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Q&A: Choosing Between Two 1.5 Ct. Round Diamonds

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Thank you for your excellent website. We are torn between two diamonds and would like your expert opinion on their appearance vs value for money:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-233057?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.53-carat-h-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-121848?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks in advance! 

Stay away from the H I1 you selected. Never buy a diamond that has a ‘clarity grade based on cloud not shown’ comment. That means the cloud is very big and strong and the diamond will have no brilliance.

The J SI2 you selected is fantastic. Excellent buy.

Thank you very much for your advice! And thank you for your ongoing excellent work. 

Let me know how it looks when it arrives (if you end up getting it). 

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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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