Q&A: Choosing a Round AGS or GIA Certified 0.8+ Ct. Diamond for $4000 Budget

Thanks a lot for the great content on your site!

I’m looking to purchase an engagement ring in the near future, and have found your site very helpful in clearing out all the sales pitches and misinformation. In your opinion, is there an advantage to purchasing a diamond from an online site and then taking it to a jeweler to have it fitted to a ring, or would it be just as economical to get a diamond from a local jeweler? 

Hi and nice to meet you.

Thank you for getting back to me. Over the weekend, I went to a local jeweler, and armed with the prices I found online and what I’ve learned from the site, I can’t see spending such a premium in a brick-and-mortar store (easily 800-1000 more for a comparable stone at JA, and that’s not even including the premium for a certification). My question was asked prior to going out and doing this, so I think I’ve answered it already.

My budget is currently around $4000 for the stone. I’m looking through JA for their settings as well, but that’s more of an intuitive process rather than selecting the stone, which is a more academic endeavor. At a minimum though, I’d most likely purchase the stone online. I’d read on the TAD website says that you would help locate good stones according to criteria; is this correct?

I’m looking for the following:

Round Brilliant (just like everyone else…I know)
Cut: Ideal/Excellent or better
Carat: .8-.99 (better cut would trump higher weight)
Color: H-I (setting is going to be white gold)
Clarity: SI2 or higher. I’d be willing to entertain an I1 if the inclusion was on the edge where I could hide it with the setting, but really want to make sure it’s truly ‘eye-clean’.

I’m looking for AGS or GIA certified only. I talked with JA about their certifications and they say that some of their stones are IGI, which is flagged as something to avoid on several sources I’ve looked at, including TAD.

Thank a lot for all the great info you’ve given already! 

Thank you! I’ve got a batch of stones I’m comparing on JA, and am having these 3 reviewed by JA.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.92-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232020?a_aid=dmnd1357 (inclusion is on crown, so might not be a big deal)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.84-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-228063?a_aid=dmnd1357 (highest end of my budget)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-243496?a_aid=dmnd1357 (one of your picks)

I think i might be getting hung up on inclusions that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, but are showing up on the videos of the stones.

For example, this is a nice one, but can’t tell if the inclusion would be negligible or not.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.92-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232020?a_aid=dmnd1357

Your thoughts?