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Q&A: Looking for a Princess Cut Diamond for a White Gold Pave Setting With a $8,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi guys,

I’m looking for an engagement ring. I have been looking on James Allen and blue Nile. I’m looking to spend between $8000-$8500 on the actual center diamond. I’m interested in a princess cut and would like an H color or better that is eye clean.

Any suggestions?

I looked around and here’s my recommendation:
Blue Nile LD09647039

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6212243?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are nicely cut and either of them will make an amazing ring.

I really appreciate you getting back to me. Both of the diamonds you sent me fit what I have been looking for. H color or better, vs2 or better and a good quality cut.

I have been looking at both James Allen and Blue Nile and now I’m finally ready to make a purchase. On your website you talk a lot about “eye clean” and that’s where I needed help with. Both diamonds you sent me look “eye clean” to me.

Do you recommend James Allen or Blue Nile?

I’m glad we are on the same page. Yes, both diamonds are eye-clean and both are excellent options. We don’t recommend one company over another so now it’s entirely up to your preferences.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7363059?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is not very well cut, it has a 65% table which is a bit below what we recommend (69-74) and some inclusions in the top left corner (those might increase the risk of chipping). I’m not a fan.

What do you think your girlfriend would like better? Personally, I love the thinner one, it looks delicate and elegant, but that’s my personal opinion. Go with the one that suits your gf’s own taste and style.

So I missed the 25% sale James Allen was having on there settings. Which now puts me over my budget for the diamond that you suggested and that I love. Is there something for around $7800 or less?
I would like to stay with H color VS2 but if you think I color or SI1 is a better option.

That’s too bad, but a ~7,800 diamond is not going to be that much smaller than the one I found for 8,380. And yes, you can go with an I color and get the same look to the naked eye.

This one was the best eye-clean option I found in that range. The actual difference in size is ~0.30mm:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6175047?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for all your help. I placed the order and went with the I color diamond.

That’s great news! I’m glad I could help you find the perfect diamond.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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