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Hi, my boyfriend and I are shopping for a round diamond around 2ct for as close to (or under) $15k as possible.
It’ll be set as a solitaire with platinum head and yellow gold shank (think Tiffany). We found this one for $14,040 on James Allen, what do you think?
[/answer]I wouldn’t recommend that diamond. Its cert says “clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” This means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it. You should never buy a diamond with this note.
I’m happy to find a better option for you if you like. [/answer]
Thank you for your candor! You’re the fourth person to give us the same review and I wouldn’t want to buy a G that doesn’t look like a G so I think we’re moving on from that diamond.
I read that GIA sets standard, how does affect a diamond that was graded by IGI or AGS? James Allen uses all three labs so I’m trying to figure out if I should filter for GIA only as it limits the options if we want to stay as close to $15k as possible.
Also, what do you think is the best value and look out of these?
We merely recommend purchasing diamonds certified by GIA or AGS only. That’s what ensures that the diamond you are getting actually matches the quality claims: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/.
We recommend avoiding IGI lab if possible. Their lab is less consistent and they inflate the color/clarity grades by at least one (on average).
Here’s what I recommend for a yellow gold solitaire setting with platinum prongs:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.00-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4189511?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are beautifully cut and are going to be very bright and brilliant.
What do you think?
Thanks for the lab insight!
The options you sent are beautiful but my boyfriend is concerned with being able to see the yellow in them. A jeweler did a demonstration in person and we were able to see difference between I and G and that’s all he needed to become somewhat fixated on the letter. The goal then became getting the highest color he can get over clarity. Is there anything you’d recommend with an I or H color, as close to 2 ct as possible, from James Allen? We are also open to looking at Blue Nile (also recommended by a friend) and Brian Gavin. Brian Gavin has the setting I like the most if that means anything for the search.
Thanks for the additional info.
If you’re looking at diamonds in stores, it’s important to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. GIA to GIA. GIA’s J color looks perfectly colorless in a solitaire setting, while IGI’s J (which is actually K or lower) or EGL’s J (which is anything from a K to an M) doesn’t.
Also, you don’t base the color choice on the pictures on the website, there’re various factors that can affect how the diamond looks (especially the lightning in the room where the video was recorded). All you need is the cert (GIA or AGS only).
Let me know what you think of that. I’m happy to recommend any grades you want, I just want you to make an informed decision.
We did some more research with your advice in mind and ended up getting the 2.23 J diamond you recommended from James Allen. Thanks for your help!
That is fantastic news! That diamond is was an excellent choice.
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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