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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion or Radiant Cut Diamond for a Platinum Three-Stone Ring With $10,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I am looking for an elongated cushion cut diamond, that will be placed in a 3-stone setting alongside 2 trilliant side stones (H, VS2) with a platinum band.

I am trying to keep the center stone under $10K. My priorities are finding a well cut stone, eye clean, with a color and clarity that will work well with the side stones and band I am looking at – and as big of a carat as I can make work without sacrificing on appearance.

This is a stone I have been looking at on James Allen, but would appreciate any guidance you can give me during this process and if I am looking in the right direction.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7035921?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7035921?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is a big no-no. You should never buy a D color diamond with strong fluorescence. It is practically guaranteed to have a hazy/dead look in most lighting. For DEFG diamonds you should get only none or faint fluorescence. Strong fluorescence should be avoided at all times.

I found this diamond that looks good in the video, but you need to request the GIA report as well. We need to make sure the cut parameters are within the proper range:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6057492?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks for getting back to me. I have attached the GIA certificate for the cushion cut that you recommended.

I have also included a few other options that I have researched, with GIA certificates attached. I am also open to a radiant cut. Could you give me some feedback on whether these are good options as well?

1) Cushion Cut #1
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3354978?a_aid=dmnd1357

2) Cushion Cut #2
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6690018?a_aid=dmnd1357

3) Radiant Cut #1
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.58-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6620293?a_aid=dmnd1357

The diamond I recommended looks great, I really like it. It’s beautifully cut and there are no red flags in the cert.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3354978?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is a fantastic option as well.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6690018?a_aid=dmnd1357
I would skip this one. Cavities collect dirt and then appear black and ugly and can reflect throughout the diamond. I try avoiding such diamonds as much as I can.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.58-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6620293?a_aid=dmnd1357
Beautiful.

I went with the last one. Thank you so much for all your help!

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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