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Q&A: Looking for a 1.40 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a Rose Gold Setting Within a $5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I was hoping you guys could help me with this diamond. I have a little concern. Blue Nile LD09905197

Is the feather inclusion anything I should worry about? The clarity is VS2 so it should be ok but it still has me worried since princess cut is prone to chipping. Or should I keep looking for one without feathers? Do I need to select a particular prong style? I don’t like some because they look so bulky from the side and takes away from the diamond.

Also, is this diamond listed at a good price? Or what’s considered a good price average? They have it listed as a very good cut but since there’s no true cutting grade scale I’m not sure if the price is good.

You guys have an awesome site. Very informative.

The feather isn’t in the corner, so that’s good. It shouldn’t cause any chipping. I’m not sure if it’s eye-clean (I would need to see the actual photo of it – Blue Nile might be able to send it to you).

Don’t worry about the cut grade. It’s just a note that Blue Nile made. It’s what they feel. In my opinion, that diamond is beautifully cut.

What I’m concerned about is the color. J is quite low for a princess cut. What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stone, halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) are you putting it in?

The reason I’m going with color J is that it’s going to be on a solitaire rose gold setting. My main concern was the actual inclusion. I did not want something that could easily chip in the future. Or is it best to get a stone with feathers?

Is there a particular prong that you recommend? I’ve seen some V prongs but the side views are bulky.

Even though you’re going to put it into a rose gold solitaire, I’d stick with an I color princess cut. If it was yellow gold, the J wouldn’t be an issue at all. But rose gold is borderline. You can give it a shot and if you don’t like the way it looks, you can send it back and get a higher color. If you choose to go with an I color diamond, you would have to go down in carats to be within your budget.

Because the feather isn’t in a corner, it’s not a big deal. It shouldn’t chip even in the future. It’s quite far from the edge.

As for the settings, I don’t think that prongs like on this one look bulky: Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring

But that’s, of course, on you whether you like it or not.

Thanks. I’ll try out the J and if not I’ll consider the I color.

I like that prong better than the V prong. I was just asking because some people were saying that V prongs are better for protection.

Different people will tell you different things. We aren’t jewelers, so it’s hard for us to say which type of prongs is safer. But I wouldn’t worry about the classic style either.

As for the inclusions, you can theoretically avoid any inclusions and go with a flawless diamond, but you would end up paying more than it’s necessary. As long as the inclusions are small or don’t have any negative impact on the diamond’s integrity, they can be present.

Sounds good. Thanks for your help. Do you know about pricing? Is this stone priced accordingly or should I shop around for something right at $5k or little less for similar features?

The price is great. It’s exactly what I would expect for such a diamond

Thanks for the help!

My pleasure.

Let me know how the diamond looks when it gets to you.

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
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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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