Why is this diamond so cheap?

[Leck22]

Hi all, I have recently took the plunge and bought a diamond ring from Blue Nile, meant for proposal to my partner. Although she doesn’t usually wear jewellery, I knew the engagement ring means a lot to her. Therefore, I decided to spend what was to me, quite a hefty sum of money on it.
Prior to buying the ring, I was (and still) clueless about diamonds. With a budget of about two thousand dollars for the stone, I waited for weeks until I came across one that fit my criteria and budget.
It is a 0.80 ct, J VS2 round diamond, for a gold solitaire ring. GIA 1186803685.
At USD1700, it is almost 500 dollars cheaper than the next cheapest of comparable quality. Happy that I found something significantly lower priced than expected, I brought it immediately, half expecting it to have some flaws that I wasn’t able to tell.
However, the more I tried to find a problem with the diamond, the more I become confused. Blue Nile didn’t provide an image for the diamond, and I have not received it, so I can’t tell for sure yet. I noticed after buying that it had ‘etch channels’, and I thought that might have been it. Reading more though, it seems it might not be a problem for a vs2 clarity?
I also later read about the HCA tool, which gave me a score of 1.3 when I plug the numbers in. I then learn that that is a really good score, which confused me further. I also tried the AGA/NAJA grading, which returned all 1As. I don’t think I have felt so happy and worried at the same time before. Surely whoever put it there knew that it had such a good cut?
I’m a complete novice, so I wander if this makes sense to you diamond veterans. What I wonder is:
How does Blue Nile decides the prices of their diamonds?
What could potentially be the reason for the low pricing?
I know I will probably be happy with the ring regardless, as would my partner. Although with such a big purchase, it is making me nervous

 

[ChristineRose]

There are a lot of possible reasons, including the inclusions not being attractive.

You refer to it as Blue Nile's diamond. I can't tell from what you've given, but it is probably not Blue Nile's diamond. It is probably a virtual diamond that belongs to someone else who has shared their inventory with Blue Nile. It's not uncommon for virtual diamonds to turn out not to exist, or for someone realizes the pricing mistake when Blue Nile actually tries to call in the stone.

 

[HappyNewLife]

That's probably due to the etch channel, since it's something that starts on the surface of the diamond. But at VS2 it probably won't be noticeable with the naked eye. Medium blue fluorescence also could affect the value of a diamond. Good luck - let us know what you think when you get it!

 

[metall]

I'm no expert here, but it might have something to do with the price of the rough stone? I read somewhere that it could cause a diamond to be a bit cheaper.

@HappyNewLife also mentioned fluorescence which could also cause the stone to be cheaper.

There are a lot of factors and not just one...so it'll be hard to tell. Post pictures of your ring when you get it, some of the experts here may have more input than I would.

I too am curious to know what is causing the price difference so I will be following along!

 

[Matthews1127]

Following....

 

[SimoneDi]

This diamond looks very promissing on paper. The angles are exactly where you want them to be. The medium blue flouro affects positively the price and the color of the diamond with very little to none (in my opinion) risk to cause haziness. The etch channel is an unusual inclusion and as others noted, it reaches the surface of the stone, but at VS2, it will most likely be fine. I think that it is worth seeing the stone in person.

 

[valeria101]

.

Prices are not that consistent ...

- not that I wish they were !

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi All,
I can't speak specifically about the diamond-but in general, SB, or MB can lower the price of a near colorless diamond.
I agree with Simone that haziness is unlikely, statistically.
But in the cases of stones that do have a "sleepy" look, the discount is likely to be largest.
If this is the case, it would be easy for anyone to spot- no training necessary

 

[Leck22]

Thank you all for the helpful comments, I am just glad nothing deal breaking have been suggested. I understand that they are speculations, but if it is the inclusion and/or fluorescence, I think I can live with them. Still not sure if they can justify the price difference, but I'm more at ease now.

The ring is due to be delivered in three days, so I am expecting to receive it early next week. If I can, I'll be sure to post pictures when it arrives.

It is so painful for me to have to contain my excitement about the purchase and keep a straight face when speaking to my partner. The forum may be the outlet I need, so that I can endure keeping my mouth shut when I see her.

 

[Leck22]

Hi all,
The ring came in the mail soon after my last post. Here are some photos of the ring.

And here are some pictures of it on my man hand.


Anyway, I thought the diamond is small and difficult to see in detail, so I withheld posting until I could get my hands on a loupe. It finally came, and so here are some images of it under 10x magnification from the loupe.


On the last photo I think you can see a long line at the 4 o'clock direction. Could that be the etch channel referred to in the GIA report?

Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about the ring. I think perhaps I was too hyped anticipating the ring, and a little underwhelmed by how physically small the ring is. Maybe I don't have an eye for jewelry, or maybe that is why the diamond was cheap. Anyway, I wonder what you would all think.

 

[FinleysMom]

I am not expert either but I said WOW! Out loud! It is beautiful! I Love the setting too. Take a deep breath....just look at the ring without all of the analyzing....do you "like" it? I know that I would!

My E-ring stone is not "perfect".....But I have loved it for over 15 years! And my hubby too!

FM

 

[bmfang]

From your photos, it looks pretty well cut. Nice contrast pattern of arrow shafts under the table.

You may have just simply gotten lucky with the pricing.

 

[gm89uk]

Hi all,
The ring came in the mail soon after my last post. Here are some photos of the ring.


And here are some pictures of it on my man hand.


Anyway, I thought the diamond is small and difficult to see in detail, so I withheld posting until I could get my hands on a loupe. It finally came, and so here are some images of it under 10x magnification from the loupe.


