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Q&A: Help Choosing an Oval-Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Ring With $5,300 Total Budget And Shipping to the UK

By Mike Fried,

Hi there, my fiance and I are looking to purchase an oval solitaire engagement ring online, and have narrowed our choice down quite a lot. Our budget is around GBP 4000 including the setting, VAT, and diamond.

At the moment, we are looking at these two rings, one from James Allen and one from Blue Nile. James Allen offers a setting we prefer, but Blue Nile has the advantage of having a UK base. We were curious as to your opinion on the difference of the two. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Diamond 1: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.98-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3167475?a_aid=dmnd1357

Diamond 2: Blue Nile LD08664667

They look great cut-wise, but strong fluorescence on an H color (the Blue Nile diamond) is a big problem. It usually causes haziness.

Thanks for your advice, shortly after I emailed you the James Allen was snapped up, so back to the drawing board.

What do you think about something like this?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.97-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2794153?a_aid=dmnd1357

Or, can you see any similar ones on James Allen you’d recommend over this? I really would prefer James Allen as I don’t like any of the yellow gold settings from Blue Nile.

Thanks!

Wow what a quick response! Thank you. That’s very interesting to know, I felt the same way about that one, but spoke to the online chat at James Allen who said I wasn’t likely to see anything with the naked eye. I didn’t feel certain, and therefore emailed you back, which I’m glad I did now!

Of the three you sent, I think I love the third one. I am not a big fan of the second, the shape seems a bit pointy, and the first is fine, but already had that third one in my wish list so will mull that one over. I’ve read conflicting advice about an H with yellow gold – i.e., it will either be quite yellow with the reflections, or, because of the reflections of the yellow gold it’s not worth going higher. If you think we’re on the right track for a 1-ish carat oval with a 3,300 GBP budget I’d be interested to know.

Thanks!

I’m glad I could help.

I love the third one, too. It’s perfectly oval-shaped. It is true that for a yellow gold solitaire setting you can consider going with a lower color grade (“I”), but it depends on how color sensitive you are, what other jewelry you wear, etc. I’m happy to find some I-color options as well if you decide to go that route.

Thanks for your help, we purchased the third option below in the end:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.98-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3167475?a_aid=dmnd1357

Have a lovely evening!

That’s great news! It’s been a pleasure helping you.

If you can let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.

My ring arrived last week and is stunning, I couldn’t be happier!!!

Thank you again for your help, it really gave me peace of mind buying something so expensive and important online. I’ve attached a photo, have a lovely week!

Thank you so much for the nice words and beautiful picture. I’m so glad that you are happy with the ring. It looks lovely.

If it’s not too much to ask, do you think you can do me a quick favor and write a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, I would be extremely grateful. Here is the link:

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

I wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

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:
  • 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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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