Princess Cut Diamond Advice

[heather2012]

Did you purchase #2? I clicked on the link and it says the diamond is no longer available!

 

[JsXtreme01]

I just recieved an email from James Allen in reference to the diamond I posted. Does everyone think I should pass on the stone or purchase it?

I still have an email into GOG, but I have not heard back from them...I'm sure they are busy.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again!

I would call GOG and watch that first video that I linked you to. Jonathan called in a "signature" princess cut from another store and compared it to theirs via video. It's got a GIA grade and is ex/ex/ex on polish/etc and compared to the ones that GOG has in the video (which is lower in color than the one he called in) it knocks it out of the park. It's almost not even a fair comparison


Ask for Jonathan for stones and Sarah usually does settings. It's a family run business so no matter who you work with you'll get amazing service but since it's right after the holidays and with Valentines day right around the corner they are probably pretty busy. They also have a facebook page that you can check out where they have more videos/pictures/etc

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=40629745&id=5620134#!/diamondinfo

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=40629745&id=5620134#!/diamondinfo?sk=photos

I watched those videos you posted last night. It was pretty amazing to see the difference between the stones he compared. I will try to give them a call when I have a free moment today. I did receieve an email from Sarah stating they received my request, so I know they got it.

Thanks again for everyones help. I do appreciate the suggestions for previously used rings, but I would I would like to purchase new. I know it may seem crazy, escpecially when I can save money, but there just seems to be bad juju with buying used E-Rings.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Did you purchase #2? I clicked on the link and it says the diamond is no longer available!

No, I did not. I narrowed it down to diamond #1, until I started looking at GOG a little deeper.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Sarah just emailed me back with these suggestions....

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8960/
About as awesome as you can get. Price; 8118 (Bank wire price). That might be out of budget, depending on the setting.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8908/
She states the diamond above is eye clean. Price 7789.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8926/
I believe someone posted this one earlier. Price 6858. I do like this stone.

Or the orginal choice I posted. Price 6620
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1446357.asp



Out of those...what do you guys think?

 

[vintagelover229]

Don't go with the JA one just based on the size/price/ASET image compared to the GOG ones.

The other 2 depends on what you want to do for a setting. The first one is out of budget-so unless you want a simple solitaire (although that would be beautiful and you can get an amazing band down the road) I say go for # 3. I think you get the best bang for your buck and you can get a stunner of a setting. However you really can't go wrong with any of the 3 stones from GOG. Most people won't be able to tell a difference between the F and the G color unless your color sensitive and they are side by side.

Do you have an eye on a particular setting? Don't you love how they are bigger than you thought you could get to? You can see the brightness from the cut in the photos-I used to not be a fan of princess cuts until I saw GOG stones (and WF expert selection aka X factor but they are the same-ideal princess cut stones).

Wait until you get this ring-your going to be blown away and your FI to be might be speechless for a few moments and blinded by the bling!

 

[slg47]

what about this one?
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2642472.htm

 

[JsXtreme01]

The 1.21 G VS1 seems to be the winner right now. I know that compared to the JA 1.08, the ASET images are night and day. It looks like the 1.21 is going to turn some heads.

Hopefully Sarah will email me back with some setting suggestions, I gave her the size I needed. Hopefully she will be able to help me on this one.

Thank you again!

 

[vintagelover229]

Sarah should be a big help

If you like that stone I would put it on hold-there are A TON of lurkers and stones like that have a bad habit of disappearing after they are posted

Can you tell me a little bit more about your gf lifestyle? Does she wear a lot of jewelery? Does she like flashy things? Does she work with her hands? Pave is delicate and if your harder on your items than some people you'll probably lose stones. However-some people don't really work to much with their hands (other than typing/etc) and can handle that type of wear and tear.

Does she like organic and unique things? Or does she like antique and old things? Does she appreciate the attention to details?

I know I linked you to some setting but if you go check out the princess cut thread (or even cushions) it should give you an idea of what it looks like completed and on the hand.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-princess-cut-collection.159387/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-princess-cut-collection.159387/[/URL]

 

[vintagelover229]

What about something like this? (on page 4 of that first link I just posted). Scroll down half way to see the finished ring.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-princess-almost-finished.34981/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-princess-almost-finished.34981/[/URL]

 

[JsXtreme01]

Thanks Vintage for the links.

