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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a White Gold Setting on a $7-8000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,
I’m looking for the best cushion cut diamond.

About 1.5 carat, VS2 and I color or better. Also want L/W ratio very close to 1 and 6.5mm dimensions or better. Budget is about $7-8000.

Really want a good cut and for it to really sparkle. Thanks!

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

I am designing a ring myself. It will be white gold.

Thank you. I wouldn’t go below an H color if you want to have a colorless diamond. An I-color stone would have a yellow hue in a white gold setting.

This would be my recommendation:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3592032?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s well cut, eye-clean and will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Thanks. That looks like a really good option. Just to make sure though, is anything in the lower 7k range that may be awesome too? I see some H, SI1 to VS2’s on their website that don’t look too bad.

I like James Allen, FYI. I’ve already ordered one diamond and wasn’t happy with it. I sent it back and had no issues with them.

You can send me the diamonds you’re eyeing and I’m happy to take a look at them. That 1.52ct diamond was the best cut eye-clean option I found in the 1.45+ range.

Thank you for the feedback on JA. I’m glad you’ve had a good experience with them.

3331354 – this one is not eye-clean, the crystal will be very visible
3091782 – this one is cut a bit too deep. It’s not the worst, but the diamond I selected would be more brilliant.
3540058 – this one is nice. I thought you wanted something as close to 1.0 L:W ratio as possible, but if this one works for you as well, go for it.

Thanks! Just ordered the 3540058.

That’s great news!

If you can also write me back once you receive it that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.

I did receive it. Looks great in person. My jeweler agrees also. Thanks!

I’m happy to hear that! Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate 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.
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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
  • 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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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
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