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

Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Platinum Setting With Up to $6,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a center stone for my ring. I had a round brilliant, 1.03 carat. My ring was broken in a bike wreck and is going to be melted down and re-designed. I am looking for a cushion cut stone, and I would like to stay around $5500-$6000. It will be set in the same platinum. My round brilliant was 6.42 x 6.39 x 4.05.

I would like the stone to appear a little larger, but am not as concerned with actual weight. I am concerned with symmetry and clarity, mostly, and color after that. G/H color is ok with me. I have found a few stones on James Allen, Blue Nile, and Brian Gavin, but am not sure if I am getting the best for me or even looking at the right characteristics. Help?

Send me the diamonds you found on those sites and I’ll take a look at them for you.

I like the radiant from JA and the cushion from Blue Nile looks amazing. For some reason, I can’t locate the feather on the table which slightly worries me. But if it’s really not visible at all, then it’s great.

The cushions on JA weren’t good options and here is why:
1) IGI is not a good lab.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/

2) Strong fluorescence is an issue on I+ colors.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

3) For a platinum/white gold setting, you should stay with H+ diamonds. They don’t mask their true color as well as rounds so you should be more careful.

Here is another option from JA:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2519177?a_aid=dmnd1357

However, none of these diamonds will look larger than the round you had previously.

……

I overlooked the Brian Gavin one. That one looks amazing as well. When you click on “Verify” on the right of the sample picture, the certificate will show up. And under the picture, there is a 360 view of the diamond and it’s also very impressive.

 

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
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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

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

  • Hidden
  • 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.