Which Princess is the Best Princess?

[stephensilva1]

Hey everyone I've been a longtime lurker of this site while researching diamonds and have finally run across a question I was hoping one of you guys could help me with! I’m looking for a Princess Cut diamond between .7-.8 carat under $3500 budget. I’ve followed guidelines that have been stated for choosing diamonds with ideal cuts, good colors without paying an unnecessary premium (between F-I), a minimum clarity of SI1, and good %’s for depth/table. I’ve narrowed down my search to 5 diamonds from different vendors and was hoping someone could help me select the best one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1491659.asp
0.79
F, VS1, Symmetry – Very Good, Polish – Excellent, Slightly Thick to Thick, Ratio 1.04
$3339

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1485602.asp
0.73, G, VS1, Very Good, Excellent, Medium, 1.04
$2551

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1492324.asp
0.70, H, VVS1, Excellent, Excellent, Medium, 1.05
$2256

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.728-f-si1-princess-diamond-ags-8680207
0.728, F, SI1, Excellent, Excellent, Thin to Slightly Thick
$2906

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9334/
0.8, I, VS2, Very Good, Excellent
$2700

Thanks in advance!

 

[stephensilva1]

I also forgot to add these three which I found on WF:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668198.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2681942.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2681947.htm

 

[ariel144]

Did you call GOG on this SolasFera? Look at that MegaScope reading! Look at that high crown so unusual in a princess cut.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9417/

I liked the Brian Gavin best of those you posted very nice ASET for a princess (I'm sure it will be less expensive than a SolasFera) ...would have to see the ASETS on the ones from JA to comment on them.
Good luck!

 

[stephensilva1]

Does JA provide ASETs for their loose diamonds?

 

[ariel144]

Does JA provide ASETs for their loose diamonds?

Yes they do.

 

[stephensilva1]

Ok thanks! Just looked into Solasfera princess cuts and I'm assuming that they are going to be priced higher. Would you say that the Solasfera's are worth the extra upgrade or would sticking to an ideal cut grade from Brian Gavins/JA/WF be a better move?

 

[jaebond]

Among the WF stones, I like the 0.718 best and among the JA stones, I like the 0.70 best (the others are too rectangular for me). For the Solasfera, it is priced at $3959.

 

[Enerchi]

I'd pick the BGD diamond over the JA's. The Solasfera is lovely... but also an extra $1000 almost. Depends what that is worth to you but BGDs signature diamonds are amazing.

 

[stephensilva1]

Thanks everybody I think I'm going to go with the BGD! It would've been nice if GOG had a smaller carat Solasfera (.7 range) that wouldn't be over my budget, oh well

 

[Enerchi]

Gotta say, with BGD, I don't think you can go wrong - they carry beautiful stones and seems like its within your budget range. Good choice! congrats!... now... what are your setting plans - - - don't hold back - post away

 

[stephensilva1]

Still doing some searching for the setting. She wants something simple (solitaire then) but at the same time I don't want it to seem like I bought the cheapest solitaire out there either

Since I would like to stay under 4.5k for the entire ring and the diamond is turning out to be about $2900 then the most I want to spend is 1.5k for the setting. Would it be easier/make more sense to purchase the setting from BG or from a different location. Anyone suggest any platinum solitaires?

I was looking at the following:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/four-prong-solitaire-platinum-5342p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/melissa-platinum-5366p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/domed-flat-band-platinum-5482p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/novela-platinum-5517p

 

[Enerchi]

Of those, my choice would be the simplest one - the 4 prong solitaire. To me, that is simple, classic, clean lines, sophisticated and lets the diamond be the main focus. Perhaps others will have other opinions,but I like that one.

however...
specific to a princess solitiare, which is what I used to wear x 6 years from my 20th to 26th anniversary, I would suggest these:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/lattice-thin-shank-18k-white-gold-5682w18 - love the swoop of the trellis setting and the simple classic look! $1150

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/x-prong-18k-white-gold-5436w18 $1250 if in WG ($1950 if platinum)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/queen-dinah-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5694w18 Queen Dinah, $1170 in WG. Classic!!!

 

[stephensilva1]

Would the princess cut not stand out as well in the classic 4 prong setting as compared to the last ones you posted?

 

[Enerchi]

Definitely! I'm just throwing out options and since your future fiance will be spending hours upon hours inspecting and admiring her ring (its a girl thing!! ), the extra interest of the X or Trellis head where the stone is mounted on, is something that a lot of women are drawn to ... that's all!
I think you have chosen well with the classic 4 prong - I was just giving alternates that, (to me), had a bit of interest that appealed to what *I* look for in a setting.

