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First off, I love the site. After searching for an online retailer I read your review of James Allen and have been on their site everyday for the past week. I prefer them to Blue Nile because you can see all the pictures of the diamonds.
So here is my dilemma. I understand the 4 c’s, but I’m still having a hard time picking something out online. My girlfriend’s wishes are “round diamond, around a carat, and sparkly”. Well to me, that means I need something with a good cut and symmetry. Is anyone really going to be able to notice a color D vs a color I? If the clarity isnt perfect, how much will that show to the naked eye? It’s not like our friends will be pulling out 10x magnifiers! haha.
Anyway, I was wondering if you could give me a few tips of what to look for online. What kind of spots / clouds etc. are ok to have? I would like to spend around 5K for the diamond itself.
Thanks in advance for the help and providing your expertise. Its greatly appreciated.
Sorry about the delay. We got backed up due to the holiday. Would you still like our help?
I would LOVE your help. I’ve searched James Allen a lot looking for good deals on diamonds. My budget for the actual diamond itself was 5K. I primarily want something that is eye clean (since none of our friends will be whipping our magnifying glasses), and for it to really sparkle.
so far I found this. What do you think of this?
it’s 4300$ and I have it reserved for the time being. I plan on putting it into white gold.
Have I missed the mark / any recommendations for my criteria that I need to change?
I really appreciate you getting back to me!
I would recommend this one over that one:
The inclusion is on the edge as opposed to the other one.
I’m actually shocked at the level of service that James Allen is offering me. They set up a consultation for me with one of their certified gemologists to review 3 different choices. They told me that the one I originally picked would be an iffy choice due to the marks right under the table.
These are the 3 I am considering.
Thanks for all of your help!
We do like their service. It’s nice to hear the feedback.
If I had to guess, they will recommend one of the last two. I don’t like the inclusion on the 1.05 SI2
They actually came back and said the exact opposite. They recommended the 1.05 because the inclusion wasn’t visible and it had the best brilliance and color.
I’m torn between the 1.05 and the 1.08.
Hmm, that makes it tough. I would defer to the expert who actually saw the diamond in person.
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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