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Q&A: Choosing an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond With a $20k to $30k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Looking for a more rectangular cushion cut in the $20k to $30k range. Want it to look “right” — not too yellow or included and at least 2 carats. I want it to be a good value, but I don’t want the data points to be weak (color, clarity) so that it seems as if I compromised just to get the size up. On James Allen, these seemed like a good set based on the above parameters — not sure why they vary so greatly in price, though.

1) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.40-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2639716?a_aid=dmnd1357

2) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.52-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2692257?a_aid=dmnd1357

3) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.71-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2878158?a_aid=dmnd1357

Would appreciate your feedback and any suggestions for alternatives. Really just looking for a sanity check.

I like #1 and #3. The second one has some crystals right in the middle of the table that are too visible.

I searched for some alternatives, but couldn’t find anything larger or for a better price. I think you found the best options possible!

Thanks. For a diamond in my price range, where should I compromise to get a bigger/better valued stone? Should I be focused on color or clarity?

#3 is bigger, but it also has a lower clarity (though the color is better)…

Best.

……

What do you think about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.35-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-241157?a_aid=dmnd1357

You can compromise on both the color and the clarity. I search for H+ and SI2+. After my search, this is my recommendation:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2770435?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s slightly larger than #3.

The D VS1 you found looks great. It’s narrower but longer than any other options we had here. Of course, it costs $9,450 more than my last recommendation (above). Now it’s up to you if you find the length worth it.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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