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Please Help Me Choose a Princess Cut Diamond!

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MD1133

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 5, 2017
Messages
13
Hi All,

I'm deciding between a few smaller diamonds for an engagement ring. Of these, which is the best and what are the negatives for each? I tried to pick diamonds with excellent cut dimensions, but ultimately I am looking for a diamond that provides great value and quality for the price. I'm still learning a lot about diamond quality and choice, so any recommendations would be appreciated!

Diamond 1
Diamond 2
Diamond 3

Thanks!
 
I like the non crushed ice look of diamond 2 but that is purely a personal preference. Following along since I never see anyone asking about PCs!
 
MD1133 said:
Hi All,

I'm deciding between a few smaller diamonds for an engagement ring. Of these, which is the best and what are the negatives for each? I tried to pick diamonds with excellent cut dimensions, but ultimately I am looking for a diamond that provides great value and quality for the price. I'm still learning a lot about diamond quality and choice, so any recommendations would be appreciated!

Diamond 1
Diamond 2
Diamond 3

Thanks!
Click to expand...
1) Can you give us your wants? Size, color, budget, clarity.
2) Just to check, if you are not the wearer, did the wearer specifically ask for a princess cut diamond? They are loved by some, but not by all.
3) If BN the only vendor you want to work with or are are you open to other vendors? Are you based in the US or elsewhere (just name of country)?
 
rockysalamander said:
1) Can you give us your wants? Size, color, budget, clarity.
2) Just to check, if you are not the wearer, did the wearer specifically ask for a princess cut diamond? They are loved by some, but not by all.
3) If BN the only vendor you want to work with or are are you open to other vendors? Are you based in the US or elsewhere (just name of country)?
Click to expand...

1) The size I am looking for in between 0.8 and 0.98 carats. I am trying to stay around a budget of $3000-$3500 for the diamond. I would like a excellent or better cut stone that is eye clean. I've mainly looked at VSI1 and better for clarity.
2) Yeah the princess cut diamond was specifically requested
3) I am definitely open to any dealer you would say is reputable and offers good pricing and quality. I am based in the US so ideally would like to work with a company that runs an operation here and will ship from the US.

Thanks for the response! I appreciate your help and am definitely open to any suggested guides to look at. Are there any shops that you would recommend avoiding?
 
farrahlyn said:
Princess stones are tricky! Definitely stick to Excellent cut (which none that you posted are) ITA with RS, make sure the intended wants a princess before purchasing. Some just don't care for them at all.

i'd suggest a super ideal when choosing a princess stone. Price on par and is a gorgeous stone
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3826702.htm
Click to expand...

Great find! You're right, there is a real difference between this one and the ones I had noted. The 'star' in the middle is much better defined.
 
You drop a color, but gain some size. WF has an better upgrade policy AND are less than JA, I'd choose on of the WF options.

@farrahlyn recommended. 0.81 G VS2. 5.12. $2943
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3826702.htm

0.831 H VS1, 5.15 mm, $2938.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3800278.htm

0.917 I VS1, 5.24 mm, $3554.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3208311.htm

G VS on left, I VS1 on right. Size 6.5 ring. Ring 2.2 mm.
upload_2017-10-5_21-59-52.png
 
Last edited:
rockysalamander said:
You drop a color, but gain some size. I listed a JA choice also, but since WF has an better upgrade policy AND are less, I'd choose on of the two WF options.

@farrahlyn recommended. 0.81 G VS2. 5.12. $2943
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3826702.htm

0.831 H VS1, 5.15 mm, $2938.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3800278.htm

0.917 I VS1, 5.24 mm, $3554.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3208311.htm

G VS on left, I VS1 on right. Size 6.5 ring. Ring 2.2 mm.
upload_2017-10-5_21-59-52.png
Click to expand...

Great adds as well. Thank you! You're right, WF has a great upgrade policy. Is there a time limit on their return policy? I noticed they don't have it listed.
 
What kind of setting do you have in mind?

Here's what their website says regarding returns...as long as the setting you choose is stock and not customize, it would also qualify.

https://www.whiteflash.com/confidence/money-back-guarantee

Our return policy is designed to give you complete confidence in your purchase. All in-stock diamonds (A CUT ABOVE, Expert Selection and Premium Select) and regular catalogue items are covered by a full 30-day money back guarantee. Diamonds from our Virtual Selection category as well as diamonds and jewelry that may be sourced for you from outside vendors are covered by a 10 day money back guarantee. Jewelry that is custom made or altered from original specifications (other than normal sizing) are not returnable. For important details please see our return policy page
 
I would go with a Whiteflash stone...they are AGS000 stones (which means Ideal light performance) and have lifetime upgrade for same
price or more (best upgrade you'll find).
 
rockysalamander said:
What kind of setting do you have in mind?

