Newbie question: round v. princess

[Nicities]

I''ve just started looking for an e-ring and this website is great. Thanks so much.

My GF has expressed interest in both round and square diamonds. She wants something that catches the eye, but either shape is fine.

We''re both poor students, so I was thinking that a princess cut gave more bang for the buck. But looking at the dimensions, it seems the round actually has a larger surface area, so maybe that''s a better choice. Am I right to think this? I''m looking at something in the range of .6-.9 ct, with a budget less than 3K.

Also, is it true that round diamonds generally have more brilliance than square? This seems to be the most critical thing for her.

Thanks

 

[mrmedoes]

In terms of size, take a look at this handy PDF chart from Amazon that I seem to be posting all over the place today:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/stores/jewelry/create-a-ring/actual-diamond-size.html/103-8018968-9015803

 

[blukolr]

welcome nicities...i''m fairly new to the boards myself but you''ll find many discussions on this topic throughout PS, here''s one i came across...good luck on your search

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/newbie-mm-to-carat-conversion-round-versus-princess.17591/=

 

[Nicities]

Thanks folks. I didn''t come across that earlier thread. It answers all I need to know about size.

 

[Gypsy]

I like the brilliance and cuts of rounds... but the square shape. If I had to do it all over again I''d get a square (equal length and width) radiant cut diamond. You can set it anyway you like, it''s got the fire and brilliance of a round, but again, a squarish shape. That''s just my .02 though.

 

[MrBleeker]

Rounds are generally thought of as having more "life" to them soley because they have more faceting...correct me if I am wrong someone.

My reccomendation would be to look at stones locally to choose your type of stone you want (round, princess, emerald, radient etc..) before you start looking online for stones. That is too big of a decision to see what it is you want.

With a 3k budget (stone only or stone +rings and settings?) you probably can''t find a princess cut that will have amazing sparkle like a round will as the only ones will be super ideal cuts or AGS0 cuts... and google''ing Infinity diamonds will give you a site with AGS0 diamonds... but they are pretty pricey, and worth it I am sure.

Ultimately I would take your significant other and decide amongst yourselves (or just her haha) what it is she wants by looking at them face to face.. then come back here and begin your search.

Best of luck to you!