Firstly, thank you for a great website! I’m searching for a 1ct loose diamond for use in an engagement ring. My budget is max USD 8 000. Looking at Blue Nile and James Allen a notice a huge difference in price for a 1.01ct, E, IF, Ideal, GIA. The price at Blue Nile is USD 16000 (stock# Blue Nile LD02102757) while James Allen charges half (stock # 1378481), USD 8000. Why the huge difference?? I don’t get it…
Thank you!
Wow, that’s nuts! NO idea why that is. I’ve never seen such a big difference in price between the two sites before. The only noticeable thing is the one on BN is a 1.10 – but that only explains 10% of the price difference.
Thanks for your swift reply! True, the BN is slightly larger but still… to me the one at James Allen seems to be an excellent buy within that category.
Definitely true!
The stone just jumped up USD1000 in price, so maybe not so good anymore.
Rap list increased today. That’s why. See attached screenshot. Bad timing! Price went up almost 24%!
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, see here:
Yup, bad timing indeed! What is your opinion, is it still a fair price?
Definitely
Thanks, I’ve just bought the stone!
Congrats!
Could you possibly indicate somewhat the “average or normal price” for such a stone that I’ve just bought? Finally, when it comes to loose stones as a pure investment, has the price historically increased in line with inflation or what is the yearly rate of return for diamonds?
I think you paid a slightly below average price for this stone. You definitely got a great deal.
As far as diamonds as investments are concerned, I’m against it. See my article on clarity:
Thank you, and for an interesting article. After reading your article I feel that maybe I don’t need such a high quality stone. As the human eye clearly can’t tell the difference I’m thinking of maybe buying a 1.25 rather than a 1ct. Basically, what I’m looking for is a 1 ct or above that looks good on an engagement ring. Would be great if costs max USD 5000 (maybe I don’t need to pay the extra 3000 USD for a top notch stone). Could you possibly help me with suggestions on James Allen’s website?
This is what I would recommend:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1379150.asp
This stone has a perfect cut and will look amazing.
Thank you so much for the info below! Unfortunately it looks like the diamond is on hold. Could you possibly help with some other suggestions?
Here you go:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1362433.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1381080.asp
Could you once again possibly help me with some advice? My lady suddenly realized she wants a round diamond rather than a princess (still 1ct) for her ring (glad she was able to tell me before I placed an order…). Could you possibly give me suggestions on a stone? Would be nice if the cost could be around 5000 USD but maybe its tricky? Thank you!
This one has a perfect cut, but you’ll have to check with JA to make sure it’ll be eye clean:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1379634.asp
Here is another nice option:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1332097.asp
Thank you so much Ira for your suggestions! Tell me, since round diamonds are more expensive than princess cut would it better to pay a bit more than 5500usd to get higher quality? Your second option feels like a good alternative, but I truly want the lady to think that the stone looks good on a ring. Whats your opinion, would the extra cost of buying a 6-7000 stone be worth it?
Thank you!
That might be worthwhile. Here are some great options with the higher budget:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1370387.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1381905.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1378797.asp
Great, thank you Ira! One more question, could the eye tell the difference between a stone mounted in a ring with e.g. I-SI2 or SI1 versus a ring with a stone with e.g. H-VS? What’s your opinion, is it better to spend the extra money on a higher carat than an upgrade in clarity and color?
100% it’s better to spend on the upgrade in carats than color and clarity. To make a meaningful difference visually, you need to upgrade 3 color grades. And eye clean is eye clean, so there’s no benefit to upgrading clarity once you’ve achieved eye cleanliness.
Great, thank you! The three stones you recommended in your last email, are they all eye clean? So in essence, without a loop the eye can’t tell the difference between a ring with a I-SI2 versus a ring with say a G-VS?
Yes, that’s correct. Of course, assuming cut is the same and the SI2 is a nice eye clean SI2.
Thank you so much for your advice! I have ordered the diamond below.
Congrats! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!
Will do, I’m picking it up in NYC in two weeks time. Have a great week!
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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