010.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Anyway, have a look at these and let me know what you think!

Q: I’ll look at the G & H colors as you suggested, probably in the VS1 & VS2 range.

Here’s a link to the setting (Petite Pave-Set): http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_9917.

I’m not close to the border (Edmonton), but anyway if I have it shipped over the border I’ll have to pay customs on it (which is a pretty fair chunk if I recall correctly).  The taxes would be 5% total since we have no provincial tax.

A: Well, I guess 5% isn’t so terrible. Definitely not worth driving down to MOntana to pick up the ring.

As far as that ring goes, did you notice that the band is extremely thin? It’s only 1.5mm which is really very very narrow. Is that what you wanted?

Here’s virtually the same setting on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-2803_design.asp?module=setting&a_aid=dmnd1357

Except this ring is a little more reasonable 1.9mm wide. Also, it’s got 0.30cts of diamonds vs 0.15cts of diamond on the BN ring. Plus, it’s even cheaper! With the IRA10 discount code, this ring will be only about 1125 CAD.

Did you like any of the diamonds I suggested?

Q: I like that 0.71 H VS1 you linked to below. What do you think about these?:

0.71 G VS2 – http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1293394.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

vs. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1292760.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

64% Table – http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1174324.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’m thinking 0.7 ct is about the right spot, and the common prong setting is nice (I do like it very thin like the BlueNile one though but I think 1.9mm will look good).

It looks like this is the matching wedding band: http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/womens-wedding-rings/ring/item_63-2839.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

For the setting & wedding band is it true that white gold will wear off while the platinum will stay shiny? Would you recommend the platinum?

A: The truth is that my professional experience is 99% in the loose diamond trade and not in jewelry. But just from personal experience with my wife’s ring, it’s true that you’ll have to get a white gold ring rhodium plated every few years to whiten it up. Platinum, on the other hand will hold its color better in the long term.

I really like that E VS2 you sent with the small table. That stone so far looks like the best choice to me.

Let me know what you decide to go with in the end!

Q: I had to go on a trip so I still haven’t bought the ring – that E-VS2 I was looking at before is still available, but I also saw this http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1309571.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 while browsing through the categories per your site’s suggestions. It also has a small table (70% instead of 64% and similar other parameters but I color with ‘Strong’ fluorescence and is $500 cheaper). Would this one be a good idea or would I be better off spending more on the first one?

A: I really do like that EVS2. I would recommend that you contact JA customer support if you’re really interested in the I VS1 to make sure the strong fluorescence doesn’t make the stone look milky.

Also, keep in mind that even with the strong fluorescence, the E color stone is still going to be noticeably whiter than the I.

Also, please note that JA changed the coupon I give out to my readers from IRA10 to TADJ10.

I looked again for you, and here’s another stone to consider – maybe perhaps a compromise between the two others:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1262571.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: I did end up going with that E-VS2 with 64% table in the platinum common prong setting and it looks great! Its shipment was delayed a few times but then did come through. It looks like I’ve paid pretty much just Canadian Tax on top of the price now so I don’t know if I’ll later be charged customs but in any case I’m happy with my purchase.

My fiancée loves her pretty ring and we are so thrilled right now. Thank you so much for your advice and website!

A: That’s so great to hear! I always love getting emails like these

Would you mind doing me a small favor? Do you think you might be able to leave me a short review on ivouch? My site is still quite young, and I find these reviews help me build credibility. If you have the time, I would greatly appreciate it. Here’s a direct link:

(LINK REMOVED – You can view his review here)

Thanks again! And congratulations!!!

Q: Done, and happy to do so.  If only there were sites as informative as yours to help people buy cars!  I may well set up something like this for computer parts since that’s what I’m into.

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I have decided for this series to lump together the three shapes commonly referred to as the “soft-sided fancy shapes” – the Oval, Marquise, and Pear shaped diamonds.  Just to explain the terminology – any shape that’s not round is called a “fancy” shape.  So to differentiate Ovals, Marquise, and Pears from Princess cuts, Radiants, and Emeralds, they are further broken down into soft-sided and straight-sided.

