Search for best $14-16K round diamond on James Allen

[bjg]

I've been with my girlfriend for almost 2.5 years, and I'm planning to propose in the next month or two. I found a setting that I like on James Allen, so would prefer to purchase my diamond there as well (it sounds like it is easier to buy both diamond and setting from the same place). I'm having a difficult time finding the best quality diamond on the James Allen website. I know that I'm limited to ordering 3 idealscope images from James Allen. I originally ordered 2 idealscope images on 2 diamonds from James Allen, but then changed my mind on those diamonds. I have a better idea of what I want now - I'm just having a difficult time finding it.

Could I please request your help in finding the best diamonds for my 3 idealscope requests on James Allen? I'd like the following:

Diamond Shape: Round
Cut: the best possible (Ideal/Excellent)
Size: 1.4-1.6 carat
Color: G/H
Clarity: VS1/VS2
Price of diamond: $14-16K

Alternatively, do you think it would be better to order just the diamond itself from Whiteflash, and then get the setting at another online vendor or buy the setting locally (I live in the San Francisco Bay area)? My understanding is that it's easier to find an excellent diamond at Whiteflash by just purchasing one of the ACA diamonds.

 

[WillyDiamond]

If you buy an ACA from WF, you will be getting a beautiful diamond. I am sure that WF can do a setting for you that you will like.
Can you post the setting at JA that you like? This way the experts on this site can help you.

 

[bjg]

If you buy an ACA from WF, you will be getting a beautiful diamond. I am sure that WF can do a setting for you that you will like.
Can you post the setting at JA that you like? This way the experts on this site can help you.

This is the setting I like from JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/item-page.asp?item=3963

 

[Sakuracherry]

Have you checked out this setting from WF? I have nothing against JA, but I believe it is easier to find a top quality diamond on WF.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1120.htm

 

[Niel]

If you buy an ACA from WF, you will be getting a beautiful diamond. I am sure that WF can do a setting for you that you will like.
Can you post the setting at JA that you like? This way the experts on this site can help you.

This is the setting I like from JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/item-page.asp?item=3963

thats a lovely setting, Ive always REALLY love that one and i see no reason why you cant go though JA! I recently got my stone from Ja and its lovely. And i find they often have stones at a better price.

 

[Niel]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

 

[Niel]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

I wanted to say about color, even within a color grade there are levels of color. A stone can be a "high I", meaning it is very close to an H color. I really think if you reserve three this should be one, just because they can tell you how true the color grade is.

heres another one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-87379

 

[stargurl78]

If you buy an ACA from WF, you will be getting a beautiful diamond. I am sure that WF can do a setting for you that you will like.
Can you post the setting at JA that you like? This way the experts on this site can help you.

This is the setting I like from JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/item-page.asp?item=3963

thats a lovely setting, Ive always REALLY love that one and i see no reason why you cant go though JA! I recently got my stone from Ja and its lovely. And i find they often have stones at a better price.

I agree, I love that setting and much prefer it to the WF Legato suggested above. My stone is from JA as well and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Just make sure to post any stones here that you are considering and the experts will help you pick the best one.

 

[mcosme]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-190677
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.53-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-142710
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73760
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.60-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-78632

Here's some to consider, although there are a few si1's, they seem pretty clean.
The 1.74 Neil posted looks very nice!

 

[bjg]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

This one looks really nice. Thanks!

One question I had, though. When I look at the description of the setting, it seems to indicate that 1.5 carat round diamond is the maximum size that could fit in the ring:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-scroll-basket-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-369

Is it possible for them to fit a 1.74 carat ring into this setting? Or, is James Allen able to customize that style to make a 1.74 carat diamond fit in it? There are other James Allen settings that I like - I'm not completely set on the style above, but it does seem to be most similar to the styles that my girlfriend has hinted at...

