In this section of the site, I publish some interesting private exchanges I have had with readers of the site who have contacted me via the “Ask a Question” form. I believe you will find that the questions and answers are both interesting and educational. Of course, names have been removed to preserve privacy.
Use the filter below to find Q&As relevant to your diamond search:
Hi Ira, I love the site. Very helpful – you’ve already saved me money by showing I can still get a great diamond by relaxing some of my initial standards. I feel I’ve taken your advice on what to look for, but I was thinking maybe you could give me your thoughts on a few …
Hello! Love the site!! I’ve learned so much and thank you for so much great information. I’m not sure whether you answer questions without a service charge but i’ll ty anyway! I’m located in Canada and i’m really liking what I see on the James Allen website. I’ve read so many great reviews plus they …
Hi- I have discovered your site and am intrigued. I’m hoping to buy an engagement ring within the next month, quicker if possible. My budget is between 10K and 12K for the ring and the band. I was hoping to get a center diamond of approximately 1.5 carets for this price. Do you think this …
Hi Ira, I’ve been trolling your site for *months* while I have tried to surreptitiously find out what style setting, cut of stone (and other attributes) my girlfriend of six years would like on an engagement ring. I think I’ve finally managed to narrow it down to an emerald cut diamond on a baguette-tapered platinum …
Ira- I feel so lucky to have come across your website, the wealth of information here is almost unbelievable. Thank you so much for providing it all. My question is relatively simple – in your experience and opinion, is it better to purchase online or from a local jeweler? I think there are some price …
Hello, I Was wondering if this is fairly typical, and if not, how “visible” would the markings be on the SI1 diamond referenced? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1261007.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1274235.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 Those are two stones I’m looking at for an engagement ring, and it is quite obvious that one has visible (feathering?) on the table. I can’t imagine how this wouldn’t …
Hi Ira, I’ve been looking at your site for many months now so first of all I’d like to thank you for explaining what to look for in a diamond in such a clear yet thorough way. I appreciate that you must be a very busy man but 2 minutes of your time would be …
Hi, I’m looking for the best diamond I can get for my budget. I’m hoping I can spend $5,000 or less on an engagement ring but I am also willing to step it up to $6,000 if it is an absolute killer deal. What I’m looking for: Shape – Round diamond Ring – Platinum/White Gold …
You just did a post (link below) about a situation just like mine. https://www.diamonds.pro/qa-3500-budget-first-wants-round-brilliant-then-changes-mind-and-opts-for-a-princess-cut/#more-2447 Just looking for an update if anything new/better has come across James Allen. I am in the $3500 for the diamond range, +/- a couple hundred if there is that “$3800 special”. We swapped emails a bit ago, finally looking to pull …
Hello, I have been dating my girlfriend for 8 and a half years ever since the beginning of high school, and now that we are both graduated and working, it’s time to propose. On top of that, we are taking a trip to europe in the first week of February, and I would love to …
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