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Did I make a bad purchase? Please help. - Very tight budget.

Sellfish

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 31, 2018
Messages
11
Hey,

so... not sure how to say this, but I'm afraid I messed up when picking out the diamond for an engagement ring.

https://www.bluenile.com/de/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10775279

What worries me most is the cut, especially the dark table. I invested quite a lot of time in reading about picking out a good diamond, even looked up and searched for ideal proportions. It's just, the more I get into the topic of ideal proportions, the bigger the feeling gets I should cancel the order and pick up something else.

What do you think? It's clearly not a super ideal cut, but is it a good stone nonetheless?
 
Yes, this is a classic "steep-deep" combo meaning it will look smaller than a well-cut stone of the same carat weight. It will also have sub-ideal light performance (as you have noticed in the "dark" table). It also has a huge table and strong fluoro. Did you want strong blue fluoro?
 
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I don't mind the fluorescence, mainly focused on the diamond being cheaper because of it.

So, it seems I should get in contact with Bluenile and cancel the order/pick another stone?
 
I would cancel. This stone is not well-cut at all and will look smaller than it should. Strong fluoro can sometimes result in the diamond looking cloudy.

I don't mind the fluorescence, mainly focused on the diamond being cheaper because of it.

So, it seems I should get in contact with Bluenile and cancel the order/pick another stone?
 
Ugh, alright. Thanks. I just feel really terrible about this, tbh.
 
Hmm!

Welcome! :)

I would say I suspect you can do better, even if you want to stay with Bluenile. I guess it depends on what you're looking for?

I suspect it's going to be a very white flashy stone but I'm not sure it's going to do much else. It has a very large table and is also quite deep. Also the strong blue fluorescence - you would need to see the stone in person to know whether it has affected the stone in any way that would not look good to the eye. Usually it's fine but it's definitely worth being aware of. Some people love strong blue, and it will help whiten the H, but it's not to everyone's tastes.

Are you getting the stone set in a ring or are you getting the loose stone? If you're just getting the loose stone, then you could always wait and see what it looks like in person and send it back if you don't like it (although I have a friend who bought from Bluenile in England recently and she had to send it back, and she had to pay for the return - it wasn't cheap).

What are the ranges you're willing to consider? We could help you find some alternative options to think about whilst you make your choice.

Best,
Lydia.
 
Ok, the order was cancelled - no questions asked. At least one positive thing about this.

Budget (setting + diamond) = max. 2.000€ (2.340 USD) including the 19% VAT; so 1.620€ / 1.895 USD before taxes. The diamond can make up 3/4 of the budget.

The setting will be the Six-Claw Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum (2mm):
https://www.bluenile.com/de/build-y...-fit-solitaire-platinum-engagement-ring_69589
My gf always mentioned Platinum and prefers the look + security of a six prong setting. The comfort fit/low dome was chosen because of a medical condition, so she has less trouble wearing the ring constantly. The diamond will be more pronounced as well.

What I would like the diamond to be (or better):
  • round
  • 0.5ct
  • H
  • proper "eye-clean" VS2
  • nice ideal cut/3xxx if possible
  • Fluorescence doesn't matter, so I'd guess up to medium is alright?
What about this one?
https://www.bluenile.com/de/diamond-details/LD10824343
Slightly smaller, but a much nicer looking cut and only one feather from what I can tell.
 
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Definitely cancel that diamond. It's not well cut. Do you want to stick to BN bc they include VAT?

There are a LOT of nice options within your budget...here are a few. I really wouldn't shy away from SI1 at this size because most will be eye clean but you could ask them to double check:
:love:https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
:love:https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
 
Definitely cancel that diamond. It's not well cut. Do you want to stick to BN bc they include VAT?

BlueNile seems to be well in my budget and they make it quite easy for me as a German. So, if possible ... yeah.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10787169
This one looks interesting, but the TW look like a full circle on the table. That must be visible, no?
Also strong fluorescence seems to be not desireable?
 
May I just say, @Sellfish, if there is a stone on here that you see that you love, put it on hold STRAIGHT AWAY!!! Other people will stalk these kind of threads and jump on the suggestions of those with great experience, as they know they will make great suggestions!!!!!!
 
So a few things. Ask if they can do dainty prongs. Their standard prongs are just so blobby and bulky. I think there is a charge for this but it will be SO worth it.

limited on time but found a few:

Will do!

... nice looking diamonds, but all well above my budget.
 
May I just say, @Sellfish, if there is a stone on here that you see that you love, put it on hold STRAIGHT AWAY!!! Other people will stalk these kind of threads and jump on the suggestions of those with great experience, as they know they will make great suggestions!!!!!!

Thanks for the warning. How to do this? Just add to my cart or already place the order?
 
BlueNile seems to be well in my budget and they make it quite easy for me as a German. So, if possible ... yeah.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10787169
This one looks interesting, but the TW look like a full circle on the table. That must be visible, no?

Also strong fluorescence seems to be not desireable?

Grade making inclusions are twinning wisp which shouldnt be an issue at VS2 but be sure to have them evaluate the stone for cloudiness before sending
out. Numbers are better but angles could be more complimentary. Give us a minute to look. Strong Fluorescence is also rarely an issue but needs to
be looked at by the gemologist to make sure it doesnt go oily in bright UV.
 
This. It's 47 euros higher than your budget, but it is absolutely beautifully cut.

https://www.bluenile.com/de/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

I
f you don't mind an SI1, I'd definitely go with ac117's first suggestion of this:

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

I want to respect your budget, so I didn't look at anything over 1670 euros, and I think .5 - .6ct is a lovely size. Do you know your girlfriend's finger size?

