We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
I’m looking to buy a diamond engagement ring for my soon to be fiance. With two children in college, I need to watch my budget.
With my taste for high quality, I want a brilliant beautiful diamond and have been looking at E / D, VVS1 and above diamonds in the 1.30 to 1.51 carat range. Though the diamonds I have looked at on both Blue Nile and James Allen are beautiful in the images, the prices are quite high for that quality.
I know your site tends to point people to a lower color and clarity. Do you have any advice that may help in my search?
I’m happy to recommend diamonds with any grades you want, but the reason we don’t usually recommend the highest color and clarity grades is that those grades look identical to lower ones once the diamond is set. That said, we don’t think it makes sense to pay a premium for something you wouldn’t even be able to see with your bare eyes. It’s not high color and clarity grades what makes a diamond beautiful and brilliant, it’s the cut.
I have a few diamonds saved to my wish list at James Allen. I am looking to purchase a diamond that is really brilliant and dazzling. I want my fiancé to be stunned by the appearance.
With little background in diamonds, I was looking for the higher color and clarity diamonds with excellent cut, polish, and symmetry. With no florescence, and a GIA certification. The challenge I face with these is the cost. Though I can afford it. I do not want to take away from the money I am using for my two children’s college of which both are currently attending.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated!!
Thank you for the additional information.
Can you send me up to five diamonds you have saved on JA? I’m happy to take a closer look at them and give you my feedback.
Here are a few of the diamonds I have looked at in the James Allen site:
Some are a little pricey. I believe all are a higher color than your company would normally pick.
Not really knowing diamonds, I don’t know where the best bang for the dollar would be when trying to pick a dazzling, brilliant diamond.
All of them are absolutely stunning. They are perfectly eye-clean and beautifully cut.
My favorite one is this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6453998?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s gorgeous (and as for the rest of them, there’s no reason to pay more for something identical).
Yesterday, I purchased it.
Thank you for your assistance.
That’s great news, Tim! I’m glad I could help you.
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
