We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Thank you for taking the time to review my question.
I’ve read quite a few of your articles and others online to get myself somewhat educated, but would love your help!
To give you the breakdown of my preferences, here they are:
-online (heard most/best about James Allen)
-cushion cut
-cut: the best possible (but there aren’t any hard rules on this, right?
-colour (H or better)
-clarity (most comfortable w/VS2 or better, but not opposed to SI 1 or 2)
-size (>0.7, assuming can’t get higher than 0.9 in my budget, but not opposed if available)
-budget for diamond ($2500-3500)
-budget for ring (in Platinum) ($500-1200)
For reference to a diamond I was looking at: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-172592?a_aid=dmnd1357
For reference to the ring style, something like this with a bit thicker ring, and one that rounds up towards the diamond (don’t need the sapphire on the ring):
http://birks.com/en/products/Engagement-Rings/g64/5000601210
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the diamond you selected. Looks like you don’t need much help from me.
Let me know how it looks when it arrives.
However much I appreciate you letting me know you loved the diamond I chose, I was looking for a couple of options from you, if possible. Can you also tell me the difference between regular and modified cushion cut?
Basically, I’m just looking for feedback on buying the best/clearest diamond and ring for my money, without overpaying if I don’t have to. If you could add in your analysis or comments to the diamond options specifically, that would be excellent.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated!
The difference between a modified cushion and regular is technical and has to do with the faceting on the bottom of the diamond. There are many different looks to cushions. There is the antique chunky and the crushed ice. Then there is square/rectangular which will change the way it looks.
This is the antique chunky look.
This is the crushed ice look.
There is no technical preference between the two. It’s all about what you like.
Thanks for your response. I now have two different stone options that I’m looking at, as I would like a more square cushion cut.
What are your thoughts of these two? Should I stay away from the 2nd option that has a Medium Blue fluorescence?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-204384?a_aid=dmnd1357
also thinking about this true square (1.00 length to width ratio) cushion cut:
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I love the 0.80 G VS2. I think its the best cut/value overall.
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
