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james allen...too good to be true?

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atropis88

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2013
Messages
19
I'm in the process of looking for an eye-clean diamond over .73 ct with the best cut possible and color between D-I. I came across some of these on James Allen and they just seem realllly well priced compared to some other sites i've looked at. I know that James Allen in general doesn't have the same reputation in terms of Cut as sites like WF, BG, and GOG, especially in terms of Hearts and Arrows diamonds. Nonetheless, i'm on a pretty tight budget and these are pretty tempting... Makes me think that maybe i'm missing something and may be too good to be true. Check em out:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?Color=G&Clarity=VVS2&Cut=Ideal,Excellent&TabSelected=3&DiamondID=164405,178845,90777,232599,237162,112247,146897
 
So, when you ask if JA is "too good to be true," what exactly are you asking? :confused:

The stones you linked to are all over the board. What parameters are you comfortable with and what is your budget?
 
That 82 point I SI1 looks like a winner for sure. I don't think you're missing anything.
 
budget is $4000, at first i was gonna get an H&A stone from either BG, WF, or GOG, something around .65-.7 ct. My gf made it clear tho that she would prefer bigger with less cut quality so i started looking around and came across those. so basically i want something in the .75-1 ct range, don't want to get less colorless than H or I, and definitely want eye-clean. I still want the best cut as possible, and all of JA's "true hearts" score 0 on AGS cut and light performance, etc, but it's just hard for me to believe some of those prices... I'm not especially skilled though at analyzing ideal scopes, depth, table, crown, pavilion %'s / angles, imperfection diagrams and what not. That's why if anyone can see anything about these stones that would explain the low prices i'd appreciate it. Other than that I guess JA just has great deals...
 
atropis88|1374558804|3488297 said:
budget is $4000, at first i was gonna get an H&A stone from either BG, WF, or GOG, something around .65-.7 ct. My gf made it clear tho that she would prefer bigger with less cut quality so i started looking around and came across those. so basically i want something in the .75-1 ct range, don't want to get less colorless than H or I, and definitely want eye-clean. I still want the best cut as possible, and all of JA's "true hearts" score 0 on AGS cut and light performance, etc, but it's just hard for me to believe some of those prices... I'm not especially skilled though at analyzing ideal scopes, depth, table, crown, pavilion %'s / angles, imperfection diagrams and what not. That's why if anyone can see anything about these stones that would explain the low prices i'd appreciate it. Other than that I guess JA just has great deals...
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Hey atropis88,

If your GF wants size, I would sacrifice on color and/or clarity (eye-clean)... not cut. Cut is what makes it sparkle. :)) Is $4K the budget for the stone or the entire ring?
 
That's good advice, thank you. I'm thinking 4000 for just the stone.I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place honestly... originally i was gonna get her a .63 F VS2 ACA for about 3200 or something but after talking with her about it, it was pretty clear she wants 1 ct. I compromised and said that maybe we should do .75 - .8ish that way I don't have to get into serious debt over this. I also mentioned the upgrade policy. I'm the type of person that likes quality over quantity, and I tried explaining to her how these Ideal0 H&A stones were like the japanese kobe of diamonds, and she liked that, but i can tell she still wants bigger. her ring size is 7 too which isnt huge but after looking at the different sizes of stones i know she wants at least .75. That being said, I don't want to get her something yellow nor do I want to get her something that isn't eye-clean. One of those stones on JA is .74 I IF S1 for only 3700 or something, and is "true hearts." seems like a pretty sweet deal. I know the difference between IF and VS2 is barely anything in terms of normal viewing, but knowing you have an IF is kinda cool, at least for me. That stone didn't score too well on the HCA which worried me though. A big part of me just wants to stick to WF, GOG, and/or BG because I know i'd be getting the best of the best even if i choose expert selection, bg select, etc. That being said, if the AGS reports for some of these stones on JA show that they were graded 0 for cut, light performance, etc. how bad could they really be?
 
i appreciate the link and am gonna take it into consideration. i think that if i'm gonna go down to J and SI1, i'm gonna stick with WF, BG, or GoG hearts and arrows diamonds and get like a .75-.85 ct. I'd really like to spend closer to the 3-3500 range. Honestly, JA kinda bothers me because half the pictures on there look identical. Same goes for all their "true hearts" pictures. There's also no ASET and you can't even blow up the ideal scope. It just seems like not-the-best place to get high quality stuff. My gf isn't super-materialistic, but the reality is that as much as i want her to be happy, i also want to be proud of my purchase. i'm not gonna be proud of 1 ct that is yellow and not eye-clean. she's gonna have to accept the .75-.85, and maybe we'll get an upgrade one day when i'm making more than $600/week... i mean at the end of the day, i'd love to have a 10" wang but it's just not happening.
 
