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8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring Buying Guide

Our guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to pocket an additional $442,940.
Our guide is here to make sure you get the best deal when purchasing an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring. We will explain which aspects are worth investing in and where you can save money. Additionally, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to acquire the ring you've always desired, or maybe even a superior one.
Want to start buying now instead of learning first?
We searched and picked out the best deals on 8.5 carat princess cut diamond rings from popular online stores. You can find the links to our chosen options below.

Diamond Price Guide Overview
8 buying lessons - 5-10 min total read time

Get the lowest price for the highest-grade 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring.

In the upcoming lessons, we will show you how to save money while still enhancing the size and sparkle of your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring. Additionally, we will provide valuable tips to help you avoid being taken advantage of by diamond companies.
Average Price
$452,632.00
Price Range
$237,590-$791,265
Our Max Savings
$442,940
Lessons 1-4  ∴  Save Money 
Lessons 4 & 5  ∶  Spend Money 
Lessons 6-8  ∴  Personalize & Decide 
⤫ 40% Cash Savings

Lesson 1

Buying Online

You can save a lot of money by purchasing your diamond ring online. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores usually have a higher price tag, with prices marked up by as much as 40%. Additionally, their selection of rings is typically much more limited compared to online retailers.
⤫ $565,550 Cash Savings

Lesson 2

Clarity

By utilizing our clarity tips, you can slash diamond ring prices by an impressive 50%. We will guide you in achieving substantial savings.
⤫ $56,420 Cash Savings

Lesson 3

Color

Color is another major factor that affects diamond prices. We will help you understand when you can save money by considering the diamond's color.
⤫ 85% Cash Savings

Lesson 8

Lab Grown

Lab-grown versions of an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring can save you a significant 85%, but keep in mind that they may not hold much value if you decide to sell it later.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 4

Carat Weight / Size

Women tend to prefer larger diamonds, so this is where you should invest your money. We can assist you in getting a bigger-looking diamond while still saving money in other aspects.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 5

Cut, Sparkle & Brilliance

The diamond's cut is the most important factor in how it looks overall. This is not the time to be frugal, as it is what gives the diamond its sparkle and distinct appearance.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 6

Shapes

A diamond ring looks different and shines in a unique way depending on its shape. We will show you the distinct appearance and sparkle of each shape.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 7

Setting / Band

Choosing a solitaire ring can help you save some cash and give the illusion of a bigger diamond. However, it ultimately boils down to personal preference.

Lesson 1 - Buy Online
Up to 40% savings here

Get your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring online and save up to 40% instantly.

Deciding to buy your jewelry online has many advantages compared to shopping at physical stores, especially when it comes to cost, variety, and personalization. Websites like Blue Nile and James Allen can offer diamonds at significantly lower prices than traditional retailers, often up to 40% less, because they don't have the same expenses for maintaining physical stores. Online stores provide a larger selection of options, giving you the chance to find the perfect diamond from a wide range of choices. They also offer more opportunities for customization, allowing you to design your own ring that perfectly matches your vision. This adds extra value and personal touch to your purchase.

Click on the shop now links below to begin creating the most affordable and valuable 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring!

If you're ready to start shopping right now, our links will take you directly to the most reputable online diamond companies where you can find the cheapest diamonds with great value.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

Lesson 2 - Clarity

When shopping for a 1.5 carat marquise diamond ring, the clarity of the diamond plays a major role in determining its price.

⊗ Up to $655,967 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands of dollars by simply selecting the right clarity range.

What is Clarity?

The clarity of a diamond is a term used to describe how visible its imperfections are. However, it's important to remember that "visible" typically means visible when looking at the diamond through a 10x magnifying glass. The clarity scale goes from 'flawless' (FL) to 'included' (I), and there are also grades in between like VS1 (Very Slightly Included), VS2, and SI1 (Slightly Included). Diamonds in these categories often have imperfections that can only be seen under 10x magnification. Therefore, to the naked eye, they will generally appear completely clear, making sure your ring looks flawless to everyone who sees it!

Optimal Clarity Range for a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring

Choosing a diamond in the VS2-SI1 clarity range for your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring can result in substantial savings, with the potential to reduce the total price by as much as $655,967. When it comes to striking the perfect balance between price and clarity, we highly recommend opting for a VS2 diamond. However, it would be a mistake to disregard SI1 diamonds entirely. By dedicating a few minutes to carefully sifting through the available options, you can easily find SI1 diamonds that possess an appearance that is virtually flawless.