 

[stephensilva1]

No thank you so much for your input! I guess I'm going to have to spend some time looking/admiring to see which setting would be best. I will definitely post pictures here of the completed ring once I purchase it!

I was wondering if you had any experience with bank wire transfers and your thoughts on them seeing as I would like to save whatever I can but I have never done one before?

 

[Enerchi]

Can't help ya there, Stephen! I've just gone with a credit card/paypal so I get the airmiles!

I have purchased from BGD and I worked with Denise and loved the process. I also have another item in the works that I'll get later in June, so I don't have a lot to share, but I love their diamonds and the workmanship is amazing. I would NOT hesitate at all, if this is where you decide to purchase from.

I am not sure if they offer any PS discount other than the wire one - maybe ask about that too when you speak to them for suggestions. THey will also send you plenty of photographs as well, if you are hemming and hawing over one or two items.

 

[stephensilva1]

Yeah it looks like I'm going to go with BGD. They're probably closed tomorrow because of the holiday but I'm definitely going to call them on Tuesday and see what we can work out! Thanks once again for everything!

 

[stephensilva1]

So I called up BGD and put the diamond on hold! I also liked a few of their settings but didn't think one was perfect (without going over the budget! ) I really liked the Classic Truth setting but didn't like how the head was incorporated with the rest of the ring. I did some more searching and came across another BGD customer on PS, hoofbeats95, who customized a similar solitaire to their liking:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-upgrade-and-matching-band.156751/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-upgrade-and-matching-band.156751/[/URL]

She used the Truth head, put it on a cathedral style setting, and added a melee channel set around which I thought was amazing (BGD sells this custom setting now as the "Jen"). I loved the idea so much that I wanted to use the concept with a few tweaks here and there.

So I called and spoke with Jamie and asked her how much an alternative to the Jen would be - having the Truth Head on a cathedral style setting but without the channel set. Not only would it come out just the way I'd like it to, but the best part was that its price came back under my budget!!! Tomorrow I'll be finalizing the design with Jamie/Brian. I can't wait to receive the CADs

 

[Mico]

sooo i found this browsing and it seems a little too good to be true buuut: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/jwl/3044863373.html

 

[stephensilva1]

If it was appraised so high why sell it as such a low price - way below what "used" diamonds of that range would be sold at. Besides it only mentions ct/color/clarity when cut is one of the most important? Anyways it doesn't really pertain to this thread

 

[Enerchi]

So I called up BGD and put the diamond on hold! I also liked a few of their settings but didn't think one was perfect (without going over the budget! ) I really liked the Classic Truth setting but didn't like how the head was incorporated with the rest of the ring. I did some more searching and came across another BGD customer on PS, hoofbeats95, who customized a similar solitaire to their liking:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-upgrade-and-matching-band.156751/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-upgrade-and-matching-band.156751/[/URL]

She used the Truth head, put it on a cathedral style setting, and added a melee channel set around which I thought was amazing (BGD sells this custom setting now as the "Jen"). I loved the idea so much that I wanted to use the concept with a few tweaks here and there.

So I called and spoke with Jamie and asked her how much an alternative to the Jen would be - having the Truth Head on a cathedral style setting but without the channel set. Not only would it come out just the way I'd like it to, but the best part was that its price came back under my budget!!! Tomorrow I'll be finalizing the design with Jamie/Brian. I can't wait to receive the CADs

I am so happy for you. That is great news!!!

Can't wait to see what it looks like. You won't be disappointed with their quality!

 

[stephensilva1]

Below are images of the CADs for the customized ring. The final product will not be as wide since 15% of coverage material will be shaved off after the casting process. Width of the band will be ~2.2mm for a 4.5 ring size. What do you guys think before I give them the green light to start casting?

 

[stephensilva1]

 

[farmer gal]

Beautiful

 

[Enerchi]

Ya dun good, Steve!


I love the truth head and the band width seems perfect. I'd give it the green light if it were mine , just based on the perfect prongs alone!!

 

[chel180]

I love the truth head and the band width seems perfect. I'd give it the green light if it were mine , just based on the perfect prongs alone!!

+1

 

[tyty333]

I really like the way it looks...great job. Can't wait to see the final ring!

 

[stephensilva1]

So I just arrived home from FedEx, where I picked up the ring!!! It is absolutely beautiful, I cannot stop staring at it!

Thank you to everyone for all of the advice and guidance, I couldn't have created such a beautiful ring without the help! Below I will attach some of the Glamour Shots and pictures that I take!

 

[stephensilva1]

 

[stephensilva1]