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Q&A: Choosing a 1.25-1.50 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting in the $6k-$7k Range

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’ve been reading your site quite a bit in the past few weeks. I think I have things figured out, but wanted some assistance. I’m looking for a Princess Cut diamond, 1.25-1.50 carats in the $6,000-$7,000 range (give or take a few hundred). My guidance is princess cut, low setting with wide band, and a carat, though she’d be happy with more. I’m torn between two bands and don’t have the time to buy a diamond one place and get it set another place. Given your affinity for James Allen, I’ve spent a lot of time with their 40x pictures, though I don’t know what is “eye clean” or not. So, I’m divided between them and Whiteflash. If James Allen, it is the below setting. I’ve scoped a few diamonds, but wanted your expert opinion. I’ve put a premium on cut, but if you see a negligible difference, I’m not wedded to it.

James Allen
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-3.3mm-cross-prong-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-9012?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/?TabSelected=3&DiamondID=297337,236343,241204,282759?a_aid=dmnd1357

Whiteflash
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/x-prong-diamond-solitaire-for-princess-835.htm

I know they don’t have pics of diamonds and you say not to pay for ‘triple ideal’ so I suppose I’m looking for recs on what diamonds to have them scope out.

Thanks for any help, and if you’re pressed for time, I’d focus on James Allen. 

I love this choice:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282759?a_aid=dmnd1357

Unfortunately we have had terrible personal experiences with White Flash and we refuse to comment on them. Our experiences a) make us feel that no one should do business with them and b) preclude us from being objective about them. 

 Thanks for the tip on White Flash. Upon further reflection, I think closer to 6k is more comfortable. Do you think this is eye clean? I can see it magnified, but want a sense if it is going to be obvious once set.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-324527?a_aid=dmnd1357

That diamond is 100% eye-clean. Its a great diamond. 

Thanks. I went ahead and bought it. I really appreciate your services. You’ll be my first recommendation to friends moving forward as they embark on this bewildering journey. Thanks again. 

Thanks for your kind words. Please let me know how it looks when it arrives. 

Just got the ring. It looks fantastic and appraised over 2k more than what I paid. James Allen service was fantastic. They moved up production by a few days to make the delivery fit my schedule. Satisfied customer so far.
I have already directed a few friends your way. Thanks again for running a great site! 

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment. 

[LINK TO THE REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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