Glad to come across your site! I’m very near a final decision, but wondered what you thought about the following questions: I’m really attracted to the eternity bands, especially the bezel-set ones, and figure these will provide more comfort, protect the diamonds, keep them cleaner and so on. I want to be practical, however, and have received conflicting advice on the wear that occurs to a eternity band. What is your opinion of an eternity band? I’d like to put a single round brilliant on top of this eternity band, and find various prices. I’m looking at cut as the most important factor. Color and clarity are relative to this untrained eye. So, an Ideal or Excellent cut, g-h color, SI1 or greater, .5-1 ct. I’m trying to stay between 3-4k for the whole ring. I’ve found (more than) a few options in stores and online. Do you advise staying with a local jeweler, or buying online? Hope this info is helpful to you. Thanks for your attention.
Thanks for the kind words about the site. I think sellers generally knock eternity bands because they’re a pain for them. Not because they’re not durable, but because if you need them resized, it’s very expensive for the jeweler because they have to be remade from scratch. As for online vs. local, to me, it’s a no-brainer. Online you get better service, less pressure, no annoying salesmen, MUCH better prices, great return policy (James Allen for the holiday will accept returns up to Jan 15th), more diamonds to choose from, etc.
What do you think about this ring? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-3713.asp
I prefer to recommend James Allen because I feel they have the best customer service and they’re prices are extremely competitive. But more importantly, they’re the only major site to offer real magnified photos of their diamonds. As a former diamond trader, I can’t stand the thought of buying a diamond blind.
Here’s a stone that would look amazing for that setting:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1185074.asp – It’s on the higher end of your desired carat range. The make on this stone is beautiful. The SI2 will be totally clean to the naked eye.
Using the TAD0611 coupon to get 10% off the setting, that will bring you to about 3900 total. If you pay by wire transfer, you can knock off an additional 1.5%, so you’d end up closer to 3850. What do you think? Is this what you’re looking for?
Thanks,Ira!
These options look fine, though I noticed JA doesn’t offer the bezel-set eternity band that I like, as seen in this setting from Mondera.
The diamond you recommend looks great. What makes you like it so much? Like you said, it’s at the top of my carat range, so I wonder at what point would a smaller carat look disproportional. Also, what of white gold instead of platinum?
Thanks to you, I’m starting to get confidence in buying online, though it’s a bit scary making a large purchase virtually sight unseen.
You are a great help, nonetheless.
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i think I should get the total ring price down closer to 3300-3500. That eternity band you showed me wold work, how about a different (smaller?) center diamond?
That diamond looks nice, and if I go with white gold, then I’m looking at 3300. Does the I color worry you? Are you suggesting that less than .8 and the stone will be out of proportion with the rest of the ring?
Thanks in advance for all your help.
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The cert on that diamond says the Clarity has a ‘twinning wisp” What does that mean?
You could go down to a J color, and the diamond would still look great with that ring.
I’m not suggesting that under 0.80 would look out of proportion – I just wanted to find you the largest stone that will still look great for your budget.
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a twinning wisp is a type of inclusion. It’s my favorite kind because they’re spread out and very thin and hardly noticeable.
Fair enough. I think I’ll pull the trigger on this ring–wish me luck!
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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