Help needed buying engagement ring...

[Azer]

Hi, im in Australia and am looking to buy an engagement ring, budget of about $8000. ive found this on bluenile http://www.bluenile.com/au/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD03373806#DIAMONDS_STEP%7CLD03373806

with this setting http://www.bluenile.com/au/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP&offer_id=25646

this ring is pretty much what I am looking for, unless some of you can point me in a better direction? is this a good price?

do you think if I bought somewhere in Australia I would end up spending a lot more if I was to buy the same ring?

 

[JulieN]

That is a very, very poor choice for a center. Only looks as big as a .9 ct.

 

[JulieN]

You might try something like this: http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-h-colour-si1-clarity_LD02663863

You can either go down to the the low .9s and maintain your G VS2, or you can achieve 1 ct by lowering color/clarity.

 

[mcosme]

The diamond you posted has the same width as something like this. Stick with excellent cut - even then not all excellent cuts are equal. I've bought from blue nile before but would prefer other vendors that provide you idealscopes.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2945669.htm

here are some similar settings
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-shared-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-1008.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-common-prong-ten-round-diamond-engagement-ring-item-602

I know Chinatown jewelers in Sydney are more competitively priced with GIA certification
Also check out jogia, this one seems decently priced. http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/diamonditem.php?code=CXF9606
With the AUD dropping, you have to see what works out cheaper with 10% gst if you purchase from the US