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Q&A: Help Finding a Colorless Cushion Cut Diamond for Around $6,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Good afternoon,

I am currently in the market for an engagement ring with a cushion cut diamond. I have done extensive research and I have decided on a 1 carat, F color (or better), VVS2 clarity (or better), with a budget of under $6,500.

I have the GIA reports for 2 diamonds (F VVS2 vs. E VVS1) I found on James Allen and I would love an expert opinion.

As for the diamonds you found, the E VVS1 diamond is a bit deeply cut. The F colored diamond is perfect, nice find!

Is there a reason you want to go that high with color and clarity?

I also found these diamonds for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7549389?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-e-color-if-clarity-sku-7707168?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant. I always suggest comparing the actual measurements.

From reading through the information you sent, I think I may be committing to such high color and clarity due to my false belief that it will make the diamond look more “eye-clean”. If I was to settle for a clarity of VS2 or higher and a color of G or better, do you think we would be able to find a bigger carat eye-clean diamond while staying within my budget?

As for the two diamonds you recommended, the VS2 clarity diamond has an inclusion on the table of the diamond that concerns me.

The internally flawless diamond is perfect and as of right now it is my top choice if we are unable to find a larger carat eye-clean diamond within my budget.

That VS2 diamond is eye-clean. Bear in mind that these videos are extremely magnified, we always recommend zooming out to 10x and checking the diamond.

I found also this option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7698088?a_aid=dmnd1357

After hours of comparing every detail of every diamond, I have narrowed it down to two diamonds (both of which you helped me find!). However, I need one final opinion because I can not seem to decide on one or the other.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-e-color-if-clarity-sku-7707168?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7549389?a_aid=dmnd1357

I personally like the D VS2 stone more. The cut a bit better. Worst case scenario, if you end up not liking it once it arrives, you can easily return it and choose a different one. Let me know how you decided.

Thank you for your feedback! I think I will go with the VS2 diamond considering the price difference of the two.

Thank you so much for your help in helping me find the perfect diamond. My girlfriend is going to love it!

That’s wonderful news! It was my pleasure helping you!

It’s perfect!! She is going to love it!

 

That ring looks gorgeous! It’s very nice and classy. I’m so happy you like 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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