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Hello, Your website has helped me tremendously as I try to buy a loose diamond for an engagement ring. So first I must thank you for all of the information that you provide. Additionally, you’ve introduced me to James Allen and I am planning on eventually purchasing a diamond from the site.
I have a budget of about $12,000 for a loose diamond. I’m looking for a round diamond with the largest size and best cut that I can afford for the money. Regarding color and clarity, I just want to make sure that it is eye clean and that it isn’t showing too much noticeable color. I plan to have it set in a plain solitaire with rose gold.
The diamond in the above link is an example of those that I’ve been looking at. I know that James Allen makes the magnifications noticeable, but I’d like to know if inclusions like these will be noticeable to the naked eye. If so, how close would one have to be to notice them? Additionally, do you think there is a noticeable amount of color in the diamond, or does it not matter nearly as much since I’ll be setting it in rose gold?
Finally, do you think James Allen’s “True Hearts” and “Ideal” cuts are necessary for optimal shimmer, or do you think “Very Good” will also provide a lot of shimmer?
Thank you again for your advice.
You seem to be on the right track. I’d be happy to take you all the way home from here.
1) We love James Allen, but I don’t think their True Hearts are worth the money. However, I would not drop to a Very Good cut.
2) J color will be fine in a rose gold solitaire, so long as you get a well cut diamond.
3)I understand your concerns about the inclusions. It takes some experience to figure out which diamonds are eye-clean and which ones aren’t. Fortunately for you, I have tons of experience staring at JAs videos (and some other sites). The diamond you selected is very nice, but the inclusion at 12 oclock on the table is concerning. I would avoid that diamond.
4) I prefer this diamond for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.82-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-211235?a_aid=dmnd1357
Its funny that an SI2 is more eye-clean than an SI1, but thats part of the diamond buying game. This diamond is superbly cut and will actually look larger than the 1.90ct you selected (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/).
What do you think?
Thanks very much for the helpful advice. I really do like the diamond that you recommended. I’m going to look around on James Allen a bit more, but I already think I’m leaning toward this diamond; it’s one of the best that I’ve seen within my price range.
Do you have any advice regarding insuring the diamond? Also, do you think a laser inscription is necessary for potential theft recovery?
I don’t think laser inscription is necessary. Best insurance suggestion is add it to homeowners/renters.
I was wondering if you’d mind helping me out once again.
I was unable to make up my mind in time and the round diamond that you recommended has since sold.
I had been leaning toward rounds, but my girlfriend has been indicating that she really wants a cushion.
My concerns about cushions are that flaws may be more noticeable and that color is more easily discernible (though the later may not be much of an issue if I have the diamond set in rose gold).
I’m also wondering how the sparkle of a cushion compares to a round. I had visited a retail jeweler before looking online, and they had really sold me hard away from cushions. They told me that rounds are the best for sparkle and that cushions can’t compare. Is this true?
Anyway, I followed your guide to cushion diamonds on your website, and here are two examples of diamonds that I found on James Allen within my $10,000 – $12,000 budget:
Are these good examples of size and value for the money? Or is the cut or clarity sub-par?
I would stick with the 1.92. The inclusions are very bad on the 2.10ct. The 1.92 is a fantastic diamond.
I know it’s been a little while since our last email, but I wanted to let you know I finally made a diamond purchase with James Allen. Thank your again for all of the advice that you provided in email and on your website.
Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.
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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