Looking for 1 carat princess cut diamond of good color n clarity. (H and si1 at lowest). I want lots of sparkle so I have considered the extra faceted diamonds like celebration through zales. Opinions n suggestions on where to buy would b appreciated.
What is your ballpark budget? Extra faceting/special cuts are nothing more than gimmicks. Sure they sparkle in perfect lighting scenarios, but they do not have the best brilliance. A well cut diamond is what you need. And you certainly aren’t going to get that at a place like Zales.
The sparkle is want I want. My mothers diamond is a vs1 n f in color but slightly thick n doesn’t have much sparkle also being princess cut. I was looking around 5000-6000+/- for the diamond.
Color and Clarity aren’t as important (so long as you can make sure its white and eye-clean). Just stick with these guidelines:
Depth 69-73.9%
Table 70-74% (some people prefer the 67-69%, but I like the 70-74 look).
L:W ratio: under 1.04
Girdle thin-very thick.
I love this diamond for you:
Ignore the smudges, its finger grease thats causing those specs. What do you think?
I like that diamond a lot. Thank you! That website seems to have several decent diamonds for decent prices. What’s the differences in cut though between true hearts, ideal, very good etc. was curious why you choose a very good cut over ideal. Also with that price should I go w 1.5 carat? I want to set in diamond shape so need perfectly square. Also wanting unique mounting with blue diamonds.
The cut grades are not objective like round cut grades. Round diamonds receive a cut grade from GIA, whereas fancy shape diamonds are listed on their website by subjective grades. I do not agree with James Allen’s grading system for princess cuts. They generally make the depth higher than I recommend.
This diamond is right in the ‘ideal’ parameters we recommend.
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
