JamesAllen 360 vs BlueNile 360

[VG4313]

Does anyone notice a difference between the JA and BN 360 degree views?

I'm looking at purchasing an oval (I have another thread going on that) and was previously looking at JA exclusively. I started to browse BN a bit more today. As I kept going through various diamonds, I kept thinking these BN ovals look so much better. The light performance and minimization of bow-ties seems far greater on the BN selection.

Is there a difference in technology? Is it the angle of viewing? Or is it maybe the actual selection of diamonds?

To me it seems like the JA view is more "honest" in portraying the diamond.

 

[rockysalamander]

I like that JA gives you the option to see the stone without clicking every one and you can zoom in. Otherwise, I find them about equal in quality of stones and there is some overlap. I wish they both offered a black background TBH.

 

[rockysalamander]

If you post your wants and budget, PS member can help you. I'd start a new thread....with something like "Help finding 1.3 c oval". Its useful if you indicate if you are within the US or not, as well.

 

[tyty333]

Bluenile floods their images with light. Nothing wrong with that as long as you realize it's sort of like jewelry store lighting.

James Allen images are not all that consistent...not sure why. Good question for James Allen. Some of their
Images are flooded with light, some are taken with more "normal" lighting, and some are taken with lighting that makes them look dull. I wish they were more consistent.

 

[rockysalamander]

Bluenile floods their images with light. Nothing wrong with that as long as you realize it's sort of like jewelry store lighting.

James Allen images are not all that consistent...not sure why. Good question for James Allen. Some of their
Images are flooded with light, some are taken with more "normal" lighting, and some are taken with lighting that makes them look dull. I wish they were more consistent.

Totally agree. I find I have to kinda look at the background and figure out how lite the images are and what temp the lighting was. I suspect that since many are virtual inventory, they are photographed for JA using JA "guidance" on setup by the actual overseas seller. Pure conjecture, but I don't see how they would otherwise have so many stones not in their office.

 

[VG4313]

So given this, and given that there are so many variables that affect an ovals' performance - with online retailers, what is the prudent thing to do? Can buyers ask that a JA or BN gemologist physically inspect the diamond and provide their opinion on whether it reflects the performance of the virtual view? Are they generally honest in providing this opinion?

Thanks all!