Ring Buying Advice

[Mustang4life]

Hello Everyone,

Sorry if this is not the correct part of the forum to post this type of question. First, I want to propose to my gd of next week on our 3 yr anniversary. I know I am cutting this close but I just was able to ask her dad for permission since he was on extensive travel for a few months. She has been talking about rings for about a year and I know she wants a princess cut and for it to be 1 carat. My budget is $6,000 USD. I have check Blue Nile and James Allen. My impressions are that I like James Allen a bit more.

I have done a ton of research into the 4'c but what is still getting me hung up are these AGS ASET Scope images..And I can't seem to fine an answer has to how to spot a better diamond from another by looking at this image for a princess cut. From what I was able to gather, I want lots of red and a star pattern? I have no problem finding them with lots of red but I can't find any that show a nice star. Furthermore, some of lots of red spread out and others have it blocked together.

Here are four diamonds I am looking at:

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-299418


2. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-299413

3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-283683 (tons of red in the middle)

4. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-290862


So could someone please explain the scope and how to tell if a princess cut will be really sparkle? Isn't that what the scope image is showing me?

 

[luvdajules]

Hi OP, I can't really answer your questions about imaging or princesses in general, but I found several in G/H VS1 and 2 ACAs on WF website in size and budget. Here's just one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2947185.htm

with the imaging and great cut reputation of the ACAs and lifetime upgrade (double check for princesses) and other post purchase benefits of WF, this would be my choice. You have a nice budget to buy a wonderful stone she will absolutely love. Good luck and how do you plan to set?

ETA: WF has an ACA princess that's an H/Si1 that's eyeclean and under $5k, leaves you a lot for a nice setting.

 

[luvdajules]

poster marymm found this princess at GOG for $4800, just under a carat:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12036/
looks very nice and has the performance testing and images to make a confident choice. Hope these help!