Need Advice

[joejohnston86]

Hello,

I have been researching and looking for the right engagement ring for awhile now. I have narrowed it down to two diamonds from James Allen. Was looking for a little help between the two.

I have them on hold and I am waiting on asset image scans of both of them.

First one: Price: $3,780.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-228547

Second one: Price: $4,300.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.95-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-242019

Setting and matching band: Price: $1,950.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/wedding-sets/18k-white-gold-thin-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-.28ct-channel-set-wedding-band-item-5359

Fairly significant price difference. So what do you think? Is the second one worth it? Am I on the right track?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Mavin]

I am an absolute newbie, but as a guy who just went through this process I learned a few things. For my money, I went with a VS2 stone because you can not see any inclusions with the naked eye, so why pay more for it to just look better under the microscope? My understanding is if you look hard you can find SI1 stones that are also eye clean but I didnt want to risk it. Not all the same speced stones are created equal though which is why you need to look at the images.

That said, I only read about round diamonds, not sure if the same applies to the princess. Goodluck man.

 

[GoSounders]

The lighter, cheaper stone is actually a little larger in dimension, so I would say the expensive one is not worth it. Have you requested ASET images of both stones?

Agreed about looking for the cheapest eye-clean stone, but JA's VS princesses in this range don't seem to be much cheaper.

 

[joejohnston86]

I have requested the images and hopefully I receive them soon. I actually had my search perimeters lower in both color and clarity but these two just happened to be higher.

 

[TC1987]

I don't know very much about princess cut. But usually only the best-cut stones are sent to AGS for grading. I know that is true for round diamonds. Cutters and owners shop grading labs in order to get the best-sounding grade for their diamonds.

Someplace on here, there are discussions of the preferred parameters for princess diamonds. see https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond,, too.

 

[Christina...]

I have to admit that I'm not a princess cut expert by any means but I think both stones look to have potential. I'm going to withhold judgement until you receive the ASET images though. James Allens gemologist also do a good review of the diamonds and are able to compare them side by side so I would encourage you to give their opinion significant weight.

Have you taken a look at White Flashes princess cut line? They have a beautiful selection as well if you find yourself looking for alternatives.

Congratulations, it's going to be a beautiful ring!

 

[msop04]

First one: Price: $3,780.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-228547

Second one: Price: $4,300.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.95-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-242019

Setting and matching band: Price: $1,950.00
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/wedding-sets/18k-white-gold-thin-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-.28ct-channel-set-wedding-band-item-5359

The True Hearts H/VVS1 seems to have broader faceting (most "generic" princesses tend to have more splintery faceting), so I like it the best. But if she prefers a more "splintery" look, the H/VVS2 would be your best bet. Both are look good, and I don't think you can go wrong. It all depends on what look you're going for... I'm interested to see the ASET on each stone. I'd want the one with the best light performance.

 

[joejohnston86]

So today I received the ASET images. I will need let them know by tomorrow afternoon.

Here is what the James Allen person said (Note I had them look at three diamonds but the 3rd isnt worth looking at)

The great news is, all three princess cut diamonds are very pretty, well-balanced diamonds. They are all eye-clean, white in color and have comparable light performance, brilliance and fire. Standing alone, any of the three would be a nice choice. In comparing them to each other, however diamond item #228547 slightly outperformed the other two in overall performance. It also appears the largest face-up.

Option 1 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-228547


Option 2 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.95-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-242019

 

[joejohnston86]

Any opinions? I only have a few more hours to decide!

Thanks!

 

[GoSounders]

I'd go along with their recommendation. It's nice when they tell you to buy the cheaper stone.

The .90 has a little less brightness, as shown by less red in the ASET, but it's got lots of clearly defined facets that will scintillate (or flash) between brightness and contrast. IMO, that's the appeal of a princess cut. As mentioned, it also has larger dimensions.

If you'd like a stone that simply reflects the most light, then the .95 is better for that.