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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With Up to $3,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5435551?a_aid=dmnd1357
I would rule out this one. Strong fluorescence is a kiss of death on anything higher than a J color.

I’d go with this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-8078944?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s slightly better cut than the other G SI1 and it’s eye-clean.

Well, if you look at the real measurements, you can see that these two diamonds you sent me are basically the same size as a 1ct. So no, nobody will be able to tell the difference.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5499008?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-8047592?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-8017787?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is certified by the IGI which is not the best lab. They are weaker than GIA and inflate the grades. We recommend avoiding them as much as possible.

Perfect. It was an excellent choice.

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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
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