Looking for a 1 carat princess cut diamond solitaire

[adback42]

My research has led me to buying the diamond and setting separately.

Also, I am on a budget. I would like to get a deal (of course) and spend about $2000-2500.

I have found a couple of diamonds that have caught my eye.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Carat-Princess-F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Diamond-for-Engagement-Ring-/271440048776?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item3f33167288
- this one seems to good to be true. If you guys can help me confirm this is a great deal I would buy this today.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-ct-E-VS2-Real-Natural-Certified-Princess-Cut-Loose-Diamond-/281301598766?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item417ee1c22e
- a little more pricey

http://www.amazon.com/Carat-Certified-Princess-Loose-Diamond/dp/B00HFH9U8E/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1396542995&sr=8-7&keywords=loose+diamond+princess+cut

Which one would you guys recommend as the best deal? I know these are clarity enhanced and I don't have a problem with that. All I am worried about is a diamond that is eye clean and has impressive size compared to the setting.

For the setting I am wanting something thin to make the diamond pop. I have looked at Palladium vs. White Gold. Can't afford Platinum. What do you guys recommend?

 

[JulieN]

The first one is 5.06mm, you are better off buying a better cut .75 ct with better cut that is the same size. Most one ct stones are at least 5.30mm

Second one is a rectangle: 5.19 x 5.84 x 3.77

Third one is is 4.94mm. Always look at the measurements.

 

[adback42]

Any suggestions?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Any suggestions?

All of these are AGS 0 (Ideal) stones, meaning they have the best light performance rating given by any lab.

Here are some options:

.93ct, K, SI1 (K color may be too tinted for you, but this is the largest you'll get around your budget):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.93-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-277410

.731ct, H, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.731-h-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-104062403011

.71ct, H, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10983/

.71ct, H, VS2
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-295289


Ebay is not the place for you. You need to buy from a vendor that provides expert analysis, since you are still learning about diamonds.

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.74-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-243066
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.73-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-295100
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.73-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-295109
And the H AGS 0 posted above would be good places to start from JA, they all have pretty good size of about 5mm.