Hearts and arrows is about optical symmetry not light performance. It isn't necessary to purchase a HA to ensure that you have a beautiful stone. You can easily find a well cut GIA EX or AGS0 without paying the premium for HA. Since size is the most important to your gf, I would suggest dropping down a bit in color and clarity, maybe consider J's and eye clean SI's and dont worry about hearts and arrows right now....unless of course that is very important to her but it sounds to me that she would just like to have a beautiful sparkly diamond as large as budget allows, and for that you dont need HA. =)
 
atropis88|1374560220|3488303 said:
That's good advice, thank you. I'm thinking 4000 for just the stone.I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place honestly... originally i was gonna get her a .63 F VS2 ACA for about 3200 or something but after talking with her about it, it was pretty clear she wants 1 ct. I compromised and said that maybe we should do .75 - .8ish that way I don't have to get into serious debt over this. I also mentioned the upgrade policy. I'm the type of person that likes quality over quantity, and I tried explaining to her how these Ideal0 H&A stones were like the japanese kobe of diamonds, and she liked that, but i can tell she still wants bigger. her ring size is 7 too which isnt huge but after looking at the different sizes of stones i know she wants at least .75. That being said, I don't want to get her something yellow nor do I want to get her something that isn't eye-clean. One of those stones on JA is .74 I IF S1 for only 3700 or something, and is "true hearts." seems like a pretty sweet deal. I know the difference between IF and VS2 is barely anything in terms of normal viewing, but knowing you have an IF is kinda cool, at least for me. That stone didn't score too well on the HCA which worried me though. A big part of me just wants to stick to WF, GOG, and/or BG because I know i'd be getting the best of the best even if i choose expert selection, bg select, etc. That being said, if the AGS reports for some of these stones on JA show that they were graded 0 for cut, light performance, etc. how bad could they really be?
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I understand your dilemma, believe me!! :bigsmile: I would recommend EX cut, G-I color, VS2-SI2 (if eye-clean)... IF is cool if you want to pay a premium for it. No one will ever know if you have a clean SI or an IF if viewing with the unaided eye. Personally, I would never want to pay a premium for something my eye cannot appreciate -- but that is just me.

I am like your GF in that I wanted the biggest rock I could get that was white when facing up, eye-clean, and EX cut. But I knew to get the size I wanted, something had to give (doesn't it always??!! UGH! ...no fair!) :nono:

I ended up getting a J, SI1 GIA XXX and I am super happy with it. Now, with regards to color, the setting can make a difference. I have a halo (see avatar) and the diamond is only exposed from the girdle up from the side view. So any tint that might show in a more open setting is covered, so to speak. If I were to change to a more open setting like a six prong, then I most likely wouldn't go below I -- fluorescence helps too!

I don't know if you can find a 1 ct, but I think you may come close -- maybe in the 8.5-.9 range? Really, it's the diameter (mm) size you should focus on as far as size goes. I would call IDJ and see what they can find in your budget. I've seen them work wonders on a budget!! What type of setting are you interested in? (I really think you can go down to I if you get an excellent cut).
 
Christina...|1374561422|3488310 said:
Hearts and arrows is about optical symmetry not light performance. It isn't necessary to purchase a HA to ensure that you have a beautiful stone. You can easily find a well cut GIA EX or AGS0 without paying the premium for HA. Since size is the most important to your gf, I would suggest dropping down a bit in color and clarity, maybe consider J's and eye clean SI's and dont worry about hearts and arrows right now....unless of course that is very important to her but it sounds to me that she would just like to have a beautiful sparkly diamond as large as budget allows, and for that you dont need HA. =)
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+1
 
atropis88|1374561308|3488309 said:
i appreciate the link and am gonna take it into consideration. i think that if i'm gonna go down to J and SI1, i'm gonna stick with WF, BG, or GoG hearts and arrows diamonds and get like a .75-.85 ct. I'd really like to spend closer to the 3-3500 range. Honestly, JA kinda bothers me because half the pictures on there look identical. Same goes for all their "true hearts" pictures. There's also no ASET and you can't even blow up the ideal scope. It just seems like not-the-best place to get high quality stuff. My gf isn't super-materialistic, but the reality is that as much as i want her to be happy, i also want to be proud of my purchase. i'm not gonna be proud of 1 ct that is yellow and not eye-clean. she's gonna have to accept the .75-.85, and maybe we'll get an upgrade one day when i'm making more than $600/week... i mean at the end of the day, i'd love to have a 10" wang but it's just not happening.
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Have you had an opportunity to look at diamonds in person? A GIA or AGS ideal cut stone of a Ct or less will not look yellow. There is a very slight tint when viewed through the pavilion (side) of the stone but when the diamond is in its setting its quite difficult to detect any color in the face up position. Ive purchased two stones from James Allen and they offer wonderful products and service. You do not need to spend a premium to get a beautiful stone. JA has gemologist available to evaluate the stone as well and they do a really great job and are very honest.

Check out this video on color.

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=9&rdm=ticq73xs#/watch?v=vcmSj8dOLRI
 
atropis88|1374561308|3488309 said:
she's gonna have to accept the .75-.85, and maybe we'll get an upgrade one day when i'm making more than $600/week... i mean at the end of the day, i'd love to have a 10" wang but it's just not happening.


