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Hi Diamond Pros, I am about to pop the big question! I’ve been researching diamonds for a few months and I’ve decided that buying online is the way to go. My girlfriend likes Oval shaped diamonds, and hence why I am contacting you.
A couple of friends referred me to BN, and last week I came very close to buying this diamond (Blue Nile LD04682029). However, thankfully, I read some of your tips about buying Oval diamonds online and the importance of seeing an oval diamond prior. So I was hoping I might be able to get some recommendations!
My budget is up to around the $5,500 USD mark (I’m from Australia, so hopefully our dollar picks up!).
I’d like a diamond that is 1+ carat, but I am also concerned with overall quality if it means compromising on the size.
Since trawling some of your articles I’ve become really keen on shopping at James Allen, and here are a couple of diamonds which I think are OK:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.08-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-371298?a_aid=dmnd1357
However, with the 40x images JA provide, I’m now a little unsure on what “eye-clean” means – because I can see flaws in almost all of them!
I’m really interested in your thoughts, I look forward to hearing from you.
I’d be happy to comment. Did you factor in taxes already?
Thanks for getting back to me. I have factored in Australian import tax and duty. And my budget I’ve indicated to you excludes this, i.e. it’s solely what I’ve budgeted for the product itself. My budget again is up to USD $5,500.00 (or AUD $6,250ish), but spending less would be a bonus.
The issue with those two are the bow-ties on them (the black figure eight running north-south through the center of the diamond). I’d recommend this one instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-308415?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks for recommending this diamond, really helpful.
I like this diamond although I’m a little concerned about the cavity defect. I apologise if these are dumb questions… but my main concerns are whether it would be noticeable to the naked eye (because it does seem fairly prominent, although this is obviously under magnification), and whether it compromises the structural integrity of the stone?
What are your thoughts?
The cavity will have no impact at all, visually or structurally.
Thanks again for your help.
I have completed my order on James Allen just now, can’t wait to see it.
Sounds great. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.
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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