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Q&A: Shopping for a Round Diamond and a Solitaire Ring With $3,600 Budget from Europe

By Mike Fried, Updated June 29, 2020

Hi! diamonds.pro has been an eye opener to me in my search for an engagement ring. However, I’m still not comfortable enough, so I would like your help.

I am looking for a round diamond for a solitaire, 14k white gold setting (not necessarily, just a preference). My budget is $2000 (diamond + ring + shipping to Germany). Unfortunately, I know size will impress more, but I would still like a well balanced diamond (in terms of cut, color, clarity, size, etc…).

Any suggestions?

Have a look at this diamond:
Blue Nile LD08013881

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.

What do you think?

Thanks for all the info and indication of the ring.

I am willing to increase the budget to 3000 euro and aim for a larger rock. What would you recommend?

Thank you for your feedback.

I found this 0.81 carat stone with the quality I’d recommend:
Blue Nile LD08996115

What do you think?

That one looks great! I am going to place the order!

Do you have any recommendations regarding the setting (material, a design that best suits the diamond, etc.)?

I believe that choosing the setting is mainly the matter of your personal taste.

As for the metal, we recommend WG over PT. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And we also recommend 14k over 18k as it’s more durable and resistant to tarnishing.

Here’s their collection of solitaire style settings:
Blue Nile Collection – Solitaire Settings

Let me know which of them is your favorite.

Thanks for the advice about the setting!

I tried to finish the purchase today, but the diamond wasn’t available anymore. Do you have other suggestions?

Also, I have seen in the Q&A section that Blue Nile offers a discount coupon for customers that come from diamonds.pro. Is that still the case?

I am planning on finishing my purchase today (as I can see the diamonds sell very quickly).

I checked and noticed that the diamond is still available for you. I had a look but didn’t find a better option so if you like it, go for it:
Blue Nile LD08996115

And yes, I’m happy to send you this unique coupon code that gives you $50 off: [contact us for your own unique coupon code].

Keep me posted.

I have just placed the order with Blue Nile using this email address. This was the setting I chose:
Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring

Thank you so much for the help! I am looking forward to seeing her reaction!

That’s fantastic news!

It was my pleasure helping you. And please let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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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