Opinions on this .51ct princess cut diamond?

[ddk118]

I am looking for a loose diamond that will eventually be set for an engagement ring. Channel setting with a princess cut diamond. My budget is in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range and I want the stone to be at least .5ct

View at http://www.since1910.com/loose-diamonds/stone/17079232.aspx

This is what I have found so far that interests me, but I want to get some more professional opinions on the stone:

$1,323.00 USD

Princess Cut
Carat Weight:
0.51ct
Color:
F
Clarity:
VVS1
Cut:
Ideal
Certificate:
GIA
More Details:
Depth%:
71.1%
Table%:
72%
Polish:
Very Good
Symmetry:
Very Good
Girdle:
Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet:
None
Fluorescence:
None
Measurements: 4.44x4.44x3.15mm
Length/Width Ratio: 1.00


I suppose I could sacrifice a bit on the quality and go up in carat size, seeing as most of the flaws I'd be giving into would be unnoticed by the naked eye. If I can't surpass .75ct then I don't see the big gain in going up, except for to make sure the total ct of the ring is > 1ct since I may end up with a 1/3ct setting. Also, as it is a princess cut in channel setting is there certain features that should be more or less focused on (such as clarity?) What's your opinion or suggestions for me to get the most out of my money?

ddk118

 

[crbl999]

You can compromise on clarity and color, but not on cut. GIA doesn't grade cut so you will either need to see an ASET of the stone or stick with AGS stones. VVS1 is overkill unless that is important to you. Almost all VS2 are eye clean and you can even find eye clean SI1 and SI2 stones.

 

[stone-cold11]

No way to judge the cut of a princess without an image, preferably an ASET image, the vendor probably will not be able to supply that but you can ask.

GIA does not grade the cut performance of a princess, there is no cut grade on the report, so any cut grade presented by the vendor is by the vendor and can mean anything, usually it is meaningless.

 

[ddk118]

Thanks for the help guys.

They said that they do not have ASET available for any stones under 1ct.

Is there a significant chance of a stone marked as "Ideal" being a poor cut? If the risk is not high then I would not mind buying one and getting it examined afterwards since they do have a return policy that could go in my favour.

Are there any specific characteristics that I should consider when choosing a princess stone for a channel setting?

 

[crbl999]

Ignore the ratings that are given to princess cuts by a vendor. Those labels are given based on the specs of the diamond and do not correlate with how well cut the stone is. James Allen, Good Old Gold, and Whiteflash all have princess cuts and are able to provide you with ASET images.

 

[tyty333]

You need to look at James Allen (they provide aset) or whiteflash (a tad more expensive). You cant really trust vendors
designations for ideal. You need to be able to see pictures of the stones and be able to get aset images to check on the
light return.

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond


Here are a few on JA that might be worth looking into
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1421242.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1417819.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1402439.asp

Whiteflash - these have already been evaluated for light return and are considered "Ideal" by AGS...
these stones also have full trade-up value if that might be a consideration

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-360254.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668213.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668205.htm

Here are what I consider to be some ugly "ideal" cuts...so dont trust that label
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1348129.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1383934.asp