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Diamond Upgrade - Feedback / Suggestions Welcome

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brad30

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 20, 2010
Messages
13
Hi Everyone -


I am looking to upgrade my wife's diamond on her engagement ring (I have been trying to reeducate myself on diamonds again!). I purchased the current one from James Allen so I am planning on upgrading with them. Does it make sense to upgrade with James Allen with their 100% upgrade policy or would I do better selling the diamond to another company and purchasing from somewhere else? I feel that James Allen's prices are higher than other retailers (I don't feel like that was the case back in 2010 when I bought her current ring).


If I go with James Allen, I would have to purchase a diamond that is more than $6,040 since the current one was $3,020. I would like to stay closer to $6,040-$7,000 range if possible but found the following which I like ($8,510 which would be okay if a great diamond / good value):


https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...olor-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-11992928


What do you think? Any other diamonds you would recommend in this price range?


The ring is “low” basket, 4 prong, and 2 mm cushion plain 14K white gold. Ring size 4.


Thanks in advance for any feedback!
 
That's a really nice stone. It's probably got a little bit of light leakage under the table, but nothing profound. My crystal ball tells me you're going to get recommendations to switch to Whiteflash. You're going to eat a lot of money if you try to sell or consign your diamond.

I'd recommend putting the stone on hold immediately before someone snatches it. I'd also recommend asking for ASET imaging if they have it.
 
Here's a 1.01ct AGS000 diamond from JA.

Put it on hold, even if you have no intention of buying it, then ask them for the grading report.
If you want to, post it here after they email to you and we can help scrutinize it.

www.jamesallen.com

1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat round diamond G color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
Here's another one to put on hold and ask for the report:

www.jamesallen.com

1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat round diamond D color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
Can you ask for and post the Certificate for the diamond in question? We really need to see the specs to give you useful information. My first diamond was a JA True Hearts. It was a good diamond but not a great one. I should have done more research before I purchased. There are well cut True Hearts diamonds, it's just that they're not all winners. Ultimately I sold it for a rather large loss and started over with a company that had a much better upgrade policy (WolfCBI). I knew I would be wanting to upgrade down the road. That said, people here can help you find a good diamond at James Allen if you prefer to work with them.
 
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And another possibility (check out that arrows image!):

www.jamesallen.com

1.11 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.11 carat H color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
I'd take the G VS1 at only $300 over the G VS2. Looks really nice to me!

The D VS1 is a deal, but I'd like to see what all is on the grading report. The medium fluorescence is the likely cause of the price, but I feel like I see some graining or something.

The 1.11 H VS1 has a size advantage (6.6mm) but definitely has a little more color than the others.

Please tell us the size, color, and clarity of her current diamond.
 
I really appreciate all the feedback and suggestions. I could only put three diamonds on hold with James Allen so I put the first three on hold. I will post the grading reports, certificates, and ASET imaging.

Current diamond is Round 0.94 carat J color SI1 clarity.
 
Attached are the certificates and idealscope that James Allen provided. I have all diamonds except for the 7167787 on hold.

Please feel free to scrutinize away!!!

11992928 arrows.png11992928 hearts.png11992928 cert.jpeg8405320 cert.jpeg8180001 cert.jpeg7167787 cert.jpeg
 
My vote is for the 1.11 H VS1 because the arrows image is near perfect, and it's noted on the girdle inscription.

#2 - 1.00 G VS1
#3 - 1.012 G VS2
#4 - 1.011 D VS1

If you want the color bump, then scoop up that beautiful 1.00 G VS1!

I'm just being nitpicky...I think ANY of these would look amazing.

[edit]
I would be dumbfounded if the 1.11 *didn't* meet/exceed all measurements criteria for WF ACA, BGD Black, VC H&A, or WolfCBI...because I think it really is THAT good.
 
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The only one I would consider is the H 1.11. It looks great to me. The ASET images on the other two show evidence of painting on one and a strange anomaly on the other (both represented by green where there should be red.
 
@brad30 I recommend that you dump the hold on either the D VS1 or the G VS2 then put the H VS1 on hold. Or buy it immediately...you do have a return period that you are covered by if it doesn't blow your socks off.
 
Uh oh...the 1.11 is no longer available. I really, really hope brad30 was able to snag it and it didn't get sniped.

8gD2Qnv.gif
 
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I got sniped unfortunately. I was able to get James Allen to extend the hold on the other 3 until Monday hoping that the H 1.11 would become available by some miracle.
 
brad30 said:
I got sniped unfortunately. I was able to get James Allen to extend the hold on the other 3 until Monday hoping that the H 1.11 would become available by some miracle.
Click to expand...

Total bummer...so sorry to hear that.
 
Sorry brad30! Hopefully you can find some other options to choose from. We're always happy to give our opinion.
 
I found this one, but the price is getting up there, so if you want me to post the link and cert, I will do so only at your discretion.
If it's too much out of the budget, then I will keep looking.

1.0 F VS2
$8660

TBL 54.7%
PA 40.8°
CA 34.4°
CH 15.5%
SF 48%
PD 43.1%
TD 61.8%
LGF 78%
GRD Thin-Med
FL None



F102VS2LPM.png
 
The H 1.11 just came available and I put it on hold immediately!!!!! :) I have been checking it every hour since I found out it was unavailable yesterday.

Do you think there is any issues with the H 1.11 since the grading report is from 2019?

Do you think the 1.11 will be too big on a ring size 4?
 
brad30 said:
The H 1.11 just came available and I put it on hold immediately!!!!! :) I have been checking it every hour since I found out it was unavailable yesterday.

Do you think there is any issues with the H 1.11 since the grading report is from 2019?

Do you think the 1.11 will be too big on a ring size 4?
Click to expand...

I think y'all will love it! You will have a bit of time to check it out and see how it fits into your lives during the return period, so you are protected. The proportions, the hearts image, everything about this diamond points to perfect light return and performance.
 
Here's a rough estimate on how it will look on a size 4.
You can also scroll to the bottom and put the specs for both your current diamond and this new one in for a side by side comparison.

1.11ct Round Cut Diamond (6.59×6.62×4.11mm) - Actual Size

View this 1.11 carat Round cut diamond on ring and finger. Actual size of 6.59×6.62×4.11mm with 62.2% depth (OK) and a face-up area of 34.26mm².
www.diamdb.com www.diamdb.com

Screenshot_20210814-174444.png
 
It's going to be amazing! I think the size is great, not too big or too small, and I wouldn't worry about the report date. Glad you were able to get it.
 
brad30 said:
Can't wait to receive it!!!! So excited.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I really appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Hope you post lots of pictures, because all of us would live to see it and hear your thoughts and impressions!
 
DejaWiz said:
[edit]
I would be dumbfounded if the 1.11 *didn't* meet/exceed all measurements criteria for WF ACA, BGD Black, VC H&A, or WolfCBI...because I think it really is THAT good.
Click to expand...

It may or may not be a true H&A stone. w/o a H&A pic it is anybody's guess.
 
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