HELP! Is this a bad SI1? and WEIRD JA order process

[pricescopenewbie]

Hello my fellow PSers! I am asking a big favor to evaluate this square radiant I ordered from JA (see link below). I haven't received it yet but I am wondering if the inclusions are too bad and if I should cancel the order. I also have questions below for the JA order process. This whole process is so weird in multiple ways and I am concerned. I appreciate it a lot for your help!

loose diamonds, radiant cut, 1.12 carat i color si1 clarity sku 2100615

2100615 - This Radiant Cut 1.12 Carat I Color SI1 Clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Now questions on the order process:
I originally ordered two other diamonds a few days ago. Although they were shown available online (they still are), JA created an empty order for me. When I chatted with JA specialists, they said the two stones can't get through their order system. I then asked about the above stone, and the specialist asked me if I would like to order this one instead. I said no and I told him I wanted to think about it, and that was the end of the conversation. Yesterday I was checking my credit card balance and shockingly found there was a charge from JA. I went back to my JA account and found that they already processed the above stone in the order. I am not sure in what way he misunderstood me and decided for me to move on with the purchase but it is in process now. Today I got an email from JA and asked me to verify my order by either providing my business email or taking a selfie with the credit card. I definitely don't want to give them my work email and get me in trouble with my work, but it is weird enough to give them my selfie! I have used credit card forever for all kinds of purchases but never have I been asked for a selfie! I wonder if anyone else here have had a same request from them and if that had gotten you in any trouble.

At this point, I feel that I could order this stone since it is in process already, even though it is not my initial intent- after all it is still a decent stone. On the other hand, I have a few concerns. As mentioned above, I am not sure if the inclusions make it worth the purchase, and I also felt JA might not a well-organized place because of everything I am going through with them. The multiple flags from the purchase process also make me wonder if the return process will be difficult as well. I don't want to have a stone stuck with me if I don't like it.

I would really hope to collect your thoughts and advice. If you think the stone is not performing well I might just cancel it and avoid all hassles. If it worth to order I wonder what is your experience ordering and returning with JA. Thank you thank you for your help!

BTW below is the GIA cert:

 

[lovedogs]

I really like this stone (I like H&A cushions and radiant better than the typical crushed ice look). I don't think the inclusions will be an issue.

I'm sorry you had issues with the ordering process. That sounds frustrating. The credit card selfie thing is becoming more common due to fraud, so that wouldnt concern me. But I totally understand being irritated tjay they created an empty order and then charged you without your permission!

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

I don't like being strong-armed into things. Charging me for an order I didn't make? No thank you. Plus, knowing me, I'd be so frustrated with their process that I'd probably feel it'd be too much of a hassle to try to return it if I end up not liking it.

But it's not about me, OP. How much do you like this stone, all things aside? Are you excited to see how this stone will perform and it really could be "the one"? Or is it "nice" and you're just glad to see there are other options out there after missing out on your original choice?

 

[marymm]

If it were me, I'd cancel the order -- you never intended to order it -- why saddle yourself with the whole process for a stone you're not that interested in?

And, yes, the way JA conducted itself with this transaction raises all kinds of red flags ... for me, I'd not work with them again, because diamonds are available from many many sources .... YMMV.

 

[sth66]

I've ordered a couple of things from them in the past several months without issues. It could be because of the holidays and they're extra busy and those customer service people work multiple orders at one time. I wouldn't sweat it too much, as you do have 30 days to return it if you're not happy with it. Maybe get it and see it in person, then you'll know if you truly like it or not. If not, send it back for a full refund. I don't think they're intentionally shady. Too many people buy from them and are happy with their purchases.

 

[pricescopenewbie]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I think I will move on with this order because I was interested in the diamond but wasn't sure about the inclusion. I guess it will only be fair to give it a shot and see it in personal. I am glad you confirmed JA as a reliable vendor. And although it is kinda "forced" sale, I would assume they just made a mistake as all of us do. I appreciate it again @lovedogs @AnastasiaBeaverhausen @marymm @sth66 for your kind help!

