Hi Ira, I’ve been looking at your site for many months now so first of all I’d like to thank you for explaining what to look for in a diamond in such a clear yet thorough way. I appreciate that you must be a very busy man but 2 minutes of your time would be greatly appreciated. I’m looking to buy an engagement ring for about $3000 ($1000 for the platinum setting and ~$2000 for the princess cut diamond). I spotted this (and it turns out so did you). I’ve asked JA whether it is eye clean or not and I’m waiting for their reply.https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277345.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 I also spotted this which looks like a good I1. But the bottom left corner concerns me – is that an inclusion there that might be susceptible to breaking off? Otherwise I think it appears to be an excellent find for the price. https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1240349.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 Your views would be really appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words about the site. The I1 is on the left side halfway between the top and bottom. Its big and will most likely be visible to the naked eye. The H SI1 is nice. Although it has small black inclusions in the middle, I think they’re small enough that you won’t see them.
The only other option I could find that was close to the 0.89ct stone is this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277377.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s a little smaller because it’s a big deeper, but it’s still within the ideal range, and it has a really small table which is a nice look that a lot of people like (including me).
let me know what you think!
Thanks for the fast response.
I did see that inclusion on the middle-left but I was hoping it’d be eye clean because it looked quite transparent. Oh well.
I’m still waiting to hear back from JA regarding that stone but I might give them a ring.
I really like the look of that one you showed me! (https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277377.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357) The small table certainly looks different.
Out of the two which would you recommend? I’m not worried about dropping in size if the diamond looks more impressive (sparkle etc).
Oh and one more thing: I’m actually from the UK but I’m in New York next week so I’d like to pick up the ring there. I realise that unfortunately I’ll have to pay NY sales tax but it’s preferable over UK VAT and shipping!
I actually like the one I suggested. As far as taxes are concerned, you should have JA send the ring to a fedex location in New Jersey labeled “hold at facility”. You’ll have to go pick it up, but you’ll save the 8+%.
Thanks for your advice Ira, but I’m a little confused as to which FedEx facilities would accommodate this. I’ve tried looking at FedEx locations on google maps but I’ve no idea which ones would be suitable to avoid the sales tax. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Any fedex locale in NJ would work to avoid sales tax. They just have to ship it out of state. I would suggest you should go to the fedex website to look for a location. There I believe you can search specifically for a location that offers the “hold at facility” service. Or alternatively, you can call them and ask them over the phone.
Ok so I could have the package sent to this location in Jersey City (10 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302, United States (FedEx Office Ship Center)) to avoid the tax? I checked and it allows packages to be held there.
Maybe it’s obvious for you but for me coming from the UK it just seems crazy that crossing a bridge saves you over 8% in tax!
It’s completely ridiculous, but its true!
Just a quick note to say thanks for the advice you gave me. I just rang JA and ordered my ring with the diamond you suggested. I’m also getting it shipped to NJ to avoid tax, so a massive thanks for giving me that piece of advice. I hope the small commission from using the TAD0611 coupon was worth your time and effort.
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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