I ordered a .6 carat "signature" princess cut diamond set in a platinum ring. The website is great and makes ordering very easy. I particularly liked the build-your-own ring section with views of the ring/diamond combo that updates as you change diamonds: very nice and reasonably accurate.
Shipping was a breeze. After I placed the order I called to change the shipping address and the customer care specialist I talked to was great and fixed my problem quickly.
When the ring arrived, the first thing I noticed about it was that, wow, the diamond was exactly as described. Very, very nice.
The second thing I noticed is that the ring it was set in was just awful. The area beneath the cathedral setting had a large, jet black smudge. The smudge wasn't surface grime or the like and would not wipe off. The three local jewelers I took it to (so much for avoiding "mall" jewelers by ordering online) were unable to clean it. Two thought that the ring was not cleaned properly before the cathedral mount was added and both thought the craftsmanship was very poor.
The defect is by no means subtle. It is GLARING. It is simply not possible that the jeweler at Blue Nile failed to notice it and I'm left to assume that he or she simply decided to send it out, anway.
Although I wouldn't suggest purchasing a ring from Blue Nile, their diamonds are great. If I were purchasing stones separately in the future I'd consider going to them again.
As it is, though, I've given them a low rating because when a) I've spent several thousand dollars with a company and b) it's for something as obviously "important" as an engagement ring I'd like to think the company would make a point of at least checking for obvious flaws in their product and, if any are found, correcting them BEFORE the product is shipped.
Blue Nile does, however, have a 30-day return policy (which I'm taking advantage of). If you DO decide to go with Blue Nile, make sure you order the ring with plenty of time to spare, so you'll have time to return it should yours turn out like mine.
This review was modified by its author, bwbaker, on
7/5/04 5:20 PM.