Hi.
I´m writing you to get your professional opinion in my scenarios. I am getting married this summer and looking for a ring.
I live in Sweden and I am not sure if to buy the ring here or not. I found a ring at James Allen, a channel set ring and then I want to buy a center stone. The problem is it feels a bit risky to order a diamond ring online from the USA and it’s quite expensive with the taxes in Sweden.
I’m wondering what do you think of buying a diamond second hand in Sweden and order the ring from James Allen? Since Sweden mostly buys high quality diamonds they are quite expensive.
I am going to India this spring and I thought that I could buy the ring and diamond in India, what do you think about that?
And my third scenario would be to order the ring and the diamond from James Allen and get it shipped to my relatives in Canada.
What would you recommend for me?
I want a 1 ct round diamond. We want to spend about 5k, is that possible?
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
Generally speaking, you can get better value online. But if you want to compare different possibilities, it’s all fine. It’s important to search for stones with either GIA or AGS certification (these are legitimate laboratories). If you find such stone you like in particular, you can send me its number and I’ll be happy to comment on them.
We usually recommend purchasing a setting and diamond from one company. It’s easier in terms of returns and repairs.
If you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use, I’ll be happy to send you my suggestions.
Hi.
Thank you for your response. I think what you guys are doing is great and it helps a lot of people. I have been reading everything on your website and it’s so informative. It would be great to get your help and help me find a diamond.
The ring I have been looking at is this one:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/14k-white-gold-channel-set-princess-shaped-engagement-ring-item-2357?a_aid=dmnd1357
Or this one:
Blue Nile Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
I have a wedding band from Blue Nile which matches the engagement ring from Blue Nile. My ring is in platinum so I will go for that. Here in Sweden we first buy a “wedding band” for the engagement and then the “engagement ring” when we get married. It’s the other way around.
My wedding band feels too thin that’s why I’m considering buying the ring from James Allen since it is thicker and it’s actually a little bit cheaper.
I am still trying to figure out if I should ship to Sweden or Canada. The costs are quite high.
Thank a lot for your help.
Thank you for the information. Getting to know habits of different countries is interesting.
Have a look at these diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.97-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2184566?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are all very well cut and going to look colorless in the style of setting you like.
As for the shipping. There will be extra costs for shipping to Canada, too. I suggest contacting JA and BN directly. They will help you find the best way in this case better than me.
Let me know what you think.
Thank you very much, and the diamonds look great. I will start by asking JA about the shipping to Sweden.
I will get back to you asap.
I’m happy that you like my suggestions. Keep me posted.
Hi again.
I have checked with JA and the smartest thing is to ship the ring to Canada, half the price than shipping to Sweden.
I have been reading a lot on your site about white gold vs platinum. As I mentioned earlier my ring is in platinum I am thinking of buying my diamond ring in platinum as well. But my ring that I have now has a lot of scratches and I only had it for 16 months. It looks very dull. So now I am actually thinking about buying a new one in white gold instead. What do you think? Is it a good idea?
I have a ring in white gold also and I´ve had it for 6 years and it still looks pretty. I really can’t make up my mind now 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you for the information. I’m happy you found a better solution for the shipping.
I can see that the diamond I suggested is still available for you. Are you going to go for this one?
As for the metal, 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. But the final decision is abslutely up to you.
Yes, it’s great!
I don’t know yet since I am maybe changing my engagement ring to white gold instead of platinum and then I am considering buying it at the same time as the diamond ring. I need to decide which metal to go for so I don’t make a mistake since it is very expensive to send it back from Sweden.
Would you recommend 14 k or 18 k in white gold?
Will it be possible to buy the diamond and setting for $5500?
I really appreciate your help, thanks a lot!
We usually recommend 14 karat gold over 18 karat. It’s more durable and resistant to tarnishing.
Yes, if you decide to go for the 0.96 carat stone, you can keep the price under $5500.
Let me know what you decide.
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
