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Q&A: Seeking out an Eye-Clean I1 Clarity Diamond for a Great Deal

By Mike Fried,

Thank you for your website. Based on what I’ve learned and from doing some searches I think the following might be a good engagement ring combination, but I thought it might be good to run it by you before I purchase. It’s for a woman named Tamar. I thought you’d appreciate that since I saw that is your wife’s name.

Thanks for your time.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1301894.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-matching-bands/18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Wedding-Set.html

Thanks for writing. What a coincidence about our Tamars!

I’m glad you wrote, because honestly, I’m not in love with the stone you chose. The inclusion is kind of large, and I think you would see it with your naked eye. I’m talking about the whitish cloud at the top of the stone in the picture.

If you want to stick with an I1, this is a better option, in my humble opinion:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1212462.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s a better cut, and the inclusion is small and concentrated in once spot on the side.

This stone is also a better option, in my opinion (also a nicer cut and even better inclusions):

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1260165.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

have a look and let me know!


I actually did some more looking and realized the stone I wrote you about wasn’t the best choice after I wrote you.

I had looked at your first suggestion before, but I was confused about what the “affected by brillanteering” comment on the certificate meant.

I’m basically looking for something that will look good in the setting I chose (which I changed my mind about after seeing a different one you recommended on your site). I like this setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-2227.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Would the color of your second recommendation (I) be OK with the color of the pave stones of this setting?

Also, I’m curious what you think about this diamond it doesn’t seem like the cloud at 11 o’clock detracts much from the appearance:

1) https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1314054.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

This one (number 2) is probably not good. Even though it says “unavailable” it has been pulled and is being evaluated by James Allen for me, but I think the cloud is probably too big. It is difficult to judge the diamond because it is tilted in the photo.

2) https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1311269.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I think what is important to me is to stay under 3800 for the stone, to not have the color look bad in the setting, and size is not as important to me as long as it looks really good in the setting. I’m willing to go smaller (diameter and/or carat) for a better looking ring.

Thanks for you help (I’ll remember to use your coupon code).


I noticed your #1 as well, but I think it’s a tricky photo. That kind of inclusion is generally very strong and noticeable. In my opinion, looking at that photo, it seems like there’s a lucky glare bouncing off the facet that sits right on top of that big inclusion, making it look not so bad. But the second you view that stone in a shadow, you’d see that inclusion loud and clear. I could be wrong, but that’s my guess based on that picture.

Let me know what they say about that 2nd stone.

As for the stone I selected, since the inclusion sits on the bottom of the stone, they probably made a couple of non-standard facets on the bottom of the stone in order to avoid damaging the stone since the inclusion was right there on the surface. So, really, it’s a good thing. It’s like saying that the stone should have gotten an excellent cut, but due to a technicality, it received a VG grade.


I received this response “The diamond you are considering (#1311269) is not eye clean. Additionally, the visible inclusions in this diamond are too large to prong” on the diamond I asked about.

I went ahead and placed an order for the stone you selected:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1212462.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It won’t ship until September 6th, but I’m sure it will look good. I used your TAD0611 discount code for the setting. Thank you so much for steering me to a better choice (I picked the setting based on your site too).


Great news!  I really look forward to hearing from you!


I received the ring yesterday.  I can not see the inclusion at all.  I studied the diamond closely and could not pick it out.  Thank you so much for your help.  I do not think the ring would have looked nearly as good without your help.  I couldn’t be more pleased.


That’s such wonderful news! And the picture looks amazing! It truly was my pleasure helping you out. I’m very happy it turned out so nicely in the end.

Would you mind doing me a small favor if you have the time? My site is still relatively new, and so I rely a lot on ivouch reviews to help me build credibility. Do you think you might be able to leave me a short review? If you could, I would be most grateful.. here’s a direct link if you have the time:

(LINK REMOVED – CLICK TO READ REVIEW)

Thanks! And congratulations!


I left a review today.  Thanks again for your help.


Thank you VERY much!  I wish you and your fiance a long life together filled with health, happiness and love!

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.
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  • Provide insurance appraisals
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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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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)
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