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I am just beginning to research for an engagement ring, the diamond being a princess cut. I was wondering where I can begin my search. I was recommended to Blue Nile.
I was looking for a diamond that would be somewhere near 1 carat, with good color and clarity. Most important to me would be no visible imperfections. When you say my budget, is that for the just the stone or including the band? I like the bands that have the tiny diamonds going down the band though not all the way as I heard those bands could be susceptible to the diamonds on the bottom falling out due to regular wear, is that true?
For the stone plus ring (setting is it called?) I would be okay with between $3000 and $5000. I suppose I am looking for the largest diamond possible with the color and clarity to not have any visible imperfections, even if it means dipping below 1 carat. Thank you for your help!
Thanks for all the info in your email.
Blue Nile is a reputable company and we recommend it to our readers often. Sometimes you can find a great value there (as I found in this particular case). We have found out a huge improvement in their service lately and their prices have dropped to the point where you can often find a VVS diamond that is a better value than an eye-clean SI elsewhere.
I looked around and I love these options for you:
Petite Diamond Engagement Ring
Petite Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring
Our readers have had very good experiences with Blue Nile settings so far. Their settings are of a great quality.
Blue Nile LD07404451
This diamond is well cut and will be very brilliant in any pave setting you choose.
What do you think?
Thank you for your help! I had a quick question regarding the band.
What is the difference between rhodium coated and just a platinum band? Like will the coating wear off and it would be worth just doing a platinum band in the long run? Also I liked the rings, the only thing is I have received (not so) subtle hints that a princess cut is preferred lol. I think you are right with a petite band also, she is very tiny. I had browsed a bit and found this in the attached picture, just unsure about the diamond as far as clarity and color versus the price.
Thank you very much!!
The difference is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped (in Rhodium) 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.
The diamond you found looks great. I have also found a slightly larger option that would be equally brilliant:
Blue Nile LD06986394
Thoughts?
I was wondering your opinion on this one? I think I really like it:
Blue Nile LD07527479
That diamond looks amazing. It’s well cut and there are no red flags in the cert. If you like it, go for it.
I wanted to thank you for your help and I did order from Blue Nile! I used this email address, so you guys know. If you need anything else, let me know!
Thanks again!!
That’s great news!
I hope you’ll love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.
Sure thing! It’s expected to arrive in about a week. Did you need anything more than my email to get credit for your reference to Blue Nile?
It is enough if you used this particular email address to make the purchase. It will help us to double check with BN. Thank you!
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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