Hi- I have discovered your site and am intrigued. I’m hoping to buy an engagement ring within the next month, quicker if possible. My budget is between 10K and 12K for the ring and the band. I was hoping to get a center diamond of approximately 1.5 carets for this price. Do you think this is possible? Do you have any specific diamonds you recommend? I think I have a band picked out and have used your diamond locator, but it’s tough to find the perfect one. Also, I thought I saw something about getting a discount through James Allen if I ordered through your site, how does that work? Let me know what you think. Not sure how this works, but am free anytime to talk on the phone or by email if you have any free time. Thanks
Hi. I just tried calling you, but as the voicemail answered, I noticed that you asked me to call only after 6pm. I won’t be able to because in Israel where I live, we’re (now for the time being until we change our clocks too) 6 hours ahead of you.
First of all, thanks for writing! And thanks for the kind words about the site.
I do think you can get what you’re looking for with your budget, but it depends on a few things.
1) What shape are you looking for?
2) How intricate of a setting and wedding band are you looking to get? Could you send me a link to a style you like?
3) Yes, if you use the TAD0611 coupon code, you will get 10% off the setting (not the diamond) and wedding band.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Ira- I didn’t know you were in Israel, but now I understand there is a time difference.
As for the shape, she’s pretty insistent on a round diamond with a platinum band.
For the band, I really like this one.
Not to ‘metal-ly’ and I think the smaller diamonds on the sides make the center diamond look bigger. I also like others that have 6 or 8 side stones.
Right now, finding the perfect center diamond is really the key.
I’ll also be available by phone in 30 minutes if you are still around.
Thanks for the quick reply. Just one thing – you said your budget of 10-12 included the wedding band. How plain/ornate of a band do you plan on buying? I’m trying to narrow down what my exact budget for the diamond is.
I’m pretty set on this setting, which is $1640 before discount:
For the band, I was thinking something that would be about the same price. Maybe something like this one.
Ok, so I’m figuring about a 9300 budget max for the center stone. Lets get started!
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1254384.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – AGS triple zero. Only concern here is the stone has clouds. This can either mean that it’s basically clean and will have no visual affects, or it can mean it looks like frozen spit. It’s hard to tell based on the picture, so I’d recommend having JA pull the stone to give you their opinion. If it’s good, the stone is a great value.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1289817.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA triple zero. It’s an awful picture with terrible lighting. But the stone looks definitely clean to the naked eye.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1288634.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA excellent cut. Another awful picture which distorts the stone’s color, but the stone looks clean to the naked eye.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1278164.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA Excellent cut. Also eye clean.
Have a look at these suggestions and let me know what you think!
The first diamond is no longer available. I liked the other three but have the same 2 concerns with each: 1) The clarity is SI2. I understand that may not mean anything to the naked eye but just want to make sure. On the 3 diamonds you recommend, can you tell if the inclusions are near the perimeter? Also, can you tell if the inclusions are translucent? 2) The girdle size is thick for these, I’d been previously advised to look for a thin or medium girdle. Does this matter?
Have a look at my article about diamond clarity here:
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
It looks like the last stone in my list was sold already as well. As far as the remaining two stones in the middle are concerned – yes, both diamonds’ inclusions are translucent and near the perimeter.
Slightly thick and thick girdles are not a problem at all. I also don’t really mind Very THick girdles. I usually just tell people to stay away from Extremely Thick girdles.
Thanks so much for your help, Ira. I took a deep breath and bought the second diamond on your list (the 1.7 carat stone).
Here goes. Thanks again.
Congrats! PLEASE let me know what you think when it arrives!
……….
Hey. I know it’s been a while. I just wanted to follow up with you to see how you liked the ring. I’d love to hear!
Hi Ira- Got the ring last Thursday and love it. It appraised over 15K and I paid 10K for it, so I am happy.
Thanks so much for your help.
Hey! What great news!! I really appreciate you getting back to me and letting me know. I’m very happy you’re pleased with the ring. I was wondering if you could do me a small favor if you have the time. Do you think you might be able to leave me feedback on ivouch?
The website is still quite new – I only launched in the summer. These reviews really help me build credibility. YOu can access it here directly here:
(LINK REMOVED)
I wish you and your fiance a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!
(You can read this users review here on ivouch.com)
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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