New User- Help! Princess Cut Diamond Questions!

[ulualoha]

Hi Everyone-

I am new to pricescope and I am not sure if I am posting to the right place so I apologize in advance- the boards I thought would be perfect for my questions I couldn''t post to. I just really could use some help. I am trying to help my fiance stay in his budget constraints with purchasing my engagement ring (the original ring I fell in love with was a Tacori setting and since this is the second marriage for both of us...I really wanted a larger stone perhaps 1.25-1.50 carats...but that ended up being a 15k ring which might as well be a new car!). I have come on Pricescope many times and had great luck getting some invaluable information but I am now at some roadblocks and could use some help. We were told that with purchasing a diamond we should be H or better with color and VS1/2 in clarity but I cannot find information on the more elusive elements such as the ideal dimensions for a princess cut diamond (percentages/ thicknesses) or if it''s true that having a blue fluorescence to a diamond with a near colorless classification is helpful or not (I have read mixed reviews). So ultimately I have been pricing diamonds H or better (I had been starting with I or better but was told I would have too much color), VS1/2, and 1.2-1.5 carats. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, I saw the section on buying diamonds on the internet vs from a store...does anyone have any concrete evidence that would support either one more than the other? I have looked on Blue Nile but was told today in a jewelry store that Blue Nile buys the diamonds that in store gemologists reject because of their cut. However when I went on the Better Business Bureau website, they are in good standing. Does anyone know any other way of evaluating which is the better path to take? Finally, does anyone have any comments about buying diamonds from Costco? We are trying to make a good decision on our purchase and any help is very much appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Have a great night everyone!

~Terri

 

[Erin]

I'm sure others here could offer more 'technical' advise, but we went out armed with similar info you have now on princess cuts. After all the searching I still went with the one that 'made me smile.' It just seemed to be the one that met our criteria and still had qualities I thought I needed and the price we were willing to pay.

Good Luck

 

[trizzane]

Aloha,

I would recommend using one of the the online vendors who are on this site quite often. They will provide great asisstance and customer service. For your situation I took a quick look on whiteflash.com (because this is who I bought my Fiance''s princess from) and for your guidelines most ranged from 6k-10k. So I would think with your tacori setting you will be under 10k most likely. Search the board and get some info and just enter your criteria into a search and you should find planty of items within your budget. BTW, what is your budget?

 

[Diachi]

Date: 6/10/2005 2:34:28 AM
Author:ulualoha

Also, I saw the section on buying diamonds on the internet vs from a store...does anyone have any concrete evidence that would support either one more than the other? I have looked on Blue Nile but was told today in a jewelry store that Blue Nile buys the diamonds that in store gemologists reject because of their cut. However when I went on the Better Business Bureau website, they are in good standing. Does anyone know any other way of evaluating which is the better path to take? Finally, does anyone have any comments about buying diamonds from Costco? ~Terri

I am not an expert but hopefully can help...Check out the "Advanced Tutorial" under the Knowledge Link or or search for princess cut on the forum search.

Instead of focusing on the color and clarity, most (if not all) members here will agree that CUT is actually the most important! It will give the diamond a life of its own vs. the "frozen spit" look.

It sounds like the salesperson at your jewelry store was feeding you a line of bull $#!t about Blue Nile, you should hear what some of the things they come up with to try and sway a customer. I was amazed what I heard coming out of a few mouths once I knew a bit more and realized the crap they were coming up with.

I know there was a thread but can''t seem to find it...

Have you tried typing "Costco" into the search thread? I don''t think that they carry high-quality, certified diamonds that are also cut well. Perhaps someone with more experience could chime in here?

Hope this atleast helps a little! I''m sure an expert will be right along to tell you more!!!
Good Luck and keep on asking questions!

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 6/10/2005 2:34:28 AM
Author:ulualoha

I am trying to help my fiance stay in his budget constraints....

1) Did you say what that was?

2) the link below my signature shares suggestions for shopping from me.

3) in addition to comments in today's posts, the search feature at the upper right could help a lot, with respect to comments on B&M vs internet, Costco, & color.

Generally, though, internet buying offers -- I think -- good value, quality options, and the convenience of thoughtful shopping with your slippers mostly on.

Best,

 

[ulualoha]

Hi Erin,

Thanks for your message! You know what is very funny? After all the research and my recent posts....that is exactly what happened! We found the ring yesterday and it''s just gorgeous!! To me, it''s perfect in every way! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post!! Have a great week!!

~Terri

 

[ulualoha]

Hi Everyone-

Boy it''s evident I am new to this page...I thought I was responding to each person''s post but it appears it responds globally!! I want to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to my post. My fiance and I found the most beautiful ring yesterday. I have to admit, I am a bit embarassed! I didn''t know that there was a whole section in a different section of this wonderful webpage resource all about the best dimensions for a princess cut diamond! So when I finally stumbled on it, we went out looking armed with this new information! We found a gorgeous ideal cut princess solitaire and it just was perfect. The setting would take away from the stone if we had gotten a Tacori setting (although I still think it''s a beautiful piece of art). So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond to my posting!! As soon as I can get a good shot of the ring, I promise to post it!! Have a great week everyone!!

~Terri