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Help needed choosing a great diamond - Looking at Bluenile

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chessmaster82

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 1, 2009
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Hi all,

I have a budget of £2000 to £2500. Im pretty confident now with what im looking for - Min F, VS2 with H&A cut. What I was hoping for was somethign like the below aiming to get closer to 1 caret, however being in the UK I feel my choices are very limited.

I''ve been looking at this one here at bluenile with a platinum setting possabily the 4 claw here

0.62-Carat Blue Nile Signature Round Diamond



























Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
 
Speaking for other vendors I can reccomend WF, they''ve been great to deal with, I got this 0.61c F VS2 for just a smidgen around £2400 including duty...
 
From what I have read there isnt that much of a saving buying US and having it shipped paying taxes and import duty as well as postage etc. Then if you have any problems it just makes things that much more difficult.

Just been having another look and it''s amazing how expensive diamonds are for what they are.

Paul that looks like a great ring you have there, just trying to get more bang for buck without compromising on quality.

Anyone else have any opinions on the diamond from BN I mentioned before, would you recommened it or do you think I should be able to get more for my money?
 
Date: 12/1/2009 2:52:02 PM
Author: chessmaster82
From what I have read there isnt that much of a saving buying US and having it shipped paying taxes and import duty as well as postage etc. Then if you have any problems it just makes things that much more difficult.

Just been having another look and it''s amazing how expensive diamonds are for what they are.

Paul that looks like a great ring you have there, just trying to get more bang for buck without compromising on quality.

Anyone else have any opinions on the diamond from BN I mentioned before, would you recommened it or do you think I should be able to get more for my money?
Click to expand...
On the surface of it, the US market looks no cheaper than buying from the UK.
But a lot of the stones available in the UK are certified by second-rate labs that are known to be very lenient on colour and clarity. You think that you''re buying a G-VS2 and it may well be H-SI1, or maybe I-SI2.
When you factor-in the lower reputation of many other labs, UK prices are quite a lot more expensive - or you''re taking a gamble on just how accurately graded the diamond will be.
We are also not often provided with much useful information on the diamonds that UK sellers have in stock; in many cases, not even a glimpse at the certificate to see basic proportions of the stone.
 
This stone (1.02ct-D-SI2), I bought from the USA in November. Inclusive of platinum mounting, shipping and VAT, it cost just short of £3600 (~£2800 stone-only, ex-VAT / ~£3200 inc VAT):
http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=2115300886&weight=1.02

This stone (1.02ct-F-SI1), I bought from the USA in October. Inclusive of platinum mounting, shipping and VAT, it cost just short of £3800 (~£2900 stone-only, ex-VAT / ~£3300 inc VAT):
http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=2115300794&weight=1.02

I have yet to find any UK seller that can match those prices for such well-cut and GIA-certified stones. But please enlighten me, if you know otherwise......
 
Quality was my main concern also, after spending a loit of time exploring the UK market I have to agree about the grading over here, for example go to Hatton Garden and try and find an equivalent of a HCA and you''ll struggle.

Some people here recommend Diamond Geezer, i must admit I''ve never had any experience of them (the name kind of puts me off!).

One thing to note about the ring I chose, the setting was quite expensive, in fact I was originally going for WF''s Tiffany style four prong ($295 for WG, or $695 for platinum), the sleek line was douible the cost at $1175 for platinum.

Had I have gone for the Tiffany style, it would have have been around £500 cheaper, similar prices are available at many of the US retailers recommended on here...

My thoughts... there simply doesn''t appear to be the same value for money available in the UK for true H&A Ideal rated didamonds from a quality lab, alhough I''ll happily be corrected if anyone else knows this not to be true.
19.gif
 
Right I think I have found the one, before I go ahead and purchase I thougt I would ask for some opinions

0.65c Ideal H&A''s
F
VVS2 - Charecteristics Pinpoint and Internal Graining
Excellent symmetry and polish
Girdle - Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet - Very small
61.2% depth, 56% table, 34.7° crown angle, 40.6° pavilion angle

The two main things im worried about is that the HCA is 0.7 (under1) and should I be concerned over internal graining and pinpoint oh and i''ve read that a very small culet can provide extra protection from cracking etc.

