Let me start by saying the website is phenomenal. The whole diamond buying experience can be so overwhelming and the information you provide helps reduce much of the anxiety. I’m looking to propose soon to my live in girl friend of 10 years and have decided on pricess cut stones in this setting:
https://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/three-stone-princess-cut-engagement-rings.html.
I wanted to have larger and different colored side stones than the ones James Allen provides in this setting. After speaking with a customer service representative they said I could pick all 3 stones myself or have them pick the 2 side stones and then I could choose the middle stone. This would lower the cost of the setting initially and would leave me with a budget for all 3 stones of $6500-$7000. I wanted the side stones to be 1/2 carat and then get as large as middle stone as possible and still stay within my budget(best value/best stone). After reading your information on princess cut stones I would be looking for eye-clean VS2, I-H colored. Do you think I should allow James Allen to pick my side stones or should I do it myself? Also, with side stones is there a specific size the middle stone should be? Any advice with regards to the individual stones would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and I look forward to you response.
Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site! I think it would be a great idea to pick your own side stones! Here’s what I like for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1340839&item2=1348131
Then match that with this center stone:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1361739.asp
There’s no pic yet, but the numbers are very good. It should be a great match to those side stones. Let me know what you think!
Thanks for the fast response, Ira. I have several questions if you don’t mind. Should I be concerned that 1 of the side stones is of higher quality color than the center stone (H v I)? And should I be concerned about not seeing a picture of the center stone? I really do appreciate the time and effort you’ve taken in this matter. I’ve been with Tami for a long time and want everything to be as perfect as possible (within reason). The stones you’ve suggested are right in my price range and exactly what I had in mind size wise. Thanks again for all your help.
H vs. I is completely undetectable to the human eye viewed face-up, so that’s nothing at all to worry about. If you want to wait to see a pic of the center stone, contact JA and ask them to put the two side stones on hold as well as the center stone I suggested. Tell them you want them on hold until they produce the pic of the proposed center stone. Shouldn’t be a problem.
My wife is a Tami also!
Thanks, Ira. Great advice. I’ll be calling James Allen shortly and placing the stones on hold. Would you mind checking out the photo when it becomes available? Good to hear you have a Tami too!
my pleasure!
The picture of the stone finally uploaded today. What do you think?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1361739.asp
It looks amazing! I’d say go for it!
I’m in! Thanks again for all your help, Ira.
…….
I just wanted to let you know I got engaged this weekend and the ring looked fabulous. Thank you so much for the help you provided picking out the diamonds. She was shocked and very impressed with the ring. You’re the man!
Wow! Such great news! Thanks for the email!
Do you think you could do me a small favor and write me a review on ivouch? If you could, I would be extremely grateful. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:
xxxxxx
Thanks! And congrats!!
No problem. Consider it done.
[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]
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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