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Q&A: General Advice on Where to Go Diamond Shopping

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking to purchase a ring from Robbins Brothers to propose soon. I like the ring design and it comes with a cubic zirconia. I figured I can get by with a good design and later (if desired) set it with a nice diamond in the future.

I don’t like spending what I don’t have and the marriage and future livelihood means more than a ring at this point. I’m curious what your thoughts are on what the best way and place to proceed would be?

I’m not sure what you’re asking. Have you already picked a ring from Robbins Bros? If so, can you send it to me?

Sorry for the confusion. I was just hesitant on my options.
www.robbinsbrothers.com/Engagement-Rings/Classic-Solitaires/Danhov-i70718.ring

I thought maybe I can buy this ring mainly because the design is appealing (I’d be paying for the design at this point) since it comes with a cubic zirconia I believe. Then at a later time when I have more saved up, I was thinking I can buy a decent diamond and replace it. Would you recommend this style of shopping?

Thanks.

It’s of course possible. In the future, I’d recommend buying the diamond for it somewhere else than in Robbin’s Bros.

Thank you,

I’m in the Los Angeles area, we’ve got the jewelry district in downtown LA as well as tons of other stores. I’ve been hearing about going to local stores, but do you have local and reputable locations where I can go?

Thanks.

Unfortunately, we don’t recommend buying in physical stores. You get much better value online.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/buy-diamonds-online/

I sincerely appreciate your help!

Thank you for the baby steps – I will research over your forum and make a decision.

Let me know if you need any help with searching online. I’ll be happy to help you with it.

It’s very much appreciated – I’m actually in the market for a round 1/2 carat to replace the the one the ring comes with. Any pointers on where I can search in terms of websites to look through?

I want a nice clear color, clean cut, with a clarity that is decent. All in all I’m looking for a diamond in the B+ A- range in the “overall scale”.

If you don’t mind pointing me to some websites it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

I’d search James Allen or Blue Nile. Their prices and service are great and they have a huge diamond inventory. What is your ballpark budget for the diamond?

Thanks.

I wanted to do between $1,500- $3,000 for what I’m looking for.

Would that be a reasonable budget?

That would be no problem at all.

To get the most brilliance, I’d recommend also looking at Brian Gavin. He is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are truly fantastic. They are all incredibly brilliant. He’s usually a bit pricier, but looking at the prices for a half a carat, the difference is minimal compared to JA or Blue Nile and you would get a far superior diamond.

Look at this one I found there:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.506-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104091555028?a_aid=y

It’s beautiful, amazingly cut and eye-clean. It will look very bright in the setting you chose.

Let me know what you think.

I appreciate your help. In the end as much as I would prefer the “best deal” I must admit that my discerning ability is nowhere keen as the experts and appreciate your help in this endeavor.

Thank you very much for your help.

Unless getting the stone set into a ring is a big deal. I think I feel confident enough to move forward on my own from here.

Thank you so much.

Alright. I’m glad we could help. Let me know if you need anything else.

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:
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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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