Price is equivalent to $3600 (with tax and VAT) or £1850 straight up.
 

Right I think I have found the one, before I go ahead and purchase I thougt I would ask for some opinions


0.65c Ideal H&A''s
F
VVS2 - Charecteristics Pinpoint and Internal Graining
Excellent symmetry and polish
Girdle - Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet - Very small
61.2% depth, 56% table, 34.7° crown angle, 40.6° pavilion angle

The two main things im worried about is that the HCA is 0.7 (under1) and should I be concerned over internal graining and pinpoint oh and i''ve read that a very small culet can provide extra protection from cracking etc.


Price is equivalent to $3000 (with tax $100 and VAT $450 - $3600) or £1850 from UK including VAT etc.
 
Numbers look good. No worry about inclusions at VVS level, you will not be able to see it even with a 10x loupe. Culet, unless the setter is very clumsy, no way is the stone going to be set such that the culet touches the shank of the ring.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 7:38:23 AM
Author: chessmaster82
Right I think I have found the one, before I go ahead and purchase I thougt I would ask for some opinions

0.65c Ideal H&A's
F
VVS2 - Charecteristics Pinpoint and Internal Graining
Excellent symmetry and polish
Girdle - Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet - Very small
61.2% depth, 56% table, 34.7° crown angle, 40.6° pavilion angle

The two main things im worried about is that the HCA is 0.7 (under1) and should I be concerned over internal graining and pinpoint oh and i've read that a very small culet can provide extra protection from cracking etc.

Price is equivalent to $3600 (with tax and VAT) or £1850 straight up.
Click to expand...
The diamond looks very promising, with the culet very small won't be visible to the naked eye and yes you are right, it does mention in this link from the tutorial that a small culet can protect against chipping whilst setting.
 
Thanks Im going to go with this I think, next is the setting. Bluenile only offer 9 settings in platinum however Im leaning towards these, any thoughts?

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_7218

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_8027

You can view them all here http://www.bluenile.co.uk/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP#STYLE_STEP

The only thing im worries about is the claws being on the large side making the diamond (0.65c) look too small, hard to judge when buying over the internet. I guess I could always return if it doesnt look right although it would be great to get it right without the hassle.
 
Selfish bump
 
Date: 12/2/2009 11:01:57 AM
Author: chessmaster82
Thanks Im going to go with this I think, next is the setting. Bluenile only offer 9 settings in platinum however Im leaning towards these, any thoughts?

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_7218

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_8027

You can view them all here http://www.bluenile.co.uk/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP#STYLE_STEP

The only thing im worries about is the claws being on the large side making the diamond (0.65c) look too small, hard to judge when buying over the internet. I guess I could always return if it doesnt look right although it would be great to get it right without the hassle.
Click to expand...
Actually I have seen the comfort fit setting in person with a .60 ct diamond fitted, it was a beautiful combo and the prongs were perfect.
 
Wait, I am a bit confused now.
Are you purchasing this diamond via USA vendor or BN.uk ??
If so, why get the stone and the setting from two different vendors and countries?

You have selected F and VVS clarity. Are you sure you need this level of color and clarity over size? You will pay a premium for these levels that are generally not visibly different from "lower" levels. I went with VVS1 for my FI''s ER and I paid a premium for it. Nothing wrong with that so long as you are aware of it and you are certain that is what you want.
 
Date: 12/3/2009 5:05:59 AM
Author: outatouch0
Wait, I am a bit confused now.
Are you purchasing this diamond via USA vendor or BN.uk ??
If so, why get the stone and the setting from two different vendors and countries?

You have selected F and VVS clarity. Are you sure you need this level of color and clarity over size? You will pay a premium for these levels that are generally not visibly different from ''lower'' levels. I went with VVS1 for my FI''s ER and I paid a premium for it. Nothing wrong with that so long as you are aware of it and you are certain that is what you want.
Click to expand...
The diamond will actually be coming from BN US set in the completed ring OAT to a UK buyer.
 
