Please help with engagement ring and Blue Nile questions

[reckoner7]

Hello all,

I've been working on finding an engagement ring for a few weeks now. I would like to decide on something soon but it's all quite overwhelming to me since I have no prior knowledge about diamonds. This looks like a helpful community so I would appreciate any feedback you have on my thoughts/questions below.

First of all, here are the approximate specs that I think I'm looking for:
- Princess cut
- 1.0 carat or maybe a little bigger
- Eye clean (prefer to error on safe side so thinking VS2)
- H-G color
- Ideal cut or close to it
- Price around 5k-6k for stone

I prefer to get the stone and setting from the same place to avoid the hassle of multiple vendors. I like this one and matching wedding band from Blue Nile:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP&offer_id=20311

So now for my questions...

1- From reading around a little, I sense that Blue Nile is not the preferred vendor because you can't really look at the stone. Is this a non-issue if we are looking at something in the ideal cut and VS clarity range? At the least, would you still consider Blue Nile as a good alternative to a B&M store? I like the diamond buying process better at James Allen but I'm not really a fan of the settings.

2- Diamonds aside, can anyone comment on the quality of the settings from BN?

3- What's the consensus on the signature ideal stones from BN, especially with regard to princess cut? Is this just a label that you pay an extra $1k for or are these considered a good stone for the price?

4- If we're looking at the signature ideal stones, what else should I be looking at to differentiate them? There is still a pretty big price difference for stones that look similar to me.

I have to get going since my lady will be here soon. I'll try to check in later if possible or definitely tomorrow. Many thanks in advance.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unfortunately, you cannot count on the label of signature or ideal from any vendor without info to back it up. Vendors such as Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash post magnified photos of the stones, idealscope and/or ASET images, Sarins, and other tests (particularly by GOG). I felt like I knew exactly what I was getting when I bought from those vendors. You absolutely have to see a picture. Princess stones can vary greatly in appearance!

Any of the vendors can get you a setting like you linked. Good Old Gold carries many brands, but here is one example:

http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER7537W44JJ

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7257/

 

[Gypsy]

Signature Ideal on BN are reviewed. They are nice stones and even above average. They are checked for being eyeclean.

That said, on PS we generally prefer vendors that can provide us with pics of the actual stone and an ASET so we can check light performance.

To the list of vendors Diamondseeker has mentioned I would add Brian Gavin Diamonds and James Allen.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.040-g-vs2-princess-diamond-gia-30103162 I would see if BGD can provide you with more information about this one, for example.


This one is beautiful as well: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.901-g-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-104046707017

 

[mrssalvo]

I'd look at Pearlman's too for a ton of setting ideas. They do carry AGS 0 princess stones so you might be able to find something there as well. The vendors gypsy and diamondseeker mentioned are all top notch. It may come down to who has what in stock within you budget.

 

[Unknown]

BN's customer service is amazing, alway reply quickly. I like their online chat a lot!