Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Platinum Pavé Setting With Up to $7,500 Budget

Hello. I just stumbled across your article providing tips for purchasing cushion cut diamonds. I have unexpectedly found myself in the market for a loose diamond. Several months ago my wife’s diamond fell out of her ring and it was lost. It was a princess cut diamond (1.21 carats, F color, SI1 clarity). It was set in a 4-prong platinum ring with 4 bar-set smaller princess cut diamonds (2 on each side, total weight of .44 carats for the 4 side diamonds). I would now like to replace the diamond using the existing setting and my wife has hinted that she likes cushion diamonds. I’d rather not spend more than $7500 total (including someone to set it). I would not mind moving up a bit in size and compromising a bit on clarity as long as it looks clean to the naked eye.

The quality of the “cut” seems to be a big factor on price based on my research so far (ex. very good vs. good).

Are there any stones out there you would recommend? Maybe you’ve seen a couple also?

So far I’ve made arrangements to see a Ritani diamond being sent to an IDC in my area. This one seemed to be a good balance of characteristics, for a price of $6,282. It’s 1.28 carats, cushion modified-brilliant, G color, SI1 clarity, excellent polish, very good symmetry, no florescence, 62% table and 67.8% depth. I’m anxious to see a few diamonds in person so I can form a frame of reference visually.

Another question, as far as security, having just gone through the hardship of losing a diamond, I assume a 4-prong setting would be used for this cut? Should I have the prongs replaced on the setting or just ask whoever sets it their opinion once they’ve inspected it? How much should I expect to pay to have someone set it?

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for your time.

Hello. The GIA report number for the diamond I’m looking at is 5216953942.

Thanks.

There is another I’m interested in, with better clarity, can you take a look at James Allen stock number 2228533?

Thanks.

Hello, I ended up purchasing item 2267591, let me know your thoughts.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2267591?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks.

Will do.

Thanks!