We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing the Most Brilliant 1.5 – 2 Ct. Cushion or Princess Cut Diamond for Around $12k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello! I would appreciate your suggestions for loose diamonds. I have been searching for months now and can’t seem to find the best stone.
I am looking for the best eye clean value in either:
2c. CUSHION or
2c. PRINCESS
I did look at James Allen, but even with many if the VS1 stones I can see the inclusions so I am not sure if it will be eye clean or if the photo is magnified?
Our budget is $12,000
If 2c in either cut with nice brilliance (or sparkle, shine, whatever makes those diamonds cause us ladies to stare) and eye clean cannot be found under this price range I will be fine with some 1.5-1.75 princess suggestions or slightly under 2c cushion suggestions. Thank you so much in advance. 


I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions. 

We are looking at white gold with side diamonds, something like this:

3a818768-25be-44ec-bd64-1d247f9eadfa
I am actually doing this “research” to help my partner. She will be purchasing the diamond and ring being discussed between you and I. I will be purchasing a single loose stone to set into a band I have already given her (it’s going to be a .75-1.00ct) which seems to be easier to find a decent price range :-). It’s the larger stone that I prefer that we are having some difficulty with. Thank you so much in advance! 

What do you think of this one?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-260592?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its 100% eye-clean, the cut is superb and its very bright? 

 That cushion is very nice! Seems perfect 🙂
I have tried on a 2ct princess and loved the size on my finger, I have not tried on a 2ct cushion, I just love that cut. I feel very torn between the two cuts. Thank you. 

Honestly, I’d go with a cushion. Stylistically I prefer it and technically they are more brilliant. 

Again, thank you so much! I have to agree with choosing the cushion. The cushion has been my favorite for some time now. Although the princess looks larger, the cushion just has this timeless, elegance about it. Besides I can always upgrade later for an anniversary if desired.
Would it be ok if I forwarded your suggestion to my partner? She will be the one purchasing the stone we have been discussing, so it’s possible she may want to email you. I am going to be buying her a princess cut, that is her preference.

Sure, go ahead and give her my name. Let me know if you need any help with that princess cut as well. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.