On the last photo I think you can see a long line at the 4 o'clock direction. Could that be the etch channel referred to in the GIA report?

Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about the ring. I think perhaps I was too hyped anticipating the ring, and a little underwhelmed by how physically small the ring is. Maybe I don't have an eye for jewelry, or maybe that is why the diamond was cheap. Anyway, I wonder what you would all think.

Beautiful looking stone, you got yourself a bargain

 

[ringo865]

After seeing it on a large computer screen and in all kinds of highly magnified versions, yes, seeing it in real life will make it seem small. In comparison. But in about four minutes of looking at the real life version, it will seem the perfect size.

It looks great. Not sleepy at all very bright and lively. I bet she will love it.

When is the proposal? (Within the return period?)

 

[Tekate]

This ring shows true love.. I love it.. we look at the huge stones, the halos but when you look at your ring I just see true love. it's beautiful. congratulations!

 

[metall]

This is lovely. I think that you did great! I concur with everyone else, after looking at huge blow up pictures it may seem smaller in person. Though I will say if that ring size is correct, her hands are a bit smaller than yours and will make the diamond look bigger again.

 

[Leck22]

FinleysMom, I laughed at your response, out loud too. Thank you for the affirmation, and everyone else's kind words. I think I don't really have a frame of reference for what a good or bad diamond looks like, so I'm glad you all thinks its beautiful. I don't have sisters and my mom doesn't wear jewelry, so I never really paid close attention to them before.
As ringo and metall says, I was attracted to the online magnified pictures, but looking at the diamond, those details isn't really visible to me.
I think looking at the actual diamond feels like I'm looking at an optical illusion. I feel like I can't see it clearly even though it was right there, and I think I got a little frustrated. Maybe that's just me . Anyway, I'll stop focusing on the micros and appreciate the ring as it is.

 

[Leck22]

@Ringo, still waiting for the right chance to propose. I know she will be happy when I do, so I'll take my time and make it right . As for the return date, that ship has already sailed. I sure hope she feels the same about the ring as you all did

 

[Leck22]

So, still not sure why the diamond was cheaper, but it doesn't matter now. Happy to know that you can find seemingly real bargains with jewelry.

I have a question about the prongs. I read about the 4 vs 6 prong argument, and that Blue Nile would have been able to make the same ring with 6 prongs if I had asked. But by then, the order was already ready, so that is too late now. I think my partner intends to wear the ring daily, so I wonder based on your opinions, if it is ok if she is careful? Or that 4 prongs fail frequently enough that it is not worth the risk, and that I should really change it to a 6?

 

[pearaffair]

I think four prongs will be just fine! She should just pay attention if the prongs ever catch on a hand towel/cloth/thread because it could mean one was loose.

I want you to know that you chose one of my most favourite settings! It looks great!!

 

[Leck22]

Thank you pearaffair. I’ll keep the tip in mind, and be sure to eventually pass the message forward. And thank you for the compliment, I chose it and I am very proud haha.

I really appreciate all the comments. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming

 

[ringo865]

You are obligated to (not really, but please do) come back with hand shots after you're engaged. Congratulations!

 

[motownmama]

I think it’s really pretty and a great size!!

 

[AprilBaby]

Your did amazing!

 

[tyty333]

I think it looks just lovely...I know, everyone thinks they are going to be bigger than they are (its a lot of money...they should be bigger right???)

I think you did good...I'm glad all your worrying was for naught. Your GF can put a lovely pave wedding band with it and it will be a beautiful set!

 

[metall]

As ringo and metall says, I was attracted to the online magnified pictures, but looking at the diamond, those details isn't really visible to me.
I think looking at the actual diamond feels like I'm looking at an optical illusion. I feel like I can't see it clearly even though it was right there, and I think I got a little frustrated. Maybe that's just me . Anyway, I'll stop focusing on the micros and appreciate the ring as it is.

If you head over to show me the bling there is a thread for diamonds under 1ct, which look SUPERB on the wearers because it's really the event associated with the ring more so than the size.

It's gorgeous and I'm glad you're not going to focus on it. Speaking of which Your job now is to knock her socks off with an AMAZING engagement, so no more worries just lots of happy thoughts for a happy engagement!

Congrats and Good Luck!

 

[GearGirly]

You have a beautiful stone, at a great price! That does happen obviously, as it happened to you! Be PROUD of yourself and enjoy. And I hate to even consider a stone without blue fluorescence I think it makes the stone so much prettier, I really can’t understand not loving it but that’s me!

 

[Leck22]

@Ringo, gladly . It'll be the first thing I do, after I figure out how to put it on her finger.

@metall, thank you for pointing me in that direction. So many photos, and I can appreciate its beauty! I'm looking forward to seeing it on her hand. Soon, I'll be able to contribute

@tyty333, you know, I wanted to compare this purchase to buying my computer before, but it feels like a blasphemy to make such a comparison in this forum
As for the wedding band, thank you for the suggestion. I'm completely clueless what would go well, so *deep breath* more research. At least my partner would be joining me for that decision making process this time.

Anyway, I don't feel inadequate! I shouldn't be surprised, but it's just that holding the ring the first time feels like I'm holding a little penny. More intricate for sure, but physically small.
I have a feeling PSers' appetite for diamonds here is pretty big, but where I come from, .8ct feels close, if not larger than norm. (A sub par 0.8ct would have cost at least 3 times more here! But that's a discussion for another day)

Again, thank you for all the kind comments.