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Hi there,
I’m an American who’s living and working in Europe and I’m trying to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend. Most of the bigger online retailers like James Allen and Blue Nile look to be based in the US and while they all do international shipping to Europe, I’m trying to avoid 20%+ import duties if at all possible.
Do you recommend an online diamond retailer in Europe?
If you are located in Europe, your best bet is to find something on Blue Nile (https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/blue-nile/) as they have an office in Dublin, therefore you can save the import fee. Also, it’s easier in terms of service. They have the best track record with our European based readers. We have reviewed some UK based stores, you can have a look at them here: https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/. As for taxes, you would need to contact them directly, they will help you calculate the final price.
If you want me to make some specific recommendations, can you please tell me what setting style (solitaire/pave/side stones/halo) and metal (white gold/rose gold/yellow gold/platinum) you’re planning to go with? Different colors suit different setting styles better (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/). Do you have a ballpark budget for the center stone in mind? What shape do you prefer? This info will help me set the right search parameters. Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions and tell you some info on what to look for.
She wants a solitaire, round cut diamond on a white gold or platinum band. Sizewise, I’m looking for something in the 2-3 carat range. I’ve been doing some research and I think I would prefer a lab-grown diamond, from both an ethical standpoint and because of cost – it seems like you get more bang for your buck. Does Blue Nile sell lab-grown diamonds?
Unfortunately, Blue Nile doesn’t sell loose lab-created diamonds. The best option for lab-created diamonds is James Allen. As for taxes, you need to contact JA directly or use their duty and tax calculator (scroll down on the JA’s page to find it).
Here are some nice options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.70-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-10737870?a_aid=dmnd1357
I ended up choosing the first option in your list, the 2.70 carat diamond. I appreciate your help with the process.
The 2.70ct diamond was an excellent choice! I’m glad you liked it so much.
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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