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Q&A: Finding a Suitable Cushion or Radiant Cut Diamond for a Setting with Round Stones

By Mike Fried,

I am interested in this setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-royal-antique-style-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17424?a_aid=dmnd1357

However, I am not a huge fan of round diamonds. I prefer cushion or radiant since they are more unique. I am wondering if those shapes would look okay with this setting since it has round side stones?

My budget for the center diamond is $3000. Obviously I would love to get as close to a carat as possible, but what is the smallest size I could get away with for it to still look proportionate (given the .25 carat side stones, etc)? I know the side stones’ quality will probably affect the center diamond’s quality as well.

Can you find me any fitting diamonds or do I need to look at increasing budget/different setting? What I’m really looking for is a ring with alot going on to maybe de-emphasize the size of the center diamond (since I can’t even believe people spend this much on them to begin with), so I’ve been focusing on vintage and halo settings. Is this the right strategy for what I am trying to achieve (that strategy being: looking as expensive as possible without spending a fortune)??

Also, I noticed a good number of these diamond shapes have depths and/or tables above 70%. Is staying under 70% a big deal?

Thanks in advance for your help. I apologize if the settings questions are somewhat outside your typical territory. 

 I think a nice cushion would look great in that setting. I’m not sure about a radiant. And yes, you need to have a depth below 70%.

Can you stretch your budget a smidge? I love this diamond for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-207083?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its bright, eye-clean and a fantastic value. It will look great in that setting. What do you think? 

 Thanks for your suggestion. After taking other factors into account, I am trying to keep my budget somewhat lower than $3000 and am okay with going with a smaller diamond. I found these 3 cushion diamonds on James Allen and was wondering which you would recommend:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-238876?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-178645?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-235784?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks again for your help! 

 

 This one would be my choice:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-235784?a_aid=dmnd1357

I like the cut and shape on it the best and its the cheapest of the three. All around winner. 

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.
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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)
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