Clueless about Princess....sort of

[RaptorFlight]

I''ve been reading these forums for the last few months and I am amazed by the wealth of information here. I have been using the info in this forum to help search for a princess diamond to propose to my GF in NYC on 28 July. In my search, I have come up with some questions I need help and advice on.

First, a little bit about what I''m looking for:
Princess Cut (AGS0, or slightly less to get a larger diamond)
Largest Carat Size I can get for money given the Color and Clarity below. Minimum of 1 carat, but aiming for 1.3 to 1.5
Color: G-H
Clarity: VS1-VS2 (Possibly SI1 if eye clean)
Budget: $7500 for the diamond. I have already budgeted seperately for the legato sleek line band in platinum ($1,050)
I prefer to deal with WhiteFlash due to forum feedback and tradeup policy.


1. When I search for A Cut Above (ACA), or even Expert Selection (ES) for the parameters I listed above, the search does not yield anything larger than 1 carat diamonds. Are ACA and ES widely available for larger diamonds like I''m looking for in the 1.3 to 1.5 range?

2. If the ACA or ES are not available in the 1.3-1.5 carat range, I''m really struggling whether to go with a smaller 1 carat ACA or go with a non ACA/ES 1.3-1.5 carat. Problem I have with not choosing an AGS0 prioncess is not knowing how good the cut is. Below are some I have been looking. Comments would be most welcome.

ACA Diamond 1
ACA Diamond 2

Non ACA 1.3 Carat
Non ACA 1.3 Carat

Non ACA 1.5 Carat
Non ACA 1.5 Carat

3. I really would like to stay in the G-H color range, but I may sacrifice to an I to get a 1.5 carat. How likely is the difference between an H or an I likely to show on a platinum band.....will the color only be noticed by the most discerning viewers?

4.With my proposal set for 28 July, what date do I need to set for myself to mak ehtis decision. Typically, how long from paying White Flash does it take them to set it, ship and me recieve it.


Thaks in advance for all the support.

 

[jstarfireb]

You have a very healthy budget for this! And nice choice with the Legato sleek line. I''ve been waiting for someone to show us this setting with a princess, since I actually prefer it with a princess rather than a round.

1. I didn''t see any ACA or ES diamonds in that range when I was searching, either. Good Old Gold has some great princesses in your size/price range, though:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3081/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3077/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2459/

GOG has about the same reputation as WF for customer service and quality, and I believe they also have an upgrade policy. The only downside would be that you''d be getting your diamond and setting from different places if you buy the stone from GOG and send it to WF for setting. Or you could check out the settings at GOG and see if you like any. SuperbCert also has some AGS000 princesses, but I don''t know as much about them.

2. I''d stick with the AGS000, since the cut is what will really make the diamond sparkle.

3. I have an I diamond in a platinum solitaire setting, with F-G surprise diamonds as well. It''s very white in most lighting and only shows warmth when the walls of the room I''m in are yellowish. I color is a GREAT bargain - it''s the only way I could find a 1ct ACA princess for around $4000! I don''t think most people will be able to tell the difference between H and I. Even then, many people aren''t bothered by the little bit of warmth in an I stone.

4. My custom ring from WF took about 2-3 weeks. Since you''re using a stock setting, it shouldn''t take nearly as long! My guess is about a week.

 

[RaptorFlight]

I think I''ll start focusing on the AGS000 princesses, although I''d still like to go slightly larger than 1 carat but I think I prefer more to stick with WF since they carry the legato sleek band and can set it. Perhaps if I call WF, they may have diamonds not listed on the web? Anyone have experience with this? Also, what are the discounts I can get buying an AGS000 at WF. I know that if I mention PS I can get 2%, but I think I read somewhere that if you buy AGS000, mention PS and use bank wire you can get 5%. Anyone know. Is calling them the best way to order? Thanks for alll the help.

 

[GPG]

I visited WF yesterday to look at princess stones. I did not see either of the ones you linked but I did see AGS-8239310, the ACA 1.115. It looked absolutely beautiful to my untrained eye. I decided on a different stone, which was also an ACA, and received a 5% discount on the stone and a 2% discount on the setting since I was paying by wire. I initiated my contact with WF by sending an email to ask about a stone and got a call back the same day. If you would prefer to handle everything by phone from the start I doubt that would be a problem. Just call the toll free number on their website. My setting is a custom setting with channel set diamonds and the Legato head and I was told it would ship in about 3 weeks. If you are ordering a stock setting perhaps a little quicker.