Please help with Loose Diamond Engagement Ring

[alexlee]

Hi,

I am looking to make my first diamond purchase for an engagement ring, is it better to buy it in a set or pick up a loose stone and get a solitaire band? This site has been really helpful.

She likes a princess cut and I am looking to spend about 4000-5000USD. What would be a some good suggestions, or would you recommend getting a round stone? I am looking to get the best value and stone I can for the money.

Thanks for all your help!

Any other suggestions would really help a lot.

 

[04diamond<3]

Hi,

I am looking to make my first diamond purchase for an engagement ring, is it better to buy it in a set or pick up a loose stone and get a solitaire band? This site has been really helpful.

She likes a princess cut and I am looking to spend about 4000-5000USD. What would be a some good suggestions, or would you recommend getting a round stone? I am looking to get the best value and stone I can for the money.

Thanks for all your help!

Any other suggestions would really help a lot.

If she likes princess then get a princess. Here are some options:

JA also gives a 5% discount. If you like any of these put them on hold (up to 3) and request aset images:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.32-carat-I-color-SI2-clarity-sku-170336

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Princess-cut/1.21-carat-D-color-VS2-clarity-sku-99116

 

[alexlee]

Is there much difference between Ideal, excellent and good? Should I get Ideal?


http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2790082.htm

Or is getting a bigger stone better?

 

[Precieux_Art_Jewelers]

There is a BIG difference between an "ideal" cut and a "good" cut. I would personally focus on getting the best cut stone you can for the money (and I would tell the vendor that and ask for their recommendation). It will make the stone look whiter, and most importantly, sparkle! A princess cut can lose a lot of sparkle once it gets dirty, if it's not well cut.

Remember, if the worst grade is "Good", chances are it's not very good.........

 

[alexlee]

So is it cheaper to get the the best loose stone, or get it in a set already mounted?

Any recommendations online for and ideal princess cut in my price range? Best deals?

 

[Precieux_Art_Jewelers]

If it's brand new it usually doesn't make a difference - the stone is priced according to its quality.

That being said, a lot of times a jeweler will charge more to set a stone in a mounting if the stone was purchased elsewhere.

Normally I would recommend seeing a loose stone first so you can verify the quality (in case something is hidden under a prong), but that comes down to trust.

 

[mdmc]

I picked out my stone form James Allen and then had them set it in a solitary setting (that s what I like). Some have suggested to buy the stone and look at it before it is set. I did not do that as I don't care what it looks like unset. i only care about it set. If you think that will matter to you can get it unset.