Q&A: Finding the Best 1.5 Ct. Cushion or Round Cut Diamond for Around $9k Budget

Hi, I was looking for a cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring, preferably more round looking than square. Given your strong backing of James Allen I am only looking to purchase from their site. There were several diamonds that looked good, but the one I like the most due to it’s round like shape was this one –

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-164173?a_aid=dmnd1357

My hesitation on this diamond has a symmetry rating of fair. Otherwise I believe it checks out on your recommended guidelines for cushion diamonds.

I have about 6-7 others I’ve seen on James Allen that look good. Is there any one in particular that you see, within a budget of about $9k+, that really stands out? 

 The next one I liked most was – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-364164?a_aid=dmnd1357

The inclusions on the GIA report show that they are in the middle of the diamond but when I look at the pictures I can’t find them. If they would not be seen when looking at the diamond in person and don’t affect it’s brilliance/shine, I would be fine with this diamond.

The thing I liked on the previous one (with fair symmetry) was that it was a round-like shape. She originally liked the radiant shape diamond but after seeing it set in the four prong setting she likes with the corners covered, it looked very much like a princess cut. So now she prefers cushion but some cushion but I’ve seen some of them also look very square, which I would want to avoid.

Here’s one where I think that would be a concern – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-361090?a_aid=dmnd1357

I want to stick with James Allen as you’ve sold me on them and I’ve used your site as a go-to guide during my search (thanks for that, btw).

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Did a quick scan of the round diamonds in my price range and came across this one – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-353411?a_aid=dmnd1357

Looks like it has a visible inclusion but some of it could potentially be covered up by the prong. What do you think?

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But still looking for cushion diamonds with a rounder look. Here’s one that looked good to me – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-364164?a_aid=dmnd1357

 Thanks a lot, your affirmation on these gives me a lot more confidence on buying something I don’t get to see before purchasing.

Unfortunately my fiance is struggling between going with a cushion diamond vs. round. I did a similar search for round shaped diamonds on James Allen and came up with these four that looked eye clean and fit the guidelines on your site (minimum color of ‘i’ since the setting is pave):

This one has the best price, I’m guessing it lacks in some way – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-364373?a_aid=dmnd1357

These I can’t really differentiate between:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-261811?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-308074?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-361173?a_aid=dmnd1357