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I have a few diamonds Im choosing between on James Allen and would like some help choosing based on you all’s expertise.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3667571?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is cut a bit too deep and it not eye-clean. Also, the black windowing on the sides would not look good in person, I try to avoid such diamonds as much as I can.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2209189?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one’s also a bit too deep and the Symmetry grade being only “Good” creates an unappealing fish eye effect.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7237514?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is nicely cut, but the black windowing is on the strong side, I’m not a fan.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-7166683?a_aid=dmnd1357
Not eye-clean + medium fluorescence would make it look dull and hazy.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.92-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-7379839?a_aid=dmnd1357
Not eye-clean + black windowing.
Would you like me to find better options for you? What style setting are you putting the diamond into? And do you have a ballpark for it?
Thank you so much for the feedback and I really appreciate the service you all give. Looking for a cushion cut diamond, 2 carats, but I want it elongated with about a L/W ratio of 1.1 or greater. I’m just having a hard time choosing the best one available and that’s where I can use your help. Trying to stay under $12k. Also putting the diamond in a pave setting.
Thank you for the info. For a pave setting, I wouldn’t go below an H color, lower color grades would have yellowish tones compared to the smaller diamonds in the band.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a decent 2ct cushion cut diamond for ~$12k. The best priced eye-clean option I found is this 1.8ct:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.80-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7480008?a_aid=dmnd1357
I really like what you chose. I have been looking for about a month now, and out of all the diamonds Ive seen this one stands out at sight. I will see if I can find the other one that you couldn’t look up. And will look a little more today. Even though the size of the one you picked isn’t exactly at 2.0 it definitely has a quality to it that others do not.
…
Thoughts on G color and strong fluorescence?
Strong blue fluorescence is a kiss of death on anything higher than a J color. The diamond would look dull and hazy in most lighting scenarios.
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to such an expensive item which diamond ring truly is. I’d rather get a slightly smaller stone with the certainty of value than something only a tad larger that wouldn’t even look good. As you say, the difference between a 1.8 and a 2ct diamond is not that drastic and truth be told, no one usually knows what’s the real size of a 2ct anyway.
Got it. Just thought it would be more of the elongated shape since it was at just about 1.1 for the L/W. The one you sent was about 1.08 so it may not be that much of a difference in actuality. Thanks for the insight.
The problem with elongated cushion cuts is that there’s not so many of them. And even when you find one that’s properly shaped, it still needs to tick the rest of the boxes such as cut, eye-cleanliness, clarity notes and fluorescence.
I placed the order today for the diamond you recommended. I really appreciate your help and I’m praying this is the one. It’s difficult when choosing from an online retailer, but you made it a bit more calming. Thank you.
That’s great news! That diamond is an excellent choice I can’t wait to hear how you like it when you receive it.
Thank you for the nice words, it’s been a pleasure helping you.
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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