Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire Danhov Ring With a $2,500 to $3,500 Budget

Aloha from Hawaii,

Thanks for all your helpful information on your website about purchasing a diamond engagement ring. I’ve been doing my research and find your knowledge very valuable and much appreciated.

After a few weeks of educating myself, and looking around, both in retail stores and online, I think (gulp) I’m ready to make this big purchase, and wanted to get your advise. Here is what I am leaning towards:

Setting: Pave or Solitaire
Metal: Platinum preferred over white gold
Ring Size: Not sure, but I think it’s a 5, or 5.5
Carat: 0,75 and above, would prefer 1.0 if affordable
Color: D-G
Clarity: IF- VS1
Cut: Very good – Ideal
Diamond Origin: Don’t care
Budget: $2,500 with Max of $3,500.

I want a simple ring that is beautiful and has a diamond with unbelievable shine and sparkle, any advise you can provide would be appreciated.

Also, you mentioned that you have coupon codes for Blue Nile, could you send those to me?

If you want to stay within those parameters you gave me, this would be your best option:
Blue Nile LD08877107

Then you would still have some space in your budget for the setting itself.

I would, however, rethink the color (and clarity). If you choose a simple solitaire setting, you can go as low as a J color.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

I forgot to give you the BN coupon. Here it is:
[contact us for your own unique coupon code]

It’s for $50.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your timely feedback.

I’ll look into your recommendations this afternoon.

Sounds good. Keep me posted.

Aloha,

I took your recommendations about color and clarity into consideration, and also spoke with a rep. at Blue Nile, and selected a new diamond.

If you have a minute please take a look and let me know if this is a good choice in your opinion:
Blue Nile LD05280703

……

Sorry, one more question. I’ve found a setting that I’m really fond of and also what I think is a comparable diamond to then Blue Nile one I’ve selected.

It’s from Brilliant Earth – Are they a reputable company, and what do you think of this new diamond?
www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/4485532/?is_tab=1&sid=1384813

The Blue Nile diamond is gorgeous. I’d still go lower in color and clarity, but if you want to stay a bit higher, that one is the way to go.

We don’t like Brilliant Earth. We find their marketing distasteful.
https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brilliant-earth/

Aloha,

Thanks again for all of your precious advise throughout this process! I really appreciate your help!!! After weeks of educating myself and research, I believe I’m finally ready to make the big purchase.

I’ve found my ideal ring, (I think she will LOVE IT) and a diamond that I like very much, and wanted to know if there are any concerns about buying the two separately?

Here is the Danhov ring, sold by Prime Jeweler – are they a reputable company?:
www.primejeweler.com/danhov-classico-round-solitaire-knife-edge-engagement-ring-cl140/

And here is my diamond:
Blue Nile LD05280703

Let me know if these are good choices that will match, and any other advise you may have.

They both look amazing. Just check the warranty with Blue Nile. It might be different since you’re buying the diamond only.

Also, I found the exact setting on James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/danhov/14k-rose-gold-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-style-cl140-by-danhov-item-58057?a_aid=dmnd1357

The only problem is that it’s not in white gold. If you want, contact them if they are able to order one in white gold. Then you could go with a diamond from them and the entire ring would go through one company.

Here is a diamond I like from them:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3292585?a_aid=dmnd1357

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

Click to Visit

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

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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.

Click to Visit

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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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire Danhov Ring With a $2,500 to $3,500 Budget

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