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Hi!
My boyfriend asked me to look at engagement rings. I fell in love with the cushion cut style with micropave band and halo. I know that he can order that from James Allen or Blue Nile, but I noticed that the halo style of the rings at Tiffany just looks more sparkly. They said that they have more cuts on the diamonds in the micropave, so that it has that extra sparkle. Do you know if it would be possible to buy a loose diamond at James Allen or Blue Nile and then find someone to copy that Tiffany micropave setting style?
Thank you!
Nobody can copy the Tiffany style. Have you seen some of the JA/BN rings in person? If not, how do you know they are less brilliant?
If you want something extraordinary, you can take a look at Brian Gavin: https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/.
They use their super ideal cut even for their settings which is something you might truly love.
Should the center stone be a cushion? Or is the halo shaped as a cushion? What is your ballpark budget for the ring?
Thank you! This is great input. We were hoping to find the best quality cushion cut diamond for under $30,000. We have been trying to educate ourselves on what to look for and your website has been really helpful. I was hoping for E or D color, eye clean and excellent cut over 2 carats. If you think that I should budge on the color for a better cut or vice versa, I’m open to your suggestions.
I liked this one: Blue Nile LD08985987
Because the size is pretty big but I’m wondering if, because the cut is “very good” and not “excellent” or “ideal” if it wouldn’t be as beautiful and sparkly as say a diamond from Brian Gavin.
What do you think? Are there others that you think are better?
……
Also, you asked if I have seen the Blue Nile or James Allen rings in person. Is there a way to do that, where I can return them?
Unfortunately, there isn’t. I asked because I thought you saw them on your friend’s hand or somewhere.
There is no need to go that high in color. H+ is what I recommend searching for. Also, the cut grade on it is BN’s mark. If you look in the GIA cert, you’ll notice that there is no cut grade. GIA gives cut grades to rounds only.
I’m assuming you’re looking for a rectangular diamond? Or would you be OK with a square as well?
I would be fine with square too.
……
We had a question for you. Are the Brian Gavin diamonds really that extraordinary? We found this one:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.008-e-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104094952002?a_aid=y
but aren’t sure if it’s worth the extra money compared to this one:
Blue Nile LD08985987
Our total budget, including setting is $35,000 which is why we were looking for a diamond under $30,000. I was hoping to be well under that for him, but he said that if it’s really that much better quality, then it’s worth the extra money for a once in a lifetime purchase. What do you think? Are the Brian Gavin cut diamonds that spectacular that we would notice a big difference if we compared it to the other?
Thank you so much for your input!
It depends on what you prefer. If you care about the brilliance the most and you like the perfect square shape of the cushion, then you might consider the BG diamond anyway. I’m not saying that the BN one won’t look great, but BG is just a step up in both, quality and service.
I’ve seen their diamonds in person and they are spectacular.
If you decide that the cost is more important and you rather stay below 30k for the diamond, the BN one will make you happy as well.
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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