Diamond purchasing is addictive and more so when the shopping is done online. While my wife has been happy with the Destinee diamond ring that I bought to propose, she has been reminding me that she lacks a pair of diamond earrings to complete the package. I had consistently voiced my resistance to buy the diamond earrings but in my heart, I was trying to keep the gift a surprise.
After much thought and research, I decided to gift her a pair of diamond earring studs this Valentine's Day and went online for this purchase instead of going to one of the brick and mortar shops. A few online retailers were promising but I eventually went with Blue Nile for the ease of their online diamond selection tools.
I was not prepared to spend a large sum on the diamond stud earrings but they have to complement the ring that she already has. That makes certain parameters pre-defined - white gold, around 0.3 carats.
I browsed through the available Blue Nile diamonds on different days with the same search parameters and realised that there were new stocks of matching diamonds from time to time. With a stroke of luck, I chanced upon a set of well matched diamonds and made the puchase.
These were GIA certified Ideal-cut, G-color, SI1-clarity, round, 0.30-carat diamonds with excellent polish and symmetry, making for a total carat weight of 0.6 carats costing around SGD$1500 with setting. I think it is a great purchase for this pricing. I made a compromise in terms of going for G color and SI1 clarity since I doubt anyone will ever really take a very very close look at the diamond studs when my wife is wearing them but the ideal cut grade should help the diamonds glitter beautifully when viewed from a distance.
The online purchase from Blue Nile was easy once I decided on the diamonds. After payment, all I had to do was to wait for the delivery to my home. I would be considered a totally satisfied customer if not for the shipping service that Blue Nile uses. Shipping was via Fedex and Fedex only delivers during office hours unlike my experiences with DHL where evening deliveries are done.
Regardless, the diamond stud earrings were finally delivered to my hands and given to my wife whom was pleasantly surprised. The setted diamonds look wonderful and sparkles brilliantly. I know she loves the diamonds and was already putting them one to go to office the following morning.
For anyone whom has a budget and will like to maximise their dollars, I will strongly encourage them to check out the options at online retailers before heading into a shop. As a novice, I paid more for my first diamond ring and the premium paid was for the marketing, the branding. Today, I have no doubt that I can get a comparable diamond solitaire online for a lower price easily.
