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I have read most of your website to learn about buying a diamond online. I want to see what you can come up with for me.
This is what I want and what is important to me based on what I have read here:
I want a round cut diamond that will go into white gold solitaire setting with diamonds along the sides of ring
I want excellent/super ideal cut
I believe I can sacrifice some color with the high quality cut
I really want a 3 carat diamond but I realize quality is more important than size if I have to go slightly smaller I will
I definitely want a diamond that is eye clean
My overall budget for diamond and setting is $30k. I could go slightly over if needed.
For the type of setting you want (a pave), I’d recommend an I colored center stone. This is the lowest color grade that would look colorless in a white gold setting and compared to the smaller diamonds.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find a full 3ct for ~$30k, but I found this absolutely beautiful 2.63ct I VVS2 diamond with a beautiful cut and no visible inclusions:
Blue Nile LD13310391
I searched in the SI+ range and this was the largest eye-clean option I found. It’ll be very bright and brilliant.
What about this one? Blue Nile LD13411097
What’s the difference?
Blue Nile LD13411097
This diamond is poorly cut. The table % of 61 is too high and would cause worse light refraction. It’s better to keep it between 55-58% for optimal brilliance.
Lol…this is the most confusing thing I have ever tried to purchase! I have spent hours and hours researching this, and just when I think I sort of have it figured out I realize I have no clue.
I know that there’s a lot of information to absorb. Feel free to keep asking questions, it’s important to me that you feel confident and comfortable with making such a big purchase.
Thank you for your help. I bought the diamond that you recommended. I figured you know way more than I do. Plus I can return it if I don’t like it.
That’s great news! Yes, Blue Nile have a great return policy so you can always send the diamond back if you weren’t happy with it. Can you please let me know how you like it when you receive it? I’d love to know what you think.
I received the ring today. It looks amazing! Thanks again for you help.
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! I’m so happy you love your new ring.
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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