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Great information on your site. I am in the market for an engagement ring, and I can really use your help! My request should be a pretty common one: I’m trying to locate the best bang-for-the-buck diamond for about $5000.
I read your review of James Allen vs Blue Nile. I will consider both, but I have a strong preference for Blue Nile since I have their credit card which offers 12 month interest-free financing. With that said, I’m open to hear what your experts have to say! Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Blue Nile is a great way to go, we’ve had great experiences with their site. Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.
Appreciate your response. My girlfriend told me a while back that she likes the classic bridge design. After a bit of research, I am confident that she is referring to the classic solitaire setting. The diamond cut I’m looking for is a round one. I want to purchase the setting and diamond separately because I heard you can get a better deal that way – your insight on this is welcomed.
Lastly, I’m thinking about going with white gold on the setting, so I can maximize my $5000 on the diamond itself – is this smart? Thanks!
Thank you for the information.
As for purchasing separately, I think you should purchase both from the same place. It’s easier in terms or warranty, possible repairs and returns. If you like the settings on BN, I don’t see a reason for you to go elsewhere.
Yes, we also think that WG pays off more than platinum.
Since you plan to use a solitaire style setting, I suggest going for a J color stone:
Blue Nile LD07957625
or this 1.00 carat:
Blue Nile LD08710698
They are both very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless. But if you compare the measurements, they are almost the same. That’s why I like the 0.96 slightly more.
Let me know what you think.
To clarify, I will be purchasing both the diamond and setting from Blue Nile. I just meant as separate purchases rather than one that is pre-made.
Can you please provide a bit more context as to why you’ve selected the two diamonds in your previous email?
Also, if you can give me a bit more insight as to anything I should be aware of in my setting selection l, I’d appreciate it.
Thank you!
I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Yes, you should purchase the setting and a diamond separately. It’s important to search for a stone with a legitimate GIA or AGS certification. Such cert serves as a proof that you receive what you pay for. That’s the main reason. It’s not as important with tiny stones (the ones in the setting). I’m talking about center stones.
In our experience, stones with depth up to 62.6% and table up to 59% return light with the most brilliance. Since you plan to use a solitaire style setting, I suggest going for a J color stone. For the vast majority of our readers will a J color stone look colorless. You don’t need to worry about fluorescence with this color grade.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cuts/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
And these diamonds are eye-clean and balanced in all important specifications.
I hope it makes more sense.
As for the settings, I believe that this is mainly the matter of your personal taste. We’ve had great experiences with the quality of products from Blue Nile. So I’d say that whichever is your favorite, go for it. The only thing I’d mention is that we recommend WG over PT. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run.
Thank your. FYI, I’ve made a purchase using this email address. I’ve decided to go with a slightly different diamond (upgrade in color (I) and downgrade in clarity VS2). Nevertheless, appreciate the advice. Let me know if you need anything else to get credit for the purchase.
That’s fantastic news!
I’m happy that you found what you were looking for. It was my pleasure helping you.
And thank you for the confirmation of the email address. That’s all we need to get credit. Thank you that you care so much.
Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.
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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