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Hi there,
I am in the UK and looking to purchase an engagement ring but am torn between buying online or in store.
I know my budget and have done my research in terms of style/setting etc, but am struggling with a stone that is going to be best suited for it.
I am looking to spend up to £6,000 for a solitaire setting with pave/shoulder diamonds round the band. Any help you can give would be fantastic 🙂
If you are located in the UK, 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 UK based readers. We have revied some UK based stores, you can have a look at them here: https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/.
If you want me to make some specific recommendations, can you please tell me what shape of diamond (round, princess cut, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, heart or pear) do you like the most? This info will help me set the right search parameters. Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions.
I think I have a fairly good idea of what I am after, but given the volume out stones out there with such varying prices it is difficult to know where to start :-). And good to know you recommend Blue Nile, I had seen the reviews on your site so had already checked them out.
Setting will be pave/diamond band with 4 prongs in platinum or white gold. I like the look of some of the scalloped bands on Blue Nile and some of the micro pave trio’s, I think the settings are around £1,500.
Shape: Round
Carat: Around 1ct, although does not need to be over 1ct if it is a great looking stone. I am aware given the setting I am after is a little more expensive, and will include .4ct if I went for the scalloped band, that I will need to make little sacrifice.
Colour: I think to keep within budget this is likely to be G-I, but happy to take your guidance based on each stone.
Cut: Excellent – as I said before I am keen to get something that looks great, not just something that is over 1ct for the sake of it being over 1ct (if that makes sense?).
Clarity: Again, happy to take guidance, but assume SI1 – VS2 is likely to be ok?
Thank you for the additional info.
Here are my recommendations:
Blue Nile LD12779763
Blue Nile LD13164687
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.
What do you think?
Thank you very much, that is super helpful.
They look great. Is there much difference, to the naked eye, between 0.9 and 1.0 Carat?
The size difference depends on how the diamonds are cut. For example, a diamond with 60% depth will face up a bigger than a diamond with 62.8%. I always suggest comparing the actual measurements. Both those diamonds are eye-clean and perfectly cut, I like the SI1 diamond a lot.
The price difference depends on many things: where the stone comes from, carat weight, how it’s cut (different proportions), the location of inclusions, different grades for polish/symmetry, different color, and clarity grades, etc. Also, BN offers a perfect return policy so if you end up not liking the diamond you choose, you can easily return it.
Just to let you know I went ahead with the purchase of the Blue Nile LD12779763 diamond this morning.
Thank you again for your help and patience with all my questions :-).
That’s wonderful news!
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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