1.03 Carat Cushion Diamond Help.

Injen · Sep 12, 2018

Hello Everybody,

I am new to this forum, but I have been looking through many thread for the past 2 months trying to figure out the best diamond to buy. I am planning to propose to my girlfriend and was hoping if anyone can help pick out a good cushion diamond. Since my time browsing the forums, I came to the conclusion that James Allen, Blue Nile, and WhiteFlash are typically the popular ones. I have provided some examples of ones I looked at and was hoping if you can give some advice.

Specs.
Price Range = $4,000 - $5000
Carat Size = Preferably 1.03 since 3 is her favorite number, but willing to work around that number if needed.
Shape = Cushion, prefer a more square shape than rectangle.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10523735?click_id=496918988
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-4026834.htm?source=pricescope
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2635470
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2600224

Anything will help!

Thanks!!

lovedogs · Sep 12, 2018

I'm going to try to help based on my own thoughts about looks, but I am NOT a cushion cut expert.
From the cushion cut "info" page (https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/cushion-cut-diamond), it says:

"A very basic table and depth range for Modern Cushion cuts is 54-62 % table and 59-64% depth"

The WF one doesn't have a picture and is virtual selection (the image is just a sample), so I would immediately rule that one out. Cushions have to be judged via eye (yours or a trusted vendor), so you can't buy blind.

Both JA ones look "mushy" to me in