 

[bjg]

Have you checked out this setting from WF? I have nothing against JA, but I believe it is easier to find a top quality diamond on WF.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1120.htm

this one looks nice, too. one thing my girlfriend requested was a ring where the diamond sits "low" (or rather, appears to sit low). do you think the diamond on the legato would sit as low (or appear to sit as low) as the diamond on the james allen setting?

 

[bjg]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

I wanted to say about color, even within a color grade there are levels of color. A stone can be a "high I", meaning it is very close to an H color. I really think if you reserve three this should be one, just because they can tell you how true the color grade is.

heres another one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-87379

this one looks nice, too. which one do you think would be better between the two? or, is it too hard to tell without the idealscope images at this point?

 

[Sakuracherry]

I believe you can request WF to set the diamond low. There are two nice H/VS2 within your budget on their website. I suggest that you pick three diamonds from JA and request idealscope images. You can compare them to WF when you receive them. If the size is important to you, probably going with JA is a better option. They have many nice diamonds.

 

[Niel]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

I wanted to say about color, even within a color grade there are levels of color. A stone can be a "high I", meaning it is very close to an H color. I really think if you reserve three this should be one, just because they can tell you how true the color grade is.

heres another one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-87379

this one looks nice, too. which one do you think would be better between the two? or, is it too hard to tell without the idealscope images at this point?

Well first I'd reserve them plus one other so they don't get snatched up while you are deciding

I would choose size and clarity over color. So personally right now if it were me I'd choose the I, especially because those still seem pretty white. But you are right we need more info. I attached a 2ct I so you can see even at that size they appear pretty colorless. And again, the gemologist will be honest with you about the color. Also about the setting, I don't know why they say that. They will set other sizes. Take a look at their recently purchased.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-scroll-basket-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-369-Purchased-6033

 

[stargurl78]

This would definitely be my choice, what a gorgeous stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-199650

I also like the 1.52 that Niel suggested but I prefer the fatter arrows in the stone above (they give a slightly chunkier, rather than splintery look).

Also, unless you know she isn't color sensitive, I probably wouldn't go lower than an I in color. Many people can even see tint in I colored stones. I personally would probably stick with H or higher but that's just my preference and I know many would disagree.

Good luck!!

 

[Niel]

This would definitely be my choice, what a gorgeous stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-199650

I also like the 1.52 that Niel suggested but I prefer the fatter arrows in the stone above (they give a slightly chunkier, rather than splintery look).

Also, unless you know she isn't color sensitive, I probably wouldn't go lower than an I in color. Many people can even see tint in I colored stones. I personally would probably stick with H or higher but that's just my preference and I know many would disagree.

Good luck!!

I'm one of those that disagree. I find an I very white looking and a nice small compromise to get such a large stone. But I think reserve the 2 h 1.52's and the I, see what they say about the performance and color.

 

[bjg]

This would definitely be my choice, what a gorgeous stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-199650

I also like the 1.52 that Niel suggested but I prefer the fatter arrows in the stone above (they give a slightly chunkier, rather than splintery look).

Also, unless you know she isn't color sensitive, I probably wouldn't go lower than an I in color. Many people can even see tint in I colored stones. I personally would probably stick with H or higher but that's just my preference and I know many would disagree.

Good luck!!

Thanks. This 1.52 looks nice. I was wondering what you and Niel also thought about the following 2 other stones:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-202817

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.58-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-128470

 

[bjg]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

I wanted to say about color, even within a color grade there are levels of color. A stone can be a "high I", meaning it is very close to an H color. I really think if you reserve three this should be one, just because they can tell you how true the color grade is.

heres another one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-87379

this one looks nice, too. which one do you think would be better between the two? or, is it too hard to tell without the idealscope images at this point?

