Total newbie needing some advice

[nobly]

Hi All! I have to say, this is an awesome site with tons of useful information! The problem is that I''m having some issues applying it.

Here''s my situation:
I''m hunting for a Princess cut, from .75-1 carats, at least I color, and at least SI1. My budget is somewhat ranging from 2500-3500 (solitaire setting and diamond included).

So far I''ve been to 2 B&Ms and looked at a number of internet sites for my diamond. I really like the idea of getting an idealscope, but I''m wondering how much it''ll show in real-life. I guess my real question is how important is the cut? Can it be noticeably distinguished in most cases with the naked eye?

Another issue I have is that since I''ve basically zero experience here, I can''t tell the differences by just using my naked eye. Plus I have nothing to compare to the diamonds I look at.

Also, for the setting, I''m thinking of having a small engraving on the outside of the ring, next to the solitaire. Hopefully it would be a butterfly, but I''m not sure how feasible that would be... Any thoughts?

I''m hesitant to buy a ring online, especially with this idea of engraving it on the outside. I would want to have a good look at it to avoid shipping hassles. But online it would probably be cheaper... Its a dilemma!

Thanks for your time!!! Everyone here as far as I''ve seen is extraordinarily helpful!

 

[E B]

Hi Nobly...welcome to Pricescope!

Here's a gorgeous AGS0 Ideal .80ct, I VS1 princess cut from SuperbCert:

AGS0 .80ct Princess $2575

...in a white gold 4-prong setting:

Setting $375

A gorgeous ring in budget! HTH.

ETA: As for having the solitaire engraved, I'd have this done locally.

 

[Gypsy]

Cut is very important. It is the most important aspect of it all next to your own eyes liking something. Anyone who tells you different has an ulterior motive . Try to stick to AGS0 princess... since they much of the work is done for you... with AGS already rating the diamond in terms of light return and other important aspect. Also, feel free to post here... there aren''t a TON of princess experts on here... but Paul from Infinity diamonds and others that are VERY knowledgable about them do post-- what we lack in quantity we make up for in quality.

Good luck.

 

[nobly]

Thanks for the replies!
I guess my biggest issue is buying online vs. at a store.
I find myself worrying more about the Cons:

Cons:
Uncertainty – How can I be sure that I''ll get what I''m paying for?
Lack of trust – How do I know whether the vendor whom I''ve never met will provide what he promised?
Doubts – How can I be sure that I’ll be able to get my money back if I am not satisfied?

https://www.pricescope.com/isitsafe.asp

According to pricescope, some vendors will send it to an appraiser before you buy it, where it will be evaluated, etc, and if the buyer approves & pays, the appraiser sends it to the buyer.
https://www.pricescope.com/isitsafe.asp#apprising

Does anyone know of online vendors that do this?

Besides, I''d have to get an appraisal for insurance purposes anyways, right?

Thanks again!

 

[DiamondExpert]

''Does anyone know of online vendors that do this?''...most will allow this...it will give you piece of mind and take care of your insurance requirements.

Good luck!