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Q&A: Need Help in this “Mind-Boggling” Search for a Diamond!

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

I’m currently looking for an engagement ring. I have religiously gone through your Diamond Education section as well as some of the previous posts on the website.

Seeing the advice that you have given to many, I went to JamesAllen website and searched for the perfect. Oh my, it was so mind boggling! I would need some help from you to help me choose the most value-for-money ring from the list that I have narrowed down. It would be great if you can also give some comments on my selection.

My budget is 7k for the diamond and my gf’s preference is the size of the ring. Hope this additional info helps. Thanks!

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1505082.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1395537.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498663.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1398092.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1505071.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1497698.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1475310.asp

It seems like we aren’t on the same wavelength. If you check our posts on color and Clarity (especially the video on that page), we feel that colorless VS is a waste of money. That F SI2 you selected was more in line, but it is not eye-clean at all. I’d go with this diamond instead:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494847.asp

Its bright, eye-clean and a great value. There is no reason to spend more for a color upgrade (or sacrifice on size).

Thanks for your prompt response!

I agree with your suggestion but I was hoping to keep everything, after taxes, under 7k. I’m keeping your suggestion as a back-up and would like to seek your opinion on the following (I really couldn’t find any G-SI1 diamonds that are eye clean so I had to expand my search to include F-SI1):

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489309.asp

Also, these are F-VS2:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1447261.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1501622.asp

Hope to hear from you soon.

I would go with the diamond I selected or the first F VS2 you selected.

I was slow in confirming the diamond that you have recommended (link attached below) and It’s no longer available.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494847.asp

I would be extremely grateful if you can help recommend something with similar quality characteristics. I have a budget of 7k and I hope to get a 1 carat ring with it.

Hope to hear from you soon.

I like this one for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1508158.asp

I’ve bought the ring. Thanks so much for your prompt response and patience!

Please 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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