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

[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 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.

I think what she meant is you want to choose the stone first and then the setting second. Which I only partially agree with. It is very easy to get a well cut round from many places. So if you can already have a setting in mind and the place that sells it can find you a great stone, I see no problem with picking the setting first.

I think these stones are great and even many people here say they would rather save money or go up in size by selection a gia XXX or AGS 0 vs pay the premium for a branded cut. She may not even see a difference between an H&A and an ideal cut stone. Many can't, even vendors. So I find it counter productive to tell him this is a bad plan, especially when we don't even have the gemologists reviews of the stone AND he already likes the setting. Because WF does not have a similar one in plat foe that price that's near as attractive. IMHO about the setting anyways.

 

[bjg]

I just got the report back from the gemologist at James Allen, as well as the Idealscope images. I have these on hold for 24 hours. Please help me decide. Any other questions I should ask the gemologist before making my decision?

Gemologist report:

"I am sure you will be happy to hear that the gemologist found both the 1.74 carat-I-VS1 (diamond 22866; $16,190) and the 1.52 carat-H-VS2 (diamond 199650; $14,080) to have an excellent amount of brilliance (white light return) with a great amount of fire and sparkle that is very well blended in and symmetrical. The both face "eye clean" and are a nice white color. The 1.55 carat-H-VS2 (diamond 202817; $14,070) is also a very beautiful diamond. Offering a very good amount of brilliance, with a great amount of fire and sparkle mixed in. She was just able to notice that it was just a little weaker than the other two. It too is "eye clean" and faces up a nice color. "


1.74 I/VS1:


1.52 H/VS2:


1.55 H/VS2:

 

[Niel]

If you are concerned about the I color is probably inquire a little more about that, but if she says its white I'd trust her.

I think its just a matter of what you are willing to spend. If I had the budget is get the I. Hard to pass on that size and clarity.

 

[stargurl78]

I would probably eliminate the 1.55 since the gemologist seems to think that one is a little weaker than the other two. The only other question I might have for the gemologist is regarding the color in both stones, whether there is a noticeable tint in the I colored stone and whether or not there is visually a big difference between the two stones.

I guess it all comes down to whether size or color is more important, and what you are willing to spend. I think both of the first 2 stones are great options though. Which one are you leaning towards?

 

[bjg]

If you are concerned about the I color is probably inquire a little more about that, but if she says its white I'd trust her.

I think its just a matter of what you are willing to spend. If I had the budget is get the I. Hard to pass on that size and clarity.

Thanks! What do you think in terms of the idealscopes of the 1.74 and 1.52? Are they both excellent? Is one better than the other?

I have the budget for the diamonds. I just want to get the best one. If both 1.74 and 1.52 are the same in quality, I'd prefer the 1.74.

 

[bjg]

I would probably eliminate the 1.55 since the gemologist seems to think that one is a little weaker than the other two. The only other question I might have for the gemologist is regarding the color in both stones, whether there is a noticeable tint in the I colored stone and whether or not there is visually a big difference between the two stones.

I guess it all comes down to whether size or color is more important, and what you are willing to spend. I think both of the first 2 stones are great options though. Which one are you leaning towards?

Thanks! I am leaning towards the 1.74. I'll ask the gemologist about the color and any visual differences.

 

[bjg]

I would probably eliminate the 1.55 since the gemologist seems to think that one is a little weaker than the other two. The only other question I might have for the gemologist is regarding the color in both stones, whether there is a noticeable tint in the I colored stone and whether or not there is visually a big difference between the two stones.

I guess it all comes down to whether size or color is more important, and what you are willing to spend. I think both of the first 2 stones are great options though. Which one are you leaning towards?

Do you have a preference between the 1.74 and 1.52 based on the idealscopes?

 

[Niel]

I would probably eliminate the 1.55 since the gemologist seems to think that one is a little weaker than the other two. The only other question I might have for the gemologist is regarding the color in both stones, whether there is a noticeable tint in the I colored stone and whether or not there is visually a big difference between the two stones.

I guess it all comes down to whether size or color is more important, and what you are willing to spend. I think both of the first 2 stones are great options though. Which one are you leaning towards?

Do you have a preference between the 1.74 and 1.52 based on the idealscopes?

There seems to be a little less white in the middle of the I than the middle of the h (1.52), and less white is better. but I they all look good and the SA eyes are trustworthy. I agree ask how noticeable the color AND size differences are. But I think the I is a great choice. Either would be really, I just think size is important

 

[bjg]

I would probably eliminate the 1.55 since the gemologist seems to think that one is a little weaker than the other two. The only other question I might have for the gemologist is regarding the color in both stones, whether there is a noticeable tint in the I colored stone and whether or not there is visually a big difference between the two stones.

I guess it all comes down to whether size or color is more important, and what you are willing to spend. I think both of the first 2 stones are great options though. Which one are you leaning towards?

Do you have a preference between the 1.74 and 1.52 based on the idealscopes?

There seems to be a little less white in the middle of the I than the middle of the h (1.52), and less white is better. but I they all look good and the SA eyes are trustworthy. I agree ask how noticeable the color AND size differences are. But I think the I is a great choice. Either would be really, I just think size is important

Thanks! I asked the sales associate for more information from the gemologist on the color and differences between the stones. This is what he said:

"I called over to the gemologist and she said that when you are looking at the 1.55 carat form the side, there is a very, very slight warmth, but with the 1.74 and the 1.52, they are a nice white no matter which way you look at is. She also said that the 1.74 carat is just tiny bit more brilliant than the 1.52. "


It sounds like the 1.74 may be the winner...

 

[Niel]

The I sounds like the winner! Exciting!

