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Hi. I’m looking at buying a diamond ring in a halo setting with diamonds set in the side e.g.:
Blue Nile Classic Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Is it worth spending the extra to stretch from a 0.5 to a 0.7 carat stone? Also, is platinum worth the extra money over white gold? I’m based in the UK so am considering using Blue Nile so it can be easily returned in case I get the wrong size. However, James Allen does appear to be better value. Have you got an opinion?
Many thanks in advance!
Blue Nile is definitely the better shot here. I don’t think you would end up with much better value on JA considering all the taxes involved.
As for the diamond size, it depends on what you like better. The halo helps the diamond look larger, so if you don’t need the largest diamond possible, 0.50ct is a very decent choice.
Also, what is your ballpark budget for the ring?
I prefer white gold over platinum. 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.
Thanks very much indeed – very useful. You’ve given me what I need to move on but I’ll get back in touch if anything else comes to mind.
……
Sorry, to answer your questions below, I’d like to spend around £3,000. If you’ve got any tips on how to filter down the range of diamonds, I’d be interested to know, though I dare say it’s a question of just inspecting the photos for the ones in my criteria.
Perfect. Thank you. Here are two diamonds that would be perfect for the setting you chose:
Blue Nile LD07688189
Blue Nile LD08145753
Let me know what you think. They both are eye-clean and will have a lot of fire and brilliance.
Also, BN gave us single-use coupons for our readers for $50 for any purchase over 1k as they liked the education we provide on our website. Here is one for you as well: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]
That’s fantastic. Sadly the first of these stone options has already sold. If there are any others that look good, please do let me know.
Would they go well with this ring do you think?
Blue Nile Classic Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Unfortunately the above ring is only available in Platinum. I have considered the below rink in 14k white gold, though I think it may sit a bit to high off the finger:
Blue Nile Floating Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Would be grateful for any thoughts you may have!
Thanks so much again.
The diamond will go well with the halo setting. It’s a lovely combination. H+ is what I always recommend for this type of a setting.
That’s great to hear. Many thanks indeed.
My pleasure. Shoot me a message when you get it. I’d like to know how you like it in person.
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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