Zoara Vs James Allen

“Not All GIA Excellent Cut Diamonds Are The Same”

Q:

Hello I read your Zoara review and figured you might be able to help me find a diamond online. I am looking for a round center stone .9-1 carat. I have been looking around in stores as well reading your reviews on Zoara, Blue Nile and James Allen. It is going to be set in a double halo setting. I am having a hard time deciding on the best option for my budget of 4k. I have found the best prices on Zoara but better reviews of James Allen. I’m kind of confused. I would like excellent cut with F-H color and VS clarity if possible.

I did find these 3 and diamonds online. One is an an SI1 with excellent cut and 3 times triple rating as well with a 2 day shipping. Will it not sparkle as well as a Vs2? Which do you think would be the best option?

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=1837227

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-248740

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_very_good_cut_h_vs1#p=2051393

Best regards,

Simon

A:

Hi Simon,

Thank you for letting me know your diamond budget and requirements. First off, please don’t confuse clarity with a diamond’s ability to reflect light. A diamond’s sparkle and overall light reflection comes from it’s CUT, not clarity grade.

Now, with that being said, this is the best overall diamond: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=1837227

It has the best cut of all three stones and is still eye-clean.

Liz

Zoara vs. James Allen

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your feedback. I have narrowed my options down to these two now. Only question is who would have the better version? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-223258

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=1837227

James Allen’s .91ct H SI1 GIA Excellent vs. Zoara’s .90ct H SI1 GIA. Excellent. In this clear comparison it is easy to see how wide GIA’s Excellent cut grade is. The diamond on the right has near ideal proportions and symmetry whereas the diamond on the left is cut slightly too deep and will leak some light out from the pavilion. Always be sure to evaluate diamonds from magnified pictures and light reflector images to ensure a well cut stone.

What do you think?

Best regards,

Simon

A:

I’m glad you have asked me for a final decision because the James Allen diamond is cut slightly too deep. You can see this visually by looking at the magnified picture. The center circle is actually the table reflection. It is covering a larger area than it should making this diamond slightly too deep. When this happens light that enters through the table escapes through the back facets rather than being returned to the eye. It will make the diamond appear darker. I much prefer the other Zoara diamond.

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Thank you so much for all your help again. I’m glad that you prefer the one I was already gravitating towards. I have made my final decision now, I am going with: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=1837227

Best regards,

Simon