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Q&A: Looking for a Princess Cut Diamond for a Solitaire Setting Within a $1,400-$1,700 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I’m looking to purchase a diamond engagement ring, and am currently tossing up between two options:
Blue Nile LD04542310

Blue Nile LD10025664

The cheaper one has a larger top face but a lower colour. How much of a visual difference will the I – D colour make? Is it worth paying more for the better colour, or will it not be very noticeable in a diamond this size?

I’m also open to other suggestions of a similar price. I’m looking to spend $1400 – $1700 on the diamond.

Thanks!

I wouldn’t go with the D-VS2. There’s a crystal on the table that might be visible to the naked eye. Can you tell me what style setting you want to use? Different settings suit different colors better.

I’m looking to get a simple white gold band with a solitaire setting.

For a simple solitaire setting, I color is the way to go. The I-color diamond you selected is beautifully cut and will look great.

Sadly that diamond is no longer available. I should’ve trusted my gut and gone for it right away!

Are there any others you’d recommend?

No worries:

Blue Nile LD09830046

Here’s a beautiful alternative.

Should I be worried about the yellowish ‘stains’ on that diamond, or are they just due to the lighting?

It is the lightning in the room where the video was recorded. Nothing to worry about.

Thanks for your help! I purchased it!

That’s great news!

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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