blue nile- please help, round brilliant questions

[smadden9]

Hi,

So my husband and I have been reading on here for the past year and we are so happy this community exists We were married in 2012 and before we found pricescope, my husband had used a local jeweler to set his grandmother's stone. Long story short- it was uninsured, the jeweler eventually chipped the diamond (didn't tell us), replaced it with a new diamond which we later found out was really the worst possible diamond (a crazy spread, wasn't one meant for an engagement ring, and we were overcharged by a few grand- it was in the same price range we are currently looking in and it was a dog by all standards). When we unknowingly bought this bad diamond he told me I was hard on my jewelry and to be careful with it, when really he sold us a diamond that we were bound to have issues with. Luckily we were able to get our money back for the engagement ring after working with an honest jeweler and doing our best to act like informed consumers. It was a long process and a slap in the face for how novice my husband and I were at this.

We have been waiting to buy a new engagement ring because it was a traumatic experience overall for me. We have found one we think is very good on Blue Nile and have ran it through the HCA tool and are pleased with its rating. I really want a beautiful diamond that looks larger than it is because it has such a great cut and great sparkle. We want to order through Blue Nile but I am a little nervous by the GCAL report and the fact that I can't see an IdealScope image. We plan on insuring it immediately and then having the jeweler we trust set it in a custom setting. Can some of you guys chime in on your thoughts for this diamond?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-ideal-cut-f-color-si1-clarity_LD03381297?keyword_search_value=LD03381297

It is product # LD03381297
GIA #5146883934

60.6% depth
56% table
34° crown angle
40.6° pavilion angle

.5 HCA score

And if this isn't a great purchase, can you recommend others on Blue Nile in this price range? We are looking at F-G, si1 clarity (but should we go higher?), right around 1.25-1.5 in terms of carat, and only excellent cut.

Thank you so much. We are ready to finally have a great diamond on my hand!

 

[mrs-b]

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04262028

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04304423

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04216425

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04025891

Hallo

Here are 4 BN stones that I like the look of. The stone you chose looks fine, But that inclusion under the table might be a problem, so I've stuck here to VS2. BN guarantees their Signature cuts to be eye clean, but even so... I love G colored stones; they're *very* white (think - no tint from any angle), but you don't pay the premium of a D-F.

I have a bunch of stones (and I mean a BIG bunch! ) from BN, many of which are their Signature cut. They are uniformly lovely. HOWEVER - I have a bunch of stones from BN which aren't their Sig cut which are just as lovely. Are you familiar with how their Sig cuts work? They're not necessarily better cut. But they're very well cut (and some are fabulously cut), within certain parameters, they're eye clean (from 12", I believe) and they're cut in NY and inspected by BN before they're shipped. That's why, if you live in the US, you can always get a Sig cut next day delivery.

Their other stones are cut by whoever is holding them around the world (or which ever cutter that person uses). If you search their web site you will *often* find a stone with just as good - or even better - stats that a Sig cut stone. It's just not inspected by BN before it's shipped. So you take whatever risk is inherent in that.

BUT - if an Idealscope is what you want, you will need to take ANY stone from BN to an appraiser or a jeweler who can look at it for you using an Idealscope and also give you some ASET images. In that scenario, since you're having it double checked by someone else, it makes no difference whether it's a Sig cut or not; either way you're choosing on the basis of specs and then having a 3rd party inspect it. Keep in mind, too, that BN has a rock solid return policy, so it's a small hassle if you decide to return it, but not a major drama.

Having said alllll of that - I think all the stones I listed above are possibly better deals and/or better performers than the Sig stone you linked to. Or at *least* as good. I think any of them would be a pretty safe bet, and I would especially be interested in the 1.4 G VS2 stone, which has a sliiightly wider crown angle than I like (tho it still falls solidly within the ideal range). But given the price and the extra size and the lovely clarity, I'd probably buy that puppy in a second! And all the other ones have even better specs. My best advice would be - don't get caught up in the Sig cut thing; altho it guarantees you a certain standard of cut as a group, it doesn't guarantee you any single stone is better than any other on their web site with similar specs.

Remember, it's almost impossible to tell such tiny variations with the naked eye, especially if it's not what you do for a living! In the roughly 4 dozen stones I've bought from BN, I've returned 2, and both times it was because I chose the wrong size. I also own BGD, GOG and WF stones, and these are competitive with those stones, assuming you're careful with what you choose.

Phew! I hoped this helped. Good luck!

ETA I came back to add - my 2 top picks would be the 1.4G VS2, which is a little bigger, a little cleaner, and $850 cheaper than the one you linked to, and the 1.34 G VS2 - a *smidge* larger (not enough to notice at all, tho), a little cleaner, slightly better stats than the one you linked to, and $1700 cheaper. If you have 2k for a setting - and suddenly you can add another $1700 - it opens doors to an entirely different class of setting. I think there's virtually no noticeable difference between an F and a G color. But there can be a very noticeable difference between an SI1 and a VS2. So in the area around those grades, I'd go with G color and VS2 clarity. The extra money you pay for a Sig cut stone is for reliability, not necessarily a better cut on a stone-by-stone basis.

