Q&A: Looking for an Eye Clean One Carat Round Brilliant Diamond

Hi, I appreciate you sharing your expertise. Every time I think I finally know enough to really make some progress, I get overwhelmed because there are still so many choices and variables. I have picked out my setting (ArtCarved Amy 31-V228). 6-prong setting, white gold. Band has cut outs, ribbons of very small diamonds, and both matte & shiny finish. I don’t yet know what color the diamonds on the band are, or if they are large enough to make a difference in the color of the main stone. I want about a carat; very sparkly. I do not like cloudiness. I don’t care if it has flaws that don’t show to the naked eye. Not buying for an investment or to impress, only for our pleasure. Budget ($10K) is not a problem, but I would love to spend less and still get a suitable diamond. IDC carries the setting and until I saw your site, I was considering an Ideal plus, F, VS1, 1.03 carat for ”mid to low 6K.” I’m pretty sure it was an EGL cert, so I’m concerned due to your comments about their variability.

Would you point me to any particular diamonds at James Allen?

Thank you very much.

Budget includes the ring, which is $950.

Hi, Ira! This is fantastic! While I am tempted by the big rocks in Group One, I am really looking for the Group Two recommendations. Especially the value I can get for just under a carat. A couple questions – both of the Group 2 suggestions have GIA certs, but the certs have different formats. Why is that? Also, specifically — the first one mentions a laser mark. Is the diamond actually laser-marked? I consider that a plus. And one cert shows a map of the flaws, but the other does not. I like the map. Finally, the first one notes “cloud” for “Clarity Characteristics.” Is that going to reduce the scintillation? I particularly like the sparkly appearance. Thank you so much.

Thanks for the explanation, Ira. It’s a big help to be able to work with you. I like the one just under a carat, and am going to keep it on my short list, but I think I am going to look at something between your original 2 groups, see what I can find for $6500.

Have a great day. I visited Israel for a week on business once, and took a 2-day sightseeing tour that took us to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Megiddo, Galilee, all over the country. It is a beautiful land.

I would appreciate any suggestions you have in that range, thank you very much.

Okay, I’ve now seen enough stones in person and with your help on the James Allen site that I’ve been able to refine what I want. I’ve decided on a 1.4 – 1.5 carat, H color (or close) and raised my budget to $8500 for the diamond (not including the ring). I confirmed that the diamonds on the ring are G/H, SI1/SI2, excellent cut. I found the following two. Can you give me your opinion of them and also point me to any others that you think I should look at? I’m still not concerned about the clarity grade so long as it’s eye clean; I’m willing to look at an I color if you think it’s a “high I”; and I’m willing to relax the cut down one grade so long as it is beautiful!

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1274593.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1270850.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Ira, those both look like very good options. I noticed the first has an AGS cert. Based on your review of AGS & GIA, would it be reasonable to assume the GIA certified stone (the second one) is probably a bit better than the AGS one? Would it be appropriate for me to ask a James Allen customer service rep to look at both of them and give me their opinion? Thanks, this is exciting!

I finally got the report (email mixup) from JamesAllen on the two 1.51 carat stones you suggested. I talked with their salesperson, who said based on this report she would not recommend the 1315262, but the 1305811 might work.

Please take a look at what the gemologist says (below) and let me know if you agree the 1305811 is a good value? Would you suggest I look further or consider this a good find?

WOOHOO!! Just bought this one! Told them you held my hand all the way! Thank you so much! I’ll let you know when I get to see it!

We are thrilled with this diamond! We had to use a loupe to see the inclusions. Maybe a trained eye can pick it up, but we sure can’t. When I called IDC to order the setting, she said she appreciated that we had given her the opportunity to compete, but that she couldn’t get close. (They were in the $10K range, we paid less than $8500.) She told us we got a great value. I got good service from James Allen, and plan to recommend them, but it was really the education from TruthAboutDiamonds.com and my correspondence with you that made all the difference. You are offering a valuable service to novice diamond buyers and an influential referral service for James Allen. I hope they appreciate the business you send their way! Ira, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! I am happy to provide a testimonial for you, feel free to use my words.

Done! Thanks, and cheers!