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Q&A: Looking for Princess Cut for Channel Setting

By Mike Fried,

I’ve been very impressed with your site’s educational materials and the Q&A section.

I’ve been looking for a princess cut diamond to go with this setting with a budget of $2500.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-channel-set-princess-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1521?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its been my goal to maximize the surface area of the diamond, since from what I understand that’s what makes the diamond appear largest. I have found this one, which has a ~5 mm side lengh, aided largely by the fact that it has a small depth. (68%)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-212926?a_aid=dmnd1357

I know that I should theoretically be able to find one that is larger by sacrificing clarity grades but since there’s no tool to search by surface area, this is the largest SA diamond I have found so far within my budget, even amongst VS2 and S1s. Does the depth affect its brilliance, and is that why such a high clarity diamond is in this price range? Or did I just find a good deal.

Any insight you could lend to the situation, or any other diamond suggestions would be much appreciated!

It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the diamond you selected. The depth is on the low end of the parameters I recommend for PC cuts, but its still fine (and you get the added size).

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

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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
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