 

[SMC]

Just in case you didn't see this, Living Social is offering a Blue Nile $100 for $200 worth of jewelry deal: https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/1096489-200-to-spend-on-fine-jewelry-from-blue-nile?cvosrc=email.blast.digest_nationalshop&utm_campaign=digest_nationalshop&utm_content=2554&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast

 

[WillyDiamond]

Please read this thread about what kind of tools, pics, images you need. Blue Nile will not give you this. Read the posts by DS2006 and Gypsy who are of the best on this forum

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-to-do-an-upgrade-on-my-diamond.201189/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-to-do-an-upgrade-on-my-diamond.201189/[/URL]

People like Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, GOG, will give you the images you want to consider, then bring them back here for the experts to look at.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is so kind of you, Willy!

I was reading the original post and thinking that it is not the best idea to buy from a drop shipper especially after the experience you have already been through. I personally do not pay thousands for a diamond unless there are magnified images of the stone and either idealscope or ASET images. In other words, I want to know exactly what I am getting when spending thousands of dollars. I have bought multiple times from both Good Old Gold and Whiteflash and have confidence in the info they provide.

 

[smadden9]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful replies. We are primarily looking at Blue Nile because we will be buying a house soon and feel more comfortable paying it off in the 24 or 36 month option. We just feel better having that cushion of money still in the bank for the time being (at least until we are a little settled). That being said, we found this diamond instead, anyone want to chime in?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD03400874?keyword_search_value=Ld03400874

We went up to VS2, it scores a 1.3 on the HCA scale. Thoughts or better ideas? Thank you again

 

[smadden9]

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04262028

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04304423

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04216425

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04025891

Hallo

Here are 4 BN stones that I like the look of. The stone you chose looks fine, But that inclusion under the table might be a problem, so I've stuck here to VS2. BN guarantees their Signature cuts to be eye clean, but even so... I love G colored stones; they're *very* white (think - no tint from any angle), but you don't pay the premium of a D-F.

I have a bunch of stones (and I mean a BIG bunch! ) from BN, many of which are their Signature cut. They are uniformly lovely. HOWEVER - I have a bunch of stones from BN which aren't their Sig cut which are just as lovely. Are you familiar with how their Sig cuts work? They're not necessarily better cut. But they're very well cut (and some are fabulously cut), within certain parameters, they're eye clean (from 12", I believe) and they're cut in NY and inspected by BN before they're shipped. That's why, if you live in the US, you can always get a Sig cut next day delivery.

Their other stones are cut by whoever is holding them around the world (or which ever cutter that person uses). If you search their web site you will *often* find a stone with just as good - or even better - stats that a Sig cut stone. It's just not inspected by BN before it's shipped. So you take whatever risk is inherent in that.

BUT - if an Idealscope is what you want, you will need to take ANY stone from BN to an appraiser or a jeweler who can look at it for you using an Idealscope and also give you some ASET images. In that scenario, since you're having it double checked by someone else, it makes no difference whether it's a Sig cut or not; either way you're choosing on the basis of specs and then having a 3rd party inspect it. Keep in mind, too, that BN has a rock solid return policy, so it's a small hassle if you decide to return it, but not a major drama.

Having said alllll of that - I think all the stones I listed above are possibly better deals and/or better performers than the Sig stone you linked to. Or at *least* as good. I think any of them would be a pretty safe bet, and I would especially be interested in the 1.4 G VS2 stone, which has a sliiightly wider crown angle than I like (tho it still falls solidly within the ideal range). But given the price and the extra size and the lovely clarity, I'd probably buy that puppy in a second! And all the other ones have even better specs. My best advice would be - don't get caught up in the Sig cut thing; altho it guarantees you a certain standard of cut as a group, it doesn't guarantee you any single stone is better than any other on their web site with similar specs.

Remember, it's almost impossible to tell such tiny variations with the naked eye, especially if it's not what you do for a living! In the roughly 4 dozen stones I've bought from BN, I've returned 2, and both times it was because I chose the wrong size. I also own BGD, GOG and WF stones, and these are competitive with those stones, assuming you're careful with what you choose.

Phew! I hoped this helped. Good luck!

ETA I came back to add - my 2 top picks would be the 1.4G VS2, which is a little bigger, a little cleaner, and $850 cheaper than the one you linked to, and the 1.34 G VS2 - a *smidge* larger (not enough to notice at all, tho), a little cleaner, slightly better stats than the one you linked to, and $1700 cheaper. If you have 2k for a setting - and suddenly you can add another $1700 - it opens doors to an entirely different class of setting. I think there's virtually no noticeable difference between an F and a G color. But there can be a very noticeable difference between an SI1 and a VS2. So in the area around those grades, I'd go with G color and VS2 clarity. The extra money you pay for a Sig cut stone is for reliability, not necessarily a better cut on a stone-by-stone basis.

