Is this 2-carat diamond on sale for $9,000 at Zales a good buy? Is it too much? Hint: You can get a certified, objectively better diamond for around $5,000. I show you how.

Whoa! 25% off of a 2-carat “certified” diamond ring at Zales? Great deal? Or is it? Yeah … no. It’s not a good buy, sorry to say. But I’m happy to say, without a coupon or much of any “sale”, you can get a certified, objectively BETTER diamond ring for as little as $4,775. And I’ll prove it with data and screen shots in this article. Enjoy.

The Zales offer: $8,999.98.

Item number at Zales: 20307431

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: $7,575

Lab-created diamond ring: $4,775

Specs compared directly

Carats

All three diamonds are 2 carats.

Clarity

Zales diamond in this ring is I2-Clarity:

James Allen earth-created diamond example is SI2-Clarity:

James Allen lab-created diamond example is SI1 Clarity:

Color

Zales diamond color in this ring. The center stone is said to have color “I”:

The James Allen earth-created diamond in this example has the Color H.

The James Allen lab-created diamond in this example has the color H:

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:

1. You choose a setting (the metal ring, which in some cases comes with accent diamonds).
2. 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 $9,000 costs more than you should pay. You can get a certified, better diamond ring for MUCH less — as low as $4,775. You’ve just saved around $4,000.

You shouldn’t have to sort through fine print specs, and do tons of research, to know how to buy a diamond without getting ripped off.

That’s why I’m here. I try to price compare every diamond ring from every major retailer. Yes, I’m a James Allen affiliate and fan. But that’s only because they simply are the best, head and shoulders, for price, transparency, and ease of shopping.

You just earned around $4,000 for reading a ten-minute article! What are you going to buy with that extra $4,000 you’ll have laying around?

It’s easy to get great deals on better diamond jewelry — for less money! Here’s how:

1. Scroll up to the section on “How to Get the James Allen Deals.”
2. Follow the easy directions there.
3. 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.