Tiffany Engagement Rings vs. Blue Nile Engagement Rings

“Maximum Budget of $10k And Looking For Tiffany Engagement Ring – Style Look”

Q:

Hi Liz,

First off, thank you for all that you do! I’m looking for a 1 carat (or better), round, ideal cut engagement ring for my girlfriend. As I am pre-approved for financing through Blue Nile, I am going through them. And the more I can save, the better! My maximum budget is $10,000 USD for the stone and setting. I am building on this setting for a Tiffany-style look (since my girlfriend likes the look of the classic Tiffany engagement rings): Six-Prong Nouveau Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum, stock #: 38922, Size: 7, $930.

Blue Nile’s Six-Prong Nouveau Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring in platinum for $930.00

I’ve been looking at stones in the $9k (G+/VS1+/Ideal) range, but then found this one that is: 1.05ct, J color, Ideal cut, VVS1, $5414 USD, Stock #:LD03481087

It seems exceptionally clear and scores a 0.8 HCA. My only concern is the J color, as it is much lower than the G+ I was looking at before. Then again, going in a platinum setting, the color could be a non-issue for $3-4 thousand in cost difference-which is huge.

What are your thoughts? Or do you have any better recommendations you can quickly see that are in my budget?
I tried looking for AGS stones with pictures on Blue Nile, but couldn’t find any – only GIA with less information.
I can act immediately on any stone once I find the right one. I’d like to get something in the next week to make our anniversary on Dec. 15th.

Any help is much appreciated!

Cheers,

Paul

A:

Hello Paul,

I love your 6 prong Nouveau knife edge solitaire setting. I found this 1.01ct H VS1 that is AGS ideal cut for $7,214.00: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-h-color-vs1-clarity_LD03805900

If you were looking at J color grade ideal cut diamonds then another alternative is this 1.07ct J VVS1 for $5,458.00: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-vvs1-clarity_LD03689532

Either diamond will be stunning, but if you are looking for the best ‘bang for your buck’ then definitely go for either of the J colored diamonds. 🙂

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks so much for the quick feedback! Both of your suggestions look great and now I’m kind of torn on the whole color thing. Maybe it’s my eye sensitivity, but I’ve been able to see a more noticeable color shift on the J diamonds versus ones that are more middle of the pack (H-G). I keep going back and forth!

Also, I have to admit that my girlfriend is a little particular, so I’m wondering if the 1.07 H VS1 is the overall safer bet and better balance of the 4Cs in my case. Like most women, she’ll be flashing this thing around to her friends (some of whom have beautiful rings themselves), so a brighter, whiter stone is definitely more appealing. Also the AGS report on that one is a really nice thing to see. It seems to show pretty good hearts and arrows and more info, which gives me greater peace of mind for an online/sight unseen purchase. I’d hate to get the J color and have it been nearly perfect except for a noticeable lack of “whiteness”. It’s a $1750 cost differential, but I’ll always know why. I know color is a rarity thing, not a beauty thing, but am I over-thinking it in this case?

Any final thoughts to send me one direction or the other? I’m going to make this happen soon, so I don’t miss out on either stone.

Thanks again for all you do!

Cheers,

Paul

A:

Hello Paul,

I think in your case you should go for the H colored diamond. You’ll feel better about it in the long run. If money was the priority then the J would make more sense.

1.016ct H VS1 AGS from Blue Nile

Paul ended up with this triple 0 AGS ideal cut 1.016ct diamond from Blue Nile’s extensive inventory. This diamond has ideal cut proportions, gorgeous light performance and exceptional optical symmetry!

Keep in touch and let me know how it all goes. 🙂

Liz

“I Can Only Imagine What A Similar Tiffany Engagement Ring Would Have Cost Me!”

Q:

Hi Liz,

I pulled the trigger on the H, VS1 AGS 0 Ideal and the six-prong nouveau knife edge setting in platinum. I should have it late next week and will definitely follow up with pics of the ring when I get it.

I can’t thank you enough for helping me track down a quality, beautifully cut diamond at a fair price. I can only imagine what a similar ring at Tiffany would have cost me!

Talk to you in a week! I can’t wait to see it.

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Paul

A:

That’s fantastic Paul! Yes, please do keep in touch and let me know what you think! It will be gorgeous,…. 🙂

Kind Regards,

Liz