Bottom line: At James Allen, you can get a diamond with a better color grade, and all the other specs the same, for $6,150 less. Here’s how. (It’s easy.)
Also, you can get a diamond ring with the exact same specs from James Allen for $6,560. That’s $14,440 less than the Costco ring. I prove it in hard facts and figures right here on this page.
It’s a lot easier than many people think.
See this short article to find out how.
Quick Links to Contents on This Page
Costco’s Offer: $20,999.99
Diamond Certificate
It has a GIA diamond certificate, which is expected and 100% necessary at this level of price.
Shape
It’s a classic round brilliant cut. People prefer it for good reason. It has the most sparkle, hands down.
Carats
It’s a 1.63 carat diamond solitaire.
Clarity
It has a VVS2 clarity grade.
I thought, “That’s almost certainly going to look great.”
But then I used the GIA grading report number (GIA #2248803414) on the Costco site to look up the certificate of this specific diamond. I wanted to see where the grading gemologist diagrammed the inclusions (flaws).
Look where they are. Right in the center. That could be concerning. Also see the gemologist’s note: “Additional pinpoints are not shown.” (Pinpoints are a kind of inclusion (flaw) in diamonds.)
Color
The color of this diamond is E.
That’s incredibly good. (Remember, there is no A, B, or C color grade. D is 100% the best. So you’d have no problem with this E color grade of diamond.)
Cut Quality
This diamond’s cut quality is Excellent. Cut quality determines how light behaves in the diamond. With an excellent grade, you can know that it will sparkle a LOT. It will definitely pour out the eye-champagne.
The James Allen offer, for a better diamond ring: $14,850 ($6,150 less than Costco’s offer)
This offer from James Allen has a diamond with all the same specs, except for one:
The color is even better, with a D score.
It gets the same Clarity score. However, to my eye, it’s better functional clarity. Meaning, you don’t see any inclusions (flaws) right in the middle of the “table” (the top of the diamond).
At James Allen, you can examine the diamond with your own eyes, using super zoom 3D high resolution imaging. From every angle.
How do you get this James Allen offer? Two easy steps
- Select this setting.
- Go to James Allen’s diamond search page and set your sliders as follows, in the image below. Then select a diamond you like. Add it to the setting. Voila.
Here’s another James Allen offer. Same specs as Costco’s offer: $6,560 ($14,440 less than the Costco offer).
The only “difference”? It’s a ring built from a Lab Created diamond.
Why you can relax and trust lab-created diamonds. And save tons.
Lab-created diamonds are 100% identical to earth-created diamonds. They’re even graded by top quality diamond grading labs, same as earth diamonds. That includes the GIA.
How to get this (or a very similar) lab-created diamond offer at James Allen
- Select the same setting as with the earth-created diamond ring.
- Go to the diamond search page at James Allen and set your sliders and filters as shown below.
- Then just select a diamond you like. Examine it in super zoom. You’ll love it.
Conclusion
Is this Costco diamond worth it for $21,000? Yet again, I have to say as usually happens (not always!), this Costco diamond just isn’t worth it.
Reasons why that’s my opinion
You can get the same or better diamonds at James Allen, mounted on a similar or better ring, for up to $14,400 less than at Costco.
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.
