Best Online Diamond Store

Q:

Hello Liz,

I have been reading your website extensively and thanks to your help I think I’m getting somewhere. My budget is $7K and based on your top recommendations for best online diamond stores, I am looking for the following criteria in a diamond (open to change if you think I’m mistaken):

Color: G-H

Cut: Round

Clarity: VS2-SI1

Cut: Excellent

I have been looking at several places and I think I have some finalists and would like to get your input on them:

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=2406245 (found a few similar to that) There’s no picture, but I’m assuming having the naked eye, 3x, and hearts and arrows thing will get me something nice

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-13-Carat-H-color-AGSL-certified/D-MVR2V0

Should I feel worried in any way with these online sellers that I might not get what I’m paying for? That they would send me a fake certificate on another stone etc?

For the setting I am liking the following: http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10016&origin=engagement&search_params=param+0/0/0/0/0

I know I cannot buy at Tiffany without the stone but maybe I can get a jeweler to replicate it?

Thank you very much,

Will

A:

Hi Will,

The diamond from Zoara has been sold. Besides that, the cut is borderline for ideal cut standards and the clarity is questionable. The plotting diagram on the diamond grading report shows a significant amount crystal and feather inclusions directly under the main table facet. Therefore, there is a big chance that this diamond is not eye-clean. Without any magnified images to confirm clarity – I wouldn’t consider this diamond anyway.

Your 1.13ct H SI1 from Ritani: http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-13-Carat-H-color-AGSL-certified/D-MVR2V0 is of course AGS triple 0 ideal (ideal light performance, polish and symmetry). This is a rather clean SI1, in that the clarity making inclusion is the cloud and a few very tiny crystals. The price for this diamond is fantastic, so I would definitely recommend this diamond.

As for the engagement ring, Ritani is known for it’s micro-pave set diamonds intricately set within the setting. That’s why many of their settings feature this very delicate and feminine diamond detail. It is a very popular look right now. Ritani also works with customers to custom create a ring setting using CAD software. You can read more about it here: http://www.ritani.com/design-your-own-engagement-ring/services The design that you liked at Tiffany is pretty straightforward so I’d be confident that they would be able to replicate that style as close as possible.

As for buying online, all my recommended diamond vendors are 100% legit and ethical and do indeed represent the best online diamond stores. There is nothing to worry about and they all have ample return policies should for any reason something not work out. They will not scam you or send you the wrong diamond – they are in the business to make lifetime customers and have no interest in scamming anyone.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hey Liz,

Thank you for the pointers. I wanted to let you know that I purchased the 1.13ct Ritani diamond. I am leaning towards the classic Tiffany design, but I’m not sure if the ring would look too simple as the stone is not a large one. What do you think?

Ritani has magnified HD videos of some of their diamonds making the diamond buying process safe and easy. Here is a snapshot of Will’s gorgeous 1.13ct H SI1 AGS triple 0 Ideal cut diamond!

Thanks,

Will

A:

Hi Will,

That’s great! That 1.13ct will be gorgeous.

I really love the classic solitaire look. A 1.13ct won’t look too small at all. That is a nice size that compliments any size hand. However, if you wanted to add something a little extra, you could go for some pave set diamonds on the band; something delicate to add a subtle addition of sparkle. Are you planning on getting the ring from Ritani too?

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hey Liz,

I decided to go for the 6 prong solitaire from Ritani as I think the extra effort of copying it at a local jeweler would be too much pain for an almost identical setting. I want to thank you for the great support you have given me and I hope I have made a good decision and my girlfriend will like it.

Thank you very much for making this difficult process (especially online) a lot easier!

Will