First Time Engagement Ring Buyer

[milhouse1]

Hi,

I found this site after submitting my order for an engagement ring from Blue Nile. I had read some horror stories about Blue Nile on a few web reviews but, for the most part, the customer reviews I''ve seen have been positive. Browsing through archived posts about Blue Nile on this site makes me think the price I paid might not be as good of a deal as I originally had thought. The people posting replies here seem very well informed and helpful, so I''m hoping someone with more knowledge than myself can let me know the quality of my purchase.

I haven''t seen the stone yet (it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow), but it was shown on the site with its AGSL report and dimensions. An appraisal by an ICGA appraiser is scheduled for September 19 (is $90 a reasonable price for an appraisal?). If the appraisal undervalues the stone, I''ll send it back to Blue Nile and try Whiteflash or a brick and mortar place. I won''t be proposing until a trip to Italy in December, but am trying to prepare as far in advance as possible.

Here are the specs:

$6,778 (price for the diamond itself)

1.024 Carrat
6.45 x 6.46 x 3.99 mm
G color
VS1 clarity
Ideal AGS cut
Table % 56
Depth % 61.8
Symmetry, Polish both AGS ideal
34.8 degree crown
40.8 degree pavilion
Thin to Medium faceted girdle (what is a faceted girdle as opposed to an unfaceted one?)
Very Small Cutlet
Negligible flourescence
Only inclusions on AGSL report are 3 needles. No external flaws noted. At VS1, I''m hoping it''s eye clean, but will definitely return it if it isn''t.
No HCA (I gather this is another of the shortcomings of Blue Nile).

I ordered the stone mounted in six prong platinum with no side stones.

Thanks to anyone willing to help out. It''s my first (and hopefully only) time buying an engagement ring, and though I tried to do my homework I know there are plenty of people on here with knowledge well beyond my own.

 

[Regular Guy]

I think you''ve done just fine....thank you (thank you very much).

You don''t need BN to do the HCA for you...you can run it through yourself (top right, the cut advisor under tools). I show a pretty 1.4 TIC...smack dab in the center of where you might want it to be.

Though...if your AGS gets a zero for light performance...this would outrank an HCA rank anyway...not that this is a concern.

Also, not sure of any concerns you have for relative pricing. An quick search on the search by cut db here shows you would have had to pay more for anything comparable...like this.

Congrats.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/6/2007 2:18:38 PM
Author: Regular Guy
I think you've done just fine....thank you (thank you very much).

Ditto Ira, looks like you did a great job!

Also info on girdles here for you ( faceted and unfaceted)

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds_info/t/articles.aspx?articleid=134&zoneid=15

 

[milhouse1]

Thank you for your replies. It has zeroes for light performance, proportion factors, and finish. I tried out the HCA tool anyway and am happy that it appears in a good range on that colorful chart. I probably should have found that tool before I actually handed over my money. The girdle info was also quite informative. Thanks again for the help.

Can anyone can say whether $90 is a good price for an appraisal?

 

[shel]

Date: 9/6/2007 3:48:05 PM
Author: milhouse1
Can anyone can say whether $90 is a good price for an appraisal?

That''s a decent price. Ask them if it''s a flat fee or if they charge extra for time spent. I paid $85 for my appraisal.

 

[Independent Gal]

Yup, sounds like a GREAT stone and sounds like a fine price. I seriously doubt the appraisal will come in lower! We''ve bought from Blue Nile and had a great experience with them, BTW.

Good work!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 9/6/2007 3:48:05 PM
Author: milhouse1


Can anyone can say whether $90 is a good price for an appraisal?

I think it depends on what you are asking them to do. Various services cost different amounts, or it''s by the hour, I think. Did you just buy the stone... or the setting too?

If you didn''t buy a setting yet, can we help you with that? We love helping folks find the right settings for their beauties! And your diamond IS going to be beautiful!

 

[milhouse1]

Thanks again. The appraiser did mention it was 90 for an hour and a little more if it took longer than an hour. I suppose it''s not too big a deal compared to the actual cost of the ring, but if I save 20 bucks that''s a decent hardcover from Borders.

 

[milhouse1]

Gypsy, I actually did purchase the stone in the setting. My girlfriend had dropped some hints that she preferred a solitaire setting, so I went with a larger diamond and 6 prong platinum. If we''re disappointed with the setting we''ll certainly keep you in mind to help select an optimal replacement. Thanks.

 

[singular]

I think you did very well. I just purchased my ring from blue nile, 1.1 F VS1, and it just got here today (will post about it later.)

Your price is lower than any other 1.02 G VS1 AGS0/GIA EX currently on blue nile. I bet your appraisal from Blue nile will be 10-11K.

My VS1 is certainly eye clean. It''s hard to tell anyway since the sparkles keep blinding me