Princess Cut Diamond (Best Online Vendor?)

[Rocky2014]

I am interested in getting a princess cut diamond (1/2 carat, very good-excellent cut, G-H color, VS1-VS2 clarity) online. It seems like the prices are between $1000-$1500. I've heard of many good online vendors (e.g., Whiteflash), but I'm wondering if there is a "best" one for the princess cut. Also, does anyone know why the online vendors rarely list the cut quality for princess cut diamonds? I know cut is supposed to be one of the most important of the "4 C's," so it bothers me that I can't get this information easily when searching online.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[ecf8503]

The only lab that "grades" princess cuts is AGS.

 

[Rocky2014]

I see. So does that mean there is no way to tell the cut if graded by another lab (e.g., GIA)? Thanks again!

 

[RockyRacoon]

I would suggest with Whiteflash or Good Old Gold for a Princess cut. They both stock stones with AGS0 confirmed performance. Couldn't find a great candidate from GOG's online search, but you may be able to give them a call and ask what they can get for you.

Brian Gavin also has some, but the selection is pretty limited.

Here are a couple with top-notch cuts, close to the range/specs you're looking for:

.601ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3189830.htm

.68ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3052162.htm

 

[Rockdiamond]

I would suggest looking at both well cut generic stones as well as AGSL 0 cut grade stones.
Without a doubt, AGS graded stones will be more consistent from one to the next.
However there's a different type of look associated with AGSL 0 cut grade stones and non AGSL graded well cut princess cut diamonds.
If one prefers the AGSL look, it's an easy choice- but there's a lot of folks who will pick a "spreadier" non AGSL stone based on appearance.
As you pointed out, with GIA graded stones there's no cut standard- which makes it a bit trickier to choose.

Congratulations and best of luck in your search.

 

[Rocky2014]

Thanks so much for the replies! This is very helpful. My boyfriend and I have been talking more seriously about budget and we are trying so hard to find something I like at a reasonable price. The setting I like is no longer available but we've found a nice jeweler who can make it for $1000. Our budget is $3000--for everything, including engagement ring and wedding band--so I'm trying to find a nice stone in the $1500 or less range. I really don't want below .5 carat (prefer .75, but not in the budget, I'm afraid) and also want something that is not noticeably yellow and is "eye clean."

Probably more info than anyone needed! But, at any rate, I appreciate the help. I was so confused about the grading reports for princess stones and now I feel a little less clueless.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks so much for the replies! This is very helpful. My boyfriend and I have been talking more seriously about budget and we are trying so hard to find something I like at a reasonable price. The setting I like is no longer available but we've found a nice jeweler who can make it for $1000. Our budget is $3000--for everything, including engagement ring and wedding band--so I'm trying to find a nice stone in the $1500 or less range. I really don't want below .5 carat (prefer .75, but not in the budget, I'm afraid) and also want something that is not noticeably yellow and is "eye clean."

Probably more info than anyone needed! But, at any rate, I appreciate the help. I was so confused about the grading reports for princess stones and now I feel a little less clueless.

With that budget in mind, check out the two Whiteflash stones I had linked above (very close to $1,500).

You may also want to consider this option:
.55ct, D, VS2
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-colorless-diamond-55ct-d-vs2-princess-cut-gia-great-cut-r5803

Close to budget, as colorless as it gets, and eye-clean. The poster just before you actually runs that site, so you may want to reach out to him to get some other options, as well!