From a manufacturing perspective that differentiation is important since straight-sided fancies and soft-sided fancies are manufactured from completely different types of diamond rough.  But more importantly for you, the diamond consumer, the differentiation is absolutely crucial.  You see, if you were searching for a straight sided fancy shape diamond and wanted to limit your diamond search to very clean diamonds with high colors, you generally wouldn’t need to see the diamond ahead of time.  You could read the diamond’s measurements from its certificate, and pretty much be able to conceptualize how the diamond will look.  When you’re dealing with 90 degree angles only, it’s easy to explain a diamond using measurements only.

This is not the case at all with the soft-sided fancies.  Nowhere on a certificate does it explain the slope of the curve around an oval.  You can have an oval that almost comes to two points like a marquise, or you could have an oval that looks a little too rounded.  You can have a boxy looking oval that looks like it’s a long radiant just with its corners smoothed out.  None of that will show on a certificate.  There are simply too many measurements that aren’t offered on a certificate relating to get any real understanding of how a soft-sided fancy will look.

So while I always stress that even with rounds it’s very important that you examine a diamond ahead of time (either in person or with a high quality photograph) in order to evaluate a diamond’s clarity, with soft-sided fancies, it’s likewise crucial to examine a diamond to evaluate its cut.

And unlike straight sided fancies, there’s no one thing I could point to to explain how to evaluate a picture of an Oval, Pear or Marquise. You just have to look at it and ask yourself, “does this look beautiful?”

So without further ado, I present the best Oval, Pear or Marquise for $20,000+:

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Pear

Carats: 2.27

Diamond Color: F

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 11.41*7.27*4.18

Length/Width Ratio: 1.57

Depth: 57.5%

Table: 56%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $23,030

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TADJ10 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.01

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 5.85*5.67*3.92

Length/Width Ratio: 1.03

Depth: 69.2%

Table: 69%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $3,350

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TADJ10 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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My question concerns potential vendors. I live in Los Angeles where we have a wholesale jewelry district downtown. An acquaintance, who actually picked out her own engagement ring, swears that I would be a fool to not use one of these local vendors. Is she right? (And if so, would you happen to have anyone here that you recommend?)

I love to buy online but I’m still not entirely convinced that buying a diamond online is the wisest option. Especially with the local options reportedly being so great. Ultimately, of course, I just want the best deal. Perhaps better deals will, in fact, be found online? I intend to go in soon to see for myself and have some basis for comparison, but I’d love to know what to expect. Any insight here would be very welcome. And I thank you in advance.

Best – D

PS – I anticipate going for a round cut, 1.25 or so Carat, and trying to get the cleanest, clearest one I can for *hopefully* under $8k. But that’s just an initial direction. I definitely do not intend to spend more than ten grand, and would be thrilled to find something great that’s closer to five! Anyway, thanks again for your help.

A: Hi D. I know the LA scene well. I used to travel there to sell when I was working in NY.

If you had a real connection in one of the better up-stairs wholesalers in 550 Hill St., then go for it. But dont be fooled by shops/booths on the lower floors marking themselves as “wholesale only.” Those guys are looking for people like you.

The problem is that there’s a lot of sharks in LA just looking to screw you. And anyway, even the cheapest guy (unless you’re talking about a real wholesale dealer upstairs) in LA won’t be cheaper than the stones online. The sites online like JamesAllen.com don’t own their inventory. They just list the inventory that belongs to wholesalers and add on a small amount of profit. This lack of investment in an inventory allows them to get by with very small margins – margins that a shop in the jewelry district can’t match because of their expenses related with a bricks and mortar operation.

How’s this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1301846.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s a GIA triple excellent ideal cut. Totally eye clean. It’s a real beauty, and a fantastic price. Let me know what you think!

Q: Hey Ira. Thanks for the speedy reply. Gotta love the time difference.

I kinda figured you must have been through LA a time or two. And I’ve heard the same about the downstairs shops – I will definitely go to the one that my friend went to. Upstairs and apparently on the up and up. We’ll see.

I certainly see the issue of physical overhead vs online advantages. I suppose I was just hoping that I might find something “wholesale” that would be just as good as online, possibly even a bit better, carrying the added advantage and reassurance of tactile presence. Then again, how can I be sure I can trust them. LA sharks, indeed. I’m sure that with a little more looking around, my confidence in buying from a distance will rise. To that end, thank you very much for that suggestion.

