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Q&A: Help Finding a 1.00 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a Side Stone Setting With $5,500 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi!

I’m looking to buy an engagement ring in the next couple weeks and was looking for some recommendations if possible for the best possible choice. Looking for a princess cut diamond. Any help would be appreciated.

Can you please tell me what setting style (solitaire/pave/side stones/halo) and metal (white gold/rose gold/yellow gold/platinum) you’re planning to go with? Different colors suit different setting styles better (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/).

Do you have a ballpark budget in mind? This info will help me set the right search parameters. Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions.

I’d like a 14K white gold ring with side stones as the setting style. My budget is $5,500 total. I’d like a princess cut diamond around 1 carat. I actually found one that I really believe is the one, can you advise if this would be a good choice or do you have something better in mind. James Allen would be the preferred website I buy from.

I am pretty much set on this setting;

14K WHITE GOLD CUT DOWN PAVE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Here are the two diamonds I am have been looking at most that would fit within my budget. Not sure if there are better options as far as cut that would emphasize brilliance/fire. I am willing to go to a .9 carat if its a better cut.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7713470?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6119023?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for the additional info. I checked the diamonds and their cut and specs are perfect. Nice finds! They would be very bright and brilliant.

I found some bigger alternatives if you want to have a look (see the actual measurements):
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.06-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-7725536?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.07-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-7673075?a_aid=dmnd1357

Unfortunately, the first one is not available according to the website and the second would put the total slightly out of my budget. Out of the two that I provided, is there one that you would recommend over the other?

Out of the two options you found, I like this stone a bit more: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6119023?a_aid=dmnd1357. But both are perfect options.

Would you like me to recommend some other options?

Yes, please!

I found one more I really like. Above the 4000 range but I got an additional $100 coupon. This might be the one!

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7368011?a_aid=dmnd1357

I ended up purchasing the diamond below. Just wondering you opinion on it for the price of $3,840. I do want to verify that is indeed eye clean as well.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.04-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-1028467?a_aid=dmnd1357

Well, that stone wouldn’t be my top choice. The cavity might be (theoretically) an issue as dirt could settle there and then it could look dark.

In my opinion, that H VS1 diamond (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7368011?a_aid=dmnd1357) is a better choice.

Are you still able to change the order? If yes and if you want to do so, I’d suggest considering this alternative with similar measurements and perfect cut:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7339636?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for all your help throughout this process. I ended up switching from the one I purchased to this one:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7368011?a_aid=dmnd1357

That one was an excellent choice!

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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  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
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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!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
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