Jared Jewelers Vs. Zoara – Looking For An Oval Cut Diamond

Q:

Hello Liz,

I am looking into buying a diamond certified by GSI from Jared Jewelers with report number 12236202115, with a price of $3,300 (offering a 15% discount for a few days). However, I suspect their diamond grading institution is biased.

Jared Jewelers GSI report of authenticity on a 1.00ct G I1 oval cut diamond.

Another option is this diamond from James Allen: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.92-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-982442 price – $3,980.00 (smaller size but higher clarity and rating by GIA).

.92ct F VS2 oval cut diamond from James Allen. This diamond has a severe bow-tie.

Which is the better buy? I plan to buy a loose oval cut diamond and have it fitted to a mounting that my girlfriend really likes since she does not like any of the preset rings.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Wesley

A:

Hello Wesley,

Unfortunately, I don’t recommend Jared Jewelers at all. GSI isn’t a well known lab and the fact that this diamond has a clarity grade of I1 yet no actual image of the oval nor a plotted diagram of inclusions is an obvious red flag. There is virtually no information regarding this oval cut diamond from Jared Jewelers!

In my Jared Jewelers Review I do go into detail about the general quality of their diamonds. On a whole, they are very poor and also marked up very high in price. A consumer gets much better value for money if they buy diamonds online. Therefore, I would just advise to stay away. There are far more ethical, reliable, and transparent diamond retailers that sell diamonds online for a fraction of the price that Jared Jewelers sells their diamonds for. Any retailer with a 5 star rating here on ODBA is a great place to start.

As for the James Allen oval, it has a very distinct dark bow-tie and therefore I don’t recommend it.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hello Liz,

Your Jared Jeweler’s article was helpful. I am confident now that Zoara us a better place to shop. I had to recalculate my budget and wanted your opinion on the best diamond as amongst:

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_oval_excellent_cut_d_si1#p=3089361 

and

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_oval_very_good_cut_i_si2#p=6680540

Please advise as I plan on purchasing this week.

Thank you much for your assistance!

Wesley

A:

Hi Wesley,

Your first oval has a dark bow-tie that is quite noticeable. The second diamond has no corresponding image. You cannot purchase a fancy cut diamond without an image.

.82ct I VS2 from Zoara.com

If you want to purchase an oval diamond from Zoara, then I recommend this .82ct I VS2 for $2,035.00: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_oval_excellent_cut_i_vs2#p=6719345

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

You’re awesome! Thx. Ok, the GIA report didn’t list a bow-tie. Why is that? I just thought this one was perfect. Why wouldn’t they show an image on the Fancy cut? Are they being tricky?

Also, the diamond you selected is bigger and cost less. Is this because of color D to I? In a woman’s and expert’s opinion, does that color difference matter very much?

Thanks again,

Wesley

A:

Hi Wesley,

A GIA report will not list a bow-tie. A bow-tie is dark contrast created when looking into a diamond. Here is more information on the bow-tie effect in diamonds.

Zoara has some images for diamonds. It depends on whether or not their supplier has an image for the diamond. They are not being tricky.

An ‘I’ colored diamond is near-colorless and is still white. You will not notice the color difference (if you had both diamond side by side, then you might be able to see the color difference as a layman).

A ‘I’ colored diamond will cost less than a ‘D’ colored diamond. Please be sure to click the link before you purchase so that ODBA gets credit for your referral. I would really appreciate it! http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_oval_excellent_cut_i_vs2#p=6719345

Let me know if you have any additional questions! I think you’ll love this oval!

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Yes, I do love this one, thank you! I have added your referral. I appreciate all your help!

Wesley