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Q&A: Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond around 1 Ct. in Size for a White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I just found this site and it is so very helpful. I am looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. I don’t really know all that much about diamonds though and any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking in the range of about 1 carat, but I am told slightly less (.99) can greatly reduce the price. So I don’t necessarily see any reason to get a 1.02 carat diamond, when I can get a .99 and increase the clarity or color with the money saved. I hope I am thinking correctly here.
Not exactly sure how much I want to spend though. In the ballpark of $5,000. I am more-so looking at bang for buck. So if I have to go more I don’t necessarily mind.
So for more specific details:
Budget: $5,000?
Cut: Princess
Setting: Solitaire
Metal: White Gold

Thank you so much for any help. I am absolutely grateful. 

 

Did you see that on our site? That is kernel of truth which isn’t very helpful. Technically 0.90ct-0.99ct diamonds are priced off of cheaper price lists than 1.0ct diamonds. The thing is, diamond companies aren’t stupid. They do anything they can to cut the diamond north of 1ct than under. They would rather have a poorly cut 1ct diamond than a properly cut 0.95ct. So the chances of having one of those is incredibly rare and the company usually tries to mitigate their losses. So its a fools errand to search for them specifically. When I search, I look for 0.96ct+.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-257086?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.96-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-237749?a_aid=dmnd1357

The price difference is nominal. 

Wow, thanks a lot! No I didn’t get that information on your site, I received it first in a jewelry store (Diamonds Direct), then searching through online articles. I think your point makes a lot of sense.
From the two you showed me (and I’m completely grateful) is it possible to get a bigger diamond and still stay “eye clean” even if I had to pay a little more? As I said before, bang for the buck is what I’m most concerned about.

To help further clarify my last email, I’m thinking about opening up my range to around $6,000. Can you show me some good choices, please? Here is one diamond I came across in my search, would love for you to show me some others, and your preferred choice! Thanks so much, it really means a lot!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-268380?a_aid=dmnd1357

Wow, that was one of three I had put on my “wish list”. So I’m not doing too bad!
How would you compare that diamond with this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.34-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-262237?a_aid=dmnd1357

This is the last one on my “wish list”, so whatever your opinion is between the two will be the way I go. Thank you so much for all of your help. 


I color is ok for princess cuts, but I prefer H color. Also, the table is too big. 

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What we love about them:
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