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Q&A: Looking for Cushion Cut for $8K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’ve read most of your articles and spent a few hours shopping around on JamesAllen.com, but I’m struggling to make a final selection. Can you take a look at some of these links and let me know if you think the inclusions would be seen by the naked eye and/or where you think the best value is? I’m looking at cushion cuts for a yellow gold solitaire ring. I’m hoping to be right around 1.3 carats, under $8k. If you have any other suggestions please let me know,

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-165210?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-139003?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-188637?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-144258?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-199441?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

I think this is a much nicer cut than the ones you were looking at:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-187665?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s not nearly as deep and will look larger because it’s better cut. What do you think?

I’m glad you said something about depth. I wasn’t really looking at that. I’m not crazy about the one you sent though. I think I’d like it to be more square and less rectangular. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Thanks that looks great! It’s slightly smaller than I was originally thinking but seems like it will face up nicely. Would you recommend getting it laser engraved or anything like that or are people usually ok without that?

Thanks for your help! You’ve been terrific!

You mean a personal message on the setting or on the diamond itself?

On the Diamond itself, for identifying it. Someone told me you can get them laser engraved with a # so you always know the Diamond is the right one when it comes back from being set or cleaned. I don’t know much about it, but someone mentioned it was a good idea.

You could get it if you want. But you can’t read it on your own anyways. You’ll need to go into a jeweler to double check that and they can just as easily match the diamond to the certificate.

Good Point. Thanks for all your help. I ordered the diamond the other day, so I’m excited to see it when it arrives. I didn’t see much for rings I liked on James Allen, so I think I’ll probably take it to a local jeweler to pick the actual ring. Let me know if you have any final tips as far as choosing the ring goes. Otherwise, thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

Which local jeweler are you going to?

Thomas Joseph & sons. My friend got his ring there and I started looking there before I looked online. I remember seeing some rings I liked. Any other suggestions?

Find someone who does independent appraisals (someone that doesn’t sell diamonds or jewelry). Tell them you want to get your ring appraised when its done, but you already purchased the diamond online. Ask if you can come over to him before going to the jeweler to confirm the diamond matches the certificate. Then you’ll come back with the ring done and ask for the full appraisal. This way, if the jeweler swaps the diamond, you will be able to prove that it was the jeweler and not James Allen.

Great idea. I picked up the diamond this morning and it looks great!

I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful.

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

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.
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  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
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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
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