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Best place to buy

garek007

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jan 27, 2010
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211
Hi,

I'm in the market for a half carat princess cut diamond. I see that pricescope has a diamond search utility that's pretty cool, but it lists several vendors. Who is the best vendor to buy from?
 
do you think an upgrade is ever a possibility? Some places have better upgrade policies.
 
What's your budget and what kind of setting do you want?

Total budget
Stone budget
Setting budget
 
Upgrade? What do you mean? I don't really have a set budget. I'd like to keep it under 3k or even 2500 would be better. I was looking at half carat stones and thinking I could spend 1200 on a stone, maybe a tad more, depending.... So based on that I guess my setting budget would be 1300-ish? But right now I'm only concerned with where to buy the stone, unless you're suggesting I get both the stone and setting from the same place.
 
garek007|1420821201|3814050 said:
Upgrade? What do you mean? I don't really have a set budget. I'd like to keep it under 3k or even 2500 would be better. I was looking at half carat stones and thinking I could spend 1200 on a stone, maybe a tad more, depending.... So based on that I guess my setting budget would be 1300-ish? But right now I'm only concerned with where to buy the stone, unless you're suggesting I get both the stone and setting from the same place.

I would suggest getting both the stone and setting at the same place (don't have to hassle with insurance/shipping/damage during setting).

If you have a $3k budget, here's what I would suggest:

.706ct, G, VS1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3022051.htm

+ this setting:
14k White Gold 4 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring for Princess
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-for-princess-8.htm

That would put you out the door under $3k, with a top-notch stone and an elegant setting.

If you decide you want to put more money into the setting, but remain above a half carat, I would opt for this stone:
.52ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3244881.htm
 
Thanks but what I really want to know is, who is the best vendor to buy from? Is White Flash usually the cheapest? What about Union Diamond?
 
What does best mean to you? Best Price? Best selection? Best cut? Best Quality?
 
best quality diamond for the lowest price?
 
Yes, you should buy the setting and the stone in the same place ideally.

What type of setting do you want? That is going to make a difference.

I wouldn't buy from Union Diamond. I'd primarily stick with WF or James Allen for a princess.
 
I've bought from UD in the past and was pleased, so I'm curious why do you say not to buy from them? Are they generally more expensive?
 
I find often James Allen is a nice mix of quality, price, and selection and convenience
But what setting do you want. Solitaire? Solitaire with diamonds on the sides? A three stone?
 
I like either a 3 stone, or a 3 stone with side diamonds. I don't like the look of a plain solitaire
 
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