Q&A: Looking for a 1.5ct Chunky Cushion Diamond for a Platinum Pavé Setting

Dear Diamonds Pro,

I am interested in getting a cushion cut diamond engagement ring from James Allen with the PLATINUM THIN FRENCH-CUT PAVE setting. The choice I have so far is between these two cushion cut diamonds (that seem to have more of the chunky/antique effect rather than the crushed ice effect), and I’d prefer to select the 1.28 carat vs the 1.50 carat, but only if the sparkle/fire/brilliance is likely to be similar.

I would really appreciate your recommendations on which one you would recommend me select (or neither – and recommend another one you think would be better value), also based on value of money, i.e. the fact that the 1.50 carat is twice the price of the 1.28 carat option.

The diamonds are as follows: SKU:2137989 (1.28 carat); SKU:1773076 (1.50 carat):
(1) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.28-carat-f-color-if-clarity-sku-2137989?a_aid=dmnd1357

(2) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-d-color-if-clarity-sku-1773076?a_aid=dmnd1357

Many thanks!!

Thanks for responding and I’ve actually reserved the diamond. Here is the detail of the expensive 1.50 carat diamond (ASET). It’s around $17500.

Thanks!

……

Just to follow up (sorry, my last email was very rushed as I jumped out of a meeting) – I also asked JA to provide their guidance on whether the $17K diamond was of high quality and they sent the ASET report.

As the other diamond (~$9K) looked similar but less weight I wanted to get JA perspective on the value of the 1.50 vs 1.28 diamonds. Also, as the $9K diamond sold last night, I panicked a little and asked them to hold the $17K diamond for 48 hours.

I hope you are able to help provide your thoughts on whether this diamond is truly worth the $17K or if I should continue looking at other cushion diamonds instead that offer a better value (or if you have other recommendations for similar spec).

Many many thanks again for your response!

I liked the 1.52 as it seemed to have less obvious inclusions and nice shape/chunky internal pattern. However, what are your thoughts around the H color in cushions. I was reading that H and higher is best – as they hold color the best – however will the H be too yellow in comparison to other diamonds if out next to them?

Also, what is the visual consequence of the Very Good and Good Polish/Symmetry in the 1.52ct… rather than being Excellent or Very Good as in the original 1.50 diamond?
Cheers!