Diamond Selection Process – Deciding How and Where To Purchase Your 1st Diamond

Q:

Hi Liz,

I’ve read your diamond articles including diamonds for beginners, and they are all really good. I’ve done a lot of research on how to buy diamonds online but still struggle with the whole diamond selection process. My budget is about $9,000 – $11,000 and I’d like a 1.01ct or above, E or F colour with an ideal cut. I’ve used your diamond selection process found in your  Blue Nile review but not sure if I should get a S1 for about $8,000 or spend more and get a VS1 for about $11,000.

I called Blue Nile and they (of course) recommended Astor Blue Nile diamond of S1 for $9,300. I guess a problem with Blue Nile is that there are too many diamonds to select from.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Thanks,

Dean

A:

Hello Dean,

Thanks for contacting me, I’m more than happy to help you find a diamond.

Blue Nile is the largest diamond online retailer and they have a vast inventory of thousands of virtual diamonds. I do recommend their diamonds, but when it comes to round brilliant diamonds I tend to refer customers to other retailers that specialize in perfect round brilliant diamonds otherwise known as super ideal hearts and arrow diamonds.

Of all the diamond characteristics, the cut is the most critically important. It basically determines whether or not a given diamond will sparkle and shine brilliantly or look dull and dead. Believe me, there are a LOT of dull and dead looking diamonds out there in the marketplace. This is because diamond cutters cut diamonds to retain maximum carat weight for more cash.

If you are stuck on buying something from Blue Nile, I can certainly look through their inventory to find something suitable. However, in the meantime I recommend either Whiteflash or Brian Gavin Diamonds as a start for your diamond search. I’ve written an in-depth Whiteflash review and Brian Gavin Diamonds review as they both provide the highest cut quality diamonds in the world.

For example, here are 2 diamonds that would fit your specs:

option #1: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.007-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-104059065003

option #2: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696768.htm

Both of these diamonds are super-ideal cut diamonds, graded triple 0 by AGS (ideal light, ideal polish, and ideal symmetry), and will maximize the amount of light return from inside its facet structure. Both are eye-clean too, so you will not be able to see any inclusions with the unaided eye. Both websites provide an actual magnified image of each diamond, both have an ideal-scope and ASET image to show how light will reflect from within the diamond, and both have a hearts and arrows image. These diamonds are perfect and gorgeous, and you know exactly what you are getting.

Whiteflash’s A Cut Above diamonds makes the diamond selection process simple and easy.

Let me know what you think.

Take care,

Liz

Charis Pave Vatche Engagement Ring from Whiteflash with A Cut Above diamond from Whiteflash.com

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks for the information. I am actually from New Zealand and the diamonds are very expensive down here.

I think I’ll save some money and get a smaller carat diamond, Can you please do me big favour and recommend the best value A Cut Above diamond from Whiteflash for under $6500? I was looking at this one: AGS-104063555002 but I’d rather the best looking (to my girlfriends eye) diamond for the money instead of getting lost with the 4C’s, I thought you’d pick the best diamond.

I also noticed the setting I’m going to get has a recently purchased picture with a .8 carat diamond as well so it’s a good preview, what do you think of the combo?: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/charis-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1658.htm

Thanks,

Dean

A:

Hi Dean,

I love that setting. The pave side-stone diamonds are a delicate touch that will bring out the beauty of the center-stone diamond.

I agree with your .814ct F SI1 ACA selection. I think it offers the best of everything for you and it will be gorgeous. 🙂

Kind Regards,

Liz