Princess Cut, 3K budget

[dshack]

My W2B's mom gave me a 4 prong family setting that has been passed down that my GF mentioned she liked (and it fits). My GF has hinted that she likes princess cut. So, I'm looking for a loose princess cut diamond. I'm not worried about buying online. However, I will need to take the diamond and setting to a jeweler to have it set. Additionally, it is possible that the head of the setting will need work.

First, should I not buy a loose diamond online because I already have the setting--and a jeweler would charge a bunch extra to set stones that he didn't sell me?

Second, any recommendations on stones? I found this one, and was surprised by the low price given the size. Anything wrong with it?

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=97853161&src=builder

Thanks!!

 

[slg47]

My W2B's mom gave me a 4 prong family setting that has been passed down that my GF mentioned she liked (and it fits). My GF has hinted that she likes princess cut. So, I'm looking for a loose princess cut diamond. I'm not worried about buying online. However, I will need to take the diamond and setting to a jeweler to have it set. Additionally, it is possible that the head of the setting will need work.

First, should I not buy a loose diamond online because I already have the setting--and a jeweler would charge a bunch extra to set stones that he didn't sell me?

Second, any recommendations on stones? I found this one, and was surprised by the low price given the size. Anything wrong with it?

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=97853161&src=builder

Thanks!!

what size do you need to fit the setting?

 

[stone-cold11]

EGL is known to be loose in grading of color and clarity when compared to more consistent lab as GIA/AGS, EGL Israel being the worst offender of the lot, could be more than 2/3 grades lower, and as such is traded amongst jewelers at a significant discount and then sold to the unsuspecting customers as a deal when they could have buy a lower graded stone by GIA/AGS for cheaper.

Also, the only lab that grades the cut performance of a princess is AGS, so any cut grade on the website is given by the vendor and could mean anything. Safest to buy a stone graded by AGS or at least from a vendor that can provide ASET image of the stone.

 

[dshack]

Wow, I had no idea about these differences. I'm glad I found this forum. Thanks for the info!

EGL is known to be loose in grading of color and clarity when compared to more consistent lab as GIA/AGS, EGL Israel being the worst offender of the lot, could be more than 2/3 grades lower, and as such is traded amongst jewelers at a significant discount and then sold to the unsuspecting customers as a deal when they could have buy a lower graded stone by GIA/AGS for cheaper.

Also, the only lab that grades the cut performance of a princess is AGS, so any cut grade on the website is given by the vendor and could mean anything. Safest to buy a stone graded by AGS or at least from a vendor that can provide ASET image of the stone.

 

[rubybeth]

Either of these could be good candidates:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8714/ (GIA graded but has Good Old Gold's Lifetime Guarantee which means they back it)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2681935.htm (AGS)

If it's a tiffany-style mount, was it originally set with a round stone? If that's the case, you'll definitely need a new head since a princess stone needs square prongs.

Square prongs: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...rincess-Cut-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring-203.htm

Round prongs: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...Classic-Diamond-Solitaire-by-Eternity-139.htm