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Hi, I have been learning a lot from you site and browsing online, but I also wanted to go and see some diamonds/rings in person so I stopped by my local Jared. They had one very nice round cut diamond that I liked:
GSI Report (From Dec 2012)
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 8.41 – 8.30 x 5.32
Carat: 2.34
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Very Good
Cost: 23.5k
Visually it was more colorless than other H’s that they had in the store (and looked great on the setting), also it looked visually clean under a loupe. Since it is a GSI certificate I am toying with the idea of paying for a GIA certification prior to purchasing it, what are your thoughts? Is GSI equivalent to IGI?
I have been looking at some rings on JamesAllen as well. I want something eye clean and colorless enough to look good against a vintage setting. Is there any additional considerations when looking at diamonds in the 2.5 carat range? I am mostly looking at round cut, but also entertaining the thought of a princess cut at this point.
Why would you pay for GIA certification? Its only going to disappoint you as that diamond will come out to a very poor deal if you see the real grades. You are also going to get a cut grade and realize that its poorly cut (the diamond is far too deep) A diamond of that size has a GSI certificate for one reason only; it got an inflated grade and they can make more money off of you. I have very little respect for Jared.
What is your budget for the diamond? I’ll make some recommendations for you (try to get the biggest diamond possible in your range).
I knew you’d say that! Looking at the dimensions, I had a feeling the cut would be poor. I will say that the diamond looked great in person though.
My budget is in the 25-30k range. I would love if you could help narrow down my search, but even more than that, if you could educate me on what I need to look for in diamonds of this size.
This would be my recommendations for you:
What do you think?
It looks beautiful. Would the “I” color be noticeable against a setting with other smaller diamonds? If not, I think this would be perfect!
Is it a halo setting?
Not a halo, but something like this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-scroll-basket-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1263?a_aid=dmnd1357
The I color is not an issue with a setting like that.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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