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I first want to start off by thanking you for all the helpful information you’ve posted on this website. It truly helps a novice, like myself, when searching for engagement rings.
I’ve read your piece on Princess Cut diamonds and how to purchase one on a budget. The specifications for the ring I am searching for include:
Shape – Princess Cut
Cut – Ideal (As you point out cut is the most important “C” because it determines the brilliance a ring gives off)
Color – H
Clarity – VS2
Carat – Between .70 and 1.0
My budget for the diamond is between $2,000 and $2,500. I have included several diamonds from James Allen that meet that criteria, do any of these stick out in your mind as better than the other or were you able to find any other diamonds from other sites that might be good? If you have any other helpful advice in my search, it would be much appreciated!
Thanks so much for your help.
It seems like you are on the right path. One point I should make is that there is no reason to filter out VS1 diamonds. I added them to the search, then sorted by price. I then go through them one by one and pick the first nice diamond (i.e. the best overall value). I wouldn’t recommend spending extra on a VS1, but if it happens to be a VS1 great.
Here’s the diamond I especially like for you:
Thank you very much for your help and recommendation on diamonds.
I have another question for you in regards to settings. I plan on getting a 14K white gold setting, similar to the one I’ve pasted a link to below. One of my friends recommended I should get a band that is 14k white gold (to save money), but to make ensure the diamond is properly mounted and won’t be coming off, get platinum prongs for the mounting of the ring.
In your experience, do you think the extra money spent on the platinum prongs is necessary or would it be best use of money just to get the 14k white gold like the setting shown below?
Honestly, the people at JA will know better than I would about the platinum prongs.
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
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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