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Hi Ira,
First, great site, I’ve been gleaning information for the past 4 months or so researching diamonds for my upcoming engagement ring purchase. From time to time I look other places but always end up coming back for the quality and truthful insight. I’ve got a budget of $5000 and am looking at going with J.A. because of their return and upgrade policies. I’ve been searching for stones in the 1.10 to 1.30 carat range. I’m looking at this ring and stone in particular:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1274572.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
But was hoping to get a few other suggestions from you. I’ve pretty much been following all of your suggestions on standards for cut, color and clarity and seem to gravitate toward a higher quality polish. My G.F. wants a round brilliant diamond. Thanks for your help in advance.
Hey J. Thanks for the kind words about the site. I really appreciate it. I took a look at the stone you referenced, and I’m glad you contacted me, because that stone has a large inclusion in the table of the stone that would most likely be visible to the naked eye. If you look at the picture, it’s on the bottom of the table.
I took another look for you, and this is what i found:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1210052.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s definitely eye clean, and has an excellent cut. It’s only negligibly smaller, as well. Not noticeably smaller.
Let me know what you think!
Great, thanks Ira. I’m actually pretty surprised that i didn’t notice the glaringly obvious inclusion. I am very happy that you pointed it out however. The diamond that you recommended was perfect, not to mention it saved me a few hundred dollars. It’s been ordered and will hopefully arrive within the next week or so. Thanks so much for your help, it is greatly appreciated.
Fantastic! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!
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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