Newbie - need help picking a diamond.

[aallbbrriigghht]

I, like I am sure many others before me need some advice looking for a ring. Any help I could get would be really appreciated.

Been together 15 months, looking to propose in the middle of January.

Details:

Budget - $3500-45000
Cut - Princess

I assume from what I read on the forums I am much better off buying online than buying through a big box store? I assume that will pretty much always be the case?

What is the most important feature? I tend to get caught up too much on weight than the other details so I know that needs to change. What is a feature I should be willing to take a lower quality on?

I have read the information on this website and still am confused. Based on what I have read this is what I think I will want.

Cut: Excellent - Very Good
Color - G, H, I
Clarity - VS1, VS2, SI1
Weight .75 to .95

If there are any suggestions of specific diamonds or just advice it would be appreciated.

I have tried searching what others have picked but havent found many comparable situations. Lots of people looking at bigger diamonds with bigger budgets.

Thanks again.

 

[JulieN]

What kind of setting do you want?

 

[justginger]

What kind of setting do you want?

Yes, if you are happy with a simple setting, that will free up a lot of your budget for the best stone possible.

I'd stick with excellent cut, not down to very good. Since you're looking at princesses, color is an area that you can't drop down as much as you can with rounds. The little facets in the corners of princess diamonds show color - drop too far down in color and you'll see the corners of your princess go yellow. I think your color range listed is good. I wouldn't go below I. Clarity can drop though, I always stick with 'eye clean' which many (most?) SI1s are, and sometimes SI2 as well. It just depends on each stone individually, as to what the grade setting inclusion/s is/are.

I'll have a look around for you, but honestly, there are others on here that are much, much better at finding stones than I am!

 

[justginger]

This is a gorgeous stone: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2844385.htm

 

[JulieN]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.918-i-si1-princess-diamond-ags-ags-104061366001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/

 

[aallbbrriigghht]

Thanks for the responses.

For setting I will want something simple. Is there any benefit having a local jeweler doing the setting and purchasing the diamond seperate or is it better just to get it done all as one?

Thanks for the advice so far, like the suggestions.

 

[JulieN]

Always best to get it done in one place.

 

[sakari_8]

You may also check the below. Worth giving a try

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3240141-0.91-carat-Princess-diamond-F-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3155584-0.82-carat-Princess-diamond-F-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3194680-0.99-carat-Princess-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3404418-1.00-carat-Princess-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

Ring Designs: Check with them as they have special offers on jewelries for Xmas & Eve. I’d suggest getting the loose diamond and the setting from one place.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Traditional-Solitaire-Settings/Ageless-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%282.0-mm%29-5913-1.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Traditional-Solitaire-Settings/Intertwined-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%283.2mm%29-6435-1.aspx

 

[VRBeauty]

I just wanted to point out that in the past month, two people have reported chipped corners on their princess cut diamonds. Obviously there are a whole lot more princess ring owners out there who have not had a problem, but... this cut does seem to be more prone to breakage because of the corners. It's just something you might want to consider if your girlfriend is very active or works with her hands a lot.