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Q&A: Experience Shopping for a Cushion Cut Diamond on a $3,7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello. I am looking for a diamond. About 1 carat. I am thinking round, oval, princess or radiant.

Is one shape better than another? Can you suggest some brilliant choices that would pair well with a white gold setting and be in the $3200-3700 range?

Also, is platinum that much better than white gold?

As for the metal, we recommend WG over PT. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run.

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, pave or other) you’re going to use? Also, what are the two shapes you like the most?

I believe that choosing the shape of a diamond is mainly the matter of your personal preference. I’m afraid that I won’t find a quality 1.00+ carat stone within the budget you mentioned. But I’ll be happy to send you my suggestions.

Thank you for your response. You said that you don’t think I could get a quality diamond in that price range. What does that mean? How is a quality diamond defined?

I would consider round, oval, cushion, princess…

The setting would probably be a solitaire or pave.

Thank you for the information.

I didn’t mean to say that you won’t get a quality diamond within the budget you mentioned. In order to keep the balance of all important specs (eye-cleanliness, colorless impression, brilliance, and others), I will have to go a little down with the carat weight.

Can you narrow down your choice of shapes up to 2?

Princess, cushion, something square. Thanks.

Is this a good choice from James Allen? If not, can you recommend a few others?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.04-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2210549?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for the information.

The issue with the stone is its strong fluorescence. It can cause a hazy look. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this one.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

Have a look at these diamonds:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3266211?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.97-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3125411?a_aid=dmnd1357

They are both very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Thank you!! Went with the cushion one.

I went into this blindly and I appreciate all of your help!

I’m happy to hear that you found our services helpful. It was my pleasure helping you.

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
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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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