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

By Mike Fried,

 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? 

 

 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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
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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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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