$7,000 Princess

[1stdiamondbuy]

I am looking to spend about $7,000 total on an engagement ring (including setting). A friend of my girlfriend''s says that she is certain that my girlfriend prefers princess cut and my girlfriend''s sister has a princess cut. I haven''t asked the girlfriend because I want it to be a total surprise. I personally prefer round, but I think I am going with princess. Any thoughts?

I have only done basic research on diamonds (4 C''s) and reading these forums I realize there is much I do not know. So I think this is the best I have found (from bluenile). Does anybody see anything that is not good with this diamond? Is there something I should change (e.g. lower color, bigger carat) or something else I should be looking for? Any suggestions on possibly better value at other websites? Thanks for the help.

Price: $6,381

Carat weight: 1.09

Cut: Very Good

Color: F

Clarity: VS2


Depth %: 71.1%

Table %: 71%

Symmetry: Very good

Polish: Excellent

Girdle: Slightly thick

Culet: None

Fluorescence: None

Measurements: 5.69x5.67x4.03 mm

Length/width ratio: 1.00

 

[valeria101]

Date: 5/11/2005 11:47:10 AM
Author:1stdiamondbuy

Does anybody see anything that is not good with this diamond ?

I do not see any info about brilliance... and there is none on the lab reports in general. Given that not many princess cuts are all that bright, it may be worth looking for a seller that does provide the extra info.

Other than this ... why is this so expensive ? 1 carat princess cuts F/VS2 GIA come easily around 4.5k

And that one has no pedigree to speak of.

E-VS1 and it is cheaper... not to mention that piece has a picture and enough info to at least use the AGA charts as quality guide.

"Good cut" means "brilliant" as well and more detail about brilliance than the naught presented by BN is surely possible. Speaking of 7k princess.... that could easily be larger 1.2-.14cts or so. Two princess cuts presented with pictures and some info: 1.28 G/VS2 and 1.2 cts G/VS1. Both look promissing enough.

Carat Weight: 1.20
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Measurements: 5.93x5.79x4.24 <-- definitely larger
Depth: 73.2%
Table: 63% <------ smaller table and high crown promiss brilliance
Crown Height: 10.8%
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG <------ good news for a fancy cut
Culet: None
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Fluorescence: None


However, the other one does sound even better on all fronts, including price. This one gets my vote so far.

1.28 cts
G
VS2
depth: 74.9%
table: 66%
croen height: 11%
girdle: sk-tk
culet: no
polish: vg
symmetry: vg
fluorescence: no
size: 5.86x5.97x4.39

I don't think you or anyone else could detect the difference between F and G unless the diamond is loose and seen culet up under standard grading conditions. A brilliant stone does stand out without any help at all though.

 

[blueroses]

You''re going to get a lot of specific info on here re: the numbers and I say listen to them--PS members are so knowledgeble!! I agree that the price on that bluenile stone sounds high.

The other thing I''d add--which is totally me being a nosy girl and you can take or leave--is just try to be certain-certain about the princess-cut thing. Did the friend indicate that your gf had actually said this? If she''s deadset on them, then of course you want to get her what she wants.....but since you haven''t talked about it with her, I was unsure. I remember when I first started looking at stones and was often told at "maul" stores when I asked about square shapes that princess was it, period, paragraph. Now that I know more about diamonds--and especially since you indicated that you prefer rounds--perhaps you might consider looking for a compromise stone--a square shape, but cut with more brilliance (there are so many different shapes that incorporate this style now--Square H&A, Jubilee, regent, sq modern cushion, etc.....go to www.goodoldgold.com to see their shape tutorial.)

What about setting? Are you thinking of putting most of the $$ into the stone and doing a very simple setting? We love to look at rings, so let us know what we can help dig up for you

 

[1stdiamondbuy]

The friend says that they had shopped diamonds before and that my girlfriend definitely likes princess better than round. I am not totally convinced that my girlfriend has done much research on the subject. Everytime I get to this point I think that ruining the surprise might be worth it to make sure she gets the "perfect" diamond in her mind. I know there would still be surprise in when she gets it and how, but I think it would be a lot better for a total surprise.

I am looking to go with more diamond less setting. I was thinking of a platinum cathedral setting that BN has for about $750 and spending somewhere around $6,300 on the diamond. I am very open to suggestions.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[blueroses]

That''s kind of what I wondered--whether it was about preferring princess to round, or preferring SQUARE to round. There are just so many options....

Check out this page: http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/engagement-search_results.cfm?cat_cd=engage-sol there are a LOT of different varieties of cathedral solitaire settings.

 

[blueroses]

....and some good overview info on princess:

http://www.niceice.com/princess_cut_diamonds.htm

 

[blueroses]

Ok, I just can''t be stopped.

I know you''re looking for a simple cathedral setting, but I just saw this stunning art deco replica princess mounting....and it''s $685. Maybe too ornate for what you''re looking for, but I figured it couldn''t hurt and the price is right!!

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=22

 

[blueroses]

"Replica Art Deco Mounting for a Square Stone
Platinum mounting contains 8 bead set diamonds, .10 carats total, G color and VS clarity. A delicate detailed design flows down the sides, shoulders, and horizontal bars on the center setting box. Accomodates a square princess from 5.2 to 5.9 mm diameter (approximately .90 carats to 1.40 carats).
$685.00"

 

[blueroses]

Ok, last view on that.

I need to go find 12-step program now!