Difficult Searching For Diamonds At Blue Nile

“The Issue With Blue Nile Is That They Don’t Have Magnified Images, HD Videos Or Light Performance Information On Any Of Their Virtual Diamonds…”

Q:

Hi,

I hope you are well. I’ve been researching Blue Nile diamonds and read your description on how to find a diamond in your Blue Nile review.

However, I could not find any AGS graded diamonds only GIA.

I was looking at budgeting approximately $14K Canadian dollars. Colour F, clarity VS2 (I believe this is what you recommend?), Carat 1.4 but if I have to go lower because of quality then maybe I have to? Ring setting either petite solitaire 4 prong or classic 4 prong.

Does diamond florescence matter to you? I noticed a big difference in price when dropping to medium from faint/none.

Thank you of your time and consideration,

Alex

A:

Hi Alex,

Thanks for letting me know your diamond budget and what you are looking for.

The issue with Blue Nile is that they don’t have magnified images, HD videos or light performance information on any of their virtual diamonds. This leaves the consumer to purchase a diamond only from the GIA report and is really the bare minimum by which you should evaluate a diamond. I don’t recommend it in most cases and would prefer to point readers in the direction of other vendors that have more information posted about their diamonds online. Are you open to purchasing from another vendor outside of Blue Nile?

Fluorescence is just another natural characteristic that can develop in diamonds. It shows only in certain UV light settings and can help boost a diamond’s natural color grade. Sometimes diamonds with strong blue fluorescence can appear milky or cloudy but this is rare. However it is always recommended to review and evaluate a strong blue fluorescent diamond before purchase to ensure that the fluorescence doesn’t affect it’s ability to reflect light.

Below are some examples of diamonds that I would recommend for you:

1.543ct I VS2 for $12,857.00: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.543-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104071029023

Brian Gavin Diamonds has actual magnified pictures, HD videos, ASET, ideal-scope, hearts and arrows AND fluorescence images all uploaded online. This is by far the easiest and safest way to purchase a diamond online.

This is a ‘super-ideal’ hearts and arrows diamond from Brian Gavin Diamond’s ‘Signature Blue’ Collection. Although this diamond is graded an I color grade, with the strong blue fluorescence it helps to cancel out any warm tones. This diamond is larger than what you had requested, is eye-clean, and is cut to the highest precision cut standards (representing the top 1% of all cut diamonds in the world). If you are looking to get the best ‘bang for your buck’ diamond, then this would be a great option.

1.57ct G VS1 For $14,587.00: http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-57-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-C1WP9H

Ritani has magnified HD videos of some of their diamonds.

This diamond is a beautiful example of a top tier cut from GIA. It is graded excellent in cut, polish, and symmetry and also has strong blue fluorescence. Again, it is larger than what you had specified but is two color grades higher and is also a VS1 which is exceptionally clean in clarity.

1.40ct G VS2 for $12,322.00: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_g_vs2#p=3085837

Zoara has actual magnified images of some of their diamonds.

This is another beautiful GIA triple excellent diamond, but this one does NOT have any blue fluorescence. This diamond is cut to ideal standards, shows great contrast, and is eye-clean.

And finally, if you absolutely wanted to have an F color diamond, then you would need to go down in carat weight slightly to fit within your overall budget. Here is a beautiful 1.31ct F VS2 for $13,013.00: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_f_vs2#p=3131613

This diamond is also a very nicely cut GIA triple excellent round brilliant that is colorless. No fluorescence in this diamond. There is a small cloud/crystal inclusion under the main table facet and this is just barely visible in the magnified image but wouldn’t be visible to the unaided eye. Therefore this diamond is eye-clean.

So please let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

“About To Make The Big Purchase Today…Need Some Reassurance…”

Q:

Hey Liz,

About to make the big purchase today and was wondering if you had any other advice?

I’m a little nervous about the Brian Gavin I colour grade, but any reassurance would help.

Thanks,

Alex

A:

Hi Alex,

Absolutely. Just to confirm, you considering this 1.543ct I VS2?: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.543-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104071029023

There is nothing to worry about with this I color grade diamond with strong blue fluorescence. It is a stunning diamond. If in doubt, check out my Success Stories page,…I just posted a new up close picture of a recent client’s 1.20ct I VS2 set in a halo setting,…as you can see, it is perfectly white. There are a few more ‘I’ colored diamonds on that page as well.

Near colorless diamonds (of which this ‘I’ is graded as) are white diamonds. They are not tinted or yellow. To give you a better perspective on color in diamonds, I recommend you check out the video posted on my page here: https://www.onlinediamondbuyingadvice.com/the-four-cs-of-diamonds/diamond-color/insiders-color/

Here you will clearly see how an ‘I’ color diamond compares to the other color grades. Color grading is not a science, it is subjective.

Let me know if you have any last minute questions! And please keep in touch,…I’d love to know what you think of your final purchase and also see some glamour shots!

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Thanks Liz,

Yes, that is the diamond I’m considering. Thank you for answering my questions. I trust your experience. I’ll send you pictures!

Can I just ask if you think the Tiffany knife setting looks good with this? My soon-to-be finance’s friend said she liked a Tiffany setting.

Thanks,

Alex

A:

Hi Alex,

Sounds great, very exciting time for you! 🙂

Yes, I love the Tiffany knife edge ring, so classy and timeless! You can’t go wrong with that one….(in platinum if you can!)

Talk soon,

Liz