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Very negative JamesAllen experience

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peppermint

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 10, 2022
Messages
13
Wondering if anyone else has had something similar happen.
I've been looking for a diamond for over a month, after seeing many in person I learned that I'm fairly color sensitive so decided on F/G and VS2 or better with no black inclusions. I'm also looking for no fluorescence and under 18k.
I had an existing order on JA so I was talking directly to a rep to help me transfer funds from my existing order to a new diamond.
I found this diamond that I loved with the rep (after checking for a diamond every single night): https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-15274209

Now I ask another rep to help complete the transfer and suddenly the diamond is not available. The initial rep didn't hold the diamond or anything. I don't understand how it's acceptable that I can spend hours with a rep picking a diamond and then it's suddenly gone. This could never happen in a brick and mortar. If I didn't have to talk to the reps to help me transfer funds, I would have bought it immediately but I really feel like I got taken for a spin and it's super upsetting to look for a diamond for so long, fall in love with one, and lose it. It's especially frustrating to know that I would have had the diamond since it was in my cart had I not needed reps to transfer funds.

-Vik
 
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Unfortunately most of the diamonds sold by JA, BN and others online are in a 'virtual inventory' and they don't physically have the diamond. They place an order with their supplier only after you've purchased. The same diamond can be listed on multiple sites at once for sale and could sold at any time before other sites listing are updated unfortunately.

You may want to consider looking at the signature in-house lines of the vendors. For example, WhiteFlash's ACAs are in-house and cut specifically for performance. Since they have the stone in-house, you can always ask their rep about any color/inclusions you are concerns you may have and get comparison photos/videos. Many of us on this forum like WF ACA for cut quality and generous upgrade policy.
 
and that 'excellent' stone (along with their other suggestions) is not something I would consider as 'excellent'.
 
cmsmarks said:
and that 'excellent' stone (along with their other suggestions) is not something I would consider as 'excellent'.
Click to expand...

Can you please explain why this is not a good stone? Trying to learn :)
 
On the bright side, I agree with your assessment that it is a beautiful diamond. Such stones are extremely rare especially at reasonable price.

It is not surprising that the diamond got sold to someone else right away. I know it was negative experience but keep trying.
 
Ugh I've been there! From then on, the first thing I always say when virtually viewing or inquiring about a gem is "please reserve this stone for me immediately." You live, you learn. So sorry for the poor experience! But unlike, say, a ruby, where each stone is essentially a one-of-a-kind, I think you'll find another F/G and VS2 diamond in no time, so don't despair. Best of luck to you!
 
cmsmarks said:
and that 'excellent' stone (along with their other suggestions) is not something I would consider as 'excellent'.
Click to expand...

I think the stone OP linked is beautiful. What do you think is problematic about it?
 
peppermint said:
I found this alternate. Much lower cost but seems like a good deal. Do you all think the black inclusion will be visible?

1.55 Carat Round Diamond GIA 2438395677 | Ritani

1.55 Carat Round Earth Diamond ID Cut G Color VS2 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #2438395677
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com
Click to expand...

One of the recommendations I read was to keep inclusions under 0.2mm if you're worried about seeing them.

Get a ruler app for your computer, measure the inclusion, divide by the width on screen then multiply by it's real life width as listed. That black spot is bang on 0.2mm
 
max1111 said:
One of the recommendations I read was to keep inclusions under 0.2mm if you're worried about seeing them.

Get a ruler app for your computer, measure the inclusion, divide by the width on screen then multiply by it's real life width as listed. That black spot is bang on 0.2mm
Click to expand...

Ah, online recommendations…. I can’t blame folks for trying ….. but in this case it’s a total waste of time trying to determine if a stone is eye clean using this measurement method.
The placement and nature of the imperfections are what needs to be judged. And that can only be done looking at the diamond in person
 
Rockdiamond said:
Ah, online recommendations…. I can’t blame folks for trying ….. but in this case it’s a total waste of time trying to determine if a stone is eye clean using this measurement method.
The placement and nature of the imperfections are what needs to be judged. And that can only be done looking at the diamond in person
Click to expand...

^ This, 100%.
 
There's no image for this 1.50 F VS2, but it might be worth inquiring about.

Loose Diamonds for Sale: Discover Exceptional Quality

Explore our GIA certified loose diamonds, including Hearts & Arrows (H&A) and super ideal cuts. Buy diamonds that offer brilliance, style, and fit your budget.
www.whiteflash.com
 
max1111 said:
One of the recommendations I read was to keep inclusions under 0.2mm if you're worried about seeing them.

Get a ruler app for your computer, measure the inclusion, divide by the width on screen then multiply by it's real life width as listed. That black spot is bang on 0.2mm
Click to expand...

I think this is about right for a single inclusion.
In a 0.10ct stone it would be an I1.
In this 2.00ct stone the inclusion averages 0.19mm and GIA graded it SI1. The cutter calls it a low SI1.
1655865020486.png
 
Just wanted to add, even having a stone "reserved" with virtual inventory isn't a guarantee. I think I heard it's more of an ask, because the stone could have already been sold and the listing hasn't been updated yet, or someone could buy it through another vendor that has access to the same inventory, etc.
 
AnastasiaBeaverhausen said:
Just wanted to add, even having a stone "reserved" with virtual inventory isn't a guarantee. I think I heard it's more of an ask, because the stone could have already been sold and the listing hasn't been updated yet, or someone could buy it through another vendor that has access to the same inventory, etc.
Click to expand...

I just learned this in the last week, the hard way. Had a diamond I fell in love with, requested it be brought in for viewing, and three days before the viewing received a message informing me the diamond I had requested to see had sold. Even though it was reserved, and I confirmed on the disappearance of the listing from the two other vendors who had the same diamond listed.
I didn't have the heart to ask if they had physically received it but had to send it back because someone else purchased it, or if they never received it, or if they just sold it to someone else. End result is the same regardless, so here I am, searching a bit more.
The good news is that while my particular cut tastes are a bit more difficult to find, I have found them. More will come.
To the OP - sorry you too have experienced this.
 
AnastasiaBeaverhausen said:
Just wanted to add, even having a stone "reserved" with virtual inventory isn't a guarantee. I think I heard it's more of an ask, because the stone could have already been sold and the listing hasn't been updated yet, or someone could buy it through another vendor that has access to the same inventory, etc.
Click to expand...

This is true! I tell the vendor/rep straight out... have someone grab that thing and physically remove it from your stock. That way if someone does place an online order or visit a showroom, they'd have to go through the vendor or rep for it to actually ship. Again, this is not a guarantee, but I've found it helpful!!
 
The Ritani diamond I showed the H&A's photo of is listed with a manufacturer in Surat or Mumbai.
If I bought it on the spot it might still be listed as available in 100 different websites for days or a week or more depending on individual websites.
 
It is worth pointing out that one huge benefit to starting your search here on Pricescope is that inhouse diamonds have a lot going for them.
We have for decades separated them to the best of our ability in the search criteria. Please check it out:
1655871754165.png
 
Want to thank everyone on this thread, it was super helpful and also comforting haha.


I found another diamond that I like. This is the diamond, it’s 18k before tax: https://www.ritani.com/products/1-6...r-vs1-clarity-gia-2426622450-sku-d-2o28snqhgy
Here's the GIA report: https://diamond-assets.ritani.com/GIA-2426622450/certificate.pdf

Here's some pictures I took myself:
https://imgur.com/a/unAqtz9

I'm seeing a bunch of spots on the diamond under the microscope but looks eye clean.

Thanks all!
 
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