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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond For a White Gold Twist Setting With a $3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi Diamonds Pro,

Came across your website while researching on diamonds, and thought you could provide some useful advice.

I’m hoping to purchase an engagement ring for my girlfriend and was wondering if the selection that I’ve made is a reasonable deal?

0.45‑carat Diamond, Round, Ideal‑cut, D‑colour, IF‑clarity – USD1,729
Blue Nile LD09267432

Blue Nile Petite Twist Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold (1/10 ct. tw.) – USD950
Blue Nile Petite Twist Diamond Engagement Ring

I thought of getting a classic solitaire setting for her, however through our conversation and subtle prompting, I realize she prefers a slightly more sophisticated design with more “bling” on her ring thus I went for the petite twist diamond engagement ring. Wasn’t really convinced with the setting’s design, however I guess the ring is meant for her thus should be chosen based on her preference.

I’ve also read on your website about having a unique discount code for Blue Nile, just wondering if it is still available?

Many thanks for your help, really appreciate it!

Here’s the coupon code:
[contact us for your own unique coupon code]

The diamond you selected is a big no-no. Strong fluorescence on a D color is a problem, it makes the diamond look hazy/milky. I’d stay away.

Is there a reason you want to get a D-IF diamond? We think that’s a terrible value:
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

You can drop down a few grades and get the same look for the naked eye with a significant price difference.

Blue Nile LD08857498
This diamond is fantastically cut and will look much more beautiful than a hazy D-color stone.

What do you think?

Thank you for your quick reply and advice, really appreciate them!

There isn’t any particular reason in getting a D-IF diamond, just wanted to get the best quality diamond possible for my girlfriend. But you were right in highlighting that by dropping down a few grades would have no significant difference to the naked eye yet having a better value diamond.

I’m curious when you mention that strong fluorescence on a D color would affect the look of the diamond. I was looking through Blue Nile’s guide on fluorescence where it mentioned “Diamonds with a strong or very strong fluorescence are a better value because the market prices them slightly lower. It is quite rare for fluorescence to have any visual impact on a diamond’s appearance, and it does not compromise the gem’s structural integrity in any way.”

Am I missing something here? really appreciate your help!

The diamond you’ve recommended looks great! With really good specs and definitely a larger size diamond than what I thought I could get with my budget. In your opinion, if there is anything else I should consider when making a decision to purchase?

Many thanks.

Thank you for the nice words.

Strong fluorescence is a bonus only on J and lower colors. It helps them look a bit whiter. For DEFG diamonds you should get none or faint fluorescence: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/.

I’m glad that you like the diamond I sent you. If there’s anything else you should consider? I don’t think so. Just make sure that the diamond has no red flags in the cert (like fluorescence), that it’s eye-clean and well cut.

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve purchased the Engagement ring along with the diamond that you’ve recommended. Really thankful for your help!

I’ve used the same email address that I’ve contacted you with.

Have a good day ahead!

That’s great news!

Thank you for thinking about us with the email address. It’s been a pleasure helping you.

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