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Q&A: Radiant or Princess for Pave Setting

By Mike Fried,

I was hoping that you could look at this diamond and setting and let me know if it would be a good buy for me. My girlfriend likes princess cuts but the james allen worker said that this is very similar and will be a cheaper price for me. I am looking for something that is large and looks good to the naked eye.

The diamond:https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-202745?a_aid=dmnd1357

The setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-41065?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also if you know of any princess cuts that might be a better deal than this I would appreciate it!

Thanks for your help!

…..
I am thinking about getting it with this setting now……

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s a very nice diamond. If you weren’t the one who bought it, this is a good alternative:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-197203?a_aid=dmnd1357

It is on hold. And I will be able to return it for 60 days after.

Do you think I should get/keep this diamond? Or do you think there are downsides to it?

when you say ‘this’ do you mean your original or the alternative? How much was the one you selected?

The original and it was $7700.

Is it cut well?

Yes it is cut well. I like that first one and it’s an excellent value. Had it been more expensive, I’d consider the alternative. But this way you are saving $500.

Do you think think that the color being an “I” will be a problem? Will it appear white to the naked eye?

Also there is a small black speck in center in the picture. Do you think this will be eye clean? I know it is suppose to be with vs1

The diamond is 100% eye-clean. I color is pushing it a bit, but I think you’ll be ok. The cut is fantastic and that should help. Worst case, you need to return it. Going up to an H will be costly.

Yeah I had noticed the huge price jump between h and I…..I will see what it looks like in person. Any other tips or anything I should know? Thanks for all your help!

Do you think it would look good in both setting choices?

I think it’s a bit of a stretch but it will probably look great in those settings.

OK thanks for your help! I am going to get it and return it if it is not white enough. What is a good test for checking this besides just looking at it?

Just looking at it. I know it’s easy for me to say “don’t obsess over it. If you convince yourself it’s an issue, you will see it regardless of whether it’s the case.” That is true, but I don’t really know how to avoid that.

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. 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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