Dear Diamond Pros,
I am writing to ask for your opinion on this Blue Nile ring, and whether it is a good price. Also, would you recommend a basket setting (such as BN’s trellis setting) over a tapered cathedral setting? I prefer the look of the cathedral setting but I have read that it is not as secure as a basket setting such as the ‘trellis’. FYI, my boyfriend’s budget is $5,000 CAD or approximately $4,500 before HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).
If you think that the BN ring (linked above) is inferior, then would you mind suggesting an alternative? Below are my preferred specs:
0.8 carat round diamond
Ideal cut
G colour
SI1 clarity
Table 58%
Depth 59-62 (somewhat flexible)
Girdle medium (I am somewhat flexible when it comes to girdle, but I do not want an extremely thin girdle or an extremely thick girdle)
No fluorescence
Lastly, for a ring setting, would it be hugely disadvantageous to get a white gold setting rather than a platinum setting?
Thanks in advance for your advice
We’ve never had any issues with the security of Blue Nile’s settings. Their craftsmanship is excellent. If you like the cathedral setting the most, there’s no reason to go with anything else.
For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/jewelry-precious-metals/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.
On to the ring you sent me. I’m having problems opening the Complete ring page, do you think you could send me the link to the setting and the link to the diamond separately? It would help a lot.
Re: Cathedral setting – ok, thank you. I know that ring setting is a matter of personal preference but, as you and your team are more familiar than I with the solitaire settings offered by Blue Nile, is there another setting that you think would better showcase a smallish diamond (0.8 carat) whilst not compromising its security?
Re: metal – excellent. Thank you.
Re: link – sorry about that. Below are the separate links, as requested:
Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
…
I am also considering this diamond with a slightly lower colour grading. Which of the two (including the one I sent in my last email) do you think is better value overall?
Blue Nile LD12902904
Also, do you think we should order sooner (as in this week) rather than later, or do you think we should hold off until the American Black Friday sale? I read in one of your articles that it is best not to to wait too long to buy a diamond at this time of year.
As you say, the setting itself is a matter of personal preference. But if you care about the center stone being properly showcased, you might want to go with a slightly thinner band. Like 2mm or even 1.5mm. Petite Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Something thin and delicate would really make the main diamond stand out. But that’s just a suggestion.
I looked at the diamonds you sent me and unfortunately, neither of them would be a good choice.
Blue Nile LD13020157
This one has a Cloud as the first and only clarity characteristic. That’s a big problem as it means that the diamond would end up looking dull and hazy in real life. Also, the 61% table is not ideal. It’s better to keep it between 55-58 for maximum brilliance. 61 is already too large and would negatively affect the light refraction (=less brilliance).
Blue Nile LD12902904
This one is cut too deep. The depth% should never exceed 62.6%. It would look smaller and less brilliant.
Here’s what I’d recommend that would look great:
Blue Nile LD13021344
I color is definitely a better value than G. We even recommend J color for solitaires with no problems at all. This diamond is very nicely cut and the small crystal on the edge can be fully covered with a prong.
As for the best timing, there might be some special sales around Christmas, but those don’t include loose diamonds, only settings. And since diamond prices naturally fluctuate, you never know if what you have found now would have the same price in the future.
We purchased the ring yesterday from Blue Nile. Thanks for your advice.
You’re very welcome.
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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