Hi,
I am going to buy an engagement ring for my wonderful girlfriend and was hoping you guys could give me some advice and recommendations.
My budget is around $5-6000 for the diamond (but closer to 5 would be ideal).
I am based in the UK but will be visiting Miami at the beginning of next month for a long weekend so would have the option of getting the ring shipped to my address in Miami if I time it right or collecting from a FedEx location. I think it would be more cost effective for me to collect the diamond in the US rather than shipping it to the UK. I also have no preference as to which retailer I use, just whatever one gives me the best bang for my buck.
I want a round brilliant diamond, in a solitaire platinum setting, weighing 1.2-1.4 carats. Minimum of J colour, minimum cut ideal and eye clean. My minimums requirements are based on what I’ve read on the website, I’m happy for you to overrule any of these.
Thanks.
I looked around and I have several recommendations for you:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115?a_aid=dmnd1357
If I may, I would recommend changing the PT setting to a WG one. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run.
And here’s a great diamond to go with it:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.18-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3401762?a_aid=dmnd1357
Blue Nile Classic Four-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD07096595
These diamonds are beautifully cut and either of them will be very brilliant. I’d just recommend asking for a photo of the Blue Nile diamond, we need to make sure it’s eye-clean.
If you, by any chance, would end up ordering the ring from the UK, Blue Nile have an office in Ireland so you wouldn’t pay any import fees, just the regular VAT (21%).
What do you think?
Thanks for the advice, I have requested a photo of the recommended diamond from Blue Nile and we will see what it looks like and then hopefully you can let me know which you would choose of the two.
As for the ring itself, my girlfriend has the idea that she ‘needs’ a platinum ring, so I think I’ll just have to swallow the cost of that as I want her to be as happy with it as possible, even though I understand WG is more cost effective for little/no downgrade in the long-term.
Thanks.
Sounds great. Feel free to share the photo with me once you receive it.
I have received the requested picture from Blue Nile:
Of the two recommended diamonds, would you recommend one over the other? (And why)?
Thanks!
It looks good, there seem to be no visible inclusions.
Both diamonds are fantastically cut, so now it’s entirely up to you and your budgeting. Either of them will make a beautiful ring. I’d simply go with the cheapest one as there’s no reason to pay more for something that’s identical.
Looks like both of these diamonds are now unfortunately unavailable! Are you able to suggest any alternatives?
Thanks!
Did you try refreshing the JA page? That diamond looks still “available” to me.
Here’s another one from Blue Nile:
Blue Nile LD07468638
Thanks again,
The James Allen one does indeed look available again!
Finally (I think I have nearly made my choice of setting and am ready to buy) are you able to recommend an alternative or 2 closer to the $6k mark, just so I can see what I would get if I were to spend a little more?
Thanks (and sorry for the repeated requests).
They have great specs.
Thoughts?
Thank you.
I seem to be drawn to the 1.24 carat diamond, but that’s purely because it is the largest weight.
Would there be any reason to choose any of the other suggestions over it? If not, I think I’ll go with that one.
Thanks!
Well, the largest one is the 1.26ct from Blue Nile, but the difference is negligible. I’d say that they all are about the same size, so just go with the one that fits your budgeting and personal preferences.
Thanks for your help.
I have ordered this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3362898?a_aid=dmnd1357
with this setting:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-modern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-51014?a_aid=dmnd1357
Using this email address.
Thanks again for all of your help 😊
That’s great news! I’d love to know how you like it when you receive it.
Thank you for thinking about us with the email address. It’s been a pleasure helping you.
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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