My Engagement Ring and How To Design Your Own – Blue Nile Review
TIME FLIES! It has been 6 months since Leif and I got engaged at the Grand Canyon. Ever since I've shared pictures of my pear shaped halo engagement ring, I often get questions about the specifics of my ring and questions like are Blue Nile diamonds real and ethical? So today, I’m partnering with Blue Nile (where Leif purchased my engagement ring online) to give you my honest Blue Nile Review, share the anatomy of my engagement ring, and how you can design your own engagement ring from scratch online.
My Pear Shaped Engagement Ring
Setting: Halo
Band: Micropave
Metal: Platinum
Diamond Shape: Pear
Carat: 2.3
Blue Nile Review
There's no denying it that Blue Nile is a mega online diamond giant with up to 40% lower prices, but are they good? Are Blue Nile diamonds real and ethically sourced?
First, you have to know some facts:
Blue Nile gets its large inventory from signing exclusive contracts with diamond wholesalers all over the world for competitive pricing. Each loose diamond comes with a grading report from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), an independent diamond grading lab highly respected for their consistency and stringent grading standards.
If you're worried about accidentally purchasing conflict diamonds, don't worry. Each Blue Nile diamond is ethically sourced, and it says it only works with the world's most respected suppliers. The company supports the Kimberley Process, which is an International process to track and certify diamonds.
The Anatomy of My Engagement Ring
I really didn't know the basic definitions of words when it comes to the anatomy of a ring before having my own engagement ring. The design is what is going to make or break the look of your engagement ring; because you can have the most amazing top quality center diamond but if it is placed in the wrong setting it will be ruined. So I will share some of the basic terms with you:
Pear Shaped Diamond is considered a fancy-shaped diamond in comparison to the most popular round shape. Based on 1-carat diamonds of similar 4C characteristics, pear shapes rank about the 3rd most expensive shape.
Halo Setting engagement rings encircle your center diamond with pave diamonds for added brilliance. It is basically a thin band of diamonds around the center diamond. Halos come in all shapes, sizes, and styles (I personally think that halo makes your engagement ring look bigger in pictures and real-life).
Micropave Band - Pavé is crafted with petite diamond accents. Pavé (French for “paved”) creates a brilliant accent for your center diamond (aka make it extra sparkly!)
Platinum metal Leif chose this metal for my engagement ring because platinum is the strongest precious metal and its naturally white sheen will never fade or change color, and it actually accentuates the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond. Plus it is hypoallergenic and has the highest level of purity.
Diamond Carat is often misunderstood and refers to a diamond's weight, not necessarily its size. When comparing diamond carat sizes, take a diamond’s Cut into consideration as well! Mine is a little over 2 carats.
Design Your Own Engagement Ring from Scratch Online
Buying an engagement ring is complicated, it’s stressful, it’s a complete shot in the dark, and it’s easy to screw up. How do we expect the man in our life —who doesn’t know squat about jewelry—pick out the perfect ring? Which is why Leif and I had been engagement ring shopping together months before he actually proposed. Obviously, I would have said YES (a million times over) no matter the size or shape but I am so glad that I love my ring and got exactly what I wanted because the last thing I want to feel is that "I hate my engagement ring".
My advice: go engagement ring shopping together to give your man an idea of what you like. Then have him go to Blue Nile and build your own engagement ring! For obvious reasons, shopping for a ring together may take away some of the surprises of the proposal. But honestly, there were still lots of elements of mystery because I didn't know any specific proposal plans, like when and where and how it's going to all take place.
That is exactly what Leif and I did and when he proposed to me at the Grand Canyon, trust me I was still surprised! As he shared on Our Proposal Story (told by Leif), Leif can't stress enough how much Blue Nile's Diamond and Jewelry Consultants helped him in choosing the perfect diamond online. They don't work on commission so their only mission is to help you find the best diamond for your budget! You can also watch this short tutorial that explains the 4Cs of Diamonds - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight - the most important characteristics to understand when making a diamond purchase.
Happy engagement ring shopping!
© Sabrina tan
brand + web design by good on paper
