Want a platinum princess diamond ring, but can’t afford the prince? Some princess cut diamond ring alternatives include:
* Non-Certified Gems: Rings with certified diamonds, of course, are more expensive than rings with less documentation.
* Carat Weight: Smaller carat weight costs less, but the cut holds up well.
* Alternate Metals: platinum ring too much, other options include white metals such as white gold, titanium, or silver for a more affordable design.
* Cubic Zirconia: Probably a last resort is going with cubic zirconia instead of diamonds.
Many people are discussing the lure of yellow diamond jewelry. I have to admit, nothing about a yellow princess cut diamond ring appeals to me. Most people in search of the princess cut, from Tiffany’s to Blue Nile to your local jeweler, are looking for elegance and luxury. Something about yellow diamonds just doesn’t say that. I am on the look out for yellow engagement rings or other yellow princess cuts and if something strikes my eye, I will post it.
Accredited Gem Appraisers (AGA) and American Gem Society Lab (AGSL) are the only two bodies that currently offer official quality grades on princess cut diamonds. For AGSL you are looking for a 0 to be the highest grade EX from the AGA. You want to be looking for a depth of 65%-75%, table of 61%-68% and a crown height of 11%-16% for the highest quality princess cut diamond rings. If you find these characteristics, expect to pay a heavy premium, but it will be well worth it for an engagement ring type purchase. Be sure you are fully versed with the AGA and AGSL standards before reviewing any quality of princess cut diamond.