Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a Solitaire Setting

I have been looking online for a loose diamond to mount for an engagement ring. I have three narrowed down, all from Blue Nile. Upon cursory review, and given my marginal understanding of diamonds in general, they are all reasonable picks. However, I do not have the technical understanding to delineate between the nuances among them that matter and those that do not. I have a ready supply of information, including a spreadsheet I created to compare, upon request. I will not write more until I get a reply. I know you are VERY busy. I have found your website quite useful!

It is a pleasure to “meet” you.

Unfortunately, I have not breached the decision tree of settings yet. I am finding it remarkably difficult to choose a loose diamond. I have decided upon a princess cut and have spent countless hours researching that type stone, however, I am left with a nagging feeling of doubt; there is a lot of disparate and seemingly unintelligible information out there! Nonetheless, what I hope to ascertain from your expertise is less “which one should I purchase” and more “which of these shouldn’t I purchase”. I have four stones I am interested in, which appear, at least “on paper”, not that different from each other. I am unsure what features among the four would make one standout relative to another.

First choice:
Blue Nile LD05354411
GIA Report Number 1162722624

Second choice:
Blue Nile LD07455387
GIA Report Number 2173750538

Third choice:
Blue Nile LD07911827
GIA Report Number 2175892288

Fourth choice:
Blue Nile LD07308748
GIA Report Number 2237143450

Thank you very much for your time, I welcome any and all input you may have.

Sorry for the tardiness.

I understand your point entirely. However, I am just not comfortable with the two diamonds you proposed. Admittedly, a good portion of my anxiety is likely attributable to the brutal nature of other womens’ feedback to each other over their rings which I have overheard over the years. I’m not suggesting that is a rational consideration for purchasing a diamond, but frankly, women are ruthless to each other when the conversation is about each others’ rings. It’s insane.

Regardless, I’d chose the 1.02ct over the 1.04ct. My question would be what factor a “faceted” girdle plays. I was trying to shy away from the thick girdles given some of the articles I’ve read.

Nonetheless, a more likely conclusion is either my original choice number one, or your preference out of that set, choice number 4. My concern with four is that it is a “very good” cut relative to “Signature Ideal” or “Ideal”. I’m aware that the claims by Blue Nile in this regard may be more marketing than reality, so I’m dubious, especially since you didn’t seem concerned. I also read the article you provided and assume “very good” must be somewhere close to the GIA’s “excellent”.

Please feel free to weigh in on the above.

Additionally, let’s say that I was adamant about the four “originals”. Further, let’s consider the money option irrelevant (it’s not, haha). With those conditions present, what would represent a purchase that would retain value and perhaps appreciate? What stone would a jeweler appreciate the most, understanding that tastes differ? Although this isn’t really an investment, I’d prefer to pay a premium for something that would still be a conversation starter down the road; something that people won’t have too much with which to criticize should the stone’s characteristics arise in conversation; something should my girlfriend and I decide to, could reappraise for higher value?

Thank you so very much for what I’m sure has turned into a lengthier exchange than you hoped! I’m benefiting greatly from your suggestions and feedback.

How are you? The office is keeping me very busy and mentally occupied lately. I need to win the lottery…

OK, I think I am ready. I am torn between these two:

1. Blue Nile LD07911827
2. Blue Nile LD07455387

You may have noticed that I have chosen diamonds in this cut with a table percentage less than the depth percentage. I wonder what your thoughts are on that approach. Some of your previous comments suggest to me that as long the depth is less than 74% and the table is less than 76%, you would find those dimensions acceptable.

I broke down and asked my GF what she would prefer between, “a slightly larger carat with a slightly lower clarity relative to a slightly smaller carat with a slightly higher clarity”. She knows nothing else about my choices and she stated that she would prefer the larger carat, however, I am not convinced the dimensions/qualities are that much better than the 0.91ct (FL). I also am not sure how to tell where the inclusions are on the 1.00ct (IF).

Here are some preliminary settings:
A. Blue Nile Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
B. Blue Nile Flared Solitaire Engagement Ring
C. Blue Nile Classic Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

Ok, I understand what you are saying. Perhaps I should expand my search to include E and F.

Of course, please share your suggestion.

OK, I think I have everything sorted out. This is what I want. Let me know if you see anything that gives you pause. It’s on the higher price side of what we have been discussing, but quite a bit less than what I originally started with. I’m ready to pull the trigger.

Blue Nile LD02418037
Blue Nile Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

How have you been?

After a lot of thought, I opted for this diamond in this setting:
Blue Nile LD02418037
Blue Nile Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

I utilized this email address to finalize my order. I hope I made the right choice.

Thank you very much for all of your help and patience.