One more important tip! Always avoid "cloudy"

This one is simple. Always avoid cloudy diamonds found in the GIA certificate. This is the one flaw that really matters for brilliance. 
☆ These diamonds have identical carat, cut, & color 
Not Recommended
Go with this clarity
FL
IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
‹ drag left or right ›

FL - Flawless

Cost - $870,392 The diamond is perfect, without any flaws, but the price is way too high. Savings - You could save $644,681 - $666,688 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

IF - Internally Flawless

Cost - $791,265 This diamond is completely flawless on the inside, which means it doesn't have any imperfections within. However, there might be some flaws on its surface. Overall, this is equally excessive. Savings - You could save $565,554 - $587,561 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS1

Cost - $751,702 This diamond is almost flawless, but considering its price, it's still excessive. Savings - You could save $525,991 - $547,998 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS2

Cost - $714,117 These diamonds are really beautiful, but we recommend opting for a lower clarity option since our eyes can't tell the difference. Savings - You could save $488,406 - $510,413 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VS1 - Very Slightly Included

Cost - $237,590 If you find an amazing deal within this range of clarity, that's great! However, the next levels of clarity offer the best combination of affordability and quality. Savings - You could save $11,879 - $33,886 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond

‹ drag left or right ›

VS2 - Very Slightly Included

Cost: $225,711 Total Savings: $11,879 - $565,554 If you're looking for a diamond that is both high in quality and affordable, this clarity level is your best choice. These diamonds will look completely flawless to the human eye because any imperfections cannot be seen.
‹ drag left or right ›

SI1 - Slightly Included

Cost: $214,425 Total Savings: $23,165 - $576,840 This diamond clarity is the best option available at this price. However, not all SI1 diamonds are the same. While some may not match your standards, many are truly stunning and closely resemble a VS2.

Lesson 3 - Color

The price of an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is greatly influenced by the color of the diamond chosen.

⊗ Up to $79,800 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands by purchasing diamonds in the right range

What is Color?

Diamonds can come in various shades, ranging from yellowish to completely colorless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). Most jewelry diamonds have a slight amount of color and fall into the G-H category. These subtle color differences can only be detected when comparing them to higher-graded diamonds like D, E, or F. While larger diamonds may show more noticeable color, a diamond from the G-H category will still appear nearly colorless and will be less expensive than a D-grade diamond, which is completely colorless.

Optimal Color Range For A 8.5 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Ring

Opting for the appropriate color grade for an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of splurging on diamonds graded D-F, it is prudent to consider selecting a diamond within the G-J range. By doing so, you can still obtain an exquisite piece while saving yourself a staggering sum of up to $79,800, in addition to any savings you may acquire through shrewd decisions regarding clarity.
Clearest Color
Best Value
Sometimes Ok
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
< drag left or right >

D color

Cost - $257,310 This diamond is colorless, meaning it has no hints of yellow, you can find these at a good price, but it is not as common. Savings - You could save $43,592 - $56,415 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

E color

Cost - $241,871 An E color diamond is a rare, colorless gem of exceptional beauty and value. You can sometimes find them at a great price. Savings - You could save $28,154 - $40,977 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

F color

Cost - $227,359 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice. You'd really have to look closely to figure it out Savings - You could save $13,642 - $26,465 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

G color

Cost - $213,718 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd really have to look closely to notice any color Savings - You could save $12,823 with an H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

H color

Cost - $200,895 Total Savings: $12,823 - $56,415 These are near-colorless with only slightly more noticable hint of color, further making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd need to have a trained eye to see the color flaw in this one without having a colorless diamond next to it.
‹ drag left or right ›

I color

Cost - $188,841 Total Savings: $24,877 - $68,469 These begin to have a bit more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.
‹ drag left or right ›

J color

Cost - $177,510 Total Savings: $36,207 - $79,800 These also have a slightly more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can often cut prices in half and no one will ever notice the difference. 

Lesson 4 - Lab Grown
Save up to 85% on your diamond ring.

Save over $400,000 on your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring by opting for lab grown diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds, also referred to as man-made diamonds, offer the benefit of having the same appearance as natural diamonds, but they are produced in a way that is more environmentally friendly and morally conscious. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds are more easily accessible compared to natural diamonds, resulting in much more affordable prices. In fact, a lab-grown diamond can be as much as 85% less expensive than a similar natural diamond.

