How is Blue Nile for buying diamond ring?
- Thread starter earth
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Welcome to Pricescope earth!
Blue Nile are a good vendor with an excellent reputation, they don't however supply images that some discerning diamond buyers want such as Idealscope, ASET and photographs which are so helpful particularly with fancy shapes, also the majority of their diamonds are not in house. They don't offer an upgrade policy which some buyers particularly like. But they are a good vendor, trustworthy and competitively priced, it just depends on the level of service and benefits you want with your diamond purchase.
Along with Blue Nile, here is a list of trusted vendors you can consider;
www.highperformancediamonds.com
www.whiteflash.com
www.briangavindiamonds.com
www.niceice.com
www.goodoldgold.com
www.jamesallen.com
www.exceldiamonds.com
And there are more I could list if you wish.
It can depend on what you are looking for as to which vendor might suit your needs the best. If you like, give us an idea of your budget for the diamond and your requirements, we might be able to suggest some diamonds you might like.
Bella_mezzo
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stonecutter2
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I used Blue Nile to buy a diamond last year, and the diamond is beautiful. It was one of their "Signature Ideal" cut diamonds, which I highly recommend. You''ll pay a premium because the diamond is cut very well to excellent proportions, but they take the guess work out of wondering if a diamond is cut "right."
I highly recommend them. They ship to you very fast, and although I didn''t return my diamond, the packaging makes it easy to return and maybe ask for another.
I bought my diamond online and then had a local jeweler set it, so that any setting modifications/fixes could happen locally and easily (instead of shipping the ring to Blue Nile).
I highly recommend them. They ship to you very fast, and although I didn''t return my diamond, the packaging makes it easy to return and maybe ask for another.
I bought my diamond online and then had a local jeweler set it, so that any setting modifications/fixes could happen locally and easily (instead of shipping the ring to Blue Nile).
Thanks for replies 
@Lorelei: thanks for the welcome
and thanks for the number of sites u have given me...i just knew of Blue nile till now. I am looking for a 1 carat diamond ring(white gold), ideal cut, any shape is o.k except that rectangular shape and average clarity , color... this is what i have understood after reading a little about diamonds that cut is most important...my budget is not much - around $4000 - 4500 !
@Bella_mezzo: thanks for the sites
@stonecutter2: wow! u getting your ring made locally... u could tell them what exactly u want it to look like. But,i dnt know any local jeweller here...we have just moved to Sacramento, CA and hardly know anyone here and so will be worried handing over my first BIG diamond to any jeweller.
@Lorelei: thanks for the welcome
@Bella_mezzo: thanks for the sites
@stonecutter2: wow! u getting your ring made locally... u could tell them what exactly u want it to look like. But,i dnt know any local jeweller here...we have just moved to Sacramento, CA and hardly know anyone here and so will be worried handing over my first BIG diamond to any jeweller.
stonecutter2
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I understand your concern with handing over your diamond to "any jeweler." I inspected my ring thoroughly to make sure there wasn''t any mixup on the diamond! If you want to take a similar approach, look for jewelry stores that are local and have been around for quiet awhile - jewelers don''t stay in business someplace very long by cheating their customers.
I also asked them to clean the diamond, and then i looked at it under a microscope. I looked at it again after the ring was set, and it had the exact same little crystal inclusion exactly where it should be
I also asked them to clean the diamond, and then i looked at it under a microscope. I looked at it again after the ring was set, and it had the exact same little crystal inclusion exactly where it should be
MichelleCarmen
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earth, is it a round diamond you want? Also I take it you want a plain white gold solitaire setting?Date: 1/18/2010 3:31:20 PM
Author: earth
Thanks for replies
@Lorelei: thanks for the welcomeand thanks for the number of sites u have given me...i just knew of Blue nile till now. I am looking for a 1 carat diamond ring(white gold), ideal cut, any shape is o.k except that rectangular shape and average clarity , color... this is what i have understood after reading a little about diamonds that cut is most important...my budget is not much - around $4000 - 4500 !