 

[stargurl78]

It sounds like you have found your stone! Make sure to come back and share pics with us once the ring is finished!

 

[bjg]

Thanks, Niel and stargurl78! You two helped a ton! I appreciate it! I'm going to go ahead and place the order for the 1.74 with the pave basket setting.

 

[Niel]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

 

[bjg]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics!

Will do!

 

[stargurl78]

Thanks, Niel and stargurl78! You two helped a ton! I appreciate it! I'm going to go ahead and place the order for the 1.74 with the pave basket setting.

Yay!! As Niel said, be sure to ask for the Pricescope discount!!

 

[bjg]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

Yes, I got the price scope discount, and a discount for paying by wire. Thanks! It shipped out today, and I should receive it tomorrow. I am planning to propose this coming weekend.

 

[Niel]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

Yes, I got the price scope discount, and a discount for paying by wire. Thanks! It shipped out today, and I should receive it tomorrow. I am planning to propose this coming weekend.

awesome! I love it when guys propose as soon as they get it. Makes me sad when it sits in a box for a few months. cant wait to see. Mine should ship today too

 

[stargurl78]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

Yes, I got the price scope discount, and a discount for paying by wire. Thanks! It shipped out today, and I should receive it tomorrow. I am planning to propose this coming weekend.

Awesome! Be sure to come back and share some photos with us!

 

[bjg]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

Yes, I got the price scope discount, and a discount for paying by wire. Thanks! It shipped out today, and I should receive it tomorrow. I am planning to propose this coming weekend.

awesome! I love it when guys propose as soon as they get it. Makes me sad when it sits in a box for a few months. cant wait to see. Mine should ship today too

I would be afraid to wait. It is a surprise, so she hasn't seen it yet. This way, if she doesn't like the ring or setting, we are within the 60 day return window. Hopefully she will love it, though.

 

[Roxy]

Make sure to come back and show us the pics! Also, did you ask about applying a price scope discount?

Yes, I got the price scope discount, and a discount for paying by wire. Thanks! It shipped out today, and I should receive it tomorrow. I am planning to propose this coming weekend.

awesome! I love it when guys propose as soon as they get it. Makes me sad when it sits in a box for a few months. cant wait to see. Mine should ship today too

I would be afraid to wait. It is a surprise, so she hasn't seen it yet. This way, if she doesn't like the ring or setting, we are within the 60 day return window. Hopefully she will love it, though.

YAY!! Are you kidding, she's going to LOVE IT! Good for you and an early CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[heididdl]

Yeah that's what I meant ( had migraine when I typed this ) select the diamond first then the vendor will work with you to find a comparible setting for you. The flash of the stone is the most important of all

 

[bjg]

I proposed to my girlfriend (now my fiancee) this past weekend at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. She didn't know anything about the proposal, the ring, or where we were staying in Big Sur, and she was very surprised by all of them (in a good way)! She loved both the diamond and the setting, and said that she had never seen a diamond that was so sparkly before (including any of the diamonds of her friends). She had a hard time sleeping after the proposal, woke up at 4am, and spent the rest of the morning moving her hand from side to side to see the sparkle. She's now saying she feels like she got carpal tunnel in her arm from twisting it to see the sparkle. I've attached a few photos of the ring. Thanks again for all your help!

The only negative is that we're going to have to get it resized. I guessed her finger was a 5.75, and it turns out that it's a 4.25. So, we'll be sending it back to James Allen for the free resizing on Tuesday (after she shows it to all her coworkers on Monday). She says she's never been so excited to go to work on a Monday.

 

[Sakuracherry]

Beautiful. Congratulations! I hope she gets her ring back soon!

 

[JulieN]

Wow, beautiful.

 

[Niel]

Holy cow her finger is so tiny the stone looks huge!!

Im so glad she loves it. I hope the sizing goes fast so she can get it back asap. With that big of sizing I wonder if they just give you a whole new setting.

 

[stargurl78]

It looks beautiful Well the good thing about her tiny fingers is that the stone looks huge! Congrats on your engagement

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

GORGEOUS !!!!!!

 

[bjg]

Holy cow her finger is so tiny the stone looks huge!!

Im so glad she loves it. I hope the sizing goes fast so she can get it back asap. With that big of sizing I wonder if they just give you a whole new setting.

I just heard back from my customer service rep at James Allen, and he mentioned that they will likely need to make a completely new ring, due to the large difference in size. Thankfully, there will be no charge for the resizing, whether it's a completely new setting or changing the existing setting.

By the way, I showed my girlfriend/fiancee this thread, and she really liked reading about all the research from getting the diamond, and the feedback provided by you and stargurl. She was also happy that you recommended the larger sized diamond. She loves the big size (even though she said she would have been happy with a 0.5 carat diamond).

 

[Niel]

Holy cow her finger is so tiny the stone looks huge!!

Im so glad she loves it. I hope the sizing goes fast so she can get it back asap. With that big of sizing I wonder if they just give you a whole new setting.

I just heard back from my customer service rep at James Allen, and he mentioned that they will likely need to make a completely new ring, due to the large difference in size. Thankfully, there will be no charge for the resizing, whether it's a completely new setting or changing the existing setting.

By the way, I showed my girlfriend/fiancee this thread, and she really liked reading about all the research from getting the diamond, and the feedback provided by you and stargurl. She was also happy that you recommended the larger sized diamond. She loves the big size (even though she said she would have been happy with a 0.5 carat diamond).

A lady after my own heart. I'm sure she loves all the timeand effort you put into her ring!

 

[msop04]

She loved both the diamond and the setting, and said that she had never seen a diamond that was so sparkly before...

Congratulations, bjg!! That is one gorgeous ring -- love the setting!!