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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around C$10,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello.

I’ve picked a ring and setting at Blue Nile. Can you review the stone and/or recommend a better one for value/clean eye? $ can stay similar ok going larger size lol. I am in Canada so duty free is important for cost.

Thanks!

Blue Nile LD12764767

Petite Roped Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring

Unfortunately, the diamond you selected is not a good option. The “clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” is a problem, it means the diamond has zero brilliance.

The alternative I found is slightly smaller, but has no red flags in the cert and will be very brilliant thanks to the fantastic cut:
Blue Nile LD12821695

Hello. That makes sense. What if my ring budget increases by $1,000 CAD?

I’m willing to spend approx $10,000 CAD. Including the 13% hst we pay in Ontario.

For additional ~1,000, I found this beauty:
Blue Nile LD12574588

Thoughts on this one for a few more hundred?

Blue Nile LD12521651

I notice it has strong blue florescence. . . Would that be an issue?

Strong fluorescence would indeed be an issue on an I-color diamond, it would give it a dull hazy look. I’d skip that diamond.

Thanks! I went with the other one.

I’m glad I could help you.

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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