We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi! I’ve been reading through your articles on purchasing a loose diamond, and I would LOVE some guidance.
I’m looking to design my own ring on Blue Nile. Solitaire, cushion cut, 1-1.5 carats, cathedral setting on a platinum ring. I’m looking to spend around $5000 on the engagement ring, and could love to maximize size without compromising on cut, color or clarity.
Can you give me some pointers on what range I should be looking at with respect to color and clarity given my parameters? Is it necessary to go with Blue Nile’s Astor Ideal cut? THANK YOU!!
In case of cushions, it’s good to keep the depth under 69% and the table shouldn’t exceed 70%. As for the color, I would recommend sticking with H+ color (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cushion-cut/). Clarity-wise, we search for eye-clean SI2+ diamonds. Sometimes you can find a perfect SI diamond, sometimes the first eye-clean option is a VS stone (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/). I wouldn’t necessarily go with the Astor cut. As long as the diamond is properly cut, you can easily stick with Excellent GIA. Also, we use own strict parameters and criteria based on experience to search for nicely cut stones with lots of fire and brilliance.
Here are my recommendations:
Blue Nile LD08185092
Blue Nile LD10127110
Both of them are well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.
Those are both beautiful. Ideally, I’d like to find something slightly larger (1.2-1.3 ct). I’m willing to go into the $4-5k range.
With the Blue Nile diamonds, if I’m going for a cushion cut around 1.2ct, in a solitaire, cathedral platinum setting, should I spend the extra $$ for the “Ideal” cut, or is “very good” really good enough?
Also, since this will be a solitaire on platinum, is it really okay to go to an H in color, or should I try to stay G or better?
Cushions don’t have their own official cut grade given by GIA. Some companies use their own internal grades, but we don’t put any stock in those. We just use our own guidelines and strict parameters to find the best stones possible. Therefore, in case of cushion cut, I wouldn’t pay attention to these cut grades at all. H color will look colorless in such setting, there is no need to pay more for G colored diamonds and better (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/).
Here is what I found for you:
Blue Nile LD08640242
It’s also a nice diamond. However, if you compare measurements with measurements of previous options, you’ll see a significant price difference and a relatively small size difference.
You may consider this option as well (in case you will find a setting on JA you like):
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3432505?a_aid=dmnd1357
This stone is the biggest in measurements so far.
Thank you. This is very helpful. Maybe one last question: Is the difference between a more square vs. more rectangular shape purely a matter of personal preference, or when someone says “cushion cut,” are they typically referring to the more rectangular look where the stone is noticeably longer than it is wide? Does one tend to look bigger than the other?
There is no typical look for a cushion cut diamond. It’s definitely a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, one can’t say that one shape looks bigger than the other. It’s always better to check measurements and find the biggest option available when trying to reach the largest-looking stone possible.
I bought the last one you sent me!!
Thank you for your help. 🙂
That’s fantastic news!
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.
