We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing a Fancy Yellow or Super-Ideal White Princess Cut Diamond for Around $50k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking for a yellow diamond, clear clarity at least 2 carats princess cut. 

I’m happy to help. Whats your ballpark budget and what type of setting are you putting it in? 

Thanks for your reply. Probably up to $50K with setting. I did a little more research after I sent the note to you and read your comparison of Hearts on Fire and the Hearts & Arrows. So a really nice H&A round is a possibility.

I also looked into Fancy Vivid Yellow more and would love to find something really nice in that style.

It would be a platinum set with side stones in the band. Thanks!

I’m a little confused. Do you want a yellow diamond or a super-ideal white diamond? 

Sorry. I’m considering both and would like to find nice examples of each before I make a decision. 

So lets start with the H&A. Obviously you see that we like James Allen (they are our most recommended site), but when it comes to their best cuts (they call them the ‘True Hearts’) we find it a bit lacking. If you are purchasing from them, you may as well just buy a GIA EX cut and not waste your money on the ‘special’ ones.

I would recommend Brian Gavin’s Signature Signature Hearts and Arrows. Brian Gavin is known as one of the worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. I can tell you from experience. I worked for one of the largest suppliers of James Allen. I went to Brian Gavin with our 30 best cut diamonds in our inventory (of thousands) and he rejected them all. When he showed me his selections, I was blown away.

I’d recommend this diamond from them: www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.244-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104067237001#a_aid

On to the yellow. I haven’t been able to find a vivid yellow princess cut. A comparable diamond to the H&A was this one: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/fancy-color/yellow/cushion-cut/3.50-carat-if-clarity-sku-326884?a_aid=dmnd1357

So you’d be sacrificing a lot of size for the yellow. 

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

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

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF