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Q&A: Best Princess Cut for $3000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Your website has been so influential on my diamond buying journey.. I would love some help to sift through perhaps what I should buy! I’m looking for:

1. Best diamond for fixed budget of 2.5-3k (total)

2. Princess cut

3. The best value for the least noticeable (I-H?)

4. Eye-clean for the best value!! (SI1-2?)

5. A carat that would look proportionate to a 4.5 size ring.. (6-7?

Thank you so much.. I’m not sure if this is possible!! You’ll help make my dream come true–marrying my girlfriend.

I’m very happy to help! I agree H/I is your best bet for color. If we can find an eye clean SI1 or SI2, that would be great, but the problem with princesses is that usually the type of rough that princesses are cut from produce very strong black SIs. So it’s very likely we’ll have to settle for a VS2. Here’s a nice stone, but there’s no picture yet. So you should definitely request one from JA;

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326775.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Forward me a copy when you get it.


Wow thanks for the quick reply. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if you would! Thank you so much 🙂 Yes, I agree I think we’ll have to settle for a VS2. I just requested a picture from them but their office is down so It’ll take at least a week for the picture. Now, I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a diamond just a wee bit smaller, as I’m trying my best to keep it under 3000.. although if I push it then I could buy it, it’d be about 4000 with the set. I’m a student just finishing my degree.. so I don’t have any money. Heh. Well anyway, thank you SOO much for your help. I’m sure you get a thousand emails everyday.. If it’s possible I’d like to keep in touch.


It’d be my pleasure to stay in touch. How’s this stone look for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327214.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357


This is amazing. This is perfect!! I don’t understand why it’s 1k cheaper… it’s amazing how much .1 carat can do to the price.

If you recommend this one, I’ll buy it. Are there any questions I should ask when I call? Do I need to call them to ask questions?

Why do you do this for people? I think it’s the nicest thing to do for guys who have no idea what to do. Thanks again Ira 😀


That’s a great stone, I definitely think it would be a very smart purchase. No need to ask anything when you call. Just tell them the ring style number and stone number and tell them to apply the TAD0611 coupon code (it’ll give you 10% off the setting).

As for why do I do this? Have a look at the article on my site “truth about truthaboutdiamonds.com


I’ve bought the diamond and it will arrive next week! I’m really looking forward to it. Here’s the GIA report. Now, should I be worried about the “crystal, feather finish” of the cut? Will I have to worry about this fracture in the future? Thanks! I did some research… and I’m not sure if my diamond has a feather finish inside or at the surface. thanks!!


It’s aboslutely nothing to worry about. Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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