To begin, thank you very much for the expertise you’ve offered on this website. It’s been educational! I’m looking for a a 1.25-1.75 carat round diamond for my fiancee. We’ve looked at a lot of different settings, and we’ve found one we like, namely
http://www.debeers.com/bridal/engagement-rings/j1ex01b02p/db-classic-solitaire-ring
That ring is outside our price range of $10k, but I live in New York City, and found a jeweler with amazing Yelp reviews that said he could construct something similar. Thus, I’m only looking for a diamond. Do you have any advice about how to find the best diamond? We don’t care about the rating, per se. Only that it looks great!
A good friend’s dad is in the gem business, and he showed me two diamonds,
1.2 carat, G, SI1 (EGL US) for $8,400
1.5 carat, H, SI1 (EGL US) for $11,200.
Are either of these good prices?
Thank you again for your time!
Unfortunately, most horror stories we get from readers start with ‘a friend’s XXX.’ This seems to be a perfect example. EGL is not a legitimate certificate and is only used to deceive customers into thinking its a better deal than it actually is. These are no different. It’s appalling that a friend would rip you off like that. Here is our EGL article for a full explanation. The 1.20ct H SI1 is (at best) a J SI2/I1.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11532631
These are better quality than that diamond and way cheaper (note that the BN diamond is a comparable alternative for the original one that was from a company that no longer exists). Seriously, you need to walk away from them.
Thanks for your reply. I’ve been reading your articles. Thanks again!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-183109
I like this one. Could you recommend a slightly larger one which is similar, say 1.3-1.4c?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11532631
This one appears to have a very visible inclusion in the middle. Couldn’t that be seen with the naked eye?
I’m really sorry for the delay in responding. I decided to make an impromptu visit back to NYC. Do you still want some help?
No problem for the delay. I’ve been doing other things in the meantime. Sure, I’d love some more help! I could meet you in person at one of your stores (midtown I presume) or just some more recommendations would be great as well.
We don’t have a store. We just give advice. The sites we recommend have all been vetted by Ira and myself, and we’ve had feedback from readers about them.
If you want to bump up in size, I would go with this diamond:
While the Blue Nile diamond may not be eye-clean, this one is absolutely eye-clean (the inclusion in the stone is very small and faint).
I ended up going with the first James Allen one you sent.
I’m not 100% sure I’ll keep it, as I couldn’t see the setting perfectly, but I think I’ll like it. Thanks for your help!
That’s great. Did you get it yet? How does it look?
They take a while to make the ring. I’ll receive it around March 12. I’ll get back to you when I receive it.
Sounds good. Keep me posted.
I finally got the ring. It looks great! Thank you so much for the recommendation. It really is so much better than I could have done on my own.
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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