Hello! I have read a lot of content on this site and am confident you can help me out. I am planning on purchasing an engagement ring sometime in the next 6 months. My goal is to get out the door under $10,000 for everything. The diamond, the ring itself, any taxes or fees; all of it.
I know I am interested in a colorless diamond and a platinum band. In terms of stone shape, round, cushion and possibly radiant are all on the table.
Also, I want to be very clear that quality is far more important to me than size. I would much rather purchase a smaller stone that I am 100% satisfied with than a larger stone I am 99% satisfied with. Do you have any recommendations? What kinds of things should I be looking for when I’m out shopping? If you had my exact budget and tastes, what cut, color and clarity grades would you be shooting for, and what weight would you expect to be able to afford?
Thanks so much in advance!
Depending which state you are in, you may be subject to state sales tax. Contact the seller directly to ask them.
Regarding the clarity grade, we want to make sure that the stone is eye-clean. You can read more here: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
Because cut highly influences light return (brilliance) we recommend excellent/ideal cuts only. It’s also important to search for stones with legitimate certificate (GIA, AGS).
If you tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) you’re going to use, I’ll be able to help you with the search. Different settings suit different colors best. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
Thanks for your detailed response.
From what I have seen, a pave setting is the most appealing to me and, as I mentioned, I am interested in platinum for the metal on that.
Thank you for the information.
I found this round cut for you:
Here’s a very nice square cushion cut:
And have a look at this radiant shape:
They are all very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless in a pave setting.
Let me know which one is your favorite.
I just want to be sure I am understanding all of this correctly. First, the photo on Blue Nile is just a sample picture, correct? That is not the actual diamond? And we are trusting that it is, in fact, eye clean based on its “VVS2” clarity?
Also, regarding color, “H” is acceptable for cushion and radiant diamonds in a platinum pave setting, but “I” would be enough for a round diamond? Like I said, I just want to be more educated on this whole process, since this would be a significant investment.
Just out of curiosity, I am wondering what you think of this one that I found. Do you think it is a good value?
Exactly as you say.
The diamond you found on James Allen is beautiful in all aspects. The only difference is that it’s more than $500 more expensive.
I suggest asking for a real picture to confirm that the diamond from BN is eye-clean. But it’s very rare that a VVS diamond has a visible inclusion.
As for the color, round cuts mask their true color more easily so you can go slightly lower when picking out a stone. Cushions and radiants are very differently cut and you have to be more careful in this area.
Let me know what you decide.
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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