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Q&A: Looking for Cushion or Emerald for Tight Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

I remember my girl mentioning square cut diamonds not princess cut. Like everyone I would like to get the biggest stone possible and still have a beautiful diamond as well. I have a $1800 – $2000 budget for the stone. Any advise would be very helpful and a reputable dealer to buy from.

I really like these:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-190621?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-79531?a_aid=dmnd1357

The first one is a phenomenal cut.

Those are very nice stones, however, have since found out that she fancies emerald cut, forgive me for calling it “square”.

No worries. I would recommend these for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.75-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-178014?_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-184560?_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think?

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!
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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.
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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. 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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