Q&A: Looking for a Cushion or Radiant 0.90-1.00 Ct. Diamond for $2800-$3400 Budget

Greetings,

I really appreciate all of the knowledge and experience you have provided on this website for prospective diamond buyers like me. I am currently on the hunt for a loose diamond to match a setting my girlfriend really fell in love with at the (mall) jewelry store after much searching online and at other brick and mortar stores. She happened to fall in love with the setting only, so that’s good news for me! The jewelry store in the mall (Helzberg) also tried to convince me that I should buy the diamond at the store as well, and even took a few stones out of the case and put them in the setting to showcase the sparkle under the fancy store lights. The sticker shock was pretty fierce. Here’s what they showed us:

Diamond #1
Weight: .84
Cut: Helzberg Signature “Radiant Star” (Cushion)
Color: H
Clarity: SI2
Price: 4899

Diamond #2
Weight: .94
Cut: Helzberg Signature “Radiant Star” (Cushion)
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Price: 7699

I decided to educate myself more since this is a big purchase and a big decision, and I happened across your site. After reading almost all of you very informative articles, as well as others online, I ended up on James Allen searching for a great diamond to complete the setting. I was able to find several, often a better color grade, better clarity and larger diamond for much less than I would have paid at the mall.

I suppose I am just a little cautious buying online, even with the awesome 360 photos they post. I narrowed it down to 5, but I wanted to reach out and see if I am on the right track here, and if I am looking at something that will be eye clean as well as not too obvious on the color difference and look good in the setting. If you can let me know what you consider the best out of those, or for that matter, if you have any suggestions of your own in addition to those I would really appreciate it!

Here’s what I am looking for:
Preferred Weight: .90-1.00
Preferred Cut: Cushion or Radiant (She likes Square cuts but without sharp corners)
Preferred Color: G-I
Preferred Clarity: VS1-SI2 (eye clean)
Preferred Cert: GIA
Budget: $2800-$3400 USD

Link to Setting: http://www.helzberg.com/product/artiste+aurialis+engagement+ring+kay+1773792.do?sortby=ourPicks

Link to Diamonds I found on James Allen Site: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/?CaratFrom=0.85&CaratTo=1.00&Color=G,H&Clarity=SI2,SI1,VS2,VS1&PriceFrom=1610&PriceTo=3430&Sort=Carat%20asc,%20DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&DiamondID=205528,170427,207083,199471,228859&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=GIA&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=80.0&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=83.0?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks so much, and I look forward to hearing from you. I appreciate your time, and thanks for all of the great information! 

Thanks Mike! Will the first one you recommended be eye clean? The second one was already purchased.

How about this one, it seems to have a lot of character. Would it be eye clean, and is it a good deal?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-170427?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks so much for the help!