Ira – I would greatly appreciate your help as we are in a bit of a bind. My son is in the process of buying an engagement ring. The setting is a Tacori Model 2620PRSMPWG which includes
Setting Type: Pave Set
Total Carat Weight: .29
Color: G
Clarity: VS
The setting has been special ordered for a ring size of 5-1/4 and the jeweler was looking for a center diamond. They have basically over promised and under delivered from what they told us they could get for his price range and I’m leery of the EGL (not USA) certification that they are now showing us. He is looking for an one carat stone, princess cut, with no visible to the eye inclusions at the best quality he can afford. His budget for the stone is $3500 -$3800. Do you have a diamond from a website that you could recommend? We’re in a bit of a hurry as he wants to propose on New Years. thanks so much
Thanks for writing. I see your email address is from Monsanto. Are you in St. Louis? I went to Wash U for a year. Great place.
Have you seen my article on EGL? If not, have a look here:
/egl/
It’s a good thing you wrote me.
A stone like this would be so much better than the EGL stone they’re suggesting to your son:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1335175.asp
Have a great weekend!
I did read your article so do not want to purchase the diamond the jeweler is offering. I looked at your recommendation but need a princess cut. Can you help me out with that one.
…….
http://www.since1910.com/loose-diamonds/stone/16622070.aspx
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamonds/detail/28902560
Hi Ira – based on your website, I think I found two that would work. What is your opinion. Thanks.
I don’t like recommending diamonds I can’t see. That’s the reason I generally stick with James Allen. They have magnified photos of most of their online inventory. Here’s a nice example:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1342216.asp
Ira – The stones I looked at before won’t fit anyway. The jeweler said the Tacori setting ordered would only fit a 5.1 to 5.4. The one below is too big as well. I’ll see if I can find something at James Allen in the right size. If I let them know who recommended me, would you get any credit for the referral? You deserve it. I have really appreciated your honest answers. The jeweler I’m dealing with should be a used car salesman. Thanks again
Hey XXXX. Read this:
https://www.diamonds.pro/truth-about/diamonds-pro/
If you’re limited by size, maybe just try to save some money and go for a stone like this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1344822.asp
Hi Ira – this one is a bit too small. There is something psychological about a one carat or close to it on his girlfriend’s part and he wants to get there. Did you see anything else out there that might be close?
Glad you get something as an affiliate. My jeweler at first tried to sell us a GIA rated SI3, then told me the EGL rating was from the USA although it wasn’t. I can’t trust him any longer. Thanks so much for your time.
This seems nice, and just barely fits:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1344731.asp
I’ve gone ahead and ordered. Thanks for your help Ira.
Congrats! Please let me know what you think when they arrive!
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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