I agree that it certainly looks nice but I also think that there’s too much color there. I don’t know how much the photos may exaggerate color, if it all, but from what I can see in that pic it’s just too much. And I know that’s something she’ll be sensitive to. Also, I’m thinking at this point that I don’t want to drop below the VS level of clarity. Of course, I say that without having really seen the spectrum in person – still in the theoretical stage. Perhaps judging on the blown up photo is unfair and disadvantageous to myself? I suppose I’m quickly pricing myself upward which is exactly why it’s great to have you around to set me and the rest of us straight.

Thanks again. If you don’t mind I am sure I will have more questions for you. In the meantime, if you run across anything else that seems to fit my bill I would, of course, be grateful for the tip.

A: I’m happy to help more. Just as regards that one stone, you can’t judge color from these pictures. I’ve seen D and E color stones with the same tint. When you go to the dealer downtown, ask him to see an ideal cut GIA I color stone to see for yourself. It’ll only look “less white” when you put it next to a much higher color stone.

Have you read my article on clarity? If not, it’s definitely worth seeing.

Q: Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I finally found some time to re-read your clarity article and it has indeed changed my frame of mind.  Matter of fact, I’m reviewing your entire site and many of its links to really be sure I know what I’m getting myself into.  So, when I go see some stones in person, which I’ll likely do next week, I will be doubly informed thanks to you.  Of course, questions will abound.  Until then, thanks for your input. I will be in touch again in a couple of weeks at the latest.

A: Sounds good.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Q: Hello Ira,

My apologies for such a delayed response – I was up in Canada for a bit. I’m back home in LA now, and I actually went to a jeweler today! Oscar’s, which was recommended to me, is a shop on an upper floor of 550 S. Hill St. Anyway, Oscar was kind enough to show me a lot of stones and help me see the differences I needed to witness for myself. I found it to be extremely helpful seeing things in person.

The stone which seemed to be in the sweet spot for me was as follows:

1.17 Carat

Brilliant Round (off by only .02mm)

G color

SI2

GIA excellent on cut and symmetry, very good polish, no florescence, no cutlet.

The price I was quoted was $5700. $6485 when set in a four-prong platinum ring. With tax, call it $7000.

My impressions:

The size of that stone was nice. I wouldn’t go any smaller, and I wouldn’t pay heaps more for something only slightly larger. If I could get a stone that was 1.25 or 1.30 that met the rest of the demands then super.

Looking at several stones side by side, color differences were clear. Predictably, viewing them separately changed that. G color seemed to be good for me. The H stones he showed me seemed to have some noticeable color, even on their own in some cases. H could work, but G seemed to be what I really preferred.

Your article on clarity was an immense help and seeing things today really showed your points. SI1 or SI2 should certainly be fine, so long as the inclusions are in fortunate places and not black, of course.

The ratings with which it came definitely made me happy.

So that’s where I am now. I’m going to look around online and see if I can find some comparables. I’d love to hear what you think about the above, and if you know of anything else that I should consider.

A: Nice to hear from you. Here’s a couple options that I think give you a tremendous value. They’re a tiny bit smaller in weight, but the difference in diameter most likely won’t be visible to the naked eye. You didn’t send the dimensions of the Oscar’s stone, so I can’t say for sure.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1238124.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1259387.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310948.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Couple it with this ring:

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

(using the TADJ10 coupon code gives you 10% off the setting)

and couple that with the fact that you won’t be paying sales tax from JA, and you’ll wind up spending much less than the OScar’s offer.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you, Ira, once again for the recommendations and help. The second link you sent looks like an especially good choice. And I’m very grateful for the sales tax tip. I hadn’t thought of that important fact, and it could save me some cash or, better yet, upgrade the stone a tad.

So I now find myself considering something slightly larger. She doesn’t have tiny hands and I’m willing to spend a little more so perhaps there’s room for a bigger stone… While I do prefer a platinum ring and I realize that will increase the cost by several hundred dollars, I am getting to be more comfortable with the subject of clarity and even the possibility of an H with medium florescence. Maybe.

Do you have your eye on anything in the 1.25 carat range that I should look at? (Keeping total price below $8k.)

