Q&A: Choosing a 1.10 to 1.25 Cushion Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Pave Setting With a $6k Budget

I would love your help and advice finding a great diamond. I read all your reviews and I really like James Allen. I know the setting that I would like (18K Yellow Gold Cushion Outline Pave Engagement Ring SKU:17086Y; www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-yellow-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49873?a_aid=dmnd1357), and I am fairly certain that I would like a round cut instead of cushion cut.

My budget for the diamond itself is up to $6,000, but I would love to save on that number if I can for the right sized diamond. I am thinking somewhere in the range of 1.10 to 1.25 carats. I could really use your advice on the other 3 C’s that will help me find a diamond within my budget.

Thanks! 

I like this recommendation a lot! Thank you so much. I am, however, interested in comparing a few options. Would you possibly have any recommendations for me for a round cut that might fit my budget / size parameters? Also, are there any cushion cuts that you would recommend with a crushed ice look?

Thanks. 

Thanks again for the suggestions. I like both. However I have more questions! The Diamonds 101 – Color post has a bottom line recommendation for both yellow gold settings and halo settings. I think I mentioned in my original inquiry that I am looking at a yellow gold halo ring (link: www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-yellow-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49873?a_aid=dmnd1357).

At least for round diamonds, the advise for yellow gold is for a color between K-M, but by contrast, the advise for a halo setting is F-H for any shape. Which range makes more sense if I were to choose a round or cushion stone for this setting? It looks like the average color for the smaller diamonds on the setting is F-G.

If I can save on color with an eye-clean clarity, I think a larger stone with an excellent cut may be possible. What do you think, keeping the setting in mind? 

Great news! I placed my order with James Allen today. I went with the round cut, I color suggestion that you made and a yellow gold, halo setting. I used this email address to place my order. Please let me know if you need any other confirmation.

Thank you very much for your advice!