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Q&A: Purchasing a Halo Diamond Ring for Around $3k with Shipping to Australia

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking to purchase an engagement ring online without getting ripped off and I don’t want the commercial rip off from a large name jewelry chain. I live in Australia.

Thanks!

I understand your concerns and I’ll be happy to help you with the search.

Can you tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? One last question, what’s your approximate budget?

Thanks very much for all your assistance and this info. Funnily enough my partner’s name is the same as yours.

I have been quite a bit on the Blue Nile web site as that was initial recommendation. I then read Mike’s review of them and understood his points of concern/interest, although it appears that now the issue of not seeing the actual diamond you are purchasing may have been rectified as some of them now appear to have photos. I did like the usability of the site and found it very easy to choose through all the various options.

I really like the Halo design, white gold and I know it’s not a massive budget but under AUD$4,000.

Thanks again, I look forward to working this out.

Thank you for the information.

Yes, there are real pictures of some of the stones and Blue Nile is a great way to go.

Here is a halo setting:
Blue Nile Plain Shank Floating Halo Engagement Ring

And here’s a beautiful 0.62 carat diamond:
Blue Nile LD06388445

It’s very well cut and colorless. It also leaves some space for taxes. What do you think?

Wow, That is certainly a beautiful stone.

Is there a big difference between the Ideal and the Signature cut?

I think I prefer the “Floating Halo” band, and of course that starts at $1575, also I noticed with this setting the BN website states it was a special order and I needed to call them. I couldn’t just proceed with the order. What does this mean?

Thanks again.

As much as we love Blue Nile, we don’t usually recommend Signature cuts. We don’t think you should pay extra without getting any additional benefit.

Do you have troubles to add this setting to your order? If so, I suggest contacting them directly on their customer service. They’ll be able to help you more with this.

Sorry I was just querying that as you have recommended the Ideal Signature cut on the link below.

What I was trying to say that we don’t usually recommend searching specifically for Signature cuts. Sometimes though, they end up being the best option. In our experience, diamonds with table 54-59% and depth 59-62.5% return light with the most brilliance.

The stone I sent you has the best overall specifications. Here’s the next best option I found for you:
Blue Nile LD06903908

As you can see, the original stone is bigger and less expensive. That’s why I recommend sticking with it.

Thanks! Great. Thanks so much.

So my last step is to try to confirm her finger size, she latterly has no rings for me to check with and I don’t want to ask her. Anyway I’ll think of something.

So going ahead with the order, I think I will use the Halo setting and your first choice of diamond. Do you know what I should expect in terms of delivery time to Australia?

What exactly do I need to do to get your recommendation recognized?

Thanks again.

It was my pleasure helping you. We just need to know what email address you use for the purchase to get commissions.

I suggest contacting Blue Nile directly, they’ll be able to give you more details about their delivery time to Australia.

Also Blue Nile love our education and wanted to offer a coupon for our readers. Here is a unique coupon code for $100 off. [contact us for your own unique coupon code]

Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.

Thanks very much, also for the discount code.

I will be using this email address for the order. Just finalising the sizing and should place the order by end of week.

Thanks again.

Thank you for the info.

Keep me posted.

Just advising that my order arrived last Friday and I am extremely happy with the purchase.

Thanks again for all your assistance.

That’s fantastic news! I’m happy to hear that you love the ring.

If it’s not too much to ask, can you write a review about your experience with us? [LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

With pleasure, I’ll get it done today for you.

Thanks a lot. We appreciate it.

Let me know if there’s anything I can help with in the future.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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