 

[yssie]

They charged you for a stone AFTER you said you didn’t want to buy it??

That is so many degrees of not remotely acceptable. What if the purchase had kicked the customer over his credit limit? What if the customer needed those thousands of dollars for something else? Return+refund isn’t a quick process.

You do NOT CHARGE A CUSTOMER without explicitly confirming that the customer wishes to purchase. @pricescopenewbie I beg you to contact JA and speak with management, explain what has happened and who pushed the transaction through, and demand they take precautions to prevent this from happening to someone else.

If there was any confusion whatsoever on the JA side the order should have been withheld. If there wasn’t confusion on the JA side, then the rep who made this egregious error needs to understand what happened so it never occurs again.

JA is a reputable company - they exist, they sell diamonds, they sell the diamonds they claim to sell, you’ll get the stone you paid for. For the past few years JA has, however, been plagued by process and customer service failures. This is IMO one of the worst.

 

[lovedogs]

They charged you for a stone AFTER you said you didn’t want to buy it??

That is so many degrees of not remotely acceptable. What if the purchase had kicked the customer over his credit limit? What if the customer needed those thousands of dollars for something else?

You do NOT CHARGE A CUSTOMER without explicitly confirming that the customer wishes to purchase. @pricescopenewbie I beg you to contact JA and speak with management, explain what has happened and who pushed the transaction through, and demand they take precautions to prevent this from happening to someone else.

If there was any confusion whatsoever on the JA side the order should have been withheld. If there wasn’t confusion on the JA side, then the rep who made this egregious error needs to understand what happened so it never occurs again.

I agree with this 100%. Its critical that this doesnt happen to others.

 

[yssie]

@Karl_K I recall you had contacts at JA. No idea if @YoungPapa is still associated with the company. Tagging @psadmin as well.

 

[jamesallenrings]

Hi @pricescopenewbie , Jackie here from James Allen. I truly apologize for this situation - I can assure you that it has been remedied and will not happen again moving forward. I know someone from the team reached out to you directly. Again, I do apologize and we are here for anything you may need.

 

[pricescopenewbie]

JA contacted me today and explained to me of the mistake due to human error. I understand we all make mistakes and I appreciate them to take care of it. And I am very thankful everyone here to help me with your great advice!

 

[La2020]

My friend order this H&A sq radiant and it is very beautiful! I am unsure if the SI1 will be of concern since the radiant is so sparkly in person.

The ordering process seems hazard and messy.. the return from my emerald diamond was smooth... Although the refund take slightly bit of time.

The entire purchase journey should be an enjoyable process.. Glad that you decided not to go ahead after some consideration.

 

[pricescopenewbie]

@La2020 Thanks a lot for confirming that this type of diamond has good performance！ I actually have decided to order this diamond because of all the positive feedback I got here on this cut JA said it will take a while for me to receive this diamond due to the weather etc. I am biting my nails LOL.

 

[La2020]

@La2020 Thanks a lot for confirming that this type of diamond has good performance！ I actually have decided to order this diamond because of all the positive feedback I got here on this cut JA said it will take a while for me to receive this diamond due to the weather etc. I am biting my nails LOL.

I don't think you will be disappointed
. Hers is a blast.. The diamond in person and its photos were amazing..I have actually posted a few of the ASET and the photos of her 0.9c here..if you want.. I can dig them out for you.

After seeing hers.. I was considering a smaller one but a fellow PSer got it before I could..

 

[La2020]

The ordering process seems hazard and messy.. the return from my emerald diamond was smooth... Although the refund take slightly bit of time.

Just to clarify that my JA experience wasn't hazard and messy.. But the OP is.. Mine was smooth.

 

[pricescopenewbie]

@La2020 wow that GOG radiant in video you referred to looks gorgeous! Before I saw the video I thought it is a H&A cut in a square shape. but it looks a little different in the video that the arrows are bolder and reflects beautiful rainbow color. Very nice!

Thank you so much for the post!