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Stumbled across your site trying to learn more about diamonds. It’s been a tremendous help, so thanks for your service. I’d like to ask for your help with finding a diamond online within or under my budget – $12,500ish. Preference is for a princess cut. Would prefer a lack of color to the naked eye, and a lack of inclusions to the naked eye. 1.5-2 carat. Look forward to your recommendations and help. Thanks in advance.
I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.
Thanks for your help. I’ve included a link to the setting most like the one being seriously considered. It’s 14K white gold with 3 sidestones on each side.
I would recommend one of these for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-190885?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-181738?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?
Thank you for your suggestions. Both diamonds you linked are very nice. In making things simple I’ve selected a new setting from James Allen.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-channel-set-princess-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1521?a_aid=dmnd1357
Please note I would have princess cut diamonds in the band. And none would be blue…as shown in the inital photo. Is your recommendation the same with this change in setting? Also, I’d like to at least consider something a little larger. What are your thoughts on the following:
One more thing, can you explain the importance of girdle?
Thanks for your time
Girdle isn’t that important. Just avoid extremely thin or thick. With princess maybe avoid very thin as well (with the sharp corners, they are a higher risk of chipping).
I love the first one you selected.
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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