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Q&A: Choosing a 1.75-2.0 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a $11-12k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there, after sifting through a dozen or so stones, I’ve realized that my baseline knowledge of diamonds isn’t strong enough for me to comfortably make a solid decision on just one. With that being said, I’m hoping that I could enlist your help?
Here are the specs that I’m looking at:
Princess cut – white gold single channel pave setting
1.75-2.0+ carat
G-H color (but may be open to an I after reading your stance)
VS2+
My budget is $11-12k for the diamond
I’m rather smitten with the ring you helped my friend find last summer (platinum single claw prong pave princess cut) – which coincidentally, is rather similar to the setting that I’m looking at.
I’ve looked through James Allen, and saw this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.87-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-232185?a_aid=dmnd1357, but can’t help but think that there is another one out there that I’ve over looked or better fits my criteria.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!! 

Thanks for responding to my inquiry! I wasnt sure about the inclusion that was dead center in the 1.87 that i sent you, so thanks for confirming the “pass”. The 2 diamonds that you sent me are nice. I’ll definitely add the 1.8 carat to my list of stones that I’m considering.

Last night, I came across this one http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3707277-1.76-carat-Princess-diamond-I-color-IF-clarity.aspx — I know that B2C isnt one of your favorites sites, but what are your thought on it? From what I can tell (which isn’t much), it looks great on paper.. But there aren’t any images of it (so I’m kind of at a loss). I guess that’s just one of the risks of purchasing online(?)

Let me know if you find any other diamonds. I can’t wait to give my boyfriend the final “go ahead”. 

I would go with any site before B2C. We have had nothing but negative feedback from readers about them. I tried to secret shop them and the first three diamonds I chose weren’t really available. I would just stay away from them.

If you are unhappy with JA, I can recommend some alternatives. But B2C would be far below that. 

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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