Looking for a Princess cut.

[opticsguy]

Hello all,

I have been reading and researching for the past month, and now am ready to buy. I did do some minor ''browsing'' with my gf - just get a feel of what she wants. Quality does not seem to be an issue with her - the diamonds in the mall stores looked the same to her as did a quality F/VVS1. So I am leaning towards a H-J color, VS1-SI1 princess cut. Depth and table not to exceed 73%. We did see a couple of rings with side stones, she fell in love with a princess with two princess sides (plat. band). Looking for a main stone of around 1.7cts. Want to spend around $8500 - $10k max. I live in NH - I have been looking online. I did go to Barmakain''s. There prices seemed ok - average when checked on the price report on here.

Just looking for any input - hoping for suggestions and comments. Thanks!

Oh yeah - does anybody know if Barmakians will come down on the price? Or is it a set price?

 

[opticsguy]

Oh couple of more things -

Is there any reports to stay away from?

Has anyone seen any fancy three stone rings? looking for something a little different.

Thanks again!

 

[moremoremore]

Hi there! I think that if you take the time to learn and look at a lot of stones, you'll see a big difference from well cut stones and typical mall stones...I don't believe that a stone must be "ideal" by the numbers (whatever that is) or achieve top light performance to be pretty...but you want to get what you pay for...and in malls, you will over pay for sure....

Keep in mind that mall lighting is HORRIBLE and will make the stones look a lot whiter and brighter than in regular light....in princess stones, color is more visible than in other shapes...before you go with a J...be sure you see some in better lighting conditions....

I personally feel there is no need to buy above a Vs2 clarity..it will look the same as a vvs stone...truly eye clean si1 are also great...but keep in mind that "eye clean si1" is a subjective term and does not mean it is eye clean through the side or when you are staring at the stone looking for the inclusion...but plenty of people here has TOTALLY eye clean si1s...I was no so lucky...

The crown and pavillion angles are critical....you can pretty much increase your chances by looking for a stone with a good depth and table...table should be equal to or smaller than depth..sometimes bigger than depth is ok too...but your chances go down....I would not buy over a 75 depth...your stone will be bottom heavy and small for the carat weight....

Good luckm in your search!!!! As you can see from this long post, I have no life tonight (hehehehe, hubby is working late!)

 

[moremoremore]

concentrate on a GIA cert...if they offer you an EGL, make sure it is a USA cert and that they have a RETURN (not just refund) policy....they CAN be off...not always...