Q&A: Buying a Diamond is Like Taking My Car to the Mechanic, Help!

Let me start off by saying I’m glad there are guys like you out there helping out willing to help out people – willing to share your expertise, through your website / Q & A posts.

When I first thought of having to buy a diamond, I got the sinking feeling (probably similar to that feeling when a female takes her car in to the mechanics and says “My car is making a strange sound.” Not that this is true of all girls, nor of all mechanics – but I think you know what I mean). However, that was before I talked to my friend, (Patrick C) who referred me to your website (who was referred to the site by another friend David H).

I’m looking to buy a round diamond for $2,500 – $3,000. I don’t have a setting yet, as I will let the soon to be fiance choose the ring (I think she’ll lean toward white gold/platinum). I would be very grateful if you could recommend a few diamonds that you feel are the best value, in your expert opinion.

Thanks in advance

My name is X, and I was refered to Truthaboutdiamonds by my friend Patrick C, who has been in contact with you via email, 2-3 weeks ago(?). I told him that I was looking for an engagement ring, and he referred me to the website (Truthaboutdiamonds.com), which has been EXTREMELY helpful.

I sent in a request for recommedations for a diamond last Thursday evening but as of tonight, I haven’t heard anything back. I asked Patrick about this, and he told me that he was emailing you through this email address, so I’m hoping there are no glitches this way – and I hope I’m not breaking any protocol by emailing you vs the site link (which I’m hesitant to do again, since I didn’t get a response for whatever reason.

Anyhow, I’m looking for a round diamond, with a budget of up to $3,000 for the diamond alone. Ideally, I’m looking for .75 carat, eye clean, and sparkly! I have a feeling I’m limited by my budget, but if I could find a diamond with some great color (G/H) that’d be fantastic. (I’ve been told it doesn’t hurt to ask, so I’m gonna ask) ; D.

Thus far, on the James Allen website, I saw 1437427 – is there another inclusion besides the “bubble” spot at the 12:00 position? How noticeable would this be (the bubble spot, or any other inclusions)? Eye Clean? What do you think about this diamond in general?

The diamond 1390137 I’m guessing the SI2 is the opaque line at the 3:00 position. Do you think that would be noticeable once it was in a setting (18K white gold band – no other diamonds on the band)? Any thoughts on this diamond?

If you have other recommendations, I would be very, very grateful!!

If I need to provide any other info that might be needed, please let me know, and I will get back to you ASAP!

Thank you in advance for your time, and consideration!!

Ok, yeah, sorry. It did go to spam (I rarely get anything from anyone in there, which is why I didn’t look sooner, but that has been resolved. It should be fine. Email is fine. Thanks so much for your quick response.

Thanks so much for your super quick response, your frank opinion, and for pointing out other diamonds. Very, very helpful, for which I’m extremely grateful for (I’m sure you’ve heard that many times from other customers as well). Now its the “time to ponder/consider” decision time ha ha.

Would you give me your thoughts on the 2 diamonds below?

www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1488238.asp

would the speck at the 11:30 position and 1:30 position be noticeable to the naked eye/ eye clean in general?

www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498653.asp

compared to the one that was mentioned in the previous email below

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390137.asp

Do you have any other recommendations?

Again, thank you in advance!!

Thanks for your thoughts. I was actually looking at settings at a local jewelery store yesterday. After taking a look at some diamonds (comparing prices), and figuring out what budget I was working with (for the diamonds), the jeweler presented me with a diamond in a platinum setting. She told me a customer had traded in the diamond/ring because the original store where it had been bought (Zales) – the trade in deal was a very low price. The customer went to the jeweler, and the jeweler gave her a better trade in price (I didn’t ask how much). The actual receipt that was there (which I didn’t take a pic of) showed a price of $7000 for both the diamond & ring. The jeweler said she would sell the diamond and platinum setting for $3600 before CA sales tax(a little more than $3900 including tax).

This was a very unexpected find (at least I think it’s one) for me (also having looked at some of the diamonds on James Allen & Blue Nile and I looked at some other mall type retailers -to which all I can say is yikes!!!). I would just like to know if there’s anything I need to watch out for, based on what you can see from the reports/ and based on your experience in the past, and your opinion of this stone, if you would be kind enough/willing to do so. I’ve attached copies of the paperwork that were with the the ring/setting.

I would be very grateful for any expert advice you provided.

Thanks (again) in advance,

whew, I was leaning toward that heavily too. Thanks for pointing out the other radiants. I think I really prefer the rounds – I think she would too – they just seem to sparkle more. The search continues . . .

Appreciate your showing me different options – always feel that it’s good to keep my options open.

What are your thoughts on 1400790 or 1501650, or any other diamonds that may have seen recently?

Thanks for your recommendation. I’m keeping it on my list . . . I also saw the following diamonds . . . (in this case – slightly bigger than 1491077).

What are your thoughts on 1461745? Is the inclusion the bubble/ chip that is at the 830 (halfway between 8 & 9 position)? How noticeable would that be?

1467890 seems to have a purple tinge even though it’s G colored. Is this what you refer to to as a strong blue forescence (in reference to 1437427 in email from 6/27), or is it something else?

There’s no picture for 1437427, but I was wondering if you were privy to info before a pic might be posted.

Hope you had a good weekend. I was looking at the following diamonds

1482787 0.90 Carat J-VS2 Good Cut Round Diamond

1479655 0.85 Carat I-VS2 Very Good Cut Round Diamond

May I ask for your opinion on these two? Is there something that you like better than the two above? Something else you could recommend in the I/J color, for the same price range which might be of better value than the diamond below?

I’m still considering one that we first discussed (below). But I think there are better values out there. I’ve looked at some more, diamonds and since I believe the general saying is that size trumps color (depending on who you ask of course) – either the 2 diamonds above might be better in value than the one listed below.

1390137 0.76 Carat G-SI2 Excellent Cut Round Diamond

Thanks again, as always, for your assistance.

PS Just out of curiousity – do you ever say a diamond is “great” or “above average” or something other than “ok”? Just wondering. ; D

I will be getting a solitaire setting, which is why I was looking at the I/J color diamonds. I was hoping I could move up a bit in size, and move away from the higher color diamonds, while still getting an eye clean stone. Do you have any thoughts on that?

Ok. Thank you for pointing that out. I really appreciate your input through the many emails! This has been a big decision for me, (deciding to get engaged & the financial aspect of the ring), and you have DEFINITELY helped me keep sane (I hope I didn’t drive you too crazy though!) ; D LOL!

I went ahead and ordered the diamond over the phone. I went with 1390137, the first one I picked out. When I placed the order, I told them to give you credit, and when I called back again today to make sure you were noted, the gentleman said it was noted on my order.

Please let me know if there are any issues with this (I don’t imagine there would be, but just in case). I want to make sure you get the proper credit.

My Sincere Thanks!!

I had the diamond set at the Jeweler’s today! It looks awesome!!! (Now I just hope she thinks the same! ha ha!) Thanks again for ALL your assistance Mike! Again, I cannot say HOW MUCH I appreciate your advice!

Thanks for the well wishes. Just wanted to let you know that I proposed to my girl over the weekend. She loves the diamond ring. Thank you so much for your advice! Just finished writing /posted review on ivouch (sorry, I know it took a while, but I was getting stuff ready for the surprise engagement).