1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendations?

[Jvandiep]

Hello,

First time poster here.

I am currently on the hunt for a 1.0 princess cut set in a white gold channel setting. I have looked around on Blue Nile, James Allen, and White Flash. Other than the specs and tips posted on Princess Cut Diamonds in PriceScope [https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamon] if there is any advice you would like to share, please do not hesitate. I know this question is asked a lot, but is there an online company I should avoid? As of right now, I'm leaning towards JA or BN. I really like Whiteflash, but it is falling out of my budget.

I would like to stay within the following spec's:
-table: 62-68
-depth: 64-75
-colour: between H to I (to help reduce costs)
-clarity: between S1-VS1 (same reason above)
-budget is $6000 total (taxes in, duty, etc). I live in Ontario, Canada

If I'm being unrealistic please let me know.

For example, is the price difference for the two diamonds below from Whiteflash ($5000) vs JA really ($4000) worth it?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2929579.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-206494

Looking for a setting similar to this - http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/flush-fit-diamond-engagement-ring-42.htm

Cheers!

 

[diamondloveaffair]

Re: 1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendati

When it comes to princess cut diamonds, I would say the extra $1000 isn't worth it for the premium at Whiteflash.

The JA stone doesn't look promising. If you are on a budget, you need to spend some time looking through the diamonds. James Allen is a good place to start. It's tough, but you can still find something decent.

 

[Jvandiep]

Re: 1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendati

Thank you for your response.

What do you mean the JA stone doesn't look promising? And spend time looking "through" the diamonds?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[sha4000]

Re: 1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendati

Thank you for your response.

What do you mean the JA stone doesn't look promising? And spend time looking "through" the diamonds?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

She most likely is talking about the Table size being bigger than the total depth. Thats considered a no no and would more than likely get it crossed off most PSers list right away. You would never do this with a round diamond but since it is princess cut and you could never really tell how it would perform just by the stats you would at least need to get an Aset and Ideal scope image as well as have the in house gemologist look at the stone and different kind of light settings to see if it would be a fiery stone. Also she means looking through some more of the inventory on JA to find a stone with better proportions. I'm no resident expert but I learned all this right here on PS reading through lots of threads for months and then getting up enough nerve to ask questions. I hope I summed it up correctly for you diamondloveaffair.

 

[Jvandiep]

Re: 1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendati

Thanks very much! It really is a buyer beware world out there!

Do you know if JA charges extra for an ASET or Ideal scope image. What about having the in-house gemologist look at the stone and different light settings - should I expect them to do this?

It's funny because I showed that same diamond to the consultant on the truthaboutdiamonds and he said I picked a winner and that it would look "much larger" and is 100% eye-clean. I originally asked the question to customer service at JA if the ratio difference between the table and depth was a problem. For example, depth of 70 and a table of 73. I was told by the person that helped me as long as the dimensions are within 65-75 for both, the proportions do not matter.

Maybe I should work on becoming a gemologist for my next career...

 

[sha4000]

Re: 1.0 Princess Cut set in a Channel Setting - Recommendati

You can ask them to bring in 3 different stones as well as the Asets I believe. The gemoligist would look at them all an recommend what is best depending on what your preferences.