Hello Diamond Pro Team!
I recently purchased a 2.01 carat diamond color I from James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6066657?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, when the diamond arrived it had a warmer tint that was not to my liking and in direct sunlight there is a slight bow tie effect that is enough to bother me. I’ve contacted James Allen to inquire about exchange and plan to do so.
I am still left feeling not very confident on which diamond to select as my replacement to achieve my goal of a whiter diamond with less bow tie effect. I thought I should target G color diamond, but I was recommended diamonds with color G, F, H. The diamond I originally purchased looked great in the videos, so I am having a difficult time identifying a replacement diamond with less bow tie effect.
I recognize that I may need to lower carat weight in order to achieve my goal but also stay within budget. Would it be possible for experts from your staff to assist me to make a more informed decision on which replacement diamond to purchase from James Allen?
Thank you so much for your time.
It is true that I-color ovals (especially over 1.5ct) tend to show their color more. We recommend H+ at the lowest to ensure the colorless impression. Regarding the bow-tie effect, well, every oval will have a small one. We can try to find a diamond with a very subtle bow-tie, but even then it’s going to be slightly noticeable. Just keep that in mind, please.
Can you tell me your budget for the diamond?
I would like to spend equal to or less than I spent on my original purchase of the diamond which would be $14,800.
Thank you very much for assisting me in hopefully selecting a replacement diamond that is whiter with very subtle bow tie effect.
I found items number 5526862, 6641287, 6624450, 6687797, 6691784 as options for the replacement diamond. Are they any good?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5526862?a_aid=dmnd1357
The bow-tie on this one is on the stronger side.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6641287?a_aid=dmnd1357
I don’t like this one. It has a slightly more pronounced bow-tie.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.04-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6624450?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is a no-go. Strong fluorescence should be avoided on anything higher than a J color. Otherwise, the diamond might appear hazy/milky.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6687797?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m not a huge fan of the bow-tie on this one.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.80-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6691784?a_aid=dmnd1357
Medium fluorescence. For DEFG diamonds you should get only none or faint fluorescence. Plus, the cavity listed in the certificate is a potential issue. We recommend against diamonds with cavities.
I found this one that has a minimal bow-tie and looks great to me:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6670887?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s also nicely cut and eye-clean.
You’re valuable input has given me much needed reassurance. You’ve touched upon pieces of information that I’ve tried to inquire about. Thank you so much for your recommendation for replacement diamond.
I looked at both diamonds side by side to try to evaluate and I think I see the difference in how it sparkles/reflects light but I’m no expert! I presume that your recommendation is the best option from the dozen or so diamonds that are available on James Allen (apologize if I’m being pesky!)?
Also, one last question before I proceed with the purchase because I’ve read slightly different recommendations is that the depth percentage, table percentage, and L/W ratio are ideal to ensure brilliance and sparkle?
JA focuses on the technical side of the diamonds in their photos, not the brilliance. The brilliance is caused by the cut parameters that you can find in the cert. It doesn’t matter that one of the diamonds looks “less sparkly” than the other. That’s not important there.
I’m glad you like the diamond I recommended, I like it too. It was the best option I found for up to $14,800 that had the least pronounced bow-tie. Regarding the cut parameters we use, we like to keep the depth % below 74 and the table % below 75 to maximize brilliance. The L:W ratio of 1.28 is on the lower edge of what we recommend, but in this case it’s fine. The diamond has a nice oval shape and it’s symmetrical.
Thank you so very much!! I will proceed and contact James Allen today to complete the exchange process. I can’t thank you enough for helping me! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! 🙂
I’m glad I could help you. If you could let me know how the diamond looks when you receive it, I’d appreciate it.
I certainly will. I’m so bummed I called James Allen today but the diamond you recommended is no longer available. Would it be possible to recommend the next best option? I’ll make it a point to call James Allen ASAP once you’ve replied with the second recommendation.
That’s a pity that the previous diamond got snatched up. But I found two lovely alternatives:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-5294088?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2354525?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thank you! I was able to make the exchange earlier today for the 1.71 F oval diamond.
It was my pleasure helping you.
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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
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- 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
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