Help me decide on a 2 ct square e-ring diamond

[Matt7009]

Hello all!

So after ~8 years dating my HS girlfriend, it is alas time for me to start thinking about engagement, and with that, comes a big decision on what diamond to buy.

My budget for the diamond is $17-19k and would appreciate any input that you all may have in selecting the best possible diamond for the money.

Thanks all in advance for any input and assistance!

Color: G/H
Clarity: VVS2 / VS1 / VS2
Cut: True Hearts / Ideal
Carat: 2.0 - 2.3

My Top 10

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.08-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-40002

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-878602

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-806736

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-890757

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-623710

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-878604

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-658367

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.09-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-806877

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-806827

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.02-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-824140

 

[marymm]

Here's how I'd rank your Top Ten - keeping in mind that I prefer princess-cuts to have a nice crown height, to be very square, to have an attractive and crisp facet pattern, and a depth not much deeper than 73%.


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.08-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-40002 - this one is the deepest, not very square, and not a very crisp facet pattern.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-878602 - this one seems a bit fuzzy right around the edge of the table, maybe due to the depth and the girdle thickness? I don't know.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-806736 - I'd rank this 2nd - nice and sharp facet pattern

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-890757 - I'd cross this off the list due to the low crown

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-623710 - I'd cross this off the list due to the low crown

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-878604 - this one is too off-square for my own preference

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-658367 - I'd rank this one 1st - the crown angle is apx 12% and it is very square plus nice and sharp facet pattern

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.09-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-806877 - this stone is not available - did you reserve it?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-806827 - I'd cross this off the list due to the low crown

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.02-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-824140 - this one is also very nice - I'd rank it 3rd overall.

 

[marymm]

I took a quick look at WhiteFlash but did not find any I liked better than above.

I also did a quick-search of Blue Nile's Signature Princess-cuts (they come with GCAL certs that offer additional specs/images) - and came across two that are strong candidates I think:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04367750 - $17,216 - I like this one a lot and I think it is at low end of your budget - I'd seriously consider it along with the top three JA stones above.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD03697646 - $18,978 - this one is nice and a true square at 7mm, so maybe in the top 5 (last)?

 

[Gypsy]

Cushion. You should get a cushion. It is way to late for me to help you more now. But a cushion is a better choice than a princess if all your lady has said is "square". Unless she has specifically asked for a princess cut by name, I do not recommend you get one. They are out of style and their corners are fragile. They face up very small. And most ladies looking for square stones want cushions.

We can get you a cushion with ideal light/excellent return. That's not a problem.

Also, I recommend you seeing if she has a pinterest board. And snooping. A lot. Or, better yet, be direct and take her to Tiffany. Have her try on a princess and a cushion (Novo is a cushion) and have them size her. And have her tell you what she likes and see what looks best on her hand.

 

[Matt7009]

This is super helpful! Thanks all!

The girlfriend had mentioned princess in particular so I think I will request that the top three marymm mentioned to be shipped onsite in NY for in-person comparison.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay, then you are all set.

But just in case. Ask her if she knows what a cushion cut is, and what she thinks of them.