OK so here it goes ... I know almost absolutely nothing about diamonds. I have done some minor research online and that's it. The only thing that I do know a little about is what she wants and I have narrowed that down to the following criteria:
- Budget = $6000.00 (+/-)
- Shape = Asscher
- Size = Would like this to be 1.0 carat or greater
I have now narrowed this down a bit further.
The setting that I really would like to go for is (she really wants platinum):
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-bow-tie-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring--item-812
Not knowing what to do I stumbled upon a few of these different "diamond advice experts" websites. They apparently offer up free advice so I started emailing back and forth with them. From this experience I am more and more confused. Everything they have told me has been contradictory to each other. Some of the things they say match up with my research and then some contradict that as well. I don't know who/what to believe anymore and I am starting to think maybe they are all getting some sort of kick-backs off of whatever diamond they push me to buy. To this point they have helped me to narrow down to 6 choices:
#1 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-273640?a_aid=GrayMatte
#2 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-566285?a_aid=recommended
#3 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-486135?a_aid=GrayMatter
#4 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-535839?a_aid=GrayMatter
#5 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.08-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-260143?a_aid=recommended
#6 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.09-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-457011?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x
All of these seem reasonable and to be honest to my eyes I couldn't pick one from the other. Unfortunately, of those 6 choices only #1 and #2 are eligible for inspection by James Allen (JA). No one has recommended any other sites and that might be fair because as I understand it the Asscher is a fairly rare shape and JA or Blue Nile would have the most stock. What I am really looking for is an unbiased opinion from some people who know what they are talking about and possibly have experience with JA or any other site they can recommend. I really want to get this right and get her something nice that she will be happy with. Thanks to anyone who can spare a little time and help me out in my search.
- Budget = $6000.00 (+/-)
- Shape = Asscher
- Size = Would like this to be 1.0 carat or greater
I have now narrowed this down a bit further.
The setting that I really would like to go for is (she really wants platinum):
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-bow-tie-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring--item-812
Not knowing what to do I stumbled upon a few of these different "diamond advice experts" websites. They apparently offer up free advice so I started emailing back and forth with them. From this experience I am more and more confused. Everything they have told me has been contradictory to each other. Some of the things they say match up with my research and then some contradict that as well. I don't know who/what to believe anymore and I am starting to think maybe they are all getting some sort of kick-backs off of whatever diamond they push me to buy. To this point they have helped me to narrow down to 6 choices:
#1 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-273640?a_aid=GrayMatte
#2 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-566285?a_aid=recommended
#3 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-486135?a_aid=GrayMatter
#4 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-535839?a_aid=GrayMatter
#5 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.08-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-260143?a_aid=recommended
#6 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.09-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-457011?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x
All of these seem reasonable and to be honest to my eyes I couldn't pick one from the other. Unfortunately, of those 6 choices only #1 and #2 are eligible for inspection by James Allen (JA). No one has recommended any other sites and that might be fair because as I understand it the Asscher is a fairly rare shape and JA or Blue Nile would have the most stock. What I am really looking for is an unbiased opinion from some people who know what they are talking about and possibly have experience with JA or any other site they can recommend. I really want to get this right and get her something nice that she will be happy with. Thanks to anyone who can spare a little time and help me out in my search.