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I really appreciate your site! This has definitely been the best resource i’ve found yet.
Anyway, to my question: I’m looking to get a princess cut diamond, and I’m trying to budget about 5,000 in total. My understanding is that settings run for about 1.5k so I think I’m looking for a diamond running at about 3.5k. With that in mind, I think I’m comfortable with a diamond running from around .7 carats to around 1 carat (I understand that the higher you go, the more rapid the price increase– So I’m not sure how much bang for the buck I’d get beyond that). From there, I’m not entirely sure about color: I can’t really tell color very clearly from James Allen’s pictures, although it is very helpful for seeing inclusions. Could you make any recommendations?
On a side note, do you have any recommendations on settings? I only ask because I’m not finding it as easy to navigate settings on james allen’s website as I would like. It looks like alot of the settings are designed with a round cut in mind. I like side stones, but im worried if some of the settings with larger sidestones will look odd with the princess cut since the sidestones are round.
Thanks!
Usually JA has the settings available for other shapes as well. Can you send me the link of a setting you like that looks like its for round diamonds?
Thanks for getting back so quick! I’m a little delayed on my response myself, but I think I found a setting I want: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-2-2mm-Pave-Set-Diamond-Ring.html
That being said, that leaves about 4000 to splurge on a diamond. Here are some options I’ve found that I think might be good for me:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1539524.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1524312.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1539519.asp
Seems very difficult to me pick… very hard to decide what to prioritize. Also maybe it’s my inexperience, but I’m not seeing where any of the inclusions are on any of these with the virtual loupe.
Let me know if you have any recommendations!
That 0.84ct is a beautiful diamond, a good value and will look great in that ring. It’s a real winner.
The G color isn’t bad, but I would try for a smaller L:W ratio. And with that style setting, you should stick with H+ on the center diamond.
Let me know what you decide to do.
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
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- 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
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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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