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Q&A: Choosing a 3.00 Ct. Oval Diamond with Around $40,000 Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated June 29, 2020

I am looking for an oval diamond and read an article on your site about them. I have an untrained eye and I’m curious how an expert would view/critique this diamond:

Blue Nile LD11196816

There are two reasons why the diamond you sent me is not a good choice:

1) It has a very pronounced bow-tie (the black figure running through the diamond).

2) Very strong fluorescence is a big problem on I+ diamonds. It is practically guaranteed to have a hazy/dead look in most lighting.

I’d recommend something like this instead:
Blue Nile LD11931078

Color-wise, it’s going to look identical to your F, it has a subtle bow-tie and will be very bright and brilliant in any setting you choose.

What do you think?

I appreciate the help. I like the option that you recommended and subsequently purchased it. Thank you very much for the recommendation.

That’s great news! I’m glad you liked my recommendation so much.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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