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Q&A: Looking for a Princess or Radiant Cut Diamond for a Solitaire With a $2,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Need advice for engagement ring. My girlfriend likes the looks of square princess shape. I think she might like the radiant as well as long as it is not too rectangular. I am not sure which shape would be the better of the two. I want to get her the best quality diamond for my budget. I am looking for 0.6 – 0.75 ct (or larger) and my budget is about $2500.

I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info.

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

She likes the simple solitaire settings in white gold.

Thank you for the suggestions!

I really like the radiant cut, but it has the lower clarity rating. Will she be able to see any of the inclusions or anything at that clarity?

I noticed a couple little things on the 360 view, but that might be different on the screen and real life.

……

Also, which of the two shapes will hold better in a setting? Would the flat corners of the radiant hold tighter (or more securely) than the sharp corners of the princess?

I’m glad you like it. The inclusions are conveniently located and will get unnoticed, that’s why I chose it.

Regarding the setting, you should ask this question to the JA custom service team. They’ll be able to help you better.

I keep leaning more towards the radiant shapes the more I look at them.

I am just a little nervous about buying online without seeing in person.

Thank you again for your help and suggestions.

I know, but the specs on the diamond are great and in case you don’t like it when you receive it, you can always return it, get a full refund and pick something else. Most brick and mortar stores make it very difficult to return a diamond ring.

Hello,

I am getting ready to buy a diamond soon. I was looking at the Princess Cut you suggested and think I like the clarity on it more than the Radiant Cut one.

Would it be worth the money to go with one that is a little bigger and one step higher in color?

I saw this one today:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.84-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2074964?a_aid=dmnd1357

I hope all is well. Welcome back!

The diamond you sent me looks good color-wise, but I like the cut on mine more. The closer to 71% (both depth and table), the better (= more brilliance).

All is well!

I have looked at a lot of diamonds lately and I keep coming back to that princess you suggested. I can tell the difference the ideal cut makes!

One last question. Would it be (in your opinion) worth it to go with an H color over an I (about $500 difference)?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2288882?a_aid=dmnd1357

Great! The difference in colors won’t be recognizable, so there’s no need to go higher. However, it’s up to you and your budgeting and if $500 is not that much to you, go for it. Both diamonds are excellent choices.

Let me know what you decide on in the end.

Good news!

I ended up getting the one that was a little bit more. James Allen had $100 off first purchase, so it was right at my budget and I think she is going to love it!

Thank you again for all the advise!

Good news indeed! I’m happy it worked out so well for you.

I hope you love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.

Hello!

Sorry for the late response. The diamond looks amazing! The cut is awesome and really sparkles in the light. I think she is going to love it!

That sounds great, I’m glad you are happy with it!

I wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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