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

Q&A: Help Finding a 3 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond With Up to $30k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello;

Looking at the following ring:
https://www.jamesallen.com/complete-ring/

What do you think? Is this good value? Wanting to go with a cushion cut in a platinum setting. Don’t want halo setting, but open to other ideas. Kind of like the tapered baguette… Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Can you send me the links to the diamond and the setting separately? I can’t see them if you put them in a wish list or a basket.

Thanks.

Here is the link to the tapered baguette setting:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/platinum-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206?a_aid=dmnd1357

Here is the link to the diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2633241?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks for your help!

……

Ok, actually I think I’ve changed my mind lol. I’m thinking more of a classic look, not sure I like the baguette setting, especially because I need to match it with a wedding band.

So I’m thinking this now:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/wedding-sets/platinum-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-common-prong-wedding-ring-item-5579?a_aid=dmnd1357

With the same stone:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2633241?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thoughts?

Thanks again!

The new setting is beautiful. As for the diamond, I don’t like the crystal on the table. It won’t be eye-clean.

Have you already purchased it? How much was it?

Thanks, yeah that’s definitely the setting I’m going to go with.

The diamond costs $24,910, I have not purchased it yet… Here are two more options on James Allen, although both more expensive:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2393942?a_aid=dmnd1357 – $26,200

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.00-carat-h-color-if-clarity-sku-968303?a_aid=dmnd1357 – $28,370

Thoughts?

Thanks!

I have the same problem with the first new diamond you sent me. The crystal on the table doesn’t look good.

The second one is IGI certified (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/) and with strong fluorescence, which is a horrible combination.

I found this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-modified-cut/2.81-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3037759?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s smaller in carat weight but larger than your original option. I think this one is the best option from JA.

Thanks! I love the stone you sent me! I am going to take the weekend to think about it. If it’s still on the website Monday/Tuesday, I’m going to get it. I will let you know what I decide to do.

Thanks again for your help!

Sounds great. I’m glad you like it. Keep me posted.

I was too late to purchase the 2.81 diamond you suggested (it’s not available now on James Allen), I was travelling too much during the holiday weekend and didn’t have time to buy it. Could you suggest another stone? Around 3 ct, cushion cut.

Thanks!

I’m sorry to hear that.

I found two more stones for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.80-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2805650?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is a beautiful 2.80ct that has a crystal on its table. Cushions are good in hiding inclusions, but if you are interested in this diamond, ask JA directly about it to make sure it’s OK.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.31-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-2684295?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is much larger, but if you don’t mind spending the money, it gives you a great value.

I wanted to let you know that I decided to buy the 3.31ct diamond you referred me to:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.31-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-2684295?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks so much for the help in selecting a great diamond!

One more question, what do I do about insuring it? Do I need to get it appraised first? Who do I use for insurance? Any help you have on this would be appreciated.

Thanks again!

That’s great news! Let me know how it looks when you receive it.

You’re going to receive an appraisal along with the certificate, so you don’t have to do it yourself. As for a place where to have it insured, we don’t know anymore. Try asking JA. Companies usually have partners with more attractive terms.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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