Well, I thought I knew what I was looking for in a princess cut diamond, and then I found your site and discovered that I was probably going to spend more than I had to on a diamond that would be of a quality not noticed by an untrained eye.
I am looking for a princess cut diamond, at least 1 carat in size. My budget for the stone is $6500 USD on the high end, and a total budget of $7000 before taxes. I suppose I’m looking for the best diamond/setting combination within that price point. I am leaning towards James Allen, due to being able to closely inspect the stones, plus the 3D visuals of their settings.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Thanks for writing and the kind words about the site! You’ve probably noticed that I have CCed to this email someone named Michael. Michael is a former colleague of mine when I was a traveling diamond salesman. We’re also good friends and actually used to travel quite often together. I’ve convinced Michael to join me here at The Diamond Pro to help out people like you. He’s just joined, so in the meantime, I want him to “watch” as I help people so he can get a feel for what I do.
Here’s what I like for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-992484.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1389455.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1384475.asp
Let us know what you think!
Ira
Hi guys, thanks for the reply.
I was quite surprised to see a stone so large that fit into my criteria (1.23 I VS1)! Unfortunately, that one is no longer available so I wasn’t able to determine the price point. Do you have another recommendation(s) along those lines? I like that you picked Ideal cut stones as well. Based on looking in retail stores, my personal preference are the better cuts as to me it provides the most ‘sparkle’.
Looking forward to your reply.
This one has potential:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1376992.asp
But there’s an inclusion in the center that I can’t see so well because it’s sitting on top of that dark shadow in the center of the stone. So you’d be best off contacting JA and asking them to inspect it for you to see if it’s eye clean.
Otherwise, this is a great option:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1381112.asp
Let us know what you think!
Ira
Hi guys,
I really like the second option, the I VS2 ideal cut. I think I’ve found my diamond! I must admit it took me some time to believe that an I color diamond can still look ‘white’. As I said in my original message to you, I was looking at higher color ranges and even higher clarity. However those stones were well over twice the price of this one, 20 points smaller, and honestly, they were all starting to look the same to me. Thank you for all of the valuable information on your site, and for your recommendations.
Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!
My ring arrived earlier this week. It has exceeded my expectations. Even though it’s an I color, with the mount it looks completely colorless and absolutely sparkles in daylight. My girlfriend (now finance) loves it! Thank your for your help, and also for your website, it really cuts through all of the marketing out there and helps people like me make an informed decision.
Congratulations. I’m so happy to hear this. I’m sure Ira is as well, but he happens to be on vacation so I’m minding the site while he’s out. I hope you and your partner have a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment together.
Mike
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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