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Q&A: Am I on the Right Track for a Princess Cut Diamond?

By Mike Fried,

I’m shopping for an engagement ring and came across your site. I know my girlfriend’s favourite is the princess cut and I was originally looking for something in a colour E-F but after reading your bottom line recommendations I’m reconsidering.

What do you think about these ones? Am I on the right track?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1533870.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1540047.asp

Now my budget allows me to go higher on price than the above diamonds (10 grand total with a platinum band), is there any quality these don’t have that would be worth paying more for or should I save the cash to spend on something else?

It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the 1.21 ct diamond you selected.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Thanks for the quick response. It’s great to know that I picked a diamond you love as a beginner but honestly I was a little surprised. I thought you’d say the other one was better because the 1.06 ct is an excellent cut compared to a very good for the 1.21 and the polish/symmetry is Excellent/Very Good compared to just Good/Good. Will this not significantly affect the shine of the diamond in light?

Also, the marbling (probably not the correct term for a diamond but hopefully you understand what I mean) of the 1.06 is more pronounced and defined. Is this a result of the cut and is it good, bad or indifferent?

…….

One more that I’m looking at: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1538176.asp still not as good as the 1.21?

The cut differences were not that big, and I would recommend going with the extra size. The ‘marbling’ I think you are referring to is just the focus of the photograph.

Ok thanks Mike. A rep at James Allen agreed with you and I actually placed the order for it about 20 minutes ago. Hopefully will arrive by next friday.

Sounds great. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

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.
  • 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. 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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