Q&A: Looking for Princess Cut Between $3000 and $3500

Hello, first of all thanks for your very informative site. I’ve spent hours on it educating myself with the truth about diamonds. I’m finally ready to pull the trigger and my budget is fixed at $3000 to $3500. It must be princess cut, but other than that, no specific parameters. Except that the setting has side stones that are listed by JA as F-G average color, so I’m thinking I may need to stay there for the center stone as well. Here’s the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-3779.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Sorry for the confusion, that’s for the diamond. With the setting, my total budget will be around $5,000. If you need any other clarification let me know!

Hi Ira- so glad to hear back from you! I’m hoping to order today due to having a paticular date in mind for proposing. Right now I’m leaning towards the last one you mentioned, the .94 ct. (1294211). In your opinion is it eye clean? Can you give me your thoughts on two others:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1323745.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 It’s slightly smaller but it’s a VS2. I’m a bit concerned about what seems to be a visible inclusion near the middle of the lower left quadrant though.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1276286.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 I think I may be forgetting “the truth” by being drawn to the numbers on this one: VVS2! Obviously it’ll be eye clean, but do you think this one’s not as good a value compared to the 1294211 one you suggested?

The two above are H color, and the sidestones on the setting are F-G. Based on what I’ve read and JA’s color scale, that won’t be a noticeable difference. Do you agree? I trust your judgment. I’m placing an order as soon as I hear back from you!

I was really undecided between the D VS2 and this G VS1 https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1276158.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 . The carat weight and ratio were identical, and price difference was only $60. It seemed that the clarity and proportions of the VS1 were slightly better (71.3% depth vs 73.7%), but the color (D vs G)and polish (excellent vs good) of the D VS2 offset it. And they’re both still listed as “ideal” cut. I still don’t know which would have more fire/brilliance. Well, I’m running out of time (one-year anniversary coming up fast!), so I made the best guess I could and went with the D VS2. I hate to second guess my decision now that it’s made; ultimately, they’re probably both good values. But if you think the other one would have been better feel free to say so. =). I did notice that the date on the VS1’s certificate was from December, while the D VS2 was less than a month ago. Not sure whether that should ever influence a decision but it caught my eye…

I really appreciate your help. I feel much better informed than I was, and I look forward to being able to tell my fiance (!!) that I consulted with a professional jeweler overseas on her rock. Thanks again, and I wish you and your family the best as you settle in to your new home!

Ps. I used your discount code so hopefully that will benefit you too.