Help me select a princess cut please!

[kashewz]

Hi all, two week lurker and first time poster here. Its about time to pop the big question, and I need some help in selecting a nice princess cut stone for my sweetie. Can you please review the attached ASET images and GIA certs to help me identify the best performer for my limited ~$3600 stone budget. My initial search criteria was a G-J color, VS2-SI1, 0.85-1.05ct, with table and depth percentages at 65-75%. Here is what the gemologist says about the 3 stones:

Diamond 1 (1.01ct J VS2) faces up white, however, since it is a J color, it has some visible "warmth" in the body of the diamond when comparing it to the other two diamonds. The diamond has excellent brilliance/ white light return and fire, with overall great balance/ contrast, comparable to diamond 2. The diamond is very attractive and does face up the largest compared to the other two diamonds.


Diamond 2 (0.90ct G SI1), is a bright diamond with great brilliance/ white light return from the center of the diamond, with an overall nice balance/ contrast in the light performance.

 

[kashewz]

Diamond 3 (0.90 H VS2), is a pretty diamond in it's own right, however compared to the other two diamonds the brilliance and fire are not as strong. The diamond appears somewhat lifeless in the center compared to the other two diamonds.


I sure would appreciate any expert guidance/advice!

 

[JulieN]

Both 1 and 2 are ok.

Any other details on price/videos?

 

[kashewz]

#1 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-380650 $3340

#2 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-384796 $3560

 

[tyty333]

The second one appeals to my eye the most.

My concern with the J is that it is a J (which may not be a
problem) but there is a part of the aset that does not look
consistent with the rest of the table. It's around the 3 oclock
area. I can also see it in the video a little. I would ask JA
If it looks symmetrical under the table or is the one area
showing up different than the rest of the stone (under the
table).

 

[kashewz]

Thank you tyty and Julie! I will def ask since they still have the stones on-hand. Appreciate the insight.

 

[JulieN]

The black-background ASETs hide a lot of leakage compared to white-background ASETs. Based on the videos, I think you can do better.

Edit: Ah, the video for #2 looks terrible because you posted the wrong link!

 

[kashewz]

Doh, good catch Julie! Here is the real video for #2

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-384786

(I dont know how to edit my previous post)

 

[momhappy]

Did she specifically ask for a princess cut?

 

[kashewz]

Yes, but she also mentioned cushion cut

 

[JulieN]

The top two are acceptable/very good but i dont think they are great.

 

[momhappy]

Yes, but she also mentioned cushion cut

I only asked because my personal experience is that a princess cut in that size range can look smaller that other cuts (like rounds) in the same size range. Cushion cuts are lovely too and I'm sure that you'll get some great advice here on some fabulous stones (no matter which cut you choose). Again, good luck on your search - I hope that you find the perfect stone