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Firstly love the website and have learnt heaps as before today I knew less than nothing about diamonds so thank you.
I am looking for an engagement ring with a six claw solitaire setting as I know that is what the better half prefers. What gives a better look in the setting in regards to white gold Vs platinum? She prefers a narrow band.
How large a diamond is ideal without looking ridiculous?
From reading articles on your wonderful site it’s
my understanding that an excellent or better cut is ideal, clarity of J or better and the clearest SI2 I can find on a website like James Allen from which I can see pictures of diamonds. This all allows for greatest value for money in selecting a diamon. Am I on the right track?
How do prices compare between buying online from day James Allen v visiting a jeweller?
Thanks a lot.
I’m glad you find our website helpful. We appreciate it. Now, let’s see how I can help you.
For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.
I’m afraid that I can’t really help you with the question about size. “The right size” is completely subjective. There is no norm.
As for the cut, color and clarity, you are right. Excellent/Ideal cut, J color and the largest eye-clean diamond is what we recommend. If you find an eye-clean SI+ diamond, then you get a great value for your money, but it’s not a rule. For example, Blue Nile prices have dropped to the point where you can often find a VVS diamond that is a better value than an eye-clean SI elsewhere.
If you want, I can give you the longer story, but we think you are much better off buying online (far less likely to be scammed).
I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you. Can you tell me your ballpark budget for the purchase? Then I’ll be able to help you more.
Sorry for the late reply. My budget is around $6000-7000 but is a bit flexible. Some help would be wonderful.
Great, thanks for the info.
I looked around and I love this combination for you:
Blue Nile Six-Prong Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD07716260
This diamond is fantastically cut and will be very brilliant.
Also, you can use this coupon code that gives you $100 off of your order: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]
Thoughts?
Thank you for the help. However my girlfriend has changed her mind and prefers the halo style rings now after we had a long look haha. With blue Nile is that the actual diamond? As I was fairly sure you couldn’t see them and that increased the risk buying with them. [/answer]
No worries 🙂
Blue Nile don’t offer the real pictures for their diamonds, but that’s not a problem. Having a picture of the diamond is rarely enough to determine its value anyway. Buying from BN is safe when you go high enough in clarity and have the GIA report (the most important information is listed in it).
For a halo setting, this would be my recommendation:
Blue Nile Floral Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Truly Zac Posen Floral Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD07893616
This diamond is beautifully cut. Medium fluorescence will help it look a bit whiter.
Thoughts?
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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