Q&A: Looking for a 3 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond for a Yellow or Rose Gold Solitaire

I’m awhile out from buying an engagement ring, but I am trying to get as educated as possible. I’ve been doing my research for awhile so I’m really well-versed in diamond information. I would really prefer a solitaire that is around 3 carats (but more is greatly appreciated). Cushion is what I like the best… Also I love princess.

I want to stay in the $20,000 range, excluding setting). I just want something that’s big and beautiful and impressive. I also would like it to be set high, so it’s more noticeable. I’ve been searching on James Allen and all of the clarities are all over the place so I’m looking for a diamond that would be a great buy.

Also, I’d have it set in yellow gold or rose gold. Thanks for your help!

So, anything lower than a VS2 isn’t eye clean? I had been looking at some almost 4 carat rings that were SI and color K… Would that not look great once it was set in a gold setting? I thought I read on your article about how clarity isn’t super important and how you can be flexible on the color.

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For instance, how about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.52-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-812305?a_aid=dmnd1357

Interesting… I will take all of that information into consideration!

Here’s an I ring. I’m looking at the clarity in the photos and in the photos you can CLEARLY see lots of black dots, almost like dirt. But if you were looking at the diamond on a finger, would those dots be obvious? I’m trying to figure out how to get a “lower clarity” rating but still have a brilliant diamond.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.21-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2152091?a_aid=dmnd1357

Second question, in terms of getting the most for your money, which style diamond and cut is best? Which cut (round, princess, asscher, cushion, etc) will give the best effect? For instance, would a 3ct. round diamond look visually bigger than a 3ct. cushion? Or princess? Which diamond cut shows color less? Just in general, which diamond gives you the most for your money?

Thanks.

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Oh, sorry, sent you an IGI ring again. I’m staying away from those. But ignoring the IGI certificate, I still have those questions about the clarity.

Thanks.

What about this diamond?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.68-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-2211802?a_aid=dmnd1357

Everything looks pretty good… I’m wondering what other things I should be on the lookout for. What does girdle mean/what is the ideal girdle thickness? Does flourescence matter much? What aspects of the diamond make is more sparkly or more brilliant?

Thanks.

What do you think about this stone? I think it looks eye clean (how can you tell?)… But there is an inclusion on the face. Would that be obvious?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2440295?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks.

I’m back again. I’ve kind of changed my mind… I’d prefer a round brilliant diamond set in a white gold plain band setting. I’m not as pushy when it comes to a 3 carat ring anymore, but I’d still prefer 2.6-3 carats (and $20k is the max I’d like to spend). I’m still not sure HOW to tell if a diamond is eye clean.

Can you find any diamonds that are in that range and eye-clean and brilliant? I promise, once I buy a diamond from JA, I will give them your name/company as someone who helped me out.

Thanks.