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Q&A: Searching for 2 Ct. Cushion Cut

By Mike Fried,

I have been checking up on The Diamond Pro for a few months now in anticipation of purchasing a diamond and engagement ring. Thank you for the in depth information and material that you provide on the site. It has definitely helped me go from someone who doesn’t know anything about diamonds to being somewhat educated.

I am looking for a roughly 2 carat Cushion Cut diamond. My budget for the diamond is ~$14,000. I would prefer to stay at, or under, this price but if the right diamond is available I am willing to spend more. I want to set the diamond into a halo pave setting, with some diamonds on the shank as well. I am greatly considering having a custom setting made, so I can’t give much more detail. Hopefully that description of what I have in mind for a setting is sufficient enough.

As for the center stone itself, I’ve been looking at a few different websites but mostly at James Allen. I went into a local jeweler the other day to see some different colors in person, and what to expect in terms of brilliance and clarity.

I have just taken a look at James Allen and these are a few diamonds that I think would be good to consider:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-197222?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-191798?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-163301?a_aid=dmnd1357

Out of these three, I really like the H VS1. My only concern is the depth. Would that effect the brilliance at all?

The 2.03 H SI1 may be more of a stretch, and the 1.81 H SI1 has that strong inclusion — would this even be eye clean?

Thank you so much for your time and any input! I look forward to your thoughts!

It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the H VS1 diamond you selected. The depth is better than the others. Not only does it have a nice cut, but since it’s not so deep it will look larger than the 2.00 carat.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

I have seen a few of your Q&A sessions on The Diamond Pro site. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

Wow. I am kind of surprised but relieved that you love the H VS1 as well. I was expecting some other suggestions from you, but this really makes things quick and easy! I haven’t seen anything else that I like as much as that diamond.

Thank you again for your time and opinion. I’ll be sure let you know how it looks.

Quick and easy sure beats the alternative. Keep me posted.

I received the ring yesterday and it is stunning. The cushion is perfect and I couldn’t be happier.

Thank you so much again for your opinion, it made the whole process a bit less stressful.

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help.

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.
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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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