Princess Cut ER - Narrowing down the field, need your help!

[60SecondsWorth]

First of all, a huge thank you to the many people here that make this such a great resource. I've been lurking for a few months now, and the majority of information I now know about diamond selection (and settings for that matter) are thanks to you fine folks.

In just a month, I plan on speaking with my girlfriend's family. Provided that goes well, I'll be having an even more important conversation with my girlfriend.

I've narrowed down the choices on settings thanks to a few comments she's made. Her ring size is a 5 if that will help with any informed opinions. I'm also leaning towards a princess cut diamond (more on that below).

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-three-sided-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-284 - Not sure how I feel about the basket setting, but the ring itself is beautiful IMO.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-cathedral-channel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-665 - I'm kind of worried about thickness of the channel borders here. Not sure how it's going to look on such a small finger, but maybe I'm just over-thinking these things.

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

As for the diamond, this is where I really need some help.

My budget is 6-7k, and that's really all I know for sure. I've torn apart pretty much all of the loose diamond websites out there and found some really nice looking diamonds. However, I'm still at a loss. Both of the settings I linked to earlier seem to have a maximum stone size of 1.5 carats, so I guess that's my upper limit. I'm more concerned with sparkle and brightness though, so I figure I should be able to find a nice sweet spot with my budget for that.

Any help would be more than appreciated. I'd like to get some ideas here and then ask for the idealscope/ASET for further perusing.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JulieN]

Re: Princess Cut ER - Narrowing down the field, need your he

Three sided pave more delicate, more stones is higher probability of one popping out... recommend 1 sided if there is no strong preference. The basket and overall look of the first is better than the second, which is a little thick. Basically, I think you have a lot of other options.

Dont forget the pave section: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/pave//MetalType:p|MinPrice:100|MaxPrice:9900|PageSize:15|OrderByrice

For centers, how do you feel about clipped corners, this might be worth looking into as G VVS1 is very fine quality for the price: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.13-carat-G-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-135394

This one is really quite beautifully cut: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-I-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-144318

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...5.0|DepthTo:80.0|TableFrom:50.0|TableTo:73.0|

Whiteflash: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2835909.htm

Good Old Gold: http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10403/