We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Based in the UK and Looking for a Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond

By Mike Fried,

Dear Diamond Pro,

Thank you for your very helpful website!

Would like to please kindly ask for your advice/help. I am looking at buying a fancy vivid yellow diamond approx. 1.5 ct, VS2 and up.

I am based in the UK and would ideally like to avoid importing a diamond from abroad (i.e. leibish.com) and the associated import duties and tax.

Are you aware of any “wholesale” type diamond dealers or websites in the UK/EU that you could recommend (potentially in Hatton Garden).

If not, could you please point me towards a selection of diamonds that would fit the criteria mentioned above. Happy to provide further info if helpful – am currently not under any immediate time pressure (thinking of proposal in about 4 – 5 months).

Look forward to your response – thank you!!

Unfortunately, we don’t know any wholesalers in the UK, but Blue Nile might be an option for you as they have an office in Dublin.

Can you please give me your ballpark budget?

Also, what shape diamond are you looking for?

Thank you very much for your email!

Re the diamond. Excluding UK wholesaler I understand that Leibish is the best source for coloured diamonds?

Budget is approx £15k or $20k excl. setting. However, assuming a purchase through e.g. Leibish I have to add 22% import duty & local taxes.

I am looking for a cushion shaped diamond (fancy vivid / 1.5C+ / VS2 up). Ideally would have also have excellent symmetry and proportions.

Please let me know if you require any further info. Look forward to your response!

Leibish is a great company, yes.

This diamond was the largest one I found within your budget:
www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-vivid-yellow-cushion-26974#a_aid=y

If you were willing to go slightly lower in intensity, there would be more options:
www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intense-yellow-cushion-24350#a_aid=y

www.leibish.com/yellow-diamonds/fancy-intnse-yellow-cushion-13765#a_aid=y

The color is still very intense and they will look amazing too.

Apologies for never getting back to you. This is very helpful.

Few more follow up questions – if that is ok? How low would you recommend going with clarity for it to still be “eye-clean”? Also regarding colour what is the difference to the naked eye between the 2? Just trying to get a sense of what compromises can be made 🙂

Thank you!

Clarity is not as important on fancy colors as the color intensity. You can go as low as SI2. I never have a filter for clarity when searching for these stones.

Both diamonds have intense yellow color, but the 1.51ct looks a bit more intense, which is great.

Great thank you – will keep you posted on progress.

Excellent!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
  • Free International Shipping
  • 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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF