Q&A: Looking for a 1.5 - 1.8 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond for 11k - 14k Total Budget

Hello, I was wondering if you could recommend a cushion cut diamond from James Allen for an engagement ring. The ring that I plan to purchase is:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17446?a_aid=dmnd1357

Here is what I’d like for the diamond:
clarity D-G
SI1 (or SI2 with no visible inclusions)
1.5 – 1.8 carats
Table < 70
Depth < 70
My budget is 11k – 14k total
I’m looking to maximize brilliance/fire

Here are my search results at James Allen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/?CaratFrom=1.50&CaratTo=1.81&Color=D,E,G,F&Clarity=SI1,SI2&PriceFrom=10100&PriceTo=13000&Sort=Price%20asc%20,DefaultOrder&showAdvanced=show&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=69.9&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=69.9&ps=15?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks in advance. Thanks for your site — great information!

This is the diamond I’d recommend for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-228736?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its bright, eye-clean and a fantastic cut. What do you think?

Thank you so much for responding. I like the one that you suggested. Can you also give me your impression of two others?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-177021?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-131127?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

They are both inferior in cut (specifically, higher depth%) and not eye-clean. I wouldn’t pay the same amount for them as I would the one I recommended. I certainly wouldn’t pay a thousand bucks more.

Thanks so much! I will go with your suggestion…

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

Click to Visit

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

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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.

Click to Visit

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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Q&A: Looking for a 1.5 – 1.8 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond for 11k – 14k Total Budget

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