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Q&A: Help Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond With a $2,700 to $4,400 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there,

I bought diamond 1, but I am having buyer’s remorse, because I looked around a little more and realized I could get something similar for a lot less, like diamond #2.

The other issue is that the band has diamonds that are F-G in color. If I got diamond two, would it make the center stone look yellower?

Also, would you say the cut of diamond 1 or diamond 2 looks better?

Thanks!

Diamond 1 – $4,390, F, VS 2, Ideal Cut
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.94-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6367082?a_aid=dmnd1357

Diamond 2 – $2,730, I, VS 1, Ideal Cut
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6202065?a_aid=dmnd1357

Setting – PLATINUM 0.32CT FRENCH CUT PAVE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

They are both nice diamonds, but you are right that you could have got an equally stunning diamond for far less.

I like the cut on the second one better (the crown is higher, that’s always better). But I don’t like the inclusion on the table. I’d go with this one instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6491820?a_aid=dmnd1357

I color isn’t an issue at all. The diamonds in the setting are too small to make the color difference obvious. “I” is what we recommend for that kind of settings.

I don’t know when you ordered it, but you could either change the order or send it back once it gets to you and exchange it then.

Thanks for the heads up. I contacted James Allen and they said I can choose a different diamond if I let them know ASAP and they can set it in the same setting.

Would it be possible for you to recommend a few that you believe to be “eye clean” under $4k, that range from 0.9 to 1.1 carats or maybe slightly less color (I)?

I went with the 1.01ct one. Thanks for your help!

It’s a great diamond. I hope you like it when you get it.

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.
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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
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