@Bella_mezzo: thanks for the sites
@stonecutter2: wow! u getting your ring made locally... u could tell them what exactly u want it to look like. But,i dnt know any local jeweller here...we have just moved to Sacramento, CA and hardly know anyone here and so will be worried handing over my first BIG diamond to any jeweller.
Conflagration
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cakegirl
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If know that many people here don''t recommend BN as one of their top choices, and I do understand why, but I had a really great experience with them getting my eternity band e ring. It is a unique design that I have only seen there. The service was very good-I did a live chat and phoned with many questions, and they were very helpful. The woman I spoke to followed up promptly by email with the answers she had to research.
In contrast, I have had no luck getting ANY information from a vendor that is very well considered on PS-I have emailed several times and every time received the exact same form email that I would have a quote within 24 hours, but then never heard from them.
In contrast, I have had no luck getting ANY information from a vendor that is very well considered on PS-I have emailed several times and every time received the exact same form email that I would have a quote within 24 hours, but then never heard from them.
stone-cold11
Super_Ideal_Rock
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Simple fact that you just cannot accurately predict the cut performance of a stone based on average numbers even for round brilliant cut much less a fancy cut. Except for BN''s SI stones, everything else is virtual inventory that is hold by some other vendors, and not as BN advertised, in one of their vaults around the US, so their eye-clean standard is unknown as is also their abillity and truthfulness in judging the performance of a stone. There have been more than one case where BN states a stone is eye-clean and comes up not as such. So depends on you level of comfort.
tonyc2387
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BN is a great vendor to buy from, and so are any that Lorelei mentioned... but I just got my ring from Whiteflash, and I couldn''t be happier with the result. Their service was some of the best I''ve ever received. Check out the pics in the link below for what that same budget can get you at WF
Best of luck in your search! There are tons of extremely helpful folks around here... with their advice, you won''t end up with a bad stone!
Best of luck in your search! There are tons of extremely helpful folks around here... with their advice, you won''t end up with a bad stone!
cakegirl
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I posted that I DO understand why people have issues with them.
But, they have a very good return policy, which raises my level of comfort on anything. The older I get, the more value I place on good service. And I imagine for many people, having to contact a vendor over and over to get a response, or hoping to catch one when they are in a good mood, may not be worth getting the most perfect diamond.
stone-cold11
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Just your luck I guess, not all has the same problem. Email get loss all the time, your side, their side, in the server. I experienced them also, was able to get good email responses from a vendor then suddenly black out, none of the emails got through. Call them to confirm what happen. If you want to wait for them to reply an email that might never have got to them or lost over the WWW, it is your choice. It can happen to BN too, internet is an equal opportunity blackhole for email.
whitby_2773
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hi earth
i''ve bought over 30 diamonds from BN over the last 5 years or so and have had unfailingly good experiences. i normally (tho not always) buy their signature cut stones, i always check any information i can get, and i would never hesitate to return a stone if i didnt like it. i''ve always had GREAT service from them, never had a problem with them in all my transactions, have had all sorts of help given, and it''s been positive all around.
however, that said...
i''ve also bought stones from good old gold, james allen and brian gavin diamonds - also all excellent. i buy from BN the most because i find their prices slightly cheaper, no doubt due to the extra info they *don''t* give. i have a routine i stick to, however (read the GIA cert carefully and make sure all the stats for the stone are exactly what i want, inspect religiously when the stone arrives, and leave myself plenty of time for a return and new purchase if the stone doesnt turn out to be all i hope for), and i''ve never had a problem. i''d recommend them highly.
all the vendors recommended in this thread are terrific, so work out what method works for you.
alternately, put yourself in the hands of the folks here and they''ll help you pick a beauty.
good luck - and happy shopping!
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I've bought from two popular PS vendors and BN.
I will say that BN reps are very easy to get hold of, and I did my homework so I'm really happy with my BN diamonds - they appraised as I expected.
Any big purchases will be made with PS vendors though. It's important to me to have scans and images pre-purchase, I like knowing that my rep is more knowledgeable than me and that I can completely trust him/her to recommend the best diamond for me rather than the most expensive/best sale, I like having the option of upgrading in the future, I found that PS vendors are more flexible with regards to setting modifications, timelines, etc., and if I'm looking for H&A I can't buy from BN anyway.
