Hi there,
I’ve just recently started searching for diamond rings, but it seems like the general consensus is cut is the most important factor for a diamond. Is cut even more important for diamonds of larger carats or is it equally important irregardless of the size?
I have a budget of ~$1500 and around .4-.5 carats seems to be the range for that if my setting is ~$500 or so, so I’m not sure if the “Signature Ideal” cut on Blue Nile is that much worth it than an “Ideal” cut for a diamond of that carat size.
To kind of follow up the cut question, are there any other factors that can be dropped within reason specifically for a carat size of .4-.5? I’ve been searching for color grades of I or better, and VS1 or better as those seem to be the usual cutoffs for what’s visible to the naked eye, and I’m not sure if I can sacrifice even more (eg: VS2 and J) for my size?
As for the cut, it’s equally as important for any size. At the same time, we did not find Signature cuts consistently more brilliant than our own selection.
Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.
I’m looking for a solitaire setting and either white gold or platinum (I haven’t fully committed to either decision, but I am leaning towards platinum), with a round shape.
If I end up buying from a site like Blue Nile, will I also receive a discount through diamonds.pro? (It says that you offer single-time discount codes for your readers on this page https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/blue-nile/).
Thanks.
Thank you for the information.
As for the coupon code, I’m happy to send you this unique coupon that gives you $50 off: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]
Here’s a diamond with the quality I’d recommend for a solitaire style setting:
Blue Nile LD08746906
Let me know what you think.
Thanks for the recommendation/code. The diamond you linked is nice, but I feel like I could get a higher carat for that price. Can I get your opinions on this one?
Blue Nile LD08430220
It has a lower clarity, but is .6 carats bigger and even a little cheaper. Do you think the bump in clarity is worth the extra carats?
Thanks.
……
Alternatively, I also looked around Blue Nile’s “Signature Ideal” cut diamonds, and found this one at a similar price point.
Blue Nile LD05906509
It’s only .42 carat, so I’m not sure if the Signature cut is worth the carat loss, what are your opinions on this?
As for the cut, we don’t find Signature cuts consistently more brilliant than our own selection.
The issue with the VS2 stone is that I’d need to see a real picture of it to confirm that the crystal won’t be eye-noticeable. That’s why I’d stick with my suggestion.
Keep me posted.
Ok, thanks for the advice. I plan on making a decision in a few weeks or so, after I visit the Blue Nile’s location (I’m somewhat local to the area) just to see some of the different settings/bands in person so I can decide on that as well.
Regardless of which diamond I choose at that point, I would be happy to purchase it using a referral link from diamonds.pro, so you guys can receive compensation for your advice.
Thank you for the feedback.
Feel free to contact me once you’re ready to purchase. I’ll be happy to send you another suggestion.
We only need to know what email address you’re going to use for the purchase to get credit. Thank you that you care so much.
Keep me posted.
It’s been a while since we last spoke, but I’m close to finalizing a purchase. For the credit, I will be using this email address to make the purchase on Blue Nile.
I went a little higher on the budget, and I’m leaning towards this one so far (seems to be decent value for .59 carat and Ideal cut):
Blue Nile LD08778756
The only downside is the lower grade of color, but I’ve read that the J color should be slightly offset by the fact that this diamond has Medium florescence?
Other than that, are there any other potential downsides to the diamond that I’m missing?
Thank you for the confirmation of the email address you’re going to use.
The stone you found is beautiful with great overall specifications. And yes, you can use a J color diamond for a solitaire style setting.
I also found this diamond that’s slightly less expensive:
Blue Nile LD08649530
Either of the stones is a great way to go. Let me know what you decide.
I’ve placed the order, I ended up going with the one I asked about.
Thanks for answering my questions on diamonds through the past few months, learning about diamonds has really been interesting!
That’s fantastic news! It was my pleasure helping you.
Please let me know how you like the stone once it arrives.
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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