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Q&A: 2nd Opinion on Two Stones

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Hello, your website has been my go-to diamond resource, thank you! I’m torn between two diamonds at James Allen and your experienced opinion will assist greatly.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-204967?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.36-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-196648?a_aid=dmnd1357

One ring is slightly larger while the other is of better quality and they are within $1,000. Which, in your opinion represents the best value for that price range?

Thank you for everything!

It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the second diamond you selected. The first one is a bad choice (cut too deeply), so its not as brilliant and it will look to be about the same size as the 1.36, so there is no reason to spend extra on it. Here is our size article to explain further:

https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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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