Hi Diamond Pros,
I am in search of an engagement ring. My budget is $3,000 absolute max for diamond and setting. I have found the following on Blue Nile:
Blue Nile LD08566863
Setting is classic six prong 18k.
I’m wondering if that is good value or if maybe you guys can come up with something of better value. Shape isn’t a deal breaker but wish to stay in the one carat size area.
I need to stay with Blue Nile for the financing.
There are two main rules when choosing a marquise cut diamond:
1) The depth shouldn’t exceed 74%.
2) The bowtie should be as minimal as possible.
We usually recommend sticking with H+ color with none, faint or medium fluorescence (medium and strong fluorescence on D-G colored diamonds can cause a hazy/milky look in daylight – https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/). You can read more info here: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/marquise-cut/.
Blue Nile LD08566863 – Since there isn’t a high-quality video, I can’t comment on the eye-cleanliness and the bowtie effect. Also, J color grade is lower color than we usually recommend.
I’d suggest this diamond instead:
Blue Nile LD12966150
It has more or less the same size as the stone you found (see the actual measurements).
What do you think?
I think that diamond will work. I’m so glad I contacted you folks. I will most likely purchase this one. Do you have a recommendation for a setting?
I’m glad you like it. I’d suggest putting it on hold as it may get sold quickly. As for the setting, that’s a matter of personal taste and preference. I personally like these:
Classic Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring
Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Well, I bought the diamond you suggested. I had it set in the 14k white gold dot-dash setting. The ring is, as expected, beautiful.
Thank you so much for your very professional assistance.
That’s wonderful news! It was my pleasure helping you, I’m so happy to hear you like the diamond.
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
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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