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Princess stone based on a Natalie K setting

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bl27

Rough_Rock
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Oct 8, 2008
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So I have read all the great articles/tutorials here and feel somewhat knowledgeable. Much better than after visiting the retail stores and having them guide me. But I''m still lost as I have selected the setting that I want to buy, which took me months.

http://www.nataliek.com/collection/product.php?id=198&pg=13
http://www.firenzejewels.com/diamonds/info/28-Natalie%20K-223-251-000-Lady-s-1.07ct-Natalie-K-antique-style-diamond-18k-white-gold-engagement-ring-mounting-000-.html

I contacted someone that had it for sale and they recommended a 3.0ct stone. Seeing it in person, I was surprised to see how big the setting was. After reading the information on this site I know that I might be able to get a different ctw as ctw alone does not determine the size of the stone. I also know that the setting can be custom ordered to accommodate different sized stones. I''m trying to order the unmodified version so that the proportions don''t change. I most likely cannot afford a branded stone and I''m okay with that. However, I prefer to get a higher quality stone than a large stone, or atleast a happy medium. I''m just lost as to what will be an acceptable range based on the setting (not willing to change). Here are the characteristics that I am looking for.

Carat Weight: ? (don''t need a magic number)
Cut: Princess
Color: I
Clarity: VVS1 - VS1
Girlde: Medium - Slightly Thick
Fluorescence: No
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent - Very Good
Sparkle: Lots of fire
Budget for stone only: $10k - $16k

Based on my budget I think I''m stuck choosing a lower quality ~3ctw or a higher quality ~2.5ctw. If I''m not even close just let me know......I can handle the criticism
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So far I have only had negative experiences shopping at retailers in my area, so I''m open to ordering online but based on the cost I''m definitely nervous.
 
Welcome to PS!

Just to make sure I understand correctly, your budget of 10 - 16K USD is for a Princess diamond of around 2.5 - 3 carats? Unfortunately to buy a quality diamond of that size you will need to greatly increase the budget. Is that an option?
 
Thnaks for the reply. Being a first time buyer is difficult, but this site has been a great help so far.

I was afraid the budget would be an issue. I can probably get the range up to $20-22k, not sure if that is enough. As a comparison, what could I get in the $20-$22k range and the $10-$16k range? The stone still needs to be in the 2.4-3.1ctw range, but obviously some of the other characteristics will change (color/clarity).
 
I see 2 that are just in your range. Both are from WF

I VS2, $17518

H VS2, $19439

Talk to WF and they will help you make a decision.

A GOG 3c will be at $44763, the only one available at the 3c range quality cut.
 
Date: 10/9/2008 10:27:49 AM
Author: bl27
Thnaks for the reply. Being a first time buyer is difficult, but this site has been a great help so far.

I was afraid the budget would be an issue. I can probably get the range up to $20-22k, not sure if that is enough. As a comparison, what could I get in the $20-$22k range and the $10-$16k range? The stone still needs to be in the 2.4-3.1ctw range, but obviously some of the other characteristics will change (color/clarity).
Ok, you could get something like these for your top budget if size is a priority, these are nicely cut Expert Selection stones.

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-1204592.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-69232.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-67218.htm#

AGS0 cut grade here - http://www.niceice.com/certcopies2007/ags0006632701/index.htm


http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-1204590.htm#

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4785/

Lower end of the budget...

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-1169405.htm#

AGS0 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3765/

I hope this gives you some idea, mix of sizes, colours and clarities but it should give you a good idea of what you can get for your budget. All are well cut, some top of the line AGS0 and some just well cut diamonds but it depends on what you want, if you really want to try to get a quality 3 carat then you would have to increase the budget even more unfortunately.
 
Thanks for all the options Stone-cold11 and Lorelei. Definitely looks like I''ll be going with something closer to 2.5ctw.

I know this is a much debated topic but any suggestions on the fire aspect of the stone in regards to table/crown/pavilion percentages? Just trying to get a range which I should be looking at so I could quickly eliminate possibilities. On a scale of 1-10 I would say that I want something in the 8+ range. Some of the places I have been looking at don''t have Ideal Scope and ASET images. Obviously if they do that will help me, but want to have some figures in mind to assist. Thanks to PS, I feel comfortable with all of the other characteristics but this one.
 
Date: 10/9/2008 11:17:08 AM
Author: bl27
Thanks for all the options Stone-cold11 and Lorelei. Definitely looks like I'll be going with something closer to 2.5ctw.

I know this is a much debated topic but any suggestions on the fire aspect of the stone in regards to table/crown/pavilion percentages? Just trying to get a range which I should be looking at so I could quickly eliminate possibilities. On a scale of 1-10 I would say that I want something in the 8+ range. Some of the places I have been looking at don't have Ideal Scope and ASET images. Obviously if they do that will help me, but want to have some figures in mind to assist. Thanks to PS, I feel comfortable with all of the other characteristics but this one.
Well it isn't really possible to predict performance in fancy shapes which include Princess by numbers...That is why it is best to work with a trusted vendor who has in house diamonds with the cut analysis done, who can advise you. It isn't that simple that such and such depth, table, crown height/ make sure the table is less than the depth etc will get you a good looking Princess, I wish it was! You could consider AGS0 cut grade Princess which could make finding a well cut diamond easier.

I would really recommend working with a vendor who has in house diamonds who can supply you with pics and expert advice. If you want to play around with some numbers, here is a chart you can use but please bear this in mind! Use it as a guide only, your pictures and other images such as ASET are more valuable when picking a Princess! Numbers don't always relate to beauty in the actual diamond, if you get hung up on the numbers then you could miss out on some lovely diamonds you could be happy with, especially when shopping for a sizeable diamond on a budget, so make photos and other images a priority to aid the selection process.

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc1.asp

I don't know if you are particularly concerned with the fire aspect of a diamond ( coloured light) but what you want to look for is a well cut diamond which should give you a good display of fire and brilliance rather than one aspect of a diamond's light return. Also do remember if you are trying to buy a diamond online without any images or photos from a few numbers, that it will be anyone's guess how the diamond will actually look when you open the box, so I would not advise buying in this way.
 
Thanks so much for all of your help!
 
Date: 10/9/2008 11:37:58 AM
Author: bl27
Thanks so much for all of your help!
You are most welcome and I hope it helps you find a lovely Princess!
 
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