I am looking for diamond advice for a engagement purchase I would like to make soon. I have studied online enough about what is a quality diamond to make me dangerous. I do feel certain (I think) that it must be certified through GIA or other industry leading lab.
I’m looking for the best quality diamond in the .1/2 to .3/4 caret range I can get. The reason for shooting for that size and not a full 1 carat is I would rather get the best quality over size. I’m confused on the online pricing.
I’ve seen from Diamonds Direct a .70, excellent cut, E color, VVS2 clarity for $3,251 and what I thought was the same comparable diamond on Blue Nile $4,478. Why such a difference? What am I missing? And also from DD a .60, excellent cut, E color, IF clarity for $2,719, Blue Nile had the same comparable diamond at $4,338? I have to be doing something wrong?
We merely recommend purchasing diamonds certified by GIA or AGS only. That’s what ensures that the diamond you are getting actually matches the quality claims.
Can you send me a link to the diamonds you are comparing? I’m happy to take a look at them and tell you my opinion on them.
Can you just tell me what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Thank you so much for getting back with me on advice for a diamond.
The diamonds that I spoke of are in the links. The ring that I’m interested in is a solitaire, the link that I used from Diamonds Direct is not exactly the solitaire I’m thinking of but it was the only way I could bring the diamond up using my phone. I’m going to go back and find and article written from y’all that had a great looking ring design I like and send that link as soon as I find it. I believe it was from Blue Nile.
Diamonds Direct Ring
Blue Nile LD08361714
I’m sorry, but the DD link doesn’t work. Can you try to send me the direct link to the diamond again?
The BN diamond is fantastic, it’s beautifully cut, eye-clean and will be very brilliant. However, for a simple solitaire setting, you can easily drop down a few grades and it’ll still look beautiful and colorless. We don’t think it makes sense to pay a premium for high color grades. The difference isn’t usually recognizable from anything above an H grade. Do you want me to find some alternatives for you?
Actually that’s the advice I’ve been looking for! If you think bring the color down is OK and not really noticeable then I would gladly take your advice.
Yes, do you have some you recommend?
And as for the DD link I will see if I can get it to you.
Thank you.
Great, I’m glad we’re on the same page here.
This diamond will be just as beautiful:
Blue Nile LD08091054
It’s gorgeously cut and will have a lot of brilliance.
What do you think?
Hi, you have given me some great advice and you also recommended a beautiful diamond for me from BN. I looked at it and I believe you are absolutely right, it’s about perfect!
But I have a question, James Allen is also an online dealer that seems to come high recommended as a great online retailer. If I decided to buy from them can you still get the credit? You have helped me so much, if I want to buy from them or BN, I want to make sure you can get the credit on my purchase?
One other thing, I need to bring my budget down closer to $2,500 for the diamond. I understand this means a smaller diamond but what do you recommend at that price point that’s maybe smaller but with close to the same cut, clarity, color similar to the one you recommended?
Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words, I’m happy you find our service helpful.
Both James Allen and Blue Nile are reputable companies and we recommend them to our readers often. Choosing one or the other always depends on each reader’s specific requirements and needs. This would be my new recommendation from both sites:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2579666?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are beautifully cut.
What do you think?
Thank you, both diamonds looks fantastic!
Great!
Is there anything else I can do for you?
No, ma’am I think that will do it. I appreciate your recommendations, thank you!!
You’re welcome, it’s been a pleasure helping you.
I hope you love the ring when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.
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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