Thinking about buying an engagement ring online. Blue Nile seems to have the best reviews. Do you agree??
Also is a color J or I still an out color to choose from?
Thank you!
We have had great experiences with Blue Nile, but choosing the company we recommend always depends on our readers’ specific needs. I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info.
What shape diamond are you looking for? What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Can you give me your ballpark figure of what you’re planning to spend? Then I’ll be able to help you more.
We are looking at a round diamond, solitaire with small diamonds on the band. We are also looking to spend no more than 5000 on whole ring.
I am thinking white gold. If not then platinum.
Thank you.
Great, thank you for the additional info.
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.
For the type of setting you have in mind, I wouldn’t go lower than an I to make sure there are no warmish tones in it.
I looked around and I like this combination for you:
Blue Nile Petite Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD08148516
Blue Nile LD08177420
They are fantastically cut and either of them will be very brilliant.
If you want, you can use this unique coupon code that gives you $50 off of your order: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]
What do you think?
In your professional opinion, is there a huge size different between 1 carat and .90?
Also I am thinking a pave band if possible.
It always depends on how well the diamond is cut, but once it’s set, the difference between a 1ct and a 0.90ct diamond is not perceptible.
Okay, thank you. What is your opinion on pave bands??
You have been extremely helpful!
Thank you. Personally, I find them dainty, the tiny diamonds usually add some more brilliance to the ring.
But it’s 100% a matter of personal taste and style.
I think I enjoy the smaller band. Do you have any recommendations for that type of band?
By smaller do you mean thinner?
Yes
I found something slightly thinner:
Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Thank you for all your help!
One of he diamonds you recommended are sold, did Blue Nile have others?
You’re very welcome, I’m glad I can help.
Here’s a new diamond:
Blue Nile LD08356873
It has great specs.
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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