Thank you!

p.s. Am I falsely convincing myself that a .15 carat size difference even matters (is visible)??

A: The difference in 0.15cts will add an additional (approximately) 0.3mm which is definitely noticeable. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s definitely a difference you can see an appreciate.

What you ARE falsely convincing yourself of, though, is that an H will look materially different from a G. Diamond color grades are so fine that two adjacent color grades (especially in an ideal cut round viewed face up) look identical. So there’s no reason to be so hesitant to drop to an H. Also, you’re under the false impression that medium fluorescence will make a serious difference on an H. It won’t. If it’s noticeable at all, it would only be viewed from the side on a color card. It wouldn’t make a noticeable difference viewed face up.

The fact is, dropping from G to H is the smartest thing you could ever do. The most expensive jump between any two colors is between H and G. There’s no logic to it – it’s not like going from H to G is more noticeable than going from I to H or F to E. So that being the case, it’s simply an inefficient use of money to stick with a G when you can get an identically looking H for significantly less.

Let me know what you think and I’ll send you some recommendations.

Q: I think I just worry about the comparison moment, when her ring is held next to her girlfriends’ rings. But I worry sometimes, and it’s usually, if not always, fruitless.

What do you think about this one?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310674.asp?a_aid=dmnd1375

A: I understand your concern, but the fact is that an H held next to a G will look exactly the same.

As for that stone you suggested – BUY IT! You will not find a nicer SI2 if you looked for another 4 months. And the cut is near perfection. It’s very new on their site, and I would venture to guess it won’t last long.

Q: Well, sir, I’ve done it. Should be here in a week.  I will let you know how it looks when it arrives.

In the meantime, I’d like to say thank you.  I used your coupon code but I know you have saved me FAR more than $80.  Your website, and the service that you provide to complete strangers, is quite special.  It’s wonderful to find a friend out there in the maze.  Thank you!

A: great news!  Please let me know how it looks when it arrives!

Q: I received the ring last week and will be taking it for appraisal in two days. I’m very excited and I think it looks really good. Certainly eye clean. Still waiting for a chance to really check it out in good lighting. I think it will be great.

I will follow up with you after the appraisal.

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(UPDATE: Do not buy this stone!!  This is a great example of how easy it is to make a mistake when buying diamonds.  The inclusion on the bottom of this stone in the picture below is small, but dead white.  Because of its size, I didn’t notice it at first, and therefore I recommended the stone.  But on second thought that kind of dead white inclusion can often be visible to the naked eye, even when it is so small.  The only exception to this advice would be perhaps if you are having the stone bezel set, then it would be covered/obscured)

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.51

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 6.72*6.44*4.53

Length/Width Ratio: 1.04

Depth: 70.3%

Table: 71%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $6,920

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TADJ10 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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• Best Princess Cut Diamond for $5000: 1.26 Carats I Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut GIA Certified Princess Cut Diamond (0)

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.74

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 6.75*7.04*4.75

Length/Width Ratio: 1.04

Depth: 70.4%

Table: 71%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $9,120

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TADJ10 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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A: Thanks for writing.  Pear shapes, like ovals and marquise are tricky. Since their shapes are so fluid, you really can’t evaluate them by their measurements alone. You really need to be able to see them. So, unless you can find an amazing deal in a local store, I suggest you buy from JamesAllen.com where you can at least see pictures of the diamonds.

I took a look for you, and found these:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1239616.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – pic looks great and eye clean. This will be the biggest you’ll be able to find.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1239615.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – a little above your budget, but a beauty of a stone. Also, since pear shapes show color relatively strongly, it might be best to stick with H or higher.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1216425.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – this is a great option if you wanted to save a couple Gs.

Have a look at these and please let me know what you think!

Q: thanks for your input… I learned everything I know from your website… I actually just bought a stone yesterday

its getting here this weekend,

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1264804.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

what do you think? It’s a little stretched but its looked good to me.  again, awesome website!

A: That stone is better than all the stones I suggested! It would have definitely been on my list if it was still available!

Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q: that 1.83 carat pear shape looks awesome…JamesAllen is great. I have a couple of questions about getting it set and appraised. How much does that usually cost (appraising and making the ring)? I bought my semi online through a guy on ebay… it has 2 carats in side-stones…he made the prongs according to the measurements of my diamond. Im trying to take the both, the stone and the setting to a local Jeweler here in SC to have it set and appraised.

