When I saw that our mutual friend Drew Hinkes posted your Anderson Cooper appearance on Facebook, I checked around on your site and I knew immediately that you were someone I needed to talk to. I am clueless about buying an engagement ring, and don’t want to break the bank.
I always thought ordering online was taboo, and since a friend of mine’s father owns a jewelry store, I always thought I’d purchase from him. But since you’re so high on ordering from the web (James Allen, in particular), I would like to explore that avenue now — hopefully with your help. If you can spare the time, I’d greatly appreciate it!
Happy to help – especially a friend of Drew’s. Lets start with figuring out what your budget is and what kind of setting you want. We need to narrow these things down so I can know what kind of diamond budget we’re working with.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thanks a lot Ira, I’ll be indebted to you forever!
I’m looking for something classy, more simple than gaudy. Total budget is probably around $4K, but would love to keep it around $3K since we are looking to buy a house soon. After perusing on James Allen, I think I like the pave setting. We went to a local jewelry store and were pretty overwhelmed with all the choices, but here’s a few that I think will work.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-4112.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/Platinum-Double-Claw-Prong-Surprise-Ring.html
As for the cut… Again, my knowledge is pretty low and I’m open to suggestions. Could be round, square, or even the cushion cut on JA is interesting. Whatever will give me the best bang for my buck and still result in something nice.
I’ll keep reading on your site for more info to try to educate myself!
Ok, so considering that those 4 settings are more or less the same in terms of price and design, I’ll leave that final decision up to you. There’s not really much I could recommend in the way of the setting, as it’s really just a personal matter of taste and style. As for the diamond, if you’re not sure, I would suggest you stick with round. It’s the most classic shape. It’s also the most brilliant shape around and for the money it gives you the most surface area of diamond. So here’s what I like for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1431916.asp – this one pushes your budget a bit, though
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1439104.asp– this one’s probably a better deal
let me know what you think of those!
Just looking at the pictures, they look the same to me. What should I be looking for besides its specs?
On a side note, do you mind if I ask how your business model works? You should be charging for all the great advice you give!
Price, really. And diameter.
See this article here to answer your question: https://www.diamonds.pro/truth-about/diamonds-pro/
Interesting business model you have for yourself and I hope it’s going well. Do you have a referral code or link or is the tracking cookie enough? Want to make sure you get something, and I’ll probably order within the next week or two. Once the deed is done, I’ll gladly give you a plug on Twitter/FB and if there’s any other places where you see people are leaving reviews that will drive traffic to your site, I will gladly post a writeup on there as well — just let me know.
Back to my question below as far as the stone itself. Price is #1 of course, but what about the whole inclusion thing? Are they visible when using JA’s virtual loupe? Is it something a layperson would notice? Overrated factor?
One more question: difference between channel set and pave set. They look very similar and I read that the channel setting has no separation between each diamond, whereas the pave has small separation because they are placed on top of the band. Besides that, is there one that has a better sparkle/look or is it really just a matter of personal preference.
Thanks again!
The tracking information that was placed on your computer once you clicked on those links I sent you should be enough. Just try to remember if you can to click on one of them again before you’re ready to buy.
By the way, you can order by phone as well. They’ll send you a link later on to check your order status, when you click that, your cookies will sync to your order number.
Thanks for your offer for a review! I just might take you up on it!
As for the two stones, the inclusions are barely visible under magnification, so they definitely will not be visible to the naked eye. Nobody would notice anything negative in either of those two options.
As for channel vs. pave, there’s nothing objective I could add to the conversation. It’s really just a matter of style! there’s no “benefit” of one over the other.
It all went down this weekend, and the ring was just perfect — except being a little too big. Couldn’t have gotten this kind of deal without you! I’m ready to write a review for you now — just tell me which site to post to.
Thanks for help making this happen.
Great news! Congrats! Thanks so much for the offer. here’s a direct link to post a review:
xxxxxx
Thanks again!
Here you go sir! Happy to post it anywhere else if there’s other sites that help you drive traffic!
http://www.ivouch.com/diamonds-pro/diamond-shopping-contact-truth-about-diamonds-before-you-buy
Cheers!
That’s fantastic! Thanks so much!
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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