3 ct Diamond Prices

Have you tried the diamond search function here? That should give you some info.

Clarity and Color greatly influence price.

Clarity on emerald cuts needs to be higher because they show inclusions easier: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1384779.asp 20k... but it's got a big carbon inclusion that's eye visible to you.

I think that the most realistic "low" budget for a 3 carat stone is 30k. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1465111.asp This one has potential.

This one is 25k but the cut isn't good (regardless of the label JA puts on it) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1466339.asp

Cushions cost more per carat for nice ones. But here's an unattractive one for 20k: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1439248.asp For a nice three carat cushion you are looking at 35K.


IF you want a large looking stone for 20k and I would suggest a 2.5 carat Oval. Ovals face up LARGE so you need less carat weight for the same visual look. Also you can go lower in clarity than an emerald cut. And they are easier than cushions in terms of faceting. COMPARE the MEASUREMENTS of the stones NOT THE CARAT WEIGHT. Because the measurements determine how large a look you get, not the carat weight.

Unattractive oval for 9k: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI2-Very%20Good-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1474500.asp and http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Good-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1380022.asp 16k.

So you can definitely find a nice H-I SI1 stone for 20k in a 2.5 carat oval. AND it will look BIGGER or as big as a 3 carat Emerald Cut or Cushion