My GF is a police dispatcher, so she uses her hands a lot to type. She doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, outside of earings and the occasional necklace. She trully likes a mixture of simple, but classic. My orginal thought was a three stone ring or a simple channel setting. I was shying away from pave settings for the very reason you mentioned. To many choices!

 

[JsXtreme01]

What does everythink of this diamond in this setting?

Diamond:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8926/

Setting:
http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/31006/catid/170

 

[JsXtreme01]

I need your guys opinion on this diamond. What do you think? Thank you so much!

Shape: Princess
Carat Weight: 1.21ct
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Optical Symmetry: Premium
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
Lab Report: GIA
Lab Report #: 2131173104
In House: Yes
Width: 5.65mm
Length: 5.57mm
Depth: 4.43mm
Table Percentage: 66.00%
Depth Percentage: 79.50%





Price is 6858.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[vintagelover229]

I love it! The stone is a stunner and will look amazing in that setting! She's going to be speechless!!!

 

[jstarfireb]

I hate to recommend against a diamond with that beautiful of an ASET, but I think the depth is too high to be in my comfort zone. Because of the high depth, it faces up less like a 1.2ct and more like a 1-1.1ct princess. Granted, it's priced a little lower (I see it's similar to the price of the 1.08ct at JA), so maybe GOG is accounting for that, but you should at least discuss this with Sarah before you buy.

The Solasfera is my favorite. The other GOG stone is a nice choice if you like a 4-chevron stone (I prefer 3 chevrons for a balanced look). I would rule out the JA one because its ASET is not nearly as nice as the GOG stones.

If you're willing to consider I color, there are some very nice looking ones at WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2696799,2696800

My princess is an I, and I can't tell the difference between it and and F or G face-up. The color is only visible from the side.

 

[jstarfireb]

Oh, one more thing...if you're still looking at JA, I would take a look at the ones that Julie recommended. Here are the ones that are still available:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1421562.asp - this would be my pick; love the fluorescence too!
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-858965.asp - ask if the "extremely thin" part of the girdle is big enough to pose a risk or situated at the corner.

 

[JsXtreme01]

I appreciate the help jstar. There is too many choices out there. Last week, i emailed JA about these two diamonds. I am waiting on the ASET images and comparisions.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1442836.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453177.asp

I have been in contact with Sarah about their 1.23. The GOG is the best one so far.

 

[jstarfireb]

I appreciate the help jstar. There is too many choices out there. Last week, i emailed JA about these two diamonds. I am waiting on the ASET images and comparisions.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1442836.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453177.asp

I have been in contact with Sarah about their 1.23. The GOG is the best one so far.

GOG has some great princesses! As for the JA ones...honestly, if you can at this point, I would cancel those 2 ASETs and look at the ones Julie recommended and I reposted above instead. They look much more promising.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Unfortunately, its to late to cancel the request. I guess I goofed on that one.

Because I am new to this...what doesn't look good about the ones I posted? I want to make sure i know what to look for. Thank you in advance!!

 

[jaebond]

I hate to recommend against a diamond with that beautiful of an ASET, but I think the depth is too high to be in my comfort zone. Because of the high depth, it faces up less like a 1.2ct and more like a 1-1.1ct princess. Granted, it's priced a little lower (I see it's similar to the price of the 1.08ct at JA), so maybe GOG is accounting for that, but you should at least discuss this with Sarah before you buy.

I think the stone is also priced a little lower because of the symmetry. It is only symmetrical across the horizontal line, not the vertical line. But as long as they set it so that the symmetry line is vertical, I think it will be okay.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Oh, one more thing...if you're still looking at JA, I would take a look at the ones that Julie recommended. Here are the ones that are still available:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1421562.asp - this would be my pick; love the fluorescence too!

I thought medium blue fluorescece was a bad thing?

