Hello: Just wanted to add my experience here regarding James Allen Jewelers.
Here is my story: I''d originally hoped to buy my diamond locally from a small jeweler here in the Nashville area. I''d done much reading on this site, and had a definite idea of the specs I wanted my diamond to have. I called around to every local jeweler/diamond broker in the area, and finally found a local jeweler who had a diamond that met my criteria...and also discovered a $1500.00 difference between this diamond and diamonds that had come up when I''d searched on this site.
After reading many forums and reviews here, I finally decided to buy a diamond from James Allen. The reps there were VERY helpful and EXTREMELY patient with my questions. I think I called them about 3 times before the actual sale. After I''d found THE diamond, they emailed many photos and (upon my request) actually took the diamond out and answered specific questions over the phone while viewing the diamond through a loop. I spent a couple of days ''on the fence'', not quite ready to make such a large purchase without seeing the diamond myself, and was heartbroken the next day when THE diamond came up as ''unavailable'' in my search. I did manage to find a similar one a couple of days later (not exactly what I''d wanted but close), and when I called to inquire about it, I learned that the 1st diamond WAS available: They had taken it off the search engine in case I wanted to purchase it(!). I was SO thrilled. I purchased the diamond online, then anxiously awaited the arrival of the Fedex truck (the next day). The diamond arrived beautifully packaged in a very large box with lots of padding; the diamond itself presented in a ring-like metal holder w/prongs holding the edges of the stone. It is exactly as described. When I took it to the appraiser, she was very impressed (especially when I told her what I paid). She also mentioned she doesn''t generally trust online jewelry retailers but had heard many great things about James Allen and liked the quality she had seen in other clients'' purchases from them.
In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend James Allen. I also recommend emailing or talking with their people on the phone with any questions/concerns, they are very responsive and attentive. I definitely plan to purchase from James Allen in the future.
Here is my story: I''d originally hoped to buy my diamond locally from a small jeweler here in the Nashville area. I''d done much reading on this site, and had a definite idea of the specs I wanted my diamond to have. I called around to every local jeweler/diamond broker in the area, and finally found a local jeweler who had a diamond that met my criteria...and also discovered a $1500.00 difference between this diamond and diamonds that had come up when I''d searched on this site.
After reading many forums and reviews here, I finally decided to buy a diamond from James Allen. The reps there were VERY helpful and EXTREMELY patient with my questions. I think I called them about 3 times before the actual sale. After I''d found THE diamond, they emailed many photos and (upon my request) actually took the diamond out and answered specific questions over the phone while viewing the diamond through a loop. I spent a couple of days ''on the fence'', not quite ready to make such a large purchase without seeing the diamond myself, and was heartbroken the next day when THE diamond came up as ''unavailable'' in my search. I did manage to find a similar one a couple of days later (not exactly what I''d wanted but close), and when I called to inquire about it, I learned that the 1st diamond WAS available: They had taken it off the search engine in case I wanted to purchase it(!). I was SO thrilled. I purchased the diamond online, then anxiously awaited the arrival of the Fedex truck (the next day). The diamond arrived beautifully packaged in a very large box with lots of padding; the diamond itself presented in a ring-like metal holder w/prongs holding the edges of the stone. It is exactly as described. When I took it to the appraiser, she was very impressed (especially when I told her what I paid). She also mentioned she doesn''t generally trust online jewelry retailers but had heard many great things about James Allen and liked the quality she had seen in other clients'' purchases from them.
In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend James Allen. I also recommend emailing or talking with their people on the phone with any questions/concerns, they are very responsive and attentive. I definitely plan to purchase from James Allen in the future.