Date: 12/3/2009 4:34:26 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 12/2/2009 11:01:57 AM
Author: chessmaster82
Thanks Im going to go with this I think, next is the setting. Bluenile only offer 9 settings in platinum however Im leaning towards these, any thoughts?

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_7218

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_8027

You can view them all here http://www.bluenile.co.uk/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP#STYLE_STEP

The only thing im worries about is the claws being on the large side making the diamond (0.65c) look too small, hard to judge when buying over the internet. I guess I could always return if it doesnt look right although it would be great to get it right without the hassle.
Click to expand...
Actually I have seen the comfort fit setting in person with a .60 ct diamond fitted, it was a beautiful combo and the prongs were perfect.
Click to expand...
Thanks that definetly reassures me
 
Date: 12/3/2009 5:05:59 AM
Author: outatouch0
Wait, I am a bit confused now.
Are you purchasing this diamond via USA vendor or BN.uk ??
If so, why get the stone and the setting from two different vendors and countries?

You have selected F and VVS clarity. Are you sure you need this level of color and clarity over size? You will pay a premium for these levels that are generally not visibly different from ''lower'' levels. I went with VVS1 for my FI''s ER and I paid a premium for it. Nothing wrong with that so long as you are aware of it and you are certain that is what you want.
Click to expand...
Lorelei is right, I will be buying from bluenile.co.uk, both the diamond and the setting which will be set in the US and shipped via DHL to me in the UK.

The reason for going with a VVS2 was to ensure nothing would be seen by the naked eye seeing as though bluenile does not provide detailed images of their diamonds like WF does. The reason for going with a colourless diamond F was to ensure both clarity and colour would be on the same par, however maybe this is only needed when making an investment purchase as opposed to buying an engagement ring which is forever (In my eyes, no point upgrading at a later date etc)

I have read here that you can get larger buy dropping down a few levels i.e. H SI1 but for the same amount of money I would get a 0.76c with a Bluenile Sig cut, ensuring H&A''s.
 
Date: 12/3/2009 6:00:14 AM
Author: chessmaster82

Date: 12/3/2009 5:05:59 AM
Author: outatouch0
Wait, I am a bit confused now.
Are you purchasing this diamond via USA vendor or BN.uk ??
If so, why get the stone and the setting from two different vendors and countries?

You have selected F and VVS clarity. Are you sure you need this level of color and clarity over size? You will pay a premium for these levels that are generally not visibly different from ''lower'' levels. I went with VVS1 for my FI''s ER and I paid a premium for it. Nothing wrong with that so long as you are aware of it and you are certain that is what you want.
Click to expand...
Lorelei is right, I will be buying from bluenile.co.uk, both the diamond and the setting which will be set in the US and shipped via DHL to me in the UK.

The reason for going with a VVS2 was to ensure nothing would be seen by the naked eye seeing as though bluenile does not provide detailed images of their diamonds like WF does. The reason for going with a colourless diamond F was to ensure both clarity and colour would be on the same par, however maybe this is only needed when making an investment purchase as opposed to buying an engagement ring which is forever (In my eyes, no point upgrading at a later date etc)

I have read here that you can get larger buy dropping down a few levels i.e. H SI1 but for the same amount of money I would get a 0.76c with a Bluenile Sig cut, ensuring H&A''s.
Click to expand...
I just wanted to mention that although the BN Signature Ideal is said to be h&a without images no way to tell whether the h&a pattern is crisp and true and meets the standards of h&a as we know them to be.
 
Date: 12/3/2009 6:00:14 AM
Author: chessmaster82
Date: 12/3/2009 5:05:59 AM

Author: outatouch0

Wait, I am a bit confused now.

Are you purchasing this diamond via USA vendor or BN.uk ??

If so, why get the stone and the setting from two different vendors and countries?


You have selected F and VVS clarity. Are you sure you need this level of color and clarity over size? You will pay a premium for these levels that are generally not visibly different from 'lower' levels. I went with VVS1 for my FI's ER and I paid a premium for it. Nothing wrong with that so long as you are aware of it and you are certain that is what you want.
Click to expand...