Here's what their website says regarding returns...as long as the setting you choose is stock and not customize, it would also qualify.

https://www.whiteflash.com/confidence/money-back-guarantee

Our return policy is designed to give you complete confidence in your purchase. All in-stock diamonds (A CUT ABOVE, Expert Selection and Premium Select) and regular catalogue items are covered by a full 30-day money back guarantee. Diamonds from our Virtual Selection category as well as diamonds and jewelry that may be sourced for you from outside vendors are covered by a 10 day money back guarantee. Jewelry that is custom made or altered from original specifications (other than normal sizing) are not returnable. For important details please see our return policy page
Click to expand...

These two settings are my two favorites that I have found. I haven't found anything similar on White Flash yet though:

Luna Setting
French Pave

They have a simple, yet elegant look to them.
 
1st and last get my vote. #1 has a narrower top that I particularly like.
 
tyty333 said:
I would go with a Whiteflash stone...they are AGS000 stones (which means Ideal light performance) and have lifetime upgrade for same price or more (best upgrade you'll find).
Click to expand...

There are less than 100 AGS graded princess cuts on the enture Pricescope list. Not sure if any is a better deal than WF [gotta go]
 
Just checking in...how's it going?
 
rockysalamander said:
Just checking in...how's it going?
Click to expand...

Great! I have a proposal date of Mid December, so I likely won't make a purchase until a little before then in case I need to use the 30-day return. I also might only buy the diamond from WF. I really am not finding any rings that I particularly like from them. Thanks for checking!
 
Good news. I read an article that something around 20% of people get engaged in December plus Christmas comes, so you might want to get ahead of that curve and make sure to have everything ordered WELL ahead of time. Popular vendors get behind just like any other store.
 
UPDATE:

I have decided to custom design a ring with a local jeweler who has been around for over 150 years and offers the same upgrade policy as Whiteflash with lifetime free cleanings and replating.

I may still buy the diamond through Whiteflash though, but I gave her the opportunity to find a equal or better AGS000 diamond for the same price.

The ring is going to be the princess cut in the center with two smaller pears as the side stone that point into a Luna cut pave the rest of the way. It is going to be a fun process designing everything! I'll post CAD renditions and another update once we are into the process.

0
0


setting_template_main
 
Hello again,

I have narrowed my diamond choice down to two choices from Whiteflash:

Diamond 1
vs.
Diamond 2

I am leaning toward diamond two as it is a tiny bit bigger, one step cleaner, and seems to sparkle better in the imagery. Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other? I will be talking with the Whiteflash Diamond consultant soon.

Thank you!
 
MD1133 said:
Hello again,

I have narrowed my diamond choice down to two choices from Whiteflash:

Diamond 1
vs.
Diamond 2

I am leaning toward diamond two as it is a tiny bit bigger, one step cleaner, and seems to sparkle better in the imagery. Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other? I will be talking with the Whiteflash Diamond consultant soon.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

They are both nice diamonds! All things equal, I i might the slightly whiter one (G), but there shouldn't be a huge difference between a G and an H. I would just ask WFs consultant to compare the two stones, maybe even send you a comparison pic and give you their opinion.
 
I second @SimoneDi that you can ask WF's gemologist for an opinion, but G will read beautifully white.

I do want to ponder a few things.

1) Not keen on having a local jeweler set a super-ideal diamond. Especially for super-ideals, your local jeweler will not have access to the same quality of stone. If you go this route, make sure you have the diamond insured for damage during setting (to my knowledge, only Jewelers Mutual offers this coverage) and you have it in writing from the jeweler that he agrees that 'like kind and quality' means another diamond by Whiteflash of the same specs.

2) Custom is very very hard. Even for us experienced folks, custom design is not easy. If you go custom, please consider directly involving your GF in the process (maybe set the princess in a presentation setting for the engagement). There are a lot of details and decision along the path and you may not like the end product. Just go in with your eyes open about how hard and frustrating it may be.

JA has this setting that sounds very close to what you want...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22635

3) Have a look at Maevona's instagram feed. Her setting are unique and gorgeous. they are very delicate, but well-made. Not sure if WF can order from Maevona, but you can via her website. She can change the center from round to princess in most settings. I like mixing brilliant cuts (princess) with step-cuts (baguettes or traps). Is works better than the 'wall of bling' that can happen with all brilliants. The mix of cuts better frame the center.

To me, the Torsa with its graceful curves and mix of princess, baguette and pave is gorgeous. But, not cheap at $2580 retail. She makes this without the pave too.
upload_2017-10-25_14-15-4.png
upload_2017-10-25_14-21-33.png

others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaM9UpiAnlT/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BacNDgJgSqd/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZEZuuBjAh/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BX_bhYfg9Np/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BViJEfrgFKE/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7unTbACkW/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
 
I agree with rocky. Why not send your inspiration photo to Whiteflash and see if they have ideas on making something custom? I'd personally want WF to set my super-ideal diamond rather than letting another jeweler damage it in the process.

