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Q&A: Looking for a GIA Oval-Shaped Diamond Within a $600 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Did I get ripped off?

I’m so worried I thought it was GIA certified and realized after I bought it that GSI is different.

0.32k
H color
SI2
Ideal cut

For 1,300.

Did I get ripped off? I’m freaking out, it’s custom and I don’t know if I’m too late to cancel it.

Can you still return it and get a full refund? GSI is not the best lab and we recommend avoiding them as much as possible.

I actually ended up canceling my order because it wasn’t GIA certified I was worried about the grading of it.

I have two other options I am considering for diamonds. Which one will be the best option? I know ovals are best inspected in person but I dont have that luxury :/

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.40-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-6622157?a_aid=dmnd1357

or

https://www.brilliance.com/loose-diamonds/oval/0-32-carat-d-color-very-good-make-si1-clarity-gia-certified-SKU-D18780651

Is the top one worth the extra $300 or should I save my money and go with the slightly smaller bottom one?

You did the right thing. GIA diamonds give you the best value.

https://www.brilliance.com/loose-diamonds/oval/0-32-carat-d-color-very-good-make-si1-clarity-gia-certified-SKU-D18780651
This diamond is not a great option. It’s not eye-clean and medium fluorescence might make it look hazy.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.40-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-6622157?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is much better. Did you put it on hold?

Great!

I did place it on hold but hold is up tonight.

Is there better one on that website for that price? Or maybe a lesser expensive one that is comparable to the bottom one but less expensive?

Wonderful I got that one 🙂

Thank you so much!

I’m glad I could help you find the perfect diamond. Let me know how you like it when you receive it.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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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