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Hello,
I am looking for a princess cut diamond with approx 1 ct size. My budget is around $5000. The setting I have picked out is from Shane Co but the diamond pricing was very high for what you get. I put a link to the setting below. I have been looking at James Allen but am not sure how to best pick a stone with the best brilliance. I have also looked at some Brian Gavin signatures but it seems there is an extra premium for those. Would it be worth it for peace of mind with then? What are your suggestions for me? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Setting:
http://www.shaneco.com/detail/vintage-cathedral-diamond-wedding-set-with-pave-setting/41055806/
Thank you.
Both companies are excellent, but I’d stick with JA as I couldn’t find any 1ct diamond on BGD. Their diamonds are amazingly brilliant, but if the additional cost is worth it, that’s questionable.
I found this 1ct princess cut on JA that looks perfect and is slightly below the 4k line:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1123747?a_aid=dmnd1357
What do you think?
That one looks pretty nice. It took me a little bit to get back to you because I was out of town. Looks like that one has sold.
Since I’ve been looking at some diamonds in person, I’ve tended to prefer the stones that are a little higher in color. Perhaps you would have some suggestions in an H or G color?
Would any of these be a good value?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1372443?a_aid=dmnd1357
Also, where does the cut quality rated on the James Allen site come from with GIA stones? I thought AGS is the only lab that rates princess cut quality.
Do either of these represent added value for the extra money?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-959197?a_aid=dmnd1357
I hope that’s not too many questions all at once. I’m a beginner at this and am just trying to get it all figured out. I want to get something really nice for her.
Thanks.
I disagree with those people who say to stick with AGS. AGS’s cut grade for princess cuts is not accepted by the diamond industry at large. The veracity of ASET images and AGS cut parameters is debatable. What is an objective fact is the AGS ‘ideal’ cuts are far deeper cut and will appear smaller than what we consider to be ideal depth range (70-74).
I checked the diamonds you found and some of them were very nice (except the 1100589 that has a strong fluorescence which is usually a problem). However, I was able to find a cheaper option, yet still absolutely stunning:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-979669?a_aid=dmnd1357
There is no need to go higher in color than I+ for the setting you chose.
What do you think?
Thanks for the information. I went with the one you suggested and I am confident with my purchase thanks to your help. I was a little apprehensive about the color but you have convinced me. If I have any further questions I will contact you again.
Thank you.
Great to hear that. I’m glad I could help you.
If you can let me know how you like it when you receive it, I’d appreciate it.
I have had the stone mounted and it looks great! Thanks for all your help.
Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad you like it.
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
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