I will say that BN reps are very easy to get hold of, and I did my homework so I'm really happy with my BN diamonds - they appraised as I expected.
Any big purchases will be made with PS vendors though. It's important to me to have scans and images pre-purchase, I like knowing that my rep is more knowledgeable than me and that I can completely trust him/her to recommend the best diamond for me rather than the most expensive/best sale, I like having the option of upgrading in the future, I found that PS vendors are more flexible with regards to setting modifications, timelines, etc., and if I'm looking for H&A I can't buy from BN anyway.
cakegirl
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After 3 emails, which all received the same auto reply form letter, yes I give up.
Earth, another company you may want to look at is ID Jewelry.I did some research on them here as they were highly praised. I am having them make my wedding band and they have been great to work with. I can''t comment on my ring, as I have not received it yet, but they seem well regarded here.
Earth, another company you may want to look at is ID Jewelry.I did some research on them here as they were highly praised. I am having them make my wedding band and they have been great to work with. I can''t comment on my ring, as I have not received it yet, but they seem well regarded here.
Dreamer_D
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I would buy smaller diamond purchases from BN, where I was ok sticking with VS2 so I could avoid the issue of eye cleanliness. And if I knew 100% that I would never want to upgrade or take advantage of lifetime buyback.
As to the issue of e-mails not being returned, I have always thought that the phone was the best way to get ahold of any vendor
I am sure that large companies who employ hundreds to answer the phones can get back to you much quicker than, for example, GOG or BGD who have only 1-2 people to answer the phones (although I have had quick and positive interactions with both). To me, e-mail communication is not a deciding factor about working with a vendor. But others obviously may feel differently.
As to the issue of e-mails not being returned, I have always thought that the phone was the best way to get ahold of any vendor
boomboom65
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Prana
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My engagement diamond is from BN, and it is certainly a beautiful stone. It is a round brilliant, so I just ran it''s numbers through the HCA tool here to make sure that it got a good number on that scale. My FI had it appraised right away and it was appraised at a much higher price than we paid for it. I never had any intention of trading in or upgrading my diamond, so I didn''t need a company that offered this.
I have heard that the only difference between their ''signature ideal'' and their ''ideal'' cut RB''s are that they only give the ''signature ideal'' label to diamonds that come from their preferred vendors (correct me if I''m wrong). When I learned this, I told my FI and he went with buying one of the ''Ideal'' diamonds, and saved a few bucks.
Overall, very happy with BN, but it depends on what you are looking for and whether or not trading in /upgrading is important to you in the future.
I have heard that the only difference between their ''signature ideal'' and their ''ideal'' cut RB''s are that they only give the ''signature ideal'' label to diamonds that come from their preferred vendors (correct me if I''m wrong). When I learned this, I told my FI and he went with buying one of the ''Ideal'' diamonds, and saved a few bucks.
Overall, very happy with BN, but it depends on what you are looking for and whether or not trading in /upgrading is important to you in the future.
Date: 1/18/2010 5:32:53 PM
Author: Lorelei
Date: 1/18/2010 3:31:20 PM
Author: earth
Thanks for replies
earth, is it a round diamond you want? Also I take it you want a plain white gold solitaire setting?
Hi, i am more concerned about the cut, any shape is fine with me... earlier i metioned that i want to avoid rectangular cut because i thought it does not reflect much light. But any shape is fine with me.
Yes i want plain white gold (infact would love Platinum but $4000 is less amount for platinum plus 1 carat..so i will concentrate more on diamond.
@whitby_2773: 30 diamonds! wow!! this is my first one. U seem to have lot of knowledge as well ...i dnt even know how to look at the diamond and say it is a good one. Person like me can be fooled very easily when it comes to diamonds
@yssie: i dnt plan to upgrade this ring...will want to keep this forever as this will be my first one...so would u suggest BN? Also is H&A the best? have heard abt H&A here first time.
@cakegirl:i will check ID jeweler...also do post pic of your ring when u receive it...would love to see
@dreamer_dachsie: Does my 1 carat fall into small buy or a big buy? Also i do not plan to upgrade nor need buyback option.
