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Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold East-West Solitaire

By Mike Fried,

I’m thinking of buying an engagement ring off Blue Nile.com. I live in Canada and it’s mentioned you have unique promo codes for Blue Nile?

Can you send me one? Thanks!

Here you go: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]

I’m also happy to help you select a diamond or review the one you are already considering to make sure there are no issues.

Thanks!

Here are the links for the diamond and setting I’m looking at getting.

Diamond: Blue Nile LD08709328
Setting: Blue Nile East-West Solitaire Engagement Ring

I wasn’t REALLY thinking of spending over $5000 CAD but I’m hoping it’s worth the price given the CUT (because that’s the most important component right?? haha).

Your insight would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Thank you for the additional info.

The diamond you selected is well cut, but it’s not eye-clean and also, strong blue fluorescence on an I-color is a problem, it usually causes haziness.

I’d go with something like this:
Blue Nile LD08564674
Blue Nile LD08356873

They are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Thanks for the advice!

I’m definitely considering one of those 2 options. I’m clearly an inexperienced ring shopper which is why I’m wondering – is there a big difference in “size” between a 0.9 carat VS 1.0 carat diamond? Or is it really just a “status” element to have a 1 carat diamond ring?

And if so – what’s the price difference between the 2 options you gave me VS a 1 carat diamond with similar characteristics (color, cut, clarity). I guess there’s not much difference between VS2 and VVS2?

……

As an update, this is the diamond I am thinking of purchasing. Let me know your thoughts!

Secondly, my girlfriend says she’s in between a 5 and a 5.5 ring size. I already sent an email to customer service at Blue Nile but wondering if you know anything about finding the best middle ground? Or just purchase 5.5 and then re-size later?

Thirdly, do you know anything about the lifetime warranty for cleaning and inspection services if I’m in Canada? Do I ship to Seattle or is there a location in Canada I can ship to? (I also asked this question to customer service).

Thanks!

I’m glad you like them.

Once the diamonds are set, there’s basically no difference between a 0.9 and a 1ct diamond. 1 carat is just an appealing benchmark.
Blue Nile LD08719219

As for the difference in clarity grades, there is no rule. We search SI plus and pick the best choice for you. Sometimes it’s SI, sometimes VS/VVS. But once the diamond is eye-clean, it doesn’t matter what the grade it is.

As for the resizing, it’s a tough question. I’d go with the slightly larger size and have it resized later if needed. But it’s entirely up to you, I can’t really tell you what to do in this case, I’m sorry.

Regarding your third question, their customer service is more suited to answer that than us. They will tell you more.

So I’ve narrowed it down to 3 rings – just want to make sure they’re eye clean – and the J color won’t be an issue from a visual standpoint (compared to an I):
Blue Nile LD08725162
Blue Nile LD08368065 (Is medium fluorescence an issue?)
Blue Nile LD08462061

Let me know your thoughts and thanks for your insight (and patience)!

LD08725162 – this one is very well cut, but you have to ask for its picture to make sure the crystal is not an issue
LD08368065 and LD08462061 – both are ok, but again, I can’t recommend them without seeing their photos

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.
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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