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Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With a $1,500 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I started to follow your site a couple of weeks ago.

My budget is aprox. USD 1500. The setting I’ve chosen costs 800, so then I have 700 for the stone.

I notice the price difference between a cushion shape vs the other making it interesting to buy.

On Blue Nile site they have some options:
– 0,52 carat, H VVS2, GIA #6252373651 for USD 680.
– 0,51 carat, H VVS2, GIA #5181291718 for USD 694.
– 0,51 carat, G VVS2, GIA #6187304385 for USD 744.

I was wondering which one is a good stone to buy? In those 3, there are diferences in the fluorescence from none, faint to strong blue.

Then on James Allen site, the cushion diamonds for the same carat start at USD 900.

Thanks so much!!

It is true that rounds are more expensive, that’s because they are the most brilliant of all diamond shapes.

As for the diamonds you sent me, I’m not a huge fan of the “Good” symmetry grade on the 5181291718 and 6252373651. I’d have to see their pictures to see if they look ok.

As for the 6187304385, strong blue fluorescence on a G color is a BIG problem. It usually causes haziness.

I’d go with something like this:
Blue Nile LD08495751

It’s beautifully cut, eye-clean and will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Thank you very much for your email and advice. I moved forward with the diamond you suggested.
Now I need to wait for there confirmation. I bought it using this email address.

Thanks so much one more time!

That’s great news! I hope you love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.

Hope this email finds you well. I had some problems with the payment of the ring because I don’t live in the US. I have already solved it but it seems that the stone you recommended isn’t available anymore.

Would you recommend me another one of similar characteristic?
Thanks so much.

No worries, this one will be just as beautiful:
Blue Nile LD08616469

Let me know your thoughts.

Done, I bought it! Thanks for your help.

Cheers!

Great!

You’re welcome, let me now how it looks when you get 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.
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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