Princess Cut - Budget $2800

[PeteD]

Hi All,

Newbie here looking for some advice. I'm planning to propose to my girlfriend in around 5 weeks and am looking for a princess cut diamond. I live in the UK but am planning to import from the US (more bang for buck). I'd prefer to get one from James Allen, as I really love this setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50241


Here's what I'm looking for...

Cut: Ideal (preferably AGS0, that displays plenty of "fire")
Clarity: VS2 or better
Colour: I or better
Carat: 0.7 and up
Table: Below 70%
Depth: Below 75% if poss
L/W Ratio: 1.00-1.05
Chevrons: 3-4

Budget: Up to $2,800 (diamond only)


I've got a shortlist of 5, but would appreciate any more suggestions!

2 AGS0 cuts:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-530894
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.72-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-761948

This fiery-looking one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.72-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-831404

2 recommended by an impartial diamond advisor:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.82-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-854587
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-364972


Any thoughts/comments appreciated!

Thanks,
Pete

 

[PeteD]

Sorry, just found 2 more that appeal to me:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-721741
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-840369

The latter has quite a high table% (73%) but is a bit more sizeable than the others.

 

[telephone89]

I do prefer the look of the AGS stones, however if you are looking for a bit more size, I also like 721741.

The 0.91 - I don't think it will sparkle quite as much as the others. Above and below the center X (North/South sections) it is not doing much. HOWEVER it is a bit larger. It's also not 100% square. I don't think *most* people would notice once it's set, but that could be contributing to the sparkle factor. It's up to you if you'd prefer size over cut/sparkle.

I would rank my top 3 as such

761948
530894
721741

Oddly, they are colour ranked. That actually did not play into my decision, as I usually prefer warmer stones

 

[PeteD]

Thanks, I would prefer an AGS stone, but they don't seem as fiery as some of the others. I like 721741 too and have reserved it along with this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-807815

I've also requested ASET/Ideal-Scope images for this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-188032

What do you think?

 

[telephone89]

I don't like either as much as the others. Maybe JA will do a side by side look and give you their opinion? I'd snag the AGS's and release the holds on these 2.

 

[PeteD]

Ok, so sounds as though your top 3 holds

What about this AGS? It's AGS1 though, with a slight inclusion on the table. Do you think it would be eye-clean?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.74-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-761945

Thanks for your help!

 

[telephone89]

I do think it would be eye clean. I like this one better than the previous 2, but I don't think it will be as sparkly as the top 3. Maybe throw him in as #4. I'm not sure if you are able to go to a jewellery store and compare AGS 0 with AGS 1, but that might help you. If you can see a noticeable difference, you might jump for the 0. If you can't, you might be comfortable staying with a 1. But buying on the net, especially so far away, returning is a pain. So I would err on the side of caution, lest you be sending stones back and forth across the ocean.

 

[PeteD]

Yeah you're right, I don't think I'd want to risk the hassle of sending it back.

Any of these jump out at you?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/?Color=I,H,G,F,E,D&CaratFrom=0.70&CaratTo=15.00&Clarity=SI1,VS2,VS1,VVS2,VVS1,IF,FL&Cut=TrueHearts&PriceFrom=200&PriceTo=3500&Lab=AGS&Sort=Carat%20desc

 

[E B]

If you aren't completely set on the JA setting, check out this combo:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2862807.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm (Very similar to the setting at JA)

Otherwise, I too think one of the AGS0's from JA would be the safest bet.

 

[PeteD]

While I don't like the WF setting as much (or the price), that diamond is one of the best I've seen so far in terms of light performance!

What if I bought the setting from JA and got the diamond separately from WF and had it set here in the UK? Would a jeweller set it for me - what about insurance?

 

[Gypsy]

Honestly, the WF setting's quality is much nicer than the JA. The workmanship and finish is so much nicer when you look at the photos of the actual real life settings. And that Legato setting is really a stunner.

I really recommend that you get the WF setting. Or look around and see what at WF setting you like.

 

[PeteD]

Thanks Gypsy, OK I'm sold on the WF setting. The diamond E B recommended is beautiful but wondering if I might find something from WF with equally good light performance that's a little bigger? I can stretch my budget to $3k for the diamond (plus £1.3k for the setting). Would appreciate any more suggestions!

 

[PeteD]

A few more to consider...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3568727.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3570263.htm (Is this definitely eye-clean? It's a little over budget but 0.8c)

 

[E B]

A few more to consider...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3568727.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3570263.htm (Is this definitely eye-clean? It's a little over budget but 0.8c)

The G looks beautiful, but when considering going up that much in price, consider the measurements: 4.82x4.79x3.67 (H) vs. 5.06x4.98x3.74 (G) for almost $1.5k more. The I color would also be beautiful but I personally wouldn't go to I in a princess for a surprise engagement in case she's color sensitive. Some people are fine with an I, though, it just depends on the wearer.

 

[PeteD]

Thanks E B, based on what you've said, I've decided to go for the diamond you originally recommended (0.7 H VVS1). My only concern is whether it will look big enough on a size 7 ring - but I think the setting helps emphasise the diamond. Thanks to all for your help, this forum is a fantastic resource!

 

[PeteD]

E B - I don't know what the forum guidelines are, but I understand Whiteflash have a $100 referral program. Are you a member, as I would gladly mention your referral to WF?

Thanks again,
Pete

 

[E B]

Thanks E B, based on what you've said, I've decided to go for the diamond you originally recommended (0.7 H VVS1). My only concern is whether it will look big enough on a size 7 ring - but I think the setting helps emphasise the diamond. Thanks to all for your help, this forum is a fantastic resource!

I think you absolutely made the right decision! Once set, the difference between the diamonds would be near impossible to tell unless maybe you had them side by side (and even then, such a tiny difference) but lots of money saved. Plus, I think it was the nicest diamond of the lot.

Please let us know how the proposal goes, if you remember! Regarding the WF referral, I don't know if I qualify or not with it being an online rec., but that's a very sweet offer.

One more thought, if you're worried about size on the finger, you could put it in a setting like this:

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-r...-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6124 (Whiteflash carries Ritani, and the halo will look a lot more delicate in real life)

...but I think it'll look lovely in the Legato setting, too.