Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around $2,800 Budget

Hi there. I am interested in receiving one of your one time codes for Blue Nile, and also asking your advice on a couple of diamonds before I make a purchase.

Can I ask approximately how many days notice I should give you when asking you to evaluate my potential purchase?

Thanks so much for your website. It is really fantastic and informative!

I thought I would reach out to you following my email the other day. I am looking for an engagement ring to propose to my girlfriend.

Thank you very much for your articles, they have been an extremely valuable resource for me. Although, even after reading your entire website, I’m still having trouble narrowing down the diamond I want from the large variety out there. I would be very appreciative of any help you can offer.

Here are the guidelines I am working with, and how I have been searching on Blue Nile and James Allen:
Round diamond
Budget of approximately US$2,800, excluding setting, but willing to look cheaper if there is good value;
Approximately 0.75 carats. I have been searching in the 0.7 – 0.8 range
Eye clean. I have been searching in the VS2 – VVS2 range
Ideal cut
Mid-range of colour.

The big unknown for me is the setting she will want. I’m planning to propose with a simple setting, most likely in yellow gold (most of her jewelry is in yellow gold) but I’m not sure whether she will want to exchange this for white gold or not. Therefore, I have focused my search on G and H colours to be safe for either colour of the ring.

Preference for Blue Nile, since they price in Canadian dollars and deliver from Canada. But I am willing to go with James Allen if this minimizes risk due to their higher quality images.

Even after filtering for these criteria, there are something like 100 diamonds to choose from, so I’m still feeling a bit lost and would appreciate your help. I would be happy to send links of the diamonds I have looked at if that is helpful, or alternatively if you would prefer to pick some out that would also be great. Thanks very much for your help.

Thanks very much for these. Should I be concerned in any way buying an SI grade diamond? Although I can’t spot any inclusions with my amateur eye on the one you sent, I’m sure they are probably there. Is it the location and type of inclusion that allows you to conclude it will be eye clean?

In addition, what else is it about these diamonds that makes them a better choice compared to the many others on each site?

One final question, since both diamonds have very similar grades and specifications, and both will be eye clean and brilliant, is it reasonable to conclude that what I’m paying for will be the extra carat weight? Can I ask, if the weight was the same, which would be your choice?

I’m happy to report that she said yes and was extremely pleased with the diamond you selected! Thanks very much for all your help. We are now attempting to choose a setting together

Done. Thanks again!