Hello. Thank you for everything you have provided on this site. It has been by far the most informative that I have come across and I have spent hours on it already. I am looking for a cushion cut 1 carat diamond in the $4,000 range (to go on a $1,000-$1,500 band). I have primarily been looking at Blue Nile after a trip to their store, but then I came across your story stating it would be a bad idea to buy a cushion cut from Blue Nile. I have since shifted to James Allen and doing a search using your advice, I ended up with a list of 5. I’m hoping you can offer me feedback on what you think of this list – or if I should be going a different direction with my search criteria. It would be so very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Are you interested in a square or more rectangular shape?
As for the filters, you can easily go lower in color. H+ is what we recommend every time for a cushion cut. Once I know what shape you are after, I will try finding some more options, so you can compare them.
Thank you for your reply and information. I am grateful for the assistance.
I am interested in more of a square shape cushion cut.
Thanks again and I look forward to continuing this conversation.
Great. Thanks. I’d recommend something like this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3057813?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s eye-clean, the color won’t be distinguishable from G+ and it will look very bright and brilliant.
What do you think?
That does look pretty great, unfortunately when I click on the link, the site says that diamond is no longer available.
Any other suggestions for me? Thank you very much for your help.
……
Can I ask your opinion on this:
Blue Nile LD08021330
It seems similar to the James Allen link you sent me (that is no longer available) and the GIA report looks remarkably clean on this one. I’d appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you.
That is a beautiful diamond indeed. If you don’t mind that it’s rectangular, then it’s a perfect choice.
Thanks, I thought rectangular would be OK, but it turns out that won’t be the case. So my search continues.
Here is one I found on James Allen, any thoughts or other options you might be able to pass along?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2746832?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks again.
That diamond looks great. I found one more that is a bit better in price and gorgeous as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3005226?a_aid=dmnd1357
OK, one more:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2743445?a_aid=dmnd1357
This appears to be the best price I’ve found, while also appearing very clean. It’s width-length isn’t quite as square as the two below, but it’s still a 1.05 ratio.
Thank for all your help. What do you think of this?
If the ratio isn’t an issue for you, then I agree that it’s the best option so far.
I wanted to let you know I purchased this diamond from James Allen. It’s in a halo setting and I think it looks fantastic. I’m very excited to receive it. I want to thank you for your assistance in looking over diamonds this past week as well as all the information on your website. It was all very valuable and important to me.
Thank you very much for the message. I’m happy that I could help you get a ring that you really love.
Please let me know how it looks in person.
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
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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