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First of all… thank you for offering this service! I’m looking to purchase an engagement ring in the next month or so. My budget for a stone is 6000 (plus or minus about 500) and I’ll spend up to about 1000 on the setting. Based on a ton of research over the last couple of days, I’ve decided to go with a radiant cut. What I have picked out now is:
and
Blue Nile Hand Engraved Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring
However, after reading your review on Blue Nile, I am a bit concerned about not being able to see the stone before purchasing it. I’m not saying I don’t want to buy the one I’ve picked out, but I thought I should at least reach out for some help from you first. I’m open to purchasing from James Allen (love their site! it’s so great being able to look at the diamonds), but to be honest I don’t really know what I’m looking at in terms of comparing one diamond to another based on what I see. Up to now, I’ve been comparing information in the GIA certificate to determine which diamond is “better” than other, similar diamonds. The other problem with James Allen is that it doesn’t appear that they carry the setting I’ve picked out. I’m not married to the setting, but I do know (based on some investigative work) that it is one that my girlfriend would love. But maybe they have something similar? Or is it possible to purchase the two separately and have a local jeweler set the stone?
Anyway, I apologize for this long-winded email. If you need any more information, please let me know. Thank you again!
The best advantage of James Allen is that you don’t have to overspend on a VVS diamond. As we explain in our color and clarity pages (check out the video where we hammer the point home), there is no need to get an E VVS; you will be fine with a nice GH VS. If you go with one of these, you save a lot of money.
I really like the second diamond. Conventional wisdom is that the table is larger than optimal table parameters. But I love the look of that type of radiant. Either way, you save serious money on the diamond.
I have added J from James Allen to this email. They have been adding new styles of rings and its possible that they have something very similar to this (or they can make it).
Thank you so much for the help so far!
I worry a bit about the color rating (G). I believe I’ve read on your site that radiant cuts show color more than most other cuts. Do you think it’s safe to stay at G and not bump up to F?
Thanks for checking on the setting for me! That really is the key piece
that’s holding me back from James Allen right now. While I think she
would be happy with other settings, the one I’ve selected on Blue Nile
is one I’ve seen her looking at before.
I just saw the good news from James Allen that they can make that setting for you. I really don’t think you need to go up in color. It’s true that we say radiants retain color, which is why we recommend H+ color. I sensed that you were sensitive about the qualities, so I upped it one color for piece of mind already.
Hit me up with an email a week before you are ready and we’ll pick a good one for you (these will probably be gone).
I’m looking to make this purchase in 1-2 weeks, and planning to pop the question first of April. So, I’m ready to try to pick out a stone. Based on the quote I got for the setting, my budget for a stone is going to be < $5000. I like the one you linked last time. How do you think this one compares?
I like the l/w ratio. Do you think it’s a better value and/or quality
than the other you posted? I’ve pasted the link for the diamond you
suggested last time below.
Are there any others you think I should consider?
I apologize for the delay in responding. I’m on vacation in NYC and have been backed up a bit. Do you still want some help?
No problem at all. I haven’t made a final decision yet, so if you’ve got some time to offer some advice I’m all ears!
To be honest, I love the look of the second diamond. Conventional wisdom will say that the smaller table of the first diamond is a better choice. But I like the L:W ratio and the bigger table on the radiant. Both are beautiful diamonds and you can’t go wrong either way.
OK thank you for the advice and help! I will give it some thought for a couple of days and let you know what I decide.
Thanks. Let me know what you decide to do.
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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