Re fluorescence - I'm not a fan, but some people are. Either way, I 100% agree with tyty333; you need to check before you buy that it doesn't make the stone look hazy or oily, which fluorescence can do. I always advise against having any fluorescence in a stone bought online, as returning is a hassle - especially internationally.
 
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BlueNile seems to be well in my budget and they make it quite easy for me as a German. So, if possible ... yeah.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10787169
This one looks interesting, but the TW look like a full circle on the table. That must be visible, no?
Also strong fluorescence seems to be not desireable?

What do you mean by 'TW look like a full circle on the table'? It's a VS2 - the great majority of VS2s are eye clean. Nearly all of them. Only some very very unlucky people struggle with VS2s. With SI1s you need to be a tad more careful, although technically they're usually eye clean (from 10 inches away), but sometimes the inclusions can affect light performance or might be visible to the naked eye if you have sharp eyes.

Regarding the fluorescence - when buying a stone unseen, it might be worth avoiding it. There are some awesome strong blue fluorescent stones around, but yes, it is a particular look. If you ever wanted to upgrade, you would either have to go through Bluenile again, and spend at least 50% more, or you would have to try and sell it, and strong blue can be exceptionally difficult to sell.

You are however now posting stones with more favourable angles. :D
 
I'm afraid I'd be able to see them. Just knowing they are there would bother me, even though I wouldn't be the one wearing the ring, hehe.

Really eying the https://www.bluenile.com/de/diamond-details/LD10824343
Opinions?

The LD10740637 would be an option, but actually more than 100€ over budget. Can't do it.
 
@Sellfish - did you see the one I posted above? H VS2, and a stunningly cut stone.

I did, but it's well over my budget. Hell, I sound terrible. But 2k is already stretching it :(
 
@Sellfish - you know it's 47 euros over budget, yes?

It's 1667 euros. (I'm going off a 1620 budget, correct?)
 
@Sellfish - you know it's 47 euros over budget, yes?

It's 1667 euros. (I'm going off a 1620 budget, correct?)

EUR 1,693.37 including VAT; budget would be 1517€ (+ maaayyybe 50€)

That's why I'm trying to get some feedback on the LD10824343
 
I'm sorry - I've clearly misunderstood you. You said your budget was 2000 eu including VAT, or 1620 eu not including VAT; I didn't realize that included the setting.

Just to add and for what it's worth, I assumed you'd pay by wire transfer, making the stone I posted 1667eu, not 1693eu. Since your budget is tight, you want to take that into consideration with any stone you're looking at.

Yes, I like the LD10824343. Its HCA is .9, and I like a small table and higher crown. It's on the deeper side, so it will cut into your spread a tiny bit - but very little, and I think the overall look of it is more than worth it.

Just to be clear tho - you won't see inclusions in an SI1 at that stone size, in case you decide to trade clarity for size. SI1 inclusions are difficult to see - if at all - in stones much larger than a half ct, and would be more or less impossible to see in a half ct stone. Check with the BN sales rep; they're always very helpful and have always been honest in the 50+ transactions I've done with them. Ask them if it's eye clean and they'll tell you definitely. Remember 'eye clean' is the big thing - not clarity grades. Stones all the way up to IF have inclusions, so it's really just a case of whether they affect performance or not.

On the other hand, I prefer a whiter stone, so the G does it for me more than the H. So all up - sure - I like the one you posted and see no issues with it. And I think it would be beautifully cut in real life. So I would say - proceed with confidence.

Just to make this easy for anyone else who wants to help - the diamonds listed on this site include VAT, and Sellfish's diamond budget is 1517eu.

 
I'm sorry - I've clearly misunderstood you. You said your budget was 2000 eu including VAT, or 1620 eu not including VAT; I didn't realize that included the setting.

Just to add and for what it's worth, I assumed you'd pay by wire transfer, making the stone I posted 1667eu, not 1693eu. Since your budget is tight, you want to take that into consideration with any stone you're looking at.

Yes, I like the LD10824343. Its HCA is .9, and I like a small table and higher crown. It's on the deeper side, so it will cut into your spread a tiny bit - but very little, and I think the overall look of it is more than worth it.

Just to be clear tho - you won't see inclusions in an SI1 at that stone size, in case you decide to trade clarity for size. SI1 inclusions are difficult to see - if at all - in stones much larger than a half ct, and would be more or less impossible to see in a half ct stone. Check with the BN sales rep; they're always very helpful and have always been honest in the 50+ transactions I've done with them. Ask them if it's eye clean and they'll tell you definitely. Remember 'eye clean' is the big thing - not clarity grades. Stones all the way up to IF have inclusions, so it's really just a case of whether they affect performance or not.

On the other hand, I prefer a whiter stone, so the G does it for me more than the H. So all up - sure - I like the one you posted and see no issues with it. And I think it would be beautifully cut in real life. So I would say - proceed with confidence.

Just to make this easy for anyone else who wants to help - the diamonds listed on this site include VAT, and Sellfish's diamond budget is 1517eu.
Thank you so much.

Yeah, I'm aware of the 1.5% ... but my bank charges for international bank wires. At least Amazon gives me 1% back when paying with Visa.

Got into contact with BN and they encouraged me in my choice. Hope all goes well.

-

Thanks to everyone for their help.
 
Thank you so much.

Yeah, I'm aware of the 1.5% ... but my bank charges for international bank wires. At least Amazon gives me 1% back when paying with Visa.

Got into contact with BN and they encouraged me in my choice. Hope all goes well.

-

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Let us know! The price for the help is pictures of the finished product. ;)

Okay just kidding, just kidding - but please do share pictures later on if you're happy to do so, we're always keen!!! :)
 
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