We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With an $8,000 to $9,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Thank you for such an informative article. It has helped me obtain a better understanding of the four “C” of a diamond.

I have been looking at diamonds on James Allen and Blue Nile, but the selection is so vast. I am having difficulties narrowing it down.

Our budget is between 8k-9k. We are looking at a VS1-VS2 and G-H color with a very good cut. On the James Allen website I found two diamonds within this range.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5629314?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=je?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5841374?&a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=je?a_aid=dmnd1357

Would your team be able to look at this and give me your suggestions? Or if there is another option you can suggest, we would greatly appreciated it. The diamond would be on a solitaire setting also by James Allen.

I absolutely love this diamond you selected: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5629314?a_aid=dmnd1357. It’s beautifully cut, eye-clean and will make an amazing ring.

I’m not a huge fan of the other one as it has a very flat crown. It’s better to choose a diamond with a higher crown, such diamonds are more brilliant.

Thank you so much for your prompt response.

I do have some questions.

– You mentioned “eye-clean” so I assume there are flaws/inclusion in the diamond but they are not visible to the naked eye?
– Is this a good purchase or should I continue looking for something else? I am not an expert and want to make sure I make a good purchase.

Yes, eye-clean means that there are no inclusions visible to the naked eye. We recommend only eye-clean diamonds.

The diamond I “approved” is an excellent choice with a beautiful cut. I see it’s unavailable now, did you put it on hold?

Yes, we did purchase it!

Thank you for all your help 🙂

Thank you for updating me. You got yourself a beautiful diamond. Do you think you could let me know how you like it when you receive it?

We received the cushion cut diamond that you had recommended and we absolutely love it. It’s beautiful and looks bigger than a 1.5 carat. It has great brilliance and color. I was afraid it would have a hint of yellow but it doesn’t.

Thank you for all your help and patience. You really helped me make my fiance so happy!

Thank you for such wonderful feedback! I’m glad you are happy with your new diamond 🙂 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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.