Where Can I Buy a Heart Diamond

Question: I want to buy a heart diamond for an engagement ring. 

The problem is that all the jewelry shops here don't have any for less than $15000. I want to spend about $4000, can push it to maybe $4500. What are my options? I really reelf that I should be able to get something nice for under $5000. I don't have a problem buying things on the internet, but I have never bought a diamond ring before so I am not sure of exactly what to look out for.

 DH

How to find a bargain heart diamond

 Answer: Hi DH,

Heart diamonds have recently started being very popular. And yet the majority of local jewelers often don't stock them. They haven't caught on to the trend yet. It likely has to do with cost, as it's expensive to have a lot of pricy stock which may or may not sell. this is why they usually stick to the traditional round diamonds. But online dealers have managed to provide us with a very large selection, for which we are eternally grateful! When buying a heart diamond some of the same things apply as when buying a classic round brilliant diamond. The less color in the diamond, the higher the price. The better the cut, the higher the price. The less inclusions, the higher the price. So the first question you want to ask is yourself is to find out what your priority is. If size is the only priority then here is a diamond which is being currently held by James Allen: it is 1 carat! And WAY below $4000. Remember you'll need some of that budget for the setting. Shipping is free to anywhere in the world. Even if you have to pay some import tax, it sure won't come to $15000! 

 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Very-Good-Cut-Heart-Diamond-1509910.asp

There are a couple of things which make me recommend James Allen above all other diamond vendors. First, you get to see an image of the actual diamond you will receive. Not only that but it is beautifully magnified and they photograph it such a way as to not hide anything. That is to say they don't add a bunch of sparkle, by shining bright lights on the diamond as they are photographing it. This is very useful for examining the diamond, even though it doesn't look like as sparkly in the image. 

How Much Should I Spend On a Diamond Ring?

Hi Diamond Buying Advice, 

How much do I need to spend on a diamond ring? I am a little worried that if I spend a lot on this that it won't really be a good idea. If we get together we might need the money  to start getting other stuff too. What do people usually do? I don't want to be a cheapskate and just get a fake diamond. I will get something decent, I sort of think that it shows I am committed, you know. Also I am worried , let's say worst case scenario she wants more time to think about it, that ring, if she doesn't accept it, it's kind of expensive and I'm going to be kinda stuck with it.

LJ


Hi there LJ, 

1 carat diamonds are often a goal as many people find them to be the perfect size. The amount you spend (if it is a 1 carat diamond) depends on the quality of the diamond.

It is good to be a realist, even when caught up in the swirls of emotion and romance. The amount you spend on a ring is entirely up to you and it's only sensible to spend whatever you feel comfortable with and it is something you can manage. Jewelers find that a lot of people still spend the same amount as two months' salary on an engagement ring. This is why you will find some people spending $4000, and others $7500 or more.

Here is a little secret which can help you not worry about being stuck with an expensive ring. If you buy from a place that has a No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee then you can return the ring if necessary. 

Be careful not to buy from a place that has only a very short time in which to return it. Seven days would be unreasonable for there to be enough time to plan the proposal and have enough leeway to return the ring if necessary. The amount of time varies from 7 days to 60 days. As you can see on this list here most respectable online diamond sellers give at least 10 days.

Custom work and engraving may not be eligible for returns, so it is a very good idea to read through the return policy of whichever site you are buying from.
I know it's sweet and all to have the ring engraved, but maybe that should be saved for the wedding rings. (We did!)