Lorelei is right, I will be buying from bluenile.co.uk, both the diamond and the setting which will be set in the US and shipped via DHL to me in the UK.


The reason for going with a VVS2 was to ensure nothing would be seen by the naked eye seeing as though bluenile does not provide detailed images of their diamonds like WF does. The reason for going with a colourless diamond F was to ensure both clarity and colour would be on the same par, however maybe this is only needed when making an investment purchase as opposed to buying an engagement ring which is forever (In my eyes, no point upgrading at a later date etc)


I have read here that you can get larger buy dropping down a few levels i.e. H SI1 but for the same amount of money I would get a 0.76c with a Bluenile Sig cut, ensuring H&A's.
Click to expand...

Okay, I am with you now.
FWIW it sounds to me like you have not yet had opportunity to see many diamonds in person or in pictures. Did you look at the stones and websites that were recommended to you? I assumed you had. You may be well served by a little bit more investigation.
Perhaps I am reading you wrong here, and if so I do apologize, but it seems you are asking for feedback, opinions and advice but not really giving what you receive much consideration. Be assured, I am not trying to be mean to you at all. I simply remember some of my initial choices of websites and stones that I almost went with. Knowing what I know now I could have been in some extreme regret had I not slowed down and waited. Becoming a fully informed consumer first was the best thing I could have done.
Sincerly HTH
1.gif
 
Outatouch,

No offense taken, you are right I haven''t really had the opportunity to view many diamonds at all which is why im now worried about ordering from Bluenile, esp as they don''t provide any images of actual diamond compared with WF and the fact that their sig diamonds are just in house diamonds I may be paying over the odds without really knowing what im receiving.

For this reason I''ve decided to exclude BN from my search and am now thinking of using WF or JA. I prefer their settings as well over BN. I''ve also been watching a few videos linked within the forum on colour grading of diamonds and have decided to drop to a G and VS2 for a larger rock!

I''ve done a few more searches and the best i''ve come up with so far is this one. Bearing in mind my budget for diamond alone is $3000.

0.734c G VS2 $2927
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2228600.htm#

0.82c G VS2 $3090
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1272698.asp

One thing I noticed about both of these is that the Arrows dont appaer to be perfectly pointy, is this an issue?
 
should not be a problem, WF ACA looks good. JA stone, ask for IS image.
 
Date: 12/4/2009 8:15:39 PM
Author: chessmaster82

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2228600.htm#

0.82c G VS2 $3090
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1272698.asp

One thing I noticed about both of these is that the Arrows dont appaer to be perfectly pointy, is this an issue?
Click to expand...
Both diamonds look good, it depends whether you want the pedigree of the ACA or are happy with just a well cut diamond. An Idealscope image is needed for the James Allen diamond.
 
Date: 12/4/2009 8:15:39 PM
Author: chessmaster82
Outatouch,


No offense taken, you are right I haven''t really had the opportunity to view many diamonds at all which is why im now worried about ordering from Bluenile, esp as they don''t provide any images of actual diamond compared with WF and the fact that their sig diamonds are just in house diamonds I may be paying over the odds without really knowing what im receiving.


For this reason I''ve decided to exclude BN from my search and am now thinking of using WF or JA. I prefer their settings as well over BN. I''ve also been watching a few videos linked within the forum on colour grading of diamonds and have decided to drop to a G and VS2 for a larger rock!


I''ve done a few more searches and the best i''ve come up with so far is this one. Bearing in mind my budget for diamond alone is $3000.


0.734c G VS2 $2927

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2228600.htm#


0.82c G VS2 $3090

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1272698.asp


One thing I noticed about both of these is that the Arrows dont appaer to be perfectly pointy, is this an issue?
Click to expand...

GLAD to hear you have stopped to take a breath. I have no personal stake in which vendor you choose and that was not my primary concern - though I do think images are a significant consideration.
Mainly I get worried for people when I see stuff along the lines of "I have to get this done yesterday and this is what I am going to do!" There is a wealth of information and members willing to help. It would be a shame to find pricescope.com and not give oneself the chance to benefit from it.
 
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