Do I get both appraised separately or after they are made into a ring?

Do you have some pointers about this process?

(… I don’t even feel like telling them where I got the diamond from since I might get treated weird and have to listen as to why buying from them would be better…)

A: I’m glad you like the stone! Setting and appraising is usually a cheap service. Most places do it for free if you buy the ring from them.

You’re definitely right in that no jewelry store wants to do what you’re asking them to do. They want to sell you the diamond and the setting. So I think in your case, it might be best just to tell them that the ring and diamond are from two different family members.

You should probably expect to pay maximum $200 for the setting and appraisal.

…….

Hi XXXXX. I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to ask you a small favor. My website is still relatively new (not quite a year old!) and I rely heavily on user reviews to help me boost credibility. Would you mind leaving me a short review on ivouch.com? If so, I’d really appreciate it! If you have the time, you can access it directly with this link:

(LINK REMOVED) (You can view his ivouch review here)

Q: done, thanks again for your website, awesome advice

A: That’s great! Thanks so much!

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 2.01

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 7.05*7.07*4.97

Length/Width Ratio: 1.00

Depth: 70.5%

Table: 71%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $12,860

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TADJ10 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

James Allen Engagement Ring

For today’s ring recommendation, I wanted to go back to a style that’s universally popular nowadays.   Additionally, I wanted to find a setting that highlighted the unique beauty of a princess cut.

If I had to guess what is the most popular engagement ring style these days aside from a plain solitaire, I would have to say it’s a simple shank with channel set round or princess cut pave diamonds.

So I figured the perfect ring to showcase today would be James Allen’s 18k White Gold Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.  This ring has a width that is perfect for most women (2.5mm).  It has channel set ideal cut princess cut pave diamonds along the shank which will match very nicely with an ideal cut princess center diamond.

In White Gold, after the TADJ10 discount, this setting costs $1080.  In Platinum, it is $1597.50 after discount.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1276428.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1278969.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1290917.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search#diamonds_pid=LD01695503

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search#diamonds_pid=LD01731890

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search#diamonds_pid=LD01727659

My bride-to-be has mentioned to friends that she prefers a square-shape, so I’ve been limiting my search to stones with ratios of 1.00 – 1.05. Also, I was able to find out through a friend that she loves this setting from James Allen:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-171.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

For her, fire and brilliance are more important than stone size, although I would like to find her a 3/4 stone or greater. Am I on the right track with the stones already on my list, or do you see a stone or two out there that might be a better fit for what I’m looking for? Thanks for all your help! We gentlemen certainly have a tall order when it comes to finding that one stone she’ll love – your site eliminates much of the confusion that comes with the search. Kudos to you!

A: Hi! Thanks for writing! First of all, I love the ring your GF wants. I think it’s really classy. Don’t forget to use the TADJ10 discount to get 10% off the setting. For an expensive ring like that, 10% is real money!

As for JA vs BN, I think in this case you need to stick with JA for two very important reasons. 1) Cut qualities on cushion cuts vary greatly. And it’s not something (like with rounds) that you can just judge by table and depth% alone. You need to see the stone. and 2) The ring you want is on JA, and it’s always the safest move to have the same person who’s selling you the diamond set it for you. If you buy the diamond from BN and have it set by someone else and the diamond chips at the jeweler, you’re responsible for the damage.

It happens to be that the 3 cushions you selected from JA look amazing. The only suggestion I thought to make was to try to find a larger stone like this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281221.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

But in the end, even though it’s heavier, it doesnt have a larger face than the stones you selected. Out of the 3 you sent me from JA, I like this one the best:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1276428.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

The three stones will probably look identical, so why not just go with the cheapest one?

Let me know what you think of my suggestions!

Q: Thanks so much for your prompt response and sound guidance. I’m grateful for your thoughts on choosing a diamond from JA as opposed to BN, as I’m getting the setting from JA. It was a source of anxiety for me when considering getting a stone from BN and having another party set it.

Thanks for sending me another stone for consideration. Having weighed your input, I think that I might as well save a few hundred dollars and go with a slightly lighter stone, especially if one would not look at the heavier stone and say, “Wow, that’s a much bigger diamond!”

