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I am looking to buy a cushion cut diamond for around $8000 or less from James Allen. I want it to be as square as possible and around the 1.2-1.3 carat size minimum and at least G colour. I was wondering if you would be able to help me know what the best ones are?
I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.
Thanks for getting back to me!
I am basically getting a jeweler to copy the Tiffany Novo design in platinum, which has side stones.
I got concerned because the jeweler I was speaking with said depending on the way the diamond is cut, it could have poor light return even if the other specifications seem good. Is there any way to check this when buying a diamond online?
Thanks so much for your help!
It sounds like you are getting typical salesman BS. Yes, not all diamonds are the same. But if you know what to look for cut-wise, you will be absolutely fine. I would recommend these diamonds for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1530986.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1527568.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1460126.asp
I like the cut on the first one the best and think its the best overall value. What do you think?
Thank you so much for your recommendations! The first one looks great.
Let me know what you end up doing. And, of course, if you have any questions let me know.
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
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