We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Princess Cut Diamond for $12K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking to purchase a loose princess cut diamond for my partners engagement ring.

I’m looking for an ideal cut, above 1.5 carats, between a d-f and VS2 and above.

My budget is probably around the $12K mark.

Your website has been great for narrowing down what is quality and what isn’t but I’m looking for that gentle nudge and explanation of what is best.

I’m also not sure how important or preffered is the girdle thickness.

I have looked on the James Allen website and have narrowed it to a possible 4 diamonds. You may find something more suitable, but the numbers of the ones I am looking at are:

1320343
1335403
1370479
1371210

Any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks for writing. Instead of being biased by your selections, I decided to run my own search from scratch, and it turns out my favorite is on your list anyway:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1370479.asp

The cut is perfect. The inclusion you see in the center will not be visible to the naked eye at all. It’s a great pick!

Thank you very much for your opinion and the fast response. It is very helpful to be able to ask someone with a great understanding of quality diamonds what their opinion is.

You’ll be pleased to know that I purchased that diamond today!

Thanks again

Thanks for the email! That’s great news!

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF