When you see “25% off” for a 1-carat diamond ring that seems perfect for your engagement, take a closer look. This one on sale at Zales is not a good deal, even at that price. With no coupon needed, I show you how you can get a much better deal — as low as $1,845 — on a certified, objectively better diamond. You just need to know how. I show you how in this article.
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The Zales offer: $2,999.98.
Item number at Zales: 20309727
See it live at Zales (unless it’s been discontinued / gone out of stock).
The James Allen MUCH better prices on MUCH better diamond rings
Earth-created diamond ring: $2,155
Lab-created diamond ring: $1,845
Specs compared directly
Carats
All three diamonds are 1 carat.
Clarity
Zales diamond in this ring is I2-Clarity:
That’s just pretty bad clarity, as you can see from the chart:
James Allen earth-created diamond example is SI2-Clarity:
That’s better clarity and it’s about the lowest you should consider buying. Depending on where the inclusions (flaws) are located, it might look pretty good. (At James Allen, you can minutely examine any specific diamond you are considering buying. In super zoom, too. So you’ll know exactly where any inclusions (flaws) are before you even add it to your cart and check out.)
James Allen lab-created diamond example is also SI2 Clarity:
Color (Note that the perfectly colorless grade is “D”. There are no such grades as A, B, or C.)
Zales diamond color in this ring. The center stone is said to have color “I”:
That’s not necessarily bad, especially for a relatively sparkly cut such as the Princess Cut. The brilliance and sparkle and fire in such a cut can more or less hide any yellow color.
The James Allen earth-created diamond in this example has the Color G.
That’s 2 entire grades better, and truly almost colorless.
The James Allen lab-created diamond in this example has the color G:
How to get the James Allen deals
At James Allen, you don’t just add a ring to cart. It’s slightly more interesting (and gives you more control and choice). Instead, you do this:
- You choose a setting (the metal ring, which in some cases comes with accent diamonds).
- Then you choose a loose diamond to add to it.
But it’s not as hard as it may seem. In fact it’s easy.
At least, it’s easy if you have someone walking you through it for the first time.
Here’s exactly how to get these deals (or very similar deals) at James Allen:
1. Select this 14K white gold setting. (It’s available on the same page in 14K, 18K as well, also in yellow gold and rose gold, or even in Platinum. Just choose them from the drop down on the setting product page.)
2. For the diamond, go to these pre-set James Allen diamond search results and select a diamond from the first 2 or 3 diamonds in the list.
(James Allen diamonds are unique, so I can’t send you straight to a specific diamond. It would sell out quickly. But there are many many others in the inventory. The price will be close to what you see here.
Also, of course the inventory is always changing, so you may see slightly different prices when you search.)
3. For even greater savings, click the “Lab-Created Diamonds” filter. (Use my pre-set James Allen Lab-Created Diamonds search results.)
Conclusion: This Zales diamond ring “on sale” at $3,000 costs more than anyone needs to pay. The clarity is awful. You can get a certified, better diamond ring for MUCH less — as low as $1,845. You’ve just saved around $1,100.
Especially with such bad clarity, the Zales diamond on sale here is really not a good deal. Not at that price, certainly. It’s priced much higher than better quality diamonds (certified, with objectively better specs) at James Allen.
It’s easy to get great deals on better diamond jewelry — for less money! Here’s how:
- Scroll up to the section on “How to Get the James Allen Deals.”
- Follow the easy directions there.
- Feel 100% confident that you bought the best diamond for the money
How to search this site to save up to tens of thousands of dollars at trusted diamond retailers, vs most any Costco, Kay, Jared, or Zales ring you’re considering
Search and save. You could save enough for a new compact car. Or a honeymoon. Or several expensive dinner dates. Or that guitar you’ve been wanting.
Read this very short note on how easy it is.