Thanks for the links. I am hesitant to buy one that is not an Ideal Signature cut, I am interested to hear what you think about the one I posted above. Thanks for such a great post- makes us think Blue Nile, while not perfect, could be a good option for us.

 

[smadden9]

And we are in contact with White Flash and this is what they sent us. Are these diamonds much better than the Blue Nile one I posted? Thanks

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3063758,3045747,3045749

 

[WillyDiamond]

100% better. Did you notice Idealscope and ASET images that WF sent you?
Did you get those from BlueNile?
The WF stones are their best.......ACA's, AGS000

Bottom line buying the diamonds from WF vs. BN would be like buying a pig in a poke. If you are Ok with that, well, its your coin.

Others much smarter than me will have to tell which of the 3 from WF they like best, that is beyond my pay grade.

 

[smadden9]

Looking forward to the experts chiming in. Rethinking our plan- may just go with whiteflash and have a custom setting made since we are quickly realizing Blue Nile doesn't seem so great. Look forward to your thoughts on the 3 listed above, or any others listed on the website that look great. We definitely need some direction and reassurance regarding this purchase. Thanks

Edited to add: mrs-blop you make me feel like we could go with blue nile and get a very good diamond. What makes the WF so much better? We plan on bringing the blue nile to an appraiser and making sure all is good to go. I am very torn on this (and probably driving my husband crazy), but after waiting so long, i just want to make sure we are getting the best stone for our money. And then i want to wear it and love it and feel confident in our purchase. I would still like some opinions on the blue nile diamonds posted on this thread, especially the last one that we found. Thank you!

 

[CanuckAB]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful replies. We are primarily looking at Blue Nile because we will be buying a house soon and feel more comfortable paying it off in the 24 or 36 month option. We just feel better having that cushion of money still in the bank for the time being (at least until we are a little settled). That being said, we found this diamond instead, anyone want to chime in?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD03400874?keyword_search_value=Ld03400874

We went up to VS2, it scores a 1.3 on the HCA scale. Thoughts or better ideas? Thank you again

Late to this thread. I really like this stone from the specs and feel it has a very good chance of being beautiful. If you are willing to take a chance as you don't have the option of aset or idealscope, you might be very happy with it. Worst case, you return it and try again or move on to one of the other vendors. There isn't a time constraint putting pressure on you.

 

[smadden9]

Hi guys... After much deliberation we purchased a diamond from a local jeweler. Here are the specs, thoughts?? I'm an overthinker so I'd lpve to hear your input!

 

[Gypsy]

It's a 60/60 diamond. But one of the good ones. So it will have more white light than colored. 60/60 stones are discounted.

These are the closest comparisons I could find to the stone for pricing:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4829295-1.30-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=4829295&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com It's smaller but it's a 60/60 and has no fluorescence. The price is 9,037.00

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04506545 $10,361, Best match. It's larger but also has medium, not faint fluorescence.

Very close to the right size. But not a 'true' 60/60 and the pricing isn't discounted like a 'true' 60/60, so this is MORE than you should be paying: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD02160170 $11,518


As long as the pricing you are getting is lower than the 11,500 threshold... preferably in the $9,800-10,800 range I think it's a nice stone at a good price.

 

[Gypsy]

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond About 60/60 stones.

 

[smadden9]

We did get it for under that price.. it looked really great in person and had a good HCA score. Do you think this is a really great diamond? WE really just wanted to make sure to get a really nice little fireball. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Gypsy]

I think it's a lovely stone and a particularly nice 60/60. Many 60/60's have shallow crowns. This one doesn't.

Overall, it's very nice.

Any chance you could go to an appraiser with an idealscope in the return period? Just to confirm it all?

 

[Lorelei]

We did get it for under that price.. it looked really great in person and had a good HCA score. Do you think this is a really great diamond? WE really just wanted to make sure to get a really nice little fireball. Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi Smadden,

It looks like you did very well indeed, the diamond has excellent numbers and if it is eye clean in the various lighting conditions it will be worn in, you should be good to go, well done! You could get an appraiser to inspect your diamond if you wish, but that's a personal choice, their detailed reports are great for insurance purposes so that's an option if you would like some professional input on your stone.

 

[smadden9]

Thanks everyone!! You have put my worry at ease. We were able to look at the ASET image there (through the actual lighting machine) and the diamond looked great (according to the information I've read on here).

I am still going back and forth on the setting, but once I take a good picture of the diamond, I will post it here.

This site has been an invaluable resource for us, and we would never have been able to find such a beautiful stone without your help! Thanks again!!