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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Ring Within a $2.5k-$3k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi Team,

I am hoping you can help me please. I have spent a bit of time trying to learn what I can online and think I have narrowed down the type of engagement ring that I want to buy to the following:

Budget: $2,500 – $3,000
Relatively simple platinum setting (from what I have seen I think solitaire would be best).
Round diamond.
I’m looking at Blue Nile.

Some smaller Q’s that I could not find the answers to on website:

Do rings generally come stamped / hallmarked (not with the seller’s name)?
Does getting an engraving mean impact the option to have the seller’s name included?

I have narrowed down my search to the below 3 settings:
Monique Lhuillier Cathedral Solitaire
Leaf Solitaire Engagement Ring
Classic Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

Some rings on BN are engravable (https://www.bluenile.com/services/engraving). The ring should have a stamp and there might be a small logo of the company. You would need to ask BN directly how it works if they engrave the ring. Here is a note from BN website: “Any ring where personal engraving was added may be returned, exchanged or resized where possible (with the exception of special orders), however the $25.00 engraving fee is non-refundable.” As for returns, you would need to contact them directly. They will be more than happy to explain how these things work.

I found these diamond options:
Blue Nile LD15269884
Blue Nile LD15169356
Blue Nile LD15156859
Blue Nile LD15088531

Thanks. I ended up going for one of the ones you recommended.

That’s great news! I’m glad you liked my suggestion.

Yes, everyone was very happy with the selection!

I’m so glad to hear that.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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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