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Q&A: “I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice.”

By Mike Fried,

Hi. I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice. I’m looking for an engagement ring on jamesallen.com. I have decided on the princess cut with this ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-step-cut-emerald-engagement-ring-item-16308?a_aid=dmnd1357

I was thinking about getting this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-159267?a_aid=dmnd1357

But after reading your article on princess cut diamonds I’m thinking I could get a better bang for my buck by opting for a lower cut and/or clarity. For the diamond my budget is $6500 – $7500. Any advice would be appreciated.

I would take this diamond over the F VS1 even if they were the same price:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-200999?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s a far better cut, which is more important than color.

Thanks for your response. I was actually doing a chat yesterday within someone on jamesallen.com and I decided to just pull the trigger.

I opted for this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-168518?a_aid=dmnd1357

It was $4,120 so not much of a difference in price from the one you recommended. What are your thoughts on this one? Hoping I didn’t make a huge mistake, but since I just ordered I may be able to switch to the diamond you recommended if you think that is the better option.

That looks like a winner to me.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

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.
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
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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
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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