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Q&A: Need Your Help to Make that Final Decision!

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Thanks for the very informative site. I pretty much have most of the info I need to buy a diamond.

I have been wondering about how would I know that when I purchase a diamond, the certificate I get is for the stone I get. Also, if I take it to some local place to set, how do i ensure they do not switch it with something inferior?

You should only bring the stone to a reputable place, or better yet, have the place from which you’re buying the stone set it for you. Once you have the finished product, you can always bring it to an independent appraiser to make sure it’s your stone.

Thanks for the quick response.

Can you also throw some light on conflict-free diamonds and how to ensure I get one that is conflict free?

Thanks again

All the places I recommend are very strict adherents to the Kimberly Process which was put in place to ensure that conflict diamonds do not make it to the market in the USA.

On your web site, in the ‘contact me’ section you talk about your personal diamond buying service.

Please let me know if you would be up for helping me buy a diamond, and how much the service would cost.

In most cases, it’s not worth it for me or you. I’d need to know more about what you’re looking for. Shape, size expectation, budget, etc.

I am forwarding you the info on this diamond I found on JA. Can you take a look and let me know what you think?

1.58 Carat J-VVS2 – Cut Round Diamond

This J color, VVS2 clarity diamond has proportions, a diamond grading report from GIA and a full 60 Day inspection period.

Price: $14,080

Specifications for Item #: 1278414

Shape: Round

Carat weight: 1.58

Cut: Ideal

Color: J

Clarity: VVS2

Certificate: GIA

Depth: 61.7%

Table: 57%

Polish: Excellent

Symmetry: Excellent

Girdle: Thin to medium

Culet: None

Fluorescence: Medium blue

Measurements: 7.54*7.46*4.63

Looks great!!

Thanks for the quick response, Ira.

…….

Your responses and education available on your web site has been very helpful.

I have to order the diamond today (before 4 pm RDT) and am trying to decide between the following two:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193765.asp 

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1363698.asp

Which one would you recommend?

I would go with the cheaper of the two.  Stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!!

Will do. I did order the cheaper one.

I will keep you posted.

Once again, thanks for your help.

…….

The ring just arrived. It is set in a platinum solitaire looks great, but I do see some yellow color when I look at it from certain angles. Maybe its detectable because I am trying to look for color and with the background light reflecting off of my yellow tshirt 🙂

I can’t see any color when I look at it through the magnifying viewer that came with it…

Any thoughts?

Thanks again for all your help along the way.

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!
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What we love about them:
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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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