If the time comes to sell your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring, choosing a lab-grown diamond can help mitigate your financial loss.

Opting for the appropriate color grade for an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of splurging on diamonds graded D-F, it is prudent to consider selecting a diamond within the G-J range. By doing so, you can still obtain an exquisite piece while saving yourself a staggering sum of up to $79,800, in addition to any savings you may acquire through shrewd decisions regarding clarity.
Explore Lab Grown 

Lesson 5 - Carat / Size

When searching for a diamond ring, prioritize the carat weight as the main factor to consider when deciding where to allocate your budget.

Why is Carat Important?

Take a moment to consider a diamond ring. The first thing that catches your eye is the size of the sparkling center diamond, isn't it? Well, for women, it's the same thing. They prioritize size above anything else. That's why when it comes to carat weight, which directly affects the size of the diamond, we suggest, "That's where you should allocate your budget!"
Watch us compare sizes and help you visualize what you want. 

Use this Carat Range as Your Guide for an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring.

I would suggest checking out diamonds that are between 7.65 and 9.35 carats. This way, you can explore different price options without a significant change in size.
Hand Diamond

1 carat

Explore More Diamond Weights

Lesson 6 - Cut

When buying your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring, remember that the cut of the diamond is what gives it that brilliant sparkle. Stick to ideal or excellent cut options.

Find out why cut makes diamonds sparkle and why you want ideal or excellent cut diamonds.

What is Cut?

If you're looking for a stunning princess cut diamond ring that's 8.5 carats, one crucial aspect to consider is the cut. The cut determines how precisely and perfectly the diamond's angles are shaped, ultimately affecting the ring's overall sparkle and brilliance.

A little-known secret within the world of diamonds.

Although people usually assume that an 'Ideal' cut diamond, which is perfectly proportioned for maximum sparkle, would be the most expensive, there are cases where a 'Fair' cut diamond with similar carat, color, and clarity can actually be pricier. This might sound strange, but diamonds that are poorly cut can appear larger even though they lack the desired sparkle and brilliance. A diamond without sparkle is similar to a puzzle without pieces.

Last but not least, make sure to go for GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamonds (sometimes referred to as "Ideal" Cut).


Never Buy These
Definitely Buy These
Fair
Good
Very Good
Ideal
Excellent
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Fair Cut Diamond

Look at that dull sparkle... not much to write home about. Stay away from these.
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Good Cut

Still pretty bland in the sparkle area... stay away from these. 
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Very Good Cut

Getting better, but you don't save much money to  
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Ideal Cut

The is as low as you should go
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Excellent Cut

Blue Nile calls it Astor, James Allen calls it True Hearts, and Brilliant Earth calls it Truly Brilliant. 

Regardless, excellent cut diamonds have incredible sparkle.

Lesson 7 - Shape

When selecting diamonds, keep in mind that different shapes offer distinct levels of sparkle, and certain shapes can create the illusion of a pricier 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring.

What is Diamond Shape?

The shape of a diamond determines its style. You can choose from a variety of shapes including round, oval, or princess. Each shape has its own unique characteristics. Some shapes create the illusion of a larger diamond, while others provide a dazzling sparkle and a classic appearance. To explore different options, check out our shape tool in this section. We offer a wide range of 8.5 carat diamond rings with various shapes for you to browse through.

What shape to choose?

Some of these shapes will definitely give the diamond a bigger appearance, while others are more fashionable. Nevertheless, when it comes down to it, the choice should be all about what appeals to you and brings you the most joy. If you can't decide, you can always opt for a brilliant cut diamond, which includes shapes like Round, Marquise, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear, and Radiant. Round is the most widely seen shape, while Oval and Marquise will make the diamond appear larger, even with the same carat weight.
Watch us compare shapes so you can see exactly what style you prefer. 

Explore other diamond shapes

Try out different diamonds

Hand Diamond
Round
Marquise
Princess
Emerald
Cushion
Oval
Pear
Asscher
Radiant
Heart

Lesson 8 - Setting

The band of an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring can have a huge impact on its overall look.

What is setting?

Frequently known as the band, the part of the diamond ring that stands out is the gold section. It is typically made from gold and comes in the traditional white, yellow, or rose colors. Another suitable choice is a band made from platinum. The setting plays a significant role in the overall appearance of your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring. It provides an opportunity for you to showcase your personal style. We have gathered the three most favored settings for your convenience. Regardless of your preference, it is best to go with 14k gold. Continue reading to discover the reasoning behind this recommendation.
The setting or band is really important for making your diamond look bigger and better. 

