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Hello, As with alot of people, I been quite overwhelmed with info during my engagement ring shopping experience. Your website is a breath of fresh air. The ring I want is https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-162.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 I am looking at spending 6000-8000 on the stone. I am basically looking for the best bang for my buck. I am quite flexible with all aspects including shape (maybe a princess cut might look nice on this ring – but I guess the safe choice is round type). note: I did order an 1ct F IF triple X from blue nile for close to $12k.. I am currently in the process of returning it after reading your website! I look forward to your advice.
Hi C. Thank you for the very kind words about the site! I really appreciate it. And I’m very happy I was able to help you reverse your uninformed decision.
That’s a beautiful ring you chose. I think we’ll be able to find you a great stone to match that will save you a lot of money compared to the BN stone you bought, and will look even better/bigger.
Here’s what I found for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1288633.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Triple Excellent. Eye clean. The yellowness you see in the picture is completely an artifact of the photograph. I’ve seen D color stones on JA sometimes look like this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1311097.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – triple excellent. Eye clean. This stone is a killer. Just look at the picture.
If you want something at the lower end of your range, you could try this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1308162.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Have a look at these and let me know what you think!
Thanks Ira for your quick reply.
I do like the middle stone (1.52 Carat I-SI2 Ideal Cut Round Diamond) – looks quite clean on the table. I am slightly concerned about colour “I” as previously I was only looking at F,G and maybe H. Will it still look pure white in the ring with the side stones? JA might put E sidestone etc which might cause this stone to look yellow.
Also, does hearts and arrows make a big difference? I see that JA is selling the truehearts line and I heard H&A diamonds show the maximum fire and sparkle.
Also, whats your opinion of Princess cut with this type of ring?
Thanks again.
You shouldn’t be concerned about an I color center stone. I color stones look completely white to the eye when set in a ring face up. And the side stones are not E, they’re G/H average which will match very nicely with that stone.
H&A makes a difference, but it’s very very slight.
I most definitely believe rounds are better than princess cuts. take a look here to see why:
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/shapes/
Thanks for your reply.
Another question.. do you have an idea what the size of the stone in the 3D video of the ring (https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-162.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 )
is? I am guessing its bigger than 1ct
Also – whats a good way to get the ring size of my GF without her knowing- I dont want to ask her sister/mum etc yet.. any tricks of the trade? I am assuming if I can guess the ring
size to 0.5 of a size should be ok? e.g. if she is 4.5 and I get size 5.. I assume this should be fine.
I’m not sure about the size of the stone in the 3D pic, but you can scroll down in the page of the ring to see pics of recently sold rings with that setting. Each pic will tell you how large the stone is exactly.
Before I forget, make sure to use the TAD0611 coupon code. IT’ll give you 10% off the setting.
As far as the GF finger size question goes, I’m really not sure! But don’t worry, even if you screw up, you can get it resized by JA for free. Maybe try stealing one of her cheaper old rings?
Also, could you recommend some killer 1-1.2ct eye clean stones? I might look at saving some $ on the ring etc
…………
Update.. I have decided to purchase the diamond (https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1311097.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357) which you recommended. Looks great – cant wait
to see it in person. JA has confirmed item is eye clean and they will put a prong over the needle to be extra sure.
Thanks for all your help. Should I be interested in another future purchase, I’ll consider your brokering service.
GReat! Please let me know how it turns out! Did you remember to use the TAD0611 coupon code? It’s not much – just 10% off the setting only. But every little bit helps!
Yes thanks – I used it.
Fantastic! I’m looking forward to hearing your report!
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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