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Q&A: Finding a Cushion Cut Diamond as Close to 1 Ct. as Possible with a $4k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I’m in the process of looking for an engagement ring. Since, I’ve heard horror stories of men buying rings for their girlfriend, and while she says yes, secretly she’s disappointed because the ring isn’t what she would have picked out. All this to say, I had my girlfriend do some research on which sort of rings she would be interested in, low and behold she found several. She gave me a list of several, and this particular one I am fond of the most because I like the halo, and the accent diamonds on the band.

I am hoping to spend in the ballpark of $4k on the ring. I am still unsure about selecting a center stone, I’d really like to get as close to 1 carat as possible (I mean who wouldn’t?). She had selected this diamond (https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-216707?a_aid=dmnd1357), but since I was hoping to go 18k white gold do you have another suggestion? I know for the cushion cut she likes more of the square with rounded edges instead of oblong or really round. I thought I read that for cushion cut the suggestion is to not go below an H in color. If it is difficult to tell the difference between SI2 and the VS2 why spend more? What is my best diamond option in this sort of ring while getting as close to 1 carat as possible?

I hope this is not a foolish question, but as I’ve been reading, why spend more if no one can tell the difference, I just want to maximize my diamond size and clarity. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time! 

The color isn’t the issue with that diamond, its the cut.

https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/

That diamond may be “close to a carat” but it will look tiny because its so deeply cut. This diamond will look much larger:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.87-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-316883?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks for your response!

That makes sense, I guess it’s hard for me to gauge which diamond is too deep versus too shallow. I think I’ve decided on which ring and diamond to go with. My final question is platinum or 18k white gold? Other than prestige why go for platinum if it looses some of its platinum? Silver has to be touched up every so often too.

For the diamond, I took your opinion, and I think it’ll look dazzling in this ring.

Diamond0.87 Carat I-VS2 Cushion Cut DiamondSKU: 316883

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SettingPlatinum Pave Halo and Shank Diamond Engagement Ring (Cushion Center)SKU: 17309

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 18kt white gold. Prestige and salesman bs is all platinum has going for it.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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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
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