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Q&A: Help Finding a Cushion Cut Diamond With a $16k–$20k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I am looking for a cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring. My budget was originally going to be between 20-25,000 Canadian. I would like and hope to get something as close to 2 carat if possible in this price range.

Please provide me with any recommendations you may have.

Thanks.

Have a look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2394539?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and it’s going to look colorless.

What do you think?

Thank you for your response.

I did take a look at the diamond below and am wanting something with a little more wow factor. This diamond is lower than my planned budget, so we definitely have more room to work with. I was hoping to see something with a little better colour and better clarity.

Please let me know what you think. I have checked out James Alien’s website and have seen some other options in the 20-25k Canadian range. However I am not skilled at all in looking at diamonds therefore not sure which options are best.

Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.

My point is that this stone has a great cut and it’s going to look colorless and eye-clean. Even if you go for higher color or clarity grades, you would get the same impression of a colorless and eye-clean stone. That’s why I don’t see a reason in paying extra for something you won’t notice with your naked eye. Does that make sense?
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

I totally understand what your saying and it makes sense. However with this being my first diamond purchase and it be very special to me I just want to ensure that I’m getting the perfect one.
I’m not against your choice, but would you be able to point out a couple others as well so that I can have more of a selection.

Thanks.

If you want to see more suggestions, it only makes sense to search for a bigger diamond. Have a look at this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.12-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2315227?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s also perfectly cut, colorless and eye-clean.

Let me know what you decide.

I like that diamond. Next question I have is, I’m trying to find a local jeweller that will custom design a setting for me. I’ve got a couple of ideas in mind from looking at other designs online.

Any suggestions on how to go about this? As well I am going to need other little diamonds to surround the centre diamond on the setting. Is it best left to the ring maker to select the little diamonds?

Thanks.

I’m happy to hear that you like my suggestion.

We usually recommend purchasing both from one company. It’s easier in terms of shipping, returns and repairs. Did you check the settings on JA? Isn’t there any that would catch your eye?

If not, you can find one of your local jewelers to custom make a design you like. You can also contact JA directly and ask for the same. Their selection of small diamonds on their site is not big. But they might give you a better offer if you contact them directly.

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.
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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
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