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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Halo Setting With Up to $1200 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,
Would like a suggestion regarding 0.65-0.70 carat cushion shaped diamond to be set in white gold 14k halo design from James Allen.

Can you also tell me what your approximate budget is? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

My budget for the diamond would be maximum of 1200 USD.

Thank you for the additional information.

Since you’re going to use a halo setting and cushion shape, I suggest searching for H+ SI+ grades. This 0.65 carat is the best I found at the moment:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.65-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4899474?a_aid=dmnd1357

If you want to stick within the budget you mentioned, have a look at this stone:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.60-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-2787860?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know what you think.

Thank you for the suggestions, I have bookmarked them.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-4975786?a_aid=dmnd1357

What would you say about the above stone? It is 0.7 carat- but I colour and SI2 clarity.

I’m afraid that the inclusion right on the table might be eye-visible. Also, an I color stone will have a warm tint.

Would you suggest some other 0.7 carat diamond which would fit into my budget.

I’m afraid that I won’t find a quality 0.70+ carat stone within the budget you mentioned. It will either have a warm tint or you’d have to increase your budget a little bit.

Would the below, be a good choice?

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.72-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-5021860?a_aid=dmnd1357

A warm tint won’t matter to me as long as it doesn’t look ugly.

I think that the inclusions right on the table will be visible to the naked eye. Also, in our experiences, this stone is deep and won’t return light with a lot of brilliance. I personally would go for this one.

We search for cushions with depth up to 69% and table up to 70%. I’d say that less is sometimes more. An eye-clean, beautifully cut stone is going to give a better impression than a bigger diamond with lack of brilliance or eye-visible inclusion.

Here’s a 0.71 carat with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-4571665?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’d either go for a smaller stone or I’d pay a little extra for a bigger and quality one.

Keep me posted, please.

Thanks a lot for your valuable suggestions.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.60-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-2787860?a_aid=dmnd1357

The above 0.60 carat diamond would be the best fit in terms of colour, clarity and price.

Kindly let me know your views on this one.

Yes, the stone you picked is perfect for the setting. If you like these, go for it.

Thank you very much.

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.
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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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)
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