However, I do have one more stone for you to look at, if you have time time. As I started looking at stones on JA exclusively, I came across this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1278839.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

There was something about this stone that actually made me say “Ooooohh” out loud. Now, I realize this stone may very well look no different than the one you identified as your favorite in my previous email, and it is a bit more expensive, but my initial reaction to it led me to think that it might be the stone I should get. But, I don’t want to be a sucker on account of my eyes playing tricks on me.

Do you see anything that should lead me to take pause? Also, if you concur, please send me a link to the stone above, as I want to be sure you receive commission – very well deserved!

Again, thanks so much for your time and expertise.

A: I’m glad you found my email helpful. Also, I’m very grateful for your concern about my commission.

As far as the two stones are concerned, I agree that there’s something about the 0.75ct stone that looks special. In the end, you’re buying the diamond because it’s something that’s beautiful to look at, so you might as well go with that stone. It’s very possible that they’d look identical to your naked eye, but if you bought the other one, you’d always wonder if you didn’t buy the best stone because you wanted to save $140. That extra $140 will set your mind at ease. And either way, both stones are under your budget.

As for the link, here you go: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1278839.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks again! I really appreciate it! And PLEASE let me know how it looks when it arrives!

……..

Hey (NAME REMOVED). Did you get the ring yet? If so, I’d love to hear what you think!

A: As a matter of fact, the ring was delivered this morning. It’s GORGEOUS! I couldn’t be happier…and more importantly, I know Kelly will LOVE this ring! I’ll be sure to send you a couple of photos once I get the chance to take some.

Can’t thank you enough for your time and thoughtful input!

A: That’s wonderful news!! (Great timing!)

I wish you and your future fiance a long life together filled with endless blessings.

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A: Thanks for writing. I’m happy you found the site useful.

To address your concerns about matching, I’ve got a few things to say. Firstly, there’s no reason at all to match clarity. Clarity doesn’t affect how a diamond looks to your eye unless it’s very low quality and the inclusions are visible to the naked eye. The only things that affect how a stone looks are its size, color, and cut. You could have two 1ct I color princess cuts cut with similar proportions (ie, table and depth %) that are identical to the naked eye even though one is flawless and the other is an SI2.

Secondly, when it comes to matching diamonds of the same size, the two stones can easily be off by one color grade and you would never see the difference. Early on in my career I did a ton of matching for studs and other jewelry sets. THe rule was always that the stones in a pair or larger group can always vary by a color grade. When you’re talking about a large center stone matching with tiny pave stones on a setting, you could even go down 2 color grades and the difference wouldn’t be noticeable.

So having said all that, I would recommend you shoot for an H color stone. The largest jump in price between any two colors is between H and G. So why pay that nonsensical premium for a G color stone if an H Color stone will look the same? And as regard clarity, I always say you should buy the lowest clarity available that’s clean to the naked eye. Now in princess cuts, because of the type of rough that they generally come from, there aren’t a lot of stone available in the SI range. But lets see what I can find.

Here’s what I recommend:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277224.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – even though it’s an SI2, it looks like it will be eye clean. Huge stone for the price.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1101656.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – stone has an amazing cut. It’s actually got a larger face (LxW) than the stone above due to its superior cut. I love this stone. THis is my primary recommendation.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1294088.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – H VS1

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1294770.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – if you wanted to save some money, a great option

Have a look at these, and let me know what you think.

Q: Thank you for the help and quick response. There is no way I would have found any of these diamonds and known all that without your help. I just have one other question for now before I make my decision. How does the polish and symmetry effect how the diamond looks. I see that your primary choice, which I love, only has a rating of good for both. All the inclusions on this diamond are not visibile to the naked eye, only under 10x magnification?

A: Take a look at my articles about polish and symmetry:

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

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

The only thing in that stone that might be visible is if you look closely just to the right of the top left corner you’ll see a black spot on the very edge of the stone. From the top down, you most likely would never notice this since it’s on the edge, but it’s possible this might be visible from the side since I have no way of knowing how tall the inclusion is. It might just be a black speck on top, but it might also be a vertical line that would easily be seen from the side. You can have JA’s customer service reps check out the stone for you if you’d like and they can tell you for certain whether or not it’s visible to the naked eye.