@boomboom65: I checked White flash but they are not showing prices online....and so i guessed they have higher price range...it is? Thanks, will check with yelp for local jewelers.
@tonyc2387: checked the link u gave...the ring is lovely Will ask the same question i asked boomboom65...is white flash little expensive as they do not show their prices online?
@Conflagration: will check for their "signature cut" but in one of the post below it has been mentioned that there is not much of a difference
@MC: thanks, i do not plan to tradeup /trade in so i think BN should be good.
@yssie: i dnt plan to upgrade this ring...will want to keep this forever as this will be my first one...so would u suggest BN? Also is H&A the best? have heard abt H&A here first time.
@cakegirl:i will check ID jeweler...also do post pic of your ring when u receive it...would love to see
@dreamer_dachsie: Does my 1 carat fall into small buy or a big buy? Also i do not plan to upgrade nor need buyback option.
@boomboom65: I checked White flash but they are not showing prices online....and so i guessed they have higher price range...it is? Thanks, will check with yelp for local jewelers.
@tonyc2387: checked the link u gave...the ring is lovely
Will ask the same question i asked boomboom65...is white flash little expensive as they do not show their prices online?@Conflagration: will check for their "signature cut" but in one of the post below it has been mentioned that there is not much of a difference
@MC: thanks, i do not plan to tradeup /trade in so i think BN should be good.
Dreamer_D
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I would call a 1ct a big buy
But it is relative I suppose to the individual! My comment was more to suggest that I would feel more comfortable buying from BN if it was not a large piece for me that I might want to upgrade, or where I wanted a guaranteed super ideal cut. I would buy diamonds for earings, for example, or a < .50ct diamond from them simply because *for me* I feel a little more comfortable with risking deviations from super ideal cut for those types of purchases.
Date: 1/19/2010 5:02:17 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
I would call a 1ct a big buyBut it is relative I suppose to the individual! My comment was more to suggest that I would feel more comfortable buying from BN if it was not a large piece for me that I might want to upgrade, or where I wanted a guaranteed super ideal cut. I would buy diamonds for earings, for example, or a < .50ct diamond from them simply because *for me* I feel a little more comfortable with risking deviations from super ideal cut for those types of purchases.
Thanks Dreamer_dachsie, so what i get is i should try other as well....i have money enough to buy just one & will not be able to afford another for some years
stone-cold11
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JA also list virtual stones, but they are based in NYC and majority of their virtual stones are within running distance from them that they can just call in, take a loupe image, idealscope image and/or have their gemologist take a look at it. Their gemologists are good at what they do and truthful, if it is not eye-clean they will tell you so.
Mishafrisky
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Hi Earth,
My fiance purchased my ring from Bluenile just last month. It''s a 0.73 very good cut princess, d colour, vvs2 clarity. The service was impeccable and my fiance really like the easy of access of the website. When the ring arrived (we got it set there as well) we got it appraised by a gemologist, who quoted us over twice what we paid for it. Other local stores quoted at even higher. Everyone loves my diamond, and due to my small hand size (3.75) is is perfect for me.
Bluenile was great and I would definitely recommend them.
Mishafrisky
My fiance purchased my ring from Bluenile just last month. It''s a 0.73 very good cut princess, d colour, vvs2 clarity. The service was impeccable and my fiance really like the easy of access of the website. When the ring arrived (we got it set there as well) we got it appraised by a gemologist, who quoted us over twice what we paid for it. Other local stores quoted at even higher. Everyone loves my diamond, and due to my small hand size (3.75) is is perfect for me.
Bluenile was great and I would definitely recommend them.
Mishafrisky
Allison D.
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MichelleCarmen
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2nd WF has their prices right up on their website. If you do a search on their database, a list of diamonds within the perameters you choose will also have the prices listed next to the diamonds. If nothing is popping up when you search, then widen the color/clarity or size and you''ll see a list. The site is extremely easy to use once you play around a bit.
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Past, Present, Future: The Meaning of Three-Stone Engagement Rings
Past, Present, Future: The Meaning of Three-Stone Engagement Rings - 04/14
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