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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Carat Diamond from Blue Nile With a $10,000 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am considering purchasing either a cushion or radiant (likely cushion) cut diamond for an engagement ring. My total budget for the ring is ~$10,000. What type of diamond would look best on a solitaire or similar setting and how can I maximize my money on the diamond side of the ring?

Thanks for the help.

Are you looking for a squarish or more rectangular shape?

Also, will the setting be in while gold/platinum or yellow/rose gold?

Thanks for getting back to me. I decided to purchase a diamond (from Blue Nile) after I asked for your advice, but I would be very appreciative if you could look at what I purchased to make sure I wasn’t ripped off. I have not picked out a setting yet, but I am strongly leaning toward a white gold/platinum setting that lets the diamond speak for itself (she doesn’t like very flash bands and would rather keep it more simple). With Blue Nile’s 30 day return policy, it is certainly not too late to change my mind if you think I made a poor decision. Do you think I got good value for my money or should I look in a different direction? Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

Blue Nile LD09035588

That is a beautiful diamond! The price is also great.

It was an amazing find. And I don’t say it that often. Keep it.

Fantastic! Thanks for taking a look. My email I’m using here is the same as the one I ordered on Blue Nile with, so you should be able to get credit.

My pleasure. I’m always happy to see that people are able to find a great option by themselves.

Let me know ho wit looks when you receive it.

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.
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
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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!

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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
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