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Q&A: Looking for a Princess Cut Diamond for a Petite Pave Setting With a $6k-$7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello. I am shopping for an engagement ring for my girlfriend and I have gone to Jared and a wholesaler to look at some different options. Both places where really helpful and educational but im not sure if I am getting the best quality for the price. I have some pictures that the wholesaler has sent me and would like your advice if possible.

You can read our review on Jared:
https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/jared-jewelers/

I’m happy to find some diamonds for you online if you like. Can you just tell me what exactly you are looking for?

Thank for all the info.

I had already read the review for Jared. I wasn’t planning on buying from them, I more or less just wanted something to compare with when I went to the wholesaler. I wasn’t fully sold by the wholesaler and after doing more research on your website I found that my gut was right when I came across the article having to do with certification. They kept pushing the EGL certified diamonds and showed me just one GIA certified diamond which I felt was much whiter and superior.

I have been reading up on your educational articles and have come up with the following specs:

Budget 6,000- 7,000

Cut: Ideal – True Hearts

Color: I-G

Clarity: SI2- IF

Carat: 1.17- 1.5 (probably 1.2 to1.3 based on budget)

Shape: Princess Cut

Setting: Pave/Sidestone 14K white Gold

Here are some of the ones i have been considering-
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-49519?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-pave-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-56253?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Please let me know if you need any additional info?

Thanks for all your help.

Thank you, now I have all I need. Let’s get started.

For the type of setting you have in mind, I color is our usual recommendation and it looks beautiful and colorless.

Clarity-wise, we don’t recommend getting an SI2 clarity for princess cuts. There’s a chance of the inclusions in the corners of the diamond which can increase the chance of chipping. It’s better to stay with a higher clarity.

This would be my recommendation from both sites:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2264468?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD08481160

They are beautifully cut, eye-clean and either of them will make a fantastic ring.

What do you think?

It’s a beautiful diamond. I see a small inclusion at the lower center of the ring. I am assuming that will not be noticeable to the naked eye?

I am really liking this diamond I found on Blue Nile. The specs look to be very similar to the diamond but idk if it’s just the quality of the images that makes it look different. Could you give me you opinion please:

Blue Nile LD08254592

Exactly, none of the inclusions will be noticeable, they will get unnoticed in the structure.

The one you found looks great, there are no red flags in the cert and it squarer than the 1.29 I selected. If you don’t mind the higher price, go for it.

I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a ring any day now. I think I found one that I like and I wanted to get your professional opinion on the diamond. Please let me know if you have any other options.

Blue Nile LD09814100

Thank 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.
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  • 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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  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
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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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