1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Setting)

[bobbyboy]

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking around here for a while working towards buying an engagement ring and finally found one I think I'm happy with. I know the basics of the 4 C's but just haven't gotten a real knack for what is a good price / value on diamonds yet. I found this one I like and wanted advice as to whether or not it was a good deal / style (both the setting and the diamond)

The setting is an 18k Gold Blue Nile brand setting. The setting is in like new / perfect condition with no apparent flaws / dings / etc. (recently polished / re-dipped). It has 10 pave diamonds around the centerpiece. The diamonds average clarity is VS1 and the average color is I. The total weight of the pave diamonds is .28CWT.

The diamond is a .60 CWT. It comes with the original GIA certificate in perfect condition and is laser inscribed with the GIA number and Blue Nile logo, both visible at 50x magnification. The diamond following attributes:

.6 Carat PR G VS1 66.2%/72%
w/ 10 channel cut princess cut diamonds weighting .28 cts
Cut: Blue Nile Signature Princess Brilliant
Measurements: 4.84x4.69x3.12mm
Carat Weight: 0.60 ct
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Color: G
Fluorescence: None
Clarity: VS1

The total price including all tax / fees will be $1,100. My biggest questions are:

1) Is this an attractive style ring (as opposed to the traditional plain band w/ solitaire only - the recipient is 24 years old)
2) Is this a good value for the diamond / setting? (Retail appears to be right at $3,000 -- not sure how discounted a used ring should be)
3) Are there any other places / styles / options to check out before making a purchase? [Edit: My budget is about $1,000 - $1,500 but like the idea of being able to upgrade the diamond for one at least 100% more in price, such as what Blue Nile offers on this diamond]

Thank's so much for the help and advice guys, I really appreciate it!

 

[bobbyboy]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

edit: (not sure how to edit my original post again) just realized for the first time these are actually "channel set" and not pave -- wasn't really that aware of the difference -- I see pretty strong preferences both ways on the two.

if it makes any difference, I see some concerns about pave set rings being a little more "fragile" -- the recipient is an emergency room nurse and lives a pretty active lifestyle so I'm thinking channel set is likely the better option. but again, any advice is helpful at this point!

thanks again!

 

[MissStepcut]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

edit: (not sure how to edit my original post again) just realized for the first time these are actually "channel set" and not pave -- wasn't really that aware of the difference -- I see pretty strong preferences both ways on the two.

if it makes any difference, I see some concerns about pave set rings being a little more "fragile" -- the recipient is an emergency room nurse and lives a pretty active lifestyle so I'm thinking channel set is likely the better option. but again, any advice is helpful at this point!

thanks again!

If she's a nurse she probably won't be allowed to wear a ring at work at all. If she is, though, I wouldn't get a princess cut (too "pointy") or prongs (catch on gloves).

 

[bobbyboy]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

edit: (not sure how to edit my original post again) just realized for the first time these are actually "channel set" and not pave -- wasn't really that aware of the difference -- I see pretty strong preferences both ways on the two.

if it makes any difference, I see some concerns about pave set rings being a little more "fragile" -- the recipient is an emergency room nurse and lives a pretty active lifestyle so I'm thinking channel set is likely the better option. but again, any advice is helpful at this point!

thanks again!

If she's a nurse she probably won't be allowed to wear a ring at work at all. If she is, though, I wouldn't get a princess cut (too "pointy") or prongs (catch on gloves).

that's a good point -- I'm not sure what their policy is on rings, hadn't really thought about that, but probably need to take it into consideration also. I'm thinking maybe get a more simple / plain wedding band she could wear at work (in the future) without the engagement ring. thanks for pointing that out!

 

[bobbyboy]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

never got any real advice as to whether or not this was a good price / deal on this ring. I have until Wednesday to purchase or tell the seller no. Any advice?

 

[Mrs.W 514]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

yes I do think this is a good deal. Diamonds of comparable quality are selling for 1,300 on the blue Nile website. The ring is really pretty and upgradeable I do however agree that your gf would probably not be able to wear this ring at work. You could buy a band like this that she could wear at work and give her both when you propose http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_27&products_id=11038 I also think that considering her lifestyle channel set rings will probably hold up better. Good pave is also really expensive.

eta- you could also reset the diamond in a more low profile setting or a bezel. check out http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/

 

[akaneo]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

Bobbyboy,

I'm a nurse in PA and I can tell you all of the engaged/married women on my unit wear their ring, policy or not. If you ever visit her at work, check out her coworkers and see if they're sporting a ring. I think it mostly comes down to how comfortable she will be. I've also seen them turn the stone "in" so it doesn't catch on the glove.

As far as price/deal, I'm not sure. I'm looking to purchase one soon myself! Good luck.

 

[Dandi]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

I'm a nurse too, and my engagement ring is my preferred ring style (three stone, high claw setting, NOT suitable for work!), as opposed to getting a ring that would be more suited to my job for practicality's sake. I say if that's the style she likes, go for it! It seems like a pretty good buy to me, and the fact that it's upgradeable is a bonus!

 

[blinglover78]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

This looks like a great price. As far as upgrading the stone, I think they upgrades only apply to stones bought from them in Jan. 2011 or later. You might want to check on that and make sure that applies to your ring's stone.

Beautiful ring though and great price. Good luck.

 

[bobbyboy]

Re: 1st Purchase Ever - Is this a good deal? (Diamond / Sett

This looks like a great price. As far as upgrading the stone, I think they upgrades only apply to stones bought from them in Jan. 2011 or later. You might want to check on that and make sure that applies to your ring's stone.

Beautiful ring though and great price. Good luck.

thanks for all of the advice everyone! i think i'm gonna go ahead and buy it. i thought it was pretty good but wanted to make sure other more "experienced" buyers agreed.

also, that is their new policy. the previous policy was that only Blue Nile Signature Diamonds could be upgraded. I already checked on this one and it qualifies for the upgrade program as long as the new diamond is 2x original price (which would be around $2,550)

Thanks again for all of the help everyone! you guys are great!