Q&A: Looking for 1.3 Ct. Round Diamond for Custom Setting

I am starting my search of an engagement ring, and I found your site to be by far the most informative and impartial source of information so far! Thank you very much!

I was wondering if I could get some advice from you on a loose diamond selection for an engagement ring. I have chosen to go with a 1.3 carat, G color, excellent cut, and VS1 clarity round diamond. I found 2 on Jamesallen.com that are within my budget.

Diamond #1 is GIA 2126922843

Diamond #2 is GIA 2131770299

I like Diamond #1 better as the GIA cert would make it seem that there are almost no inclusions, and the virtual picture looks clean.

Diamond #2 GIA cert shows several inclusions, and also a note on “clouds” not being shown on the cert. Also, the virtual picture actually looks “dirty”. However, this Diamond #2 is more expensive than Diamond #1.

Question 1: Why do they add notes to GIA certs like “Clouds not shown”? Is this a red flag that the diamond may have some issues not shown on the cert?

Question 2: Do you feel one of these diamonds is better than the other?

Question 3: Do you have any advice on safeguards when taking my loose diamond in to a third party jeweler for a setting? I have heard horror stories about diamonds getting switched.

Question 4: Do you have any suggestions for diamonds within my range that might be even more cost effective?

Question 5: I’m a little wary of the bank transfer process. I spoke with my bank and they warned me that with bank transfers, if there is a dispute or fraudulent transaction, they cannot help me. Is there any value in just paying with a credit card and eating the 1.5% savings in order to have a little more peace of mind with regard to security?

Thanks so much! (and sorry for so many questions!)

Thanks for the quick reply!

Here are the links to the 2 stones in question:

1441352 – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1441352.asp

1526288 – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1526288.asp

I’m pretty certain that I will be buying the loose stone from James Allen and getting a setting from my local jeweler here in Chicago (Windy City Diamonds). Would it be practical for me to buy a 30x loupe from ebay and see the laser GIA inscription myself before and after the stone is set just to reassure myself that it’s the same stone?… (sorry, I guess that’s Question #6 – lol)…

Thanks!

Thanks, Michael!

Did you have a chance to see my other questions below in the original email? Any help would be greatly appreciated… I’m thinking about purchasing the stone in the next day or two… 🙂

Thanks Michael!!

Last 2 questions – I promise:

1. Both GIA certificates say “Laser Inscription Registry” – Doesn’t this mean that these diamonds (even though they are larger than 0.90 carats) are actually “inscribed” with the number?

2. I’m going to get the custom setting from Windy City Diamonds in Chicago. They are one of the largest and most well regarded (at least on Yelp) in Chicago. Any thoughts on them?

I just received my loose round diamond from Fed Ex (G/VVS2) from James Allen. It is beautiful! the only thing that’s bothering me is a what appears to be a horizontal reflection (like a line) that runs around the entire diamond pavilion. I can see it from all side views, but when I move the diamond around, the line moves around and disappears. It’s obvious it’s a reflection of something, but I’d just like some reassurance that it’s probably a standard reflection of the girdle (as opposed to an imperfection)…

Any input would be appreciated!