february2003bride
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2005
- Messages
- 3,551
I bought two weeks ago from Blue Nile, a 1.20 carat princess cut diamond. J color, VS1 clarity, Very Good Cut/Polish/Symmetry. 74% table (big, I know), 69.8% depth, medium fluorescence (which I love), 1.03 ratio, 6.07 x 5.92 x 4.13mm measurements.
I wanted a princess cut because my DH had proposed to me with one waaay back in 2002. Even though they aren't that popular anymore, I still love a beautiful princess cut diamond. I wanted it halo'ed and Blue Nile had the exact style I wanted. Bonus that my original e-ring was from BN as well.
My budget was $5K and I did go over that a bit. My criteria was cut, size, color, clarity (eye clean), in that order. In my excitement of finding a diamond that was in the 1.20 carat range, my priorities got a bit jumbled and they ended up being size, cut, clarity, color. I knew that table was on the large side, but I wasn't too concerned about it.
This ring is a 12th wedding anniversary (a bit late) present and I had promised DH, the last wedding set change. It's no secret I've changed my wedding set a lot and I wanted that "forever" done and done set.
Blue Nile was awesome to work with and the ring arrived in just a few days (the diamond was in the States and not overseas). I also purchased the matching eternity band that went with the Blue Nile floating halo. I LOVE my ring. I love the halo and the band. I also love the diamond. It's a great size, it sparkles madly and from all angles! The two things holding me back from saying that I'm keeping this diamond are: 1) the color and 2) the cut.
The color: In MOST lighting it looks white. However, in some rooms, it looks beige. Candlelight warmth. Not yellow. But a bit warm. In almost every picture I took, you can see it. It doesn't help that a majority of my rooms are painted Ben Moore Shaker Beige, so I know the diamond is probably picking up a bit of that color.
The cut: 10 years on Pricescope and cut cut cut was been drilled into me. That is, until size is also a factor and then I guess cut goes down a notch? I spoke with Blue Nile about a diamond I found yesterday that is the same size, VS2, J color, Excellent polish and symmetry, and the rep I spoke with felt I would see only a minimal difference between the two diamonds. And, it was $1,000 more than mine. Ouch.
I've attached some pictures where you can see the warmth. I will say again, the diamond sparkles beautifully. We did a college tour this week for my daughter, and in every auditorium, the wedding set was a disco ball!
So, I would appreciate opinions on my diamond and if you think its a keeper or if I should send it back. My very patient DH will NOT be happy if I send it back, as he loves it (and he's not a jewelry guy) and both he and my 18 year old DD think I'm just nitpicking! I want to make sure I'm getting the best diamond for my (smallish) budget. Thank you!
I wanted a princess cut because my DH had proposed to me with one waaay back in 2002. Even though they aren't that popular anymore, I still love a beautiful princess cut diamond. I wanted it halo'ed and Blue Nile had the exact style I wanted. Bonus that my original e-ring was from BN as well.
My budget was $5K and I did go over that a bit. My criteria was cut, size, color, clarity (eye clean), in that order. In my excitement of finding a diamond that was in the 1.20 carat range, my priorities got a bit jumbled and they ended up being size, cut, clarity, color. I knew that table was on the large side, but I wasn't too concerned about it.
This ring is a 12th wedding anniversary (a bit late) present and I had promised DH, the last wedding set change. It's no secret I've changed my wedding set a lot and I wanted that "forever" done and done set.
Blue Nile was awesome to work with and the ring arrived in just a few days (the diamond was in the States and not overseas). I also purchased the matching eternity band that went with the Blue Nile floating halo. I LOVE my ring. I love the halo and the band. I also love the diamond. It's a great size, it sparkles madly and from all angles! The two things holding me back from saying that I'm keeping this diamond are: 1) the color and 2) the cut.
The color: In MOST lighting it looks white. However, in some rooms, it looks beige. Candlelight warmth. Not yellow. But a bit warm. In almost every picture I took, you can see it. It doesn't help that a majority of my rooms are painted Ben Moore Shaker Beige, so I know the diamond is probably picking up a bit of that color.
The cut: 10 years on Pricescope and cut cut cut was been drilled into me. That is, until size is also a factor and then I guess cut goes down a notch? I spoke with Blue Nile about a diamond I found yesterday that is the same size, VS2, J color, Excellent polish and symmetry, and the rep I spoke with felt I would see only a minimal difference between the two diamonds. And, it was $1,000 more than mine. Ouch.
I've attached some pictures where you can see the warmth. I will say again, the diamond sparkles beautifully. We did a college tour this week for my daughter, and in every auditorium, the wedding set was a disco ball!
So, I would appreciate opinions on my diamond and if you think its a keeper or if I should send it back. My very patient DH will NOT be happy if I send it back, as he loves it (and he's not a jewelry guy) and both he and my 18 year old DD think I'm just nitpicking! I want to make sure I'm getting the best diamond for my (smallish) budget. Thank you!