Let me know what you decide to do in the end!

Q: Unfortunately, that 1.60ct ring is no longer available that that was also my main selection. I have begun to ask about the 1.72ct. The jeweler says its eye clean. They also stated that with all SI1 and SI2 diamonds, the inclusions could be seen from the side. is that true? I noticed on the SI2 diamond you picked out there are plenty of feathers and crystals and all that. Is this diamond worth purchasing if it is eye clean from the top down, but you can see inclusions from the side?

From the diamonds you have already picked out, what is your new recommendation since the first one is no longer available.

A: The 1.72ct stone is a hard one to judge because the picture isn’t so clear. But from what I can tell as it is, it looks like it will be eye clean.

It’s true that with princess cuts especially, you can see more SIs from the side, but this never bothered me, as nobody looks at a diamond set in a ring from the side. Diamonds are meant to be viewed top down, not from the side. This is how they’re cut, and this is how they’re displayed in the ring.

As far as my recommendation goes – I would say that if JA says that it is eye clean, then you should definitely go for it. It’s the largest of the 3 remaining suggestions, and if it’s eye clean, then it will be as brilliant and fiery as the others, just larger.

let me know what you decide to go with in the end!

……

Hey. Just wanted to follow up with you. Did you pick any of those stones I recommended or are you holding out for something else?

If not, I found another good alternative:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1271983.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – it’s 1.51, but it’s just as large in LxW as the 1.72! And best of all, it’s $400 cheaper!

Q: I was set on the 1.72ct diamond but have not purchased it yet. Then you sent me this new diamond and now I am second guessing. This 1.51ct is beautiful!

I have been busy lately so have not actually made the purchase. After looking at this diamond you sent to me today, I think I am going to end up purchasing that one instead. The cut is amazing to the naked eye and the larger face makes it look that much better.

I will let you know when I have purchased it, that is if it doesnt sell before then.

Thanks for the help and sending more recommendations!!!

A: I just noticed that the 1.51 is no longer available. Did you grab it?? I hope it’s because of you that it’s not available anymore!!!

Q: nope, someone else grabbed it before i did.

A: Doe! The hunt continues….

Q: Yes it does, well if you come across another diamond like the 1.51ct let me know. I would have bought it if i had somewhere to send it too. right now i am deployed and my parents live in new york and that is the only state that charges taxes if you ship it there. so im trying to find someone to ship it too in colorado where i will be going back too.

A: Wow. Where are you deployed? I’ve actually helped a few soldiers/contractors buy rings. A couple in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Thank you for what you’re doing.

You could have it shipped to a fedex location in NJ, if your parents don’t mind going in to pick it up.

Let me know when you have that figured out, and then I’ll take another look so you don’t have to suffer another let down!

Q: Yes, these let downs suck!!! I am deployed to Afghanistan right now. I think i may have someone to send it too, but I still have to work the details out. I will keep looking and it would be great help if you could too, that is if you dont mind. I really liked that 1.51ct, so if there is another one like that, I will def look at buying it.

A: My Pleasure! This one’s got an awesome cut, but it’s a bit expensive:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1289140.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Can you hack that price, or do you need to keep it a little lower?

Stay safe!

Q: i may need to keep it a bit lower, but i will keep it in reserve, well i should say until someone else buys it lol.

A: Ha! Let me know when you resolve the shipping issue and you’ve got your finger on the trigger. Then I’ll go back and find you some more options.

Q: Ok, I have finally figured everything out and am ready and willing to pull the trigger.

A: Sure thing. Here’s a great option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1260690.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s got an amazing cut. Don’t pay attention to the fact that JA gives it a “premium” cut. It’s rare to find a princess cut with a table under 70%. Also, it’s pretty much the same size as the others that I sent you that you liked.

Q: I just wanted to let you know that I purchased the last diamond you sent to me. I just wanted to thank you for your help and quick responses. You are unbelieveable to work with and I am definately going to recommend you to everyone I know! Thank you again, you helped me out a lot.

A: It was my pleasure! I wish you and your fiance to be a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!

Please let me know how the ring looks when you get it.

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