What about this one?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1428499.asp

 

[JsXtreme01]

Sorry for the constant updates. You guys have been a big help. I have finally got my setting picked out. Here it is....
http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER6185W83JJ

Now, here is my dilema. For the platinum setting its 1950. If I go platinum, I can pair it with this diamond...
1.) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8926/ for a grand total of around 9,000

Or

I can go with the 18k white gold setting for 1350. If I go that route, I can pair it with these two diamonds....
2.) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8960/ for a grand total of around 9800
3.) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8908/ for a grand total of around 9200.

What would you choose? Number 1, 2 or 3? Thanks again!

 

[farmer gal]

I would go with option 2

 

[JsXtreme01]

Well, there is one vote for number 2. I stand corrected, if I bank wire, its would be around 9500.

I am in the process of looking into it, but what do you guys think about bank wire?

 

[vintagelover229]

Number 2 and white gold. I LOVE that setting! And that stone is amazing!!!

 

[jstarfireb]

Oh, one more thing...if you're still looking at JA, I would take a look at the ones that Julie recommended. Here are the ones that are still available:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1421562.asp - this would be my pick; love the fluorescence too!

I thought medium blue fluorescece was a bad thing?

What about this one?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1428499.asp

Fluorescence in D-F colored diamonds used to be considered bad by the trade, but many (maybe even the majority here on PS, including myself) consider it to be a good thing. BGD actually sells a line of fluorescent stones because of the niche market for fluorescence that PS has created. In reality it's an issue of personal preference. Medium blue fluor may or may not be apparent in real life...I have a stone with MBF that shows no effect in sunlight, but shine a UV penlight on it, and it glows a cool purplish blue. I personally love the bluish glow that strongly fluorescent stones give off in sunlight, but this is mostly seen in strong to very strong fluor. The concern with those is that a very small percentage can appear hazy or milky in sunlight, but this is rare. In D-F colored diamonds, it confers a slight discount, so for me that's an added bonus: a beautiful bluish glow combined with a discount! It is also known to make lower colors appear whiter (I-J etc.), in which case it's considered good even by the trade and comes with a price increase rather than decrease. I believe it has no effect on the price of G-H colored diamonds.

Anyway, regarding your other choices at JA, careful inspection of the photos shows some undesirable leakage patterns:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1428499.asp - I don't like this diamond because it's leaking light under the table in an hourglass-shaped pattern. Better to have a more even contrast pattern.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1442836.asp - could be more promising, but doesn't appear very bright, and there is a diamond-shaped pattern of leakage under the table
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453177.asp - table is on the larger side (i.e. less fire), there's leakage at the corners of the table, and the faceting pattern is not very pretty to me.

Anyway, it looks like you're going with one of the GOG picks, which is a good choice considering the alternatives. I would without hesitation pick #2, the Solasfera, with the white gold setting. It will look perceptibly larger than the 1.21 (which, again, faces up small for its carat weight), and I prefer the faceting pattern over that of the F/SI1.

ETA: My husband paid for my engagement ring by bank wire. You just need to weigh the bank wire price against the price without wire, accounting for bank fees and any cash back that you might get by paying by credit card if your credit limit is high enough.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Wow...thank you JStar for the information. I am so happy that I came across Pricescope. You guys have been a great help and have educated me on the world of diamonds. Once again, thank you to everyone who has helped me in this thread.

I am getting some last minute questions answered, but I am close to making the purchase. I have BofA, so its an added bonus with the bank transfer. I get a cheaper price and no transaction fees. Whoo Hoo! When I do, I will update you guys and post pics when it arrives.

 

[JsXtreme01]

Well, I placed the order with GOG this morning. I am on my way to the bank to wire them the funds. This is what I purchased.

Diamond:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8958/
Shape: Princess
Carat Weight: 1.23ct
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Optical Symmetry: Solasfera
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Culet: None
Lab Report: GIA
Lab Report #: 5121909093
In House: Yes
Width: 5.83mm
Length: 5.84mm
Depth: 4.35mm
Table Percentage: 59.00%
Depth Percentage: 74.50%
Policy: Lifetime Guarantee

Setting:
http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER6185W83JJ
18K White Gold


I wanted to give a huge thank you to Vintage and JStar. You helped me understand this whole new diamond world and I know I am hooked now. Once I get the ring in, I will post pictures and show everyone. Thank you again!