First, thank you so much for creating this website and sharing your insightful reviews. They have been tremendously helpful.
I am currently in the market for an engagement ring, and I have been gathering whatever educational information I can gather from online.
After reading your review for Blue Nile and James Allen, I am definitely more inclined to go with the latter.
I noticed that in addition to the 4C’s, there are other criteria, such as polish, symmetry, and fluorescence. I’m wondering if a grading of “very good” (from GIA) on polish and symmetry and a strong blue fluorescence make the particular diamond less valuable or less desirable.
I am referring to this particular diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.35-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1110298?a_aid=dmnd1357
I would love to get your thoughts on this.
Thanks again.
That diamond you found is beautifully cut, that’s for sure. However, the strong fluorescence is an issue. It can cause haziness, milkiness in the diamond. It’s better to avoid it.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/
The polish and symmetry are fine. As long as you avoid poor/fair grades, you don’t have to worry about it.
Can I also ask you why did you pick such high color and clarity grades? We usually recommend against it.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) are you considering?
Thank you! I will be sure to notify you on the email address used for the purchase.
I picked a high color grade because I read an article (likely from your site) that color is more important than clarity. Given that the purchase likely will be expensive (2+ carats with an excellent cut), I didn’t want to go cheap on the color and ruins the overall appearance of the diamond. I would love to hear your thoughts on whether I can downgrade the color of the diamond in favor of other criteria.
On the clarity issue, I was having trouble picking out a diamond with little inclusions. Perhaps it’s due to the high resolution camera that James Allen provides, I could easily see the inclusions in most of the diamonds. Are they not noticeable in bare eyes? Do you think I can downgrade the clarity grade?
Because I was valuing the 4C’s, I thought the ring I identified was the best for value. However, I wasn’t sure if the fluorescence and symmetry will be an issue. After reviewing your comments, I think I will pass on the ring for this reason.
In terms of the style settings, I have not decided on that yet, though I’m inclined to get something with little diamonds on the side. Any tips you could share with me? As for metal, I am inclined to get the platinum.
Thanks again for all of your help.
Even if you stick with the highest color we recommend (G/H), you can get a similar diamond for much less:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.30-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1839360?a_aid=dmnd1357
It would still look colorless with no visible inclusions.
The style setting depends on your personal preference. You can check out their inventory and see what you like. I linked my favorite ones below:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thank you. I will take a look at the recommendations you mentioned.
On a related note, do you know, or have you heard, of anyone who purchased diamond rings at James Allen or Blue Nile and that the diamond fall off due to some types of defect? One of my concerns about purchasing an engagement ring at an online store, as opposed to a well-established retail store like Tiffany’s, is the quality and whether there will be some added risk that the diamond would fall off.
As for your concern. it can happen everywhere. For instance, James Allen’s quality is very high and that’s one of the reasons we recommend them the most. Around 700-800 people a month purchase a diamond from an online company thanks to us. There are only a few single complaints a year altogether. I personally wouldn’t worry about buying online.
Hope you are well. I found this diamond on Blue Nile and wanted to get your opinion:
Blue Nile LD07616730
I notice that the fluorescence is faint. Do you think it affects the overall quality and value of the diamond? I’m looking to pull the trigger within the week, so your help is greatly appreciated.
The faint fluorescence is no issue. The diamond is gorgeous. I noticed it’s no longer available. Have you put it on hold?
Thanks. I did put it on hold, and I called to confirm. They are checking with the vault and are supposed to call back today — no words yet.
……
Just heard back from the Blue Nile, the diamond is available. I’m ready to pull the trigger this afternoon. Any other tips for me? I’m contemplating the following settings:
Blue Nile French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Studio Petite French Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Also, please let me know how to give you credit for your help. Thanks.
All the settings look gorgeous. Just go with your gut and pick the one you like the most.
Let me know how it goes or how the ring looks when you receive it.
Also, thank you for thinking of us. If you can tell me what email address you used, that would be all we need.
Thanks. I bought the ring and will receive it in 9 days.
My account is registered under this email. However, they made me call in to complete the purchase. Let me know what other info you need. Thanks.
That’s enough info, thanks again.
Keep me posted.
I bought the diamond and it looks very very good. Thank you for your help.
But I saw another diamond with almost the same specs but much bigger. So I wanted to get your thoughts on this.
It’s still from Blue Nile.
Blue Nile LD08115553
The only differences I see are that this diamond has strong blue (mine is faint), the depth is 62.8 (mine is 61.9). However the new diamond is 2.40 carat (mine is 2.11) and is much cheaper ($12,577 per carat vs $14,127 per carat).
I would like to get your thought on whether I should exchange for this bigger and cheaper per carat diamond. Thanks!!
The strong fluorescence is the reason for the low price. It’s a big issue as it usually causes a hazy/milky hue.
At first, I was surprised that such a diamond was so much cheaper. And there always has to be a reason for that. This time, it’s the fluorescence.
I’d stick with the one you have now.
You are the best! Thanks again for all of your sage guidance and advice. Have a great weekend.
No worries. That’s why I’m here.
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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