I'm working with WF right now and their customer service is outstanding. I'm having one of their settings customized for me - it's been a super easy process. Your design doesn't look that tricky to me (then again, what do I know about creating a ring. haha!).
 
rockysalamander said:
I second @SimoneDi that you can ask WF's gemologist for an opinion, but G will read beautifully white.

I do want to ponder a few things.

1) Not keen on having a local jeweler set a super-ideal diamond. Especially for super-ideals, your local jeweler will not have access to the same quality of stone. If you go this route, make sure you have the diamond insured for damage during setting (to my knowledge, only Jewelers Mutual offers this coverage) and you have it in writing from the jeweler that he agrees that 'like kind and quality' means another diamond by Whiteflash of the same specs.

2) Custom is very very hard. Even for us experienced folks, custom design is not easy. If you go custom, please consider directly involving your GF in the process (maybe set the princess in a presentation setting for the engagement). There are a lot of details and decision along the path and you may not like the end product. Just go in with your eyes open about how hard and frustrating it may be.

JA has this setting that sounds very close to what you want...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22635

3) Have a look at Maevona's instagram feed. Her setting are unique and gorgeous. they are very delicate, but well-made. Not sure if WF can order from Maevona, but you can via her website. She can change the center from round to princess in most settings. I like mixing brilliant cuts (princess) with step-cuts (baguettes or traps). Is works better than the 'wall of bling' that can happen with all brilliants. The mix of cuts better frame the center.

To me, the Torsa with its graceful curves and mix of princess, baguette and pave is gorgeous. But, not cheap at $2580 retail. She makes this without the pave too.
upload_2017-10-25_14-15-4.png
upload_2017-10-25_14-21-33.png

others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaM9UpiAnlT/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BacNDgJgSqd/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZEZuuBjAh/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BX_bhYfg9Np/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BViJEfrgFKE/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7unTbACkW/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
Click to expand...


1) Thanks for the advice. I am not worried about the local jeweler damaging the diamond, but will take those necessary precautions. Is your biggest hesitation that you wouldn't trust your local jeweler with handling the stone because the stone is more fragile with its cut? I will talk to Whiteflash about their custom design process, but frankly, the local jeweler will be more convenient for me, easier to access for cleaning/replating, and easier to deal with being able to go to the store and meet directly with the CAD designer.

2) I'm not worried about the custom design being difficult quite yet, but I will definitely keep an open mind to the difficulty. I have been very specific with my jeweler on a lot of the design decisions already. I will be meeting with the jeweler this week to go over all of the details. I have switched form a princess to trillion cuts for the sides. Attached is also the PDF I sent my jeweler outlining some of my inspirations. I have been using my GF's best friend as a sounding board, so she has some buy-in. Having my GF in the process is definitely out of the question for me.

3) Really love her style! Thank you for sharing! You're right, the Torsa is beautiful and it does have some great subtle curves. Although it is outside of my price range.

On the diamond, thank you all for your thoughts. I thought I was going to go with the VS1 after talking with the WF consultant, but now I'm back to being unsure, lol. I liked the ASET patterns better on the VS1, but it was honestly so minutely different. The WF consultant thought the color wouldn't even be noticeable but it might be worth it if I am super critical.
 

Attachments

What's your setting budget?
 
$2000 or less would be ideal. Preferably less.
 
Why my hesitation...Any cut with sharp points is more fragile than curves. There is not much diamond material under that edge and they do get damaged in setting. But, even for a round, I'm very careful about who sets my stones. In terms of convenience, most of of the design work will be done over email. So, I've never worried about design from afar (I've worked with a designer on the other side of the US and from Denmark). Any competent jeweler can do the maintenance, the ring designed does not need to do that. If I damaged my setting, I would send it back to the designer.

This seems to be along the lines your diagrams lead, if you want bigger side stones, except you'd want the side stones tipped downward a bit and pave on the band...akin to the Tacori below. This was by David Klass (213-489-4569), he is someone I and many other PS members trust with fragile and expensive stones.

upload_2017-10-25_15-30-41.png
upload_2017-10-25_15-31-11.png

https://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/new-anniversary-ring-by-david-klass-pic-heavy/

This Tacori has some similar features as you described (without all the milgrain and the crescents in the shank). I like the simplier side view of the David Klass ring and the shank of this ring.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/im-new-and-got-a-new-tacori-ring-to-show.86560/
upload_2017-10-25_15-54-58.png
 

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RingCAD.PNG UPDATE: Ring CAD is finished. It took us a couple iterations, but I think it turned out excellent. Thank you everyone for your suggestions on rings. I took some great inspirations from some of your links. Now on to the Wax mold and casting!
 

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FINAL UPDATE: She said yes! The ring turned out amazing and I was blessed with an amazing sunset in Belize when I popped the question. Could not have been happier working locally with our jeweler. I still need to take some nice macro detail shots of the ring, but this will give you a great idea of how it turned out. Hugely fun project and I would not have done it any other way. Thank you all for the help, inspirations, and recommendations.


IMG955128.jpg IMG955130_01.jpgIMG955129_01.jpg
 
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