Well first I'd reserve them plus one other so they don't get snatched up while you are deciding

I would choose size and clarity over color. So personally right now if it were me I'd choose the I, especially because those still seem pretty white. But you are right we need more info. I attached a 2ct I so you can see even at that size they appear pretty colorless. And again, the gemologist will be honest with you about the color. Also about the setting, I don't know why they say that. They will set other sizes. Take a look at their recently purchased.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-scroll-basket-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-369-Purchased-6033

Thanks! It looks like the size won't be a problem with this setting!

 

[Niel]

I don't really like that g I don't know if it the photo but it looks weird. And the price seems high when you can get a similar h for your budget.

 

[bjg]

if you would be willing to go down to an I, this one has really nice clarity and very large! Looks very white to my eyes, and if you pay by wire and ask for a Pricescope discount im sure its under 16k
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-22866

I wanted to say about color, even within a color grade there are levels of color. A stone can be a "high I", meaning it is very close to an H color. I really think if you reserve three this should be one, just because they can tell you how true the color grade is.

heres another one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-87379

I just went online, and this diamond is no longer available. What do you think about this one instead?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-202817

Or, is there another one you would pick over this?

 

[Niel]

Yeah reserve that I, the h you found and the stargurl found. I think those are good enough to take to round 2


Id reserve them soon before any more get snatched up.

 

[stargurl78]

Yeah reserve that I, the h you found and the stargurl found. I think those are good enough to take to round 2


Id reserve them soon before any more get snatched up.

Ditto this. I like the 1.55 ct H you picked out but not loving the G colored stone.

 

[bjg]

Yeah reserve that I, the h you found and the stargurl found. I think those are good enough to take to round 2


Id reserve them soon before any more get snatched up.

Ditto this. I like the 1.55 ct H you picked out but not loving the G colored stone.

Great. Thank to both of you. I just put all 30 stones on hold and ordered the idealscopes. Keeping my fingers crossed that at least one comes back really nice!

 

[Niel]

I'll bet you they'll have good things to say about all three. I'm interested to see what they say color wise regarding the AGS h vs the GIA I because I've heard it claimed here that AGS is softer on grading, so I wonder just how different in color they will seem to the gemologist.

 

[heididdl]

Diamond first setting second I would also call WF select your diamond and let them work with you with the JA setting good luck

 

[sha4000]

Yeah reserve that I, the h you found and the stargurl found. I think those are good enough to take to round 2


Id reserve them soon before any more get snatched up.

Ditto this. I like the 1.55 ct H you picked out but not loving the G colored stone.

Great. Thank to both of you. I just put all 30 stones on hold and ordered the idealscopes. Keeping my fingers crossed that at least one comes back really nice!

lol they you do that?

 

[bjg]

Yeah reserve that I, the h you found and the stargurl found. I think those are good enough to take to round 2


Id reserve them soon before any more get snatched up.

Ditto this. I like the 1.55 ct H you picked out but not loving the G colored stone.

Great. Thank to both of you. I just put all 30 stones on hold and ordered the idealscopes. Keeping my fingers crossed that at least one comes back really nice!

lol they you do that?

oops. i meant three (3). I tried to go back and edit the post, but I guess I can't edit it any longer...

 

[bjg]

Diamond first setting second I would also call WF select your diamond and let them work with you with the JA setting good luck

If I bought one of the whiteflash diamonds, what would be the process for getting it with the JA setting?

 

[Niel]

Diamond first setting second I would also call WF select your diamond and let them work with you with the JA setting good luck

I see no reason to go to wf these are good stones in his budget and size requirements. And he prefers this setting. No reason to go elsewhere.

 

[stargurl78]

Diamond first setting second I would also call WF select your diamond and let them work with you with the JA setting good luck

I don't really understand this suggestion If you get the stone from WF, I would get a setting from there too. If you go with a JA stone, get the JA setting. It always seems to make more sense to get the stone and setting from the same place (as long as the vendor has what you are looking for), in order to avoid the cost, hassle, and time involved in getting the stone from one place to another. I think you have some good options with JA. Let us know what the gemologist says.