What do you think about this Diamond + Setting (and jamesallen also)

[kruz]

OK looking at stones, settings and online stores; I think I have found something that I like.

Being a bit nervous about buying a ring and diamond online, I will start with that aspect. What are your opinions of James Allen? I started looking at Blue Nile but have stepped toward James Allen instead. They have a setting that is pretty much what I had in my head, and their stones seem pretty reasonable.

I was looking for a 3 stone with channel set all Princess -- since I know that is the cut she likes the most. Generally speaking she isn't into looping and too "fragile" looking. She is pretty small so I don't want to go anything too huge, and the stepping up from channel to side stones to the center stone just looks really cool, while the straight lines of the ring to the straight lines of the princess cut looks pretty nice IMO.

Budget wise I am hoping around 3k to 3.5k ring + stone.

The setting:
Setting: 1205w - James Allen

Item Details
Item Number: 1205w
Setting Information:
Metal: 18K White Gold
Width: 2.9-3.9mm
Diamond Qualities:
# of Princess Diamonds: 10
Minimum carat total weight: 0.62
Average color: F-G
Average clarity: VS1-VS2
Can be set with:
Princess 0.30 - 3.50

Stone:
0.73 Princess, Ideal, F, VS1 - James Allen

Diamond Details
Item Number: 1256091
Shape: Princess
Carat weight: 0.73
Cut: Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA

Depth: 73.5%
Table: 72.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Slightly thick to thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 4.86*4.86*3.57
Ratio: 1.00

Reading through the forums I dropped my color and clarity a bit, but I am a little hesitant to drop too low. I want a good looking center stone, but i don't want it too far off the side stones to make them look out of place . For me I have always been quality over quantity; but I do want a good balance. If anyone knows of a nice looking wedding band that would match that would be a nice link to see as well.

Any opinions, alternates, basically any feedback at all I would appreciate!

Thanks!

 

[beechezz]

kruz,

I really love that setting, princess cuts are one of my favorites. You are definitely on the right track, she is going to love it! My only question is have you seen the diamond? I believe you really need to see a princess to judge how well it will perform. I would contact James Allen to find out how you can request images of the stone. Hope this helps!

 

[Lorelei]

With the princess, ask JA if they can send you a photo and an ASET image as they have just started doing them, Beechezz is right, images are needed.

 

[tyty333]

Setting is very nice...post the picture of the princess when you get it.

 

[Londongirl1]

My princess is a G/VS2 and is very white. F/G and a good cut /clarity is a good balance of budget and quality. I agree that you should try and get an image of the stone before parting with any hard earned $$$.

 

[kruz]

After posting last night I did request photos and certificate. I will ask for the ASET if they don''t send it to me with the first batch of pics and post them when I get them.

 

[kruz]

is the general consensus that James Allen is reputable, trustworthy, quality, etc?

I can buy computers, TVs, and all that online without worrying but something about a ring is a bit different

 

[stone-cold11]

Just do a search on JA and you will find lots of satisfied customers of JA.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/24/2009 12:45:29 PM
Author: kruz
is the general consensus that James Allen is reputable, trustworthy, quality, etc?

I can buy computers, TVs, and all that online without worrying but something about a ring is a bit different

James Allen have an excellent rep here and I have seen many happy customers of theirs over the years. You can use the search tool to read up on others'' experiences with them.

 

[kruz]

I did search although sorting by returned fields (date) would have been useful as there were 10+ pages of results

I saw mostly great reviews, only a few in 2006 or 2007 about their cut ratings not matching what the GIA papers stated. I didn''t see any of that in the recent threads though.

Thanks for all the replies. I still plan on posting the pics once I hear back from JA.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/24/2009 1:28:15 PM
Author: kruz
I did search although sorting by returned fields (date) would have been useful as there were 10+ pages of results

I saw mostly great reviews, only a few in 2006 or 2007 about their cut ratings not matching what the GIA papers stated. I didn''t see any of that in the recent threads though.

Thanks for all the replies. I still plan on posting the pics once I hear back from JA.

That can happen with lots of vendors, sometimes the vendors assign their own cut ratings for various reasons, for example some might call a GIA Excellent an Ideal Cut or a Premium Cut etc, it is best to evaluate each diamond on its own desirable visual and physical properties in any case to find the best ones.

 

[kruz]

yea im not too worried, i can look at the cert and see what it says (in regards to the above mentioned 2006/2007 threads).

I just talked to JA and it will take a few days to get pics, so till then I guess I wait.

Thanks!

 

[kruz]

Update for diamond pictures. ASET has been requested also, will add it when it arrives.

 

[kruz]

stone