This is probably a silly question, but do I need to buy the diamond and the ring from the same place? I mean, if I buy a diamond from your site and want it mounted on a ring from Tiffany’s will they do that? Or will some stores do it, but others won’t?
Sorry for the delay in responding to your inquiry. I hope you received my explanation I sent out last night.
As for this specific question, you don’t NEED to buy the diamond and ring from the same place, but it’s definitely recommended. The reason is simply that while the diamond hasn’t shipped and is being set by the store that sold it to you, it’s their responsibility. So if it chips during setting, it’s their loss. But if you buy the stone loose, and your independent jeweler chips the stone, you’re screwed.
As for your specific stone, are you aware of any taxes I need to take into account when importing a diamond into Japan?
Thanks for your advice.
I plan on getting around the taxation problem by sending the ring via military mail to a Navy base south of Tokyo. That way, it doesn’t have to go through customs.
Btw, my gf and I were looking at diamonds here in Japan but it is very confusing because they have different companies who certify. And some are not as reputable as others. I see that all the diamonds on your website are GIA certified so at least I can compare apples to apples.
That sounds like a great plan. I’m sorry again for the delay getting back to you! And I’m also sorry that I don’t have an answer yet. I was all ready to find you a great stone now, but then I realized that I don’t yet know if your budget includes the setting or if it’s just for the diamond. If it includes the setting – you only mentioned that it should be platinum. What kind of style? Sidestones? Solitaire? I just need to get a general idea of how much of the budget will be left for the diamond only.
I look forward to hearing from you! And next time, the response should be much quicker. I plan on being totally caught up with my emails by tonight.
Thanks for your help. I would like a round shape. My gf wants a platinum ring with lots of diamonds on the side. Something like this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-2809.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
She said that size is the most important factor for her, but naturally we don’t want a cheap looking diamond. I was thinking clarity VS1-2 and color J or K. I can’t really tell the difference between the cuts but looking at your search results, it doesn’t seem like cut has as much of an impact on the cost, like clarity and color do.
My budget is around $8,000, excluding the ring, so if you could give me recommendations on how to maximize my budget, I would really appreciate it.
One more question, I have been using your sites search functionality to look at loose diamonds. I like James Allen’s functionality which lets me look at the exact diamond I am buying. Given my lower specifications for clarity and color, do how important do you think it is to see a picture of the actual diamond before buying it? I live in Japan so shopping in person at a brick and mortar shop in the States is not possible, and it is much cheaper for me to buy from the States than here.
I think it’s still very important to buy from JA. I personally think you should go down to an SI1 or SI2. I can help you pick on that’ll be completely clean to the naked eye. That’s something I can only do on JA.
THis for example, is a great example of what kind of a huge stone you can get if you go down to an SI2:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1313829.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Great. I like the idea of buying from JA, too.
This is the exact ring my gf wants:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-1921.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Do you think the diamond below would look good in this?
Or since the small diamond colors are G-H would that make the large J diamond look yellowish?
I think the Js would look great in that ring. You don’t really have to worry about color comparisons unless the side stones are significantly larger.
Also, remember to use the TAD0611 coupon code to get 10% off the setting.
Great. How do I move forward?
First I need to increase the limit on my card so I can pay for the ring and the stone at the same time. My current limit is USD 8800 but they said I can call back after the 3 day weekend to increase it.
get that worked out with the credit card and then just place the order online. I think it’s fairly straightforward. If you would prefer, you can order by phone as well.
I called JA and they said I could pay partially with card and partially with bank transfer. So I’m all set!
I’ll just confirm that the diamond is fine with my gf (hiding the size and cost on the page, of course) and then order.
Thanks for your help.
Great! Please let me know what you think once it arrives!
Thanks! I just ordered and used your code
They said it won’t arrive until next month because they are so busy at the moment but I’ll let you know what I think of it.
Great news! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!
The ring finally arrived and I love it! I’m sure she’ll love it to when I give it to her this weekend.
Thanks again for your help.
Such fantastic news! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Do you think you might be able to do me a small favor and leave me a review on ivouch? I would greatly appreciate it! My site is still relatively new, and these reviews help me build credibility. If you have the time, here’s a direct link:
(LINK REMOVED – SEE REVIEW HERE)
Thanks! And I wish you and your fiance-to-be a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!
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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