Choose a 14K gold ring.

Here's a crucial rule to follow. Avoid choosing 18k or 24k gold for your setting. It's better to opt for 14k gold. Despite 18k and 24k gold being more pure, they are considerably softer and prone to bending. If the setting that secures your valuable diamond bends excessively, the chance of the diamond becoming loose and falling out rises significantly. Numerous individuals have faced this issue.

Solitaire - A Thinner Band to Make the Diamond Look Larger

Most women, based on surveys, lean towards a larger diamond. To bring out the size of a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring, ponder over a Solitaire setting with a thin, fine band. The contrast between the small band and the hefty diamond can give the illusion of a larger stone. Adding petite accent diamonds along the band can add a refined touch without stealing the limelight from the main diamond.

Halo: Make Diamond Look Bigger with Lots of Smaller Diamonds

If you want to make your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring appear bigger, you might consider a halo setting. In this arrangement, smaller diamonds encircle the main gem, making it shine brighter and appear larger. To enhance the effect even more, you can choose a double halo setting. When combined with a slim band, this can create the illusion of a much larger diamond, giving off an air of lavishness.

Stay focused on the main diamond

A lot of women are attracted to a diamond that looks really large. If the band is too fancy or wide, it might take away attention from the diamond, making it seem smaller. If you want to show off your 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring, go for a simple band that won't overshadow it. On the other hand, if you're more into the overall design of the ring, a band with intricate details could match your style, but keep in mind that it might take the spotlight away from the diamond.

Build a Custom 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring Starting with Our Curated Diamond Selections For The Best Deals

Creating a custom jewelry piece is a remarkable opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind accessory that perfectly reflects your own style and individuality. Additionally, it's much more affordable compared to purchasing from a retail establishment. With top-tier companies in the industry like Brilliant Earth, James Allen, and Blue Nile at your fingertips, you have complete control over every aspect of your ring, including the diamond's shape and the band's aesthetics.
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Watch us take you through the entire building process on our favorite websites.

Decide to shop online with our reliable partners. Each link will take you to an incredible deal on diamond rings.

We have audited every company, and all the Shop Now links are designed to take you directly to the top deals for the most popular diamonds. Essentially, these links have our unique settings for each website to assist you in finding the best deals for your needs. Take advantage of a wide variety of choices, personalized rings, and outstanding customer service.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

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Frequently Asked

Did you want to know even more? Wow you're a great student!

How much is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring worth?

The average price of an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is $452,600. However, the price range for such rings can vary from $237,590 to $791,265.

How big is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring?

An 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring has a size of approximately 14.5mm. This makes it look visibly larger than the 8 carat princess cut diamond ring, which is around 14.1mm in size. When compared to a 9 carat princess cut diamond ring, however, the difference is barely noticeable; as the 9ct has a size of approximately 14.9mm.

What does a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring look like like on a hand?

A princess-cut diamond ring weighing 8.5 carats would appear quite large and eye-catching on a hand. The princess cut is known for its square shape with pointed corners, and this particular diamond would have a width of approximately [width in mm]mm, occupying a significant portion of the finger's width.

What is the price of a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring?

The price of a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring falls within the price range of $237,590-$791,265.

Is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring good enough?

Yes, an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is considered quite impressive. Its large size and princess cut shape make it visually striking, especially when combined with high-quality craftsmanship and a well-designed setting.

Is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring big?

Yes, an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is considered big. The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 1.2 carats, so an 8.5 carat diamond is significantly larger. A princess cut diamond is known for its square shape and brilliant sparkle, making it even more eye-catching. While it is above average, it is not uncommon for people to choose a diamond of this size for their ring.

What does a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring weigh?

A 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring weighs 1.7 grams.

Should I get a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring?

An 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring would be an exquisite choice because of its impressive size, elegant cut, and timeless beauty.

Is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring too big?

An 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is considered quite large. The size of the diamond is above average and will definitely make a statement.

Is a 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring small?

No, an 8.5 carat princess cut diamond ring is not considered small. The carat weight of a diamond determines its size, and 8.5 carats is quite substantial. Additionally, the princess cut is known for its brilliance and ability to showcase the diamond's size, making it appear even larger.
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