We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi – So overtime I search diamonds and rings for my girl, I end up on your site! Super informative – maybe even too much info if I read everything!
But I have managed to dial in on a few diamonds – I believe I linked to them all thru you … I am looking for an informed opinion: Of the three diamonds I am looking at, can you recommend one over another and why? I lean to emerald cut and asscher.
These are the three from Blue Nile
Blue Nile LD09747178
It’s true how much emotion guides my choices. Can you help provide realistic analysis? Thanks so much!
I wouldn’t recommend a D-color diamond with strong fluorescence. It is practically guaranteed to have a hazy/dead look in most lighting. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/
The LD09961352 is not a good choice either. It has a very strong black windowing effect. LD10394166 is ok, but you can do much better than that value-wise. Spending an extra on colorless diamonds is a waste of money: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
This is what I’d choose:
Blue Nile LD09772589
They have great overall specs.
What do you think?
Thanks for such a prompt reply!
Happy I was able to connect with someone to bounce my ideas off of .. and to guide me toward better diamond choices. Apparently, I was not able to distill the info I’d read into sound choices myself.
I love these (specifically the two larger ones – one emerald and one Asscher) and would ask if you had another one or two Asscher 1 carat plus for me to look at and a larger emerald cut, too while we’re at it?
I had texted her out of blue one day which shapes she preferred – square, triangle, rectangle, etc .. telling her it was a personality test online I was wasting time with .. she replied square was her fave shape. So. I started honing in on Asscher cut – but my favorite has always been the emerald cut. She has no idea I am shopping for an engagement ring, though I have been “threatening” it for a while now lol.
I would also like your advice on ring styles – I have specific tastes – and know what I like when I see it – but truly appreciate the input from an expert, such as yourself.
Absolutely. Can you just tell me your ballpark budget for the center stone? This will help me know what exactly we are looking for.
Regarding the setting, it should be something that represents your (or your future fiancee’s) personal taste and style. We leave this step for our readers to decide. After all, you know her the best 🙂
I’d say I’m looking at something in the +/- $5000 range. Over one carat. Calculating up to $2k for setting.
I like the Asscher cut 1.13 carat you sent me in the last email (and the 1.02 carat emerald cut – but worried she may prefer Asscher, so maybe should avoid emerald cut altogether until the next ring ??? I don’t know. She tells me nothing! :)).
Can you send me a couple/few more recommendations like that Asscher? (**And if you see a great emerald cut too good to pass up.)
Your recommendations should be enough for me to make a decision. I have been researching on and off for over a year. Got to get the ring before summer is out!
I am trusting your advice! 🙂
Asscher would be a very elegant and sophisticated choice. It’s unique and there’s not so many of them out there. My favorite shape is also an emerald cut, but asscher is right behind. 90% of women get round diamonds which makes emeralds and asschers really stand out.
Have a look at these:
Blue Nile LD09747226
They have great specs. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any larger emeralds than the ones I’d already shared with you.
One of the diamonds (2nd link) is pending sale. Should I ask you for another suggestion? Or am I pushing my luck?
Happy to help.
Here’s another one:
Blue Nile LD10218142
Wow! Thanks so much! I think this os the one :)))
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.
