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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around $34,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there,

I am looking to purchase a better diamond and I have been looking at these two diamonds from Blue Nile. I was wondering if you could tell me which diamond would be more brilliant? Thank you.

I have put both diamonds on hold in hopes that one diamond is a better diamond.

Blue Nile LD11509211
Blue Nile LD11078991

I wouldn’t choose the 2.74ct stone because of the medium fluorescence. It may cause a hazy/milky look in daylight (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).

The other stone (Blue Nile LD11509211) looks amazing. 95% of all twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye, so those are alright. It seems there is a very small part of the twinning wisp a bit more pronounced than usual, but it shouldn’t be visible in person. Nice find!

If you decide to pull the trigger, please, let me know how you like it when it arrives. Also, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. I’m ready to help.

If we compare both those diamonds to this diamond:

Blue Nile LD11373814

How is this one compared to the others in brilliance?

The 2.68ct stone is still a better choice (also in terms of brilliance). The medium fluorescence on F color might be an issue (as I stated previously).

Many thanks!

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!

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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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