So I guess she loses on both counts huh? :nono:
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Have you considered a halo setting? I think that may be your best bet to satisfy her craving for a "bigger look." Would you share your budget for the setting?
 
atropis88|1374561308|3488309 said:
i appreciate the link and am gonna take it into consideration. i think that if i'm gonna go down to J and SI1, i'm gonna stick with WF, BG, or GoG hearts and arrows diamonds and get like a .75-.85 ct. I'd really like to spend closer to the 3-3500 range. Honestly, JA kinda bothers me because half the pictures on there look identical. Same goes for all their "true hearts" pictures. There's also no ASET and you can't even blow up the ideal scope. It just seems like not-the-best place to get high quality stuff. My gf isn't super-materialistic, but the reality is that as much as i want her to be happy, i also want to be proud of my purchase. i'm not gonna be proud of 1 ct that is yellow and not eye-clean. she's gonna have to accept the .75-.85, and maybe we'll get an upgrade one day when i'm making more than $600/week... i mean at the end of the day, i'd love to have a 10" wang but it's just not happening.
Click to expand...

$600/week and you're spending 4k on just your stone? I would look into spending less; that 2 months salary "rule" is a myth, and you're pushing into 3 months. As you say, you can always upgrade later. It seems like you're being responsible with regard to paying from savings and not going into ring debt, and I would stay strong on that, and perhaps expand into keeping your savings reasonably intact.

As for JA, if you contact them, they will send you ASET images for up to 3 stones.
 
atropis88|1374561308|3488309 said:
Honestly, JA kinda bothers me because half the pictures on there look identical. Same goes for all their "true hearts" pictures. There's also no ASET and you can't even blow up the ideal scope. It just seems like not-the-best place to get high quality stuff.
Click to expand...

I do not normally get into discussion about vendors as I don't have a horse in the race and I'm happy to make suggestions if I see something good from any vendor that a poster wants to work with. However, due to the thread's title...

The videos don't look identical if you know what you are looking for. Of course, you would expect less variance in the True Hearts line, they should be cut to tighter specs and thus will look more similar. You don't need an ASET for rounds. I personally do not feel the IS image is too small, but JA will email you larger ones if you want (limit 3.)

I just want to reassure you, because I'm not quite seeing anything at BGD or WF that would really work? Maybe this but it has an inclusion under the table http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2937164.htm#
 
JulieN|1374565934|3488328 said:
atropis88|1374561308|3488309 said:
Honestly, JA kinda bothers me because half the pictures on there look identical. Same goes for all their "true hearts" pictures. There's also no ASET and you can't even blow up the ideal scope. It just seems like not-the-best place to get high quality stuff.
Click to expand...

I do not normally get into discussion about vendors as I don't have a horse in the race and I'm happy to make suggestions if I see something good from any vendor that a poster wants to work with. However, due to the thread's title...

The videos don't look identical if you know what you are looking for. Of course, you would expect less variance in the True Hearts line, they should be cut to tighter specs and thus will look more similar. You don't need an ASET for rounds. I personally do not feel the IS image is too small, but JA will email you larger ones if you want (limit 3.)
Click to expand...

I'm going to agree with JulieN here... the images/videos are very different if you know what to look for -- this is where PS can help! :appl:

JA has some AWESOME diamonds (as has been proven on PS many times over) and some "good to okay" stones and the "not so good" stones. My point is that while GOG, WF, and BG pretty much carry the "best of the best," JA simply sells all qualities of stones. When you are familiar with what specs to look for, you can pick and choose the parameters that are to your liking.

Here's my lame analogy: BG/GOG/WF is to JA as Macy's is to TJ Maxx ... the good stuff is available, you just have to look a little harder. ;)) (please don't judge me... it's late) ::) :lol:

Another great thing about JA is that they have such a vast inventory of in-house stones - you get to see the actual diamond in 3D as well as zoomed in to check out all views! JA is also very competitively priced and PS members can receive a discount of 1-5%!!! :sun:

I would not count them out just yet. :halo:
 
msop04|1374567204|3488329 said:
Here's my lame analogy: BG/GOG/WF is to JA as Macy's is to TJ Maxx ... the good stuff is available, you just have to look a little harder. ;)) (please don't judge me... it's late) ::) :lol:
Click to expand...

I like that analogy! It really works, with the exception of return policy.

JA has a 60-day return window with free return shipping (and no shipping deduction from your refund). BG, GOG, and WF don't come close.

And thus another reason not to count out JA.
 
GoSounders|1374570801|3488342 said:
msop04|1374567204|3488329 said:
Here's my lame analogy: BG/GOG/WF is to JA as Macy's is to TJ Maxx ... the good stuff is available, you just have to look a little harder. ;)) (please don't judge me... it's late) ::) :lol:
Click to expand...

I like that analogy! It really works, with the exception of return policy.

JA has a 60-day return window with free return shipping (and no shipping deduction from your refund). BG, GOG, and WF don't come close.

And thus another reason not to count out JA.
Click to expand...

This would be a definite plus for me... if ya don't like it, return/exchange it -- no penalties for shipping! (I didn't even know this - thanks for sharing the info!!) :))
 
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