We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Upgrading Engagement Ring for 10th Anniversary

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Hello! I came across your site and I really appreciate all of your information. My husband is upgrading my engagement ring for our tenth anniversary. We went to look at rings and put a deposit on a diamond (1.02 carats, cushion cut, J color, SI2) for $3995. Now I’m having doubts and wondering if we can find a better stone for that amount of money. I would like to stay under $4000 for the diamond.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

That sounds like a terrible deal to me. Was that diamond GIA certified?

Hi, Mike! Great to hear from you!

I believe it was certified. I did go back and cancel the deposit. I just had a nagging feeling that was way too much money for that diamond.

For 4k, you should be getting far better quality. I would recommend this one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1546879.asp

What do you think?

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

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

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

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

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.