Hi. I’m searching for a solitaire diamond engagement ring. My price range is 1000-1300€ for the set. I have found a local online shop EPPI in Czech Republic (EU). Here I can get a 0.30-0.35ct GIA cert. diamond (for example: 0.35 SI2 G, 0.3 VS2 J, 0.3 SI2 F) with a 14K white gold ring for 1300€ (1000€ for the diamond and 300€ for the ring). Then I have compared the prices to some UK and US shops (Blue Nile, James Allen) and I figured that I can get the same diamond much cheaper (30-50% cheaper) or for the same price I can buy a bigger diamond in the same quality (0.45-0.49).
The advantages of buying in a local shop is that I can see the diamond and the ring before buying, free size adjustment and I get a lifetime warranty for the set (of course not for mechanical damages).
But I’m not sure if this is worth the extra money (probably not).
What do you suggest? Should I buy from the local store or I should order from BN or JA (from this two I prefer BN, because they are in Europe, so I don’t need to pay extra money for VAT and customs)?
Maybe it would be the best to order the diamond from BN or JA (I think I don’t need a warranty for the diamond itself) and find a local goldsmith who can made me a ring and fit in the diamond. But I think it is also hard to find a good and reliable goldsmith.
Thanks for your reply.
It’s definitely better to buy online. The market in Europe is very overpriced.
We ran a test and ordered earrings from Blue Nile with the delivery to Europe to see how their European side works and they were excellent. We had no problem receiving it and sending it back and getting the full refund back. Very satisfying customer service. And the diamond quality was very high.
What country are you having it delivered to?
Thanks for your reply, the diamond should be delivered to Slovakia. Do you have any information about the shipping cost in case I should send the ring back?
And could you please find me a diamond and ring on Blue Nile? It would be fine if you could send me 2 options:
1) Best diamond and ring for my budget 1300€.
2) A 0.30ct size diamond with a ring for the best price.
Regarding the attributes of the diamond, it was recommended to me to buy at least color J, Clarity SI2 and CUT VG or EX. But of course you have overview about this, so it is up to you, I want a diamond which is eye clean and I don’t want to pay for extras which I can’t notice when the diamond will be in the ring.
I don’t think you pay for the shipping back. You can contact them directly and ask, but it should be free. http://www.bluenile.com/sk/policies/returns
As for the diamond itself, if it’s for a solitaire setting, then J+ color is absolutely perfect. The most important aspect of a diamond is its cut. This is what makes the diamond beautiful and sparkly (fire and brilliance are the terms we use). The more brilliance there is, the more unique the diamond will look. Because of that, I don’t recommend going with anything less than an Excellent cut. Keep in mind that about 95% of all GIA diamonds get an excellent (~ 75%) or very good cut rating, so a VG cut can be very poor.
Here is the largest diamond within your budget:
Blue Nile LD08160824
And one that is slightly smaller, but significantly cheaper:
Blue Nile LD06587499
And the best 0.30ct diamond:
Blue Nile LD06153333
For all of them, I’d go with this setting:
Blue Nile Classic Four Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring
Also, because BN loves the education on our website, they gave us singe-use coupons for $100 off for any order above 1k. Here is one for you too: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]
Thanks again. The education on your website is really good, I like it too. I’m 99% I will order from BN, but I have agreed a meeting with a local diamond store for next week. I know they are much expensive, I just want to see the difference between a 0.3ct and a 0.5ct in real.
Probably I will contact you before ordering and will give you my email address from which I will order.
It’s always a good idea to see them in person to decide what size is the right one.
Keep me posted.
So I have already seen in person the difference between sizes and colors. I think the size difference is more noticeable then the difference in the color. But some local sellers have recommended me to go with H or higher color. On the other hand you have suggested me 3 diamonds with color J and VS2 clarity.
So I’m still not sure for which one should I pay extra money. H color? VS2 clarity? Or for both?
For example which one would you recommend from these 4 if the price si the same?
0.33ct H VS2
0.36ct H SI2
0.36ct J VS2
0.41ct J SI1
……
So I’m going to order the diamond, I was checking these 2 diamonds. What do you think? Which one is better? Or could you me suggest any better from this price range?
0.37ct I SI1 – 543€
Blue Nile LD07539840
0.36ct J VS2 – 492€
Blue Nile LD07928981
If you’re going to put it in a solitaire setting, then J+ is absolutely perfect. The 0.36ct looks like a perfect option. Jewelers always recommend higher color/clarity to make you spend more money.
Hi, today I have ordered the 0.36ct, I have used this mail.
Thanks for your help!
That’s excellent! Thank you for the info.
Let me know how it looks when you receive it.
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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