Q&A: Online vs. Local in Miami. $8000 Budget. Radiant vs. Princess.

I’m looking for a princess cut diamond around 1.25 ct (+- .25 ct) set into a channeled band with diamonds only going halfway down on either side. Have made my mind up on clarity, color, etc. My budget is 8000. I want a combination of quality and size. I live near Miami’s diamond district and was told to look there for a good deal. I plan to go to a Jared’s or local store first so I can just look at a variety of diamonds to get an idea of what to look for. Is all this a good idea or am I still more likely to get the best deal online? Anything to look out for? Your site was highly recommended by a friend. Thanks.

Thanks so much Ira. Your advise was super helpful. You were right with that area of Miami being a but overwhelming. I think I learned a lot but I would still like to compare what I’ve seen to what you would suggest (you are the expert after all).

I have pasted a picture of a ring that is exactly what my girlfriend would like. It’s got a 1.3 carat diamond with 5 channel set diamonds on either side making the ring a total of 1.5.

Now I’m not looking for exactly that size but something close. I could afford that ring but my girlfriend has hinted that she doesn’t want something too expensive. Not sure what that means but she has said around $5000. I’d rather get her something as amazing as she is even if it cost me $10000. I’m only planning on ever buying one engagement ring after all.

Can you suggest a center diamond that you think is nice around 1 carat and then another diamond around 1.3 carat and then may be something around 1.5 so I can get an idea of what colors and clarity you as an expert would get.

Thanks so much. All your help has been super so far. You are a life saver. Me and hopefully my future wife will owe you. Thanks.

Good Morning Ira,

Thanks for the quick reply. My girlfriend has always said she wanted a princess cut but the previously attached ring is one she has hinted at wanting. I think she thought that one was a princess cut with the prongs over the corners.

I would want the one that looks nicer for the value. I know from reading your website that cut is very important but still a but subjective for non-round cut diamonds. Which would you suggest from your experience?

Thanks so much for all the help so far. The examples you sent are awesome. I think the one that looks the best to me is the 1.3 carat diamond. However, I played around with the setting all while trying to stay within all the limits and guidelines that are on the Truth About Diamonds’ website. I found one other loose diamond that meets everything and is the same price as the 1.3 but it’s a 1.5 carat. The diamond is linked below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1276853.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I know that the color is a little different, it’s got a slight florescence, and a few other small differences. The one thing I don’t like is it appears the background used to take the image of the diamond in James Allen’s viewer seems to be darker. I’m not so sure it’s that bad of a diamond as bad as the photograph doesn’t do it justice.

Of course I want to get my girlfriend the biggest and the best, but I want the prettiest diamond as well. Please let me know your thoughts.

Before I say anything else, thanks so much. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

I ended up going with something closer to 1.3 because I think the 1.5 was going to be too big on her finger. I was mad at myself for not getting the 1.3 you had suggested but it had been sold by the time I was ready to purchase. I ended up finding one I was happy with that was 1.24 carats. I think it’s the right proportion to her hand. The specs are:

Click to Enlarge

Item # 1284514

Princess 1.24 carat H color VS1 clarity diamond

Price: $5,640

I got it set in a channel set band. I’ve attached some pictures. I haven’t asked her yet. The big day is this Thursday.

Again, thanks so much. I owe you a ton and she will too I hope. I’ve already recommended your site to a few people and hopefully they’ll contact you when they’re ready.

Done. Thanks again.

I have one final question but first I must tell you she said YES! The ring is slightly too big. Do you know of anywhere we can get it resized in the Ft. Lauderdale/Plantation area?

Thanks again. Couldn’t have done this without your help.

“Nervous that you’ve ordered the incorrect ring size? That’s no problem, either. We offer free ring resizing from 60 days after your purchase. Even better, we’ll send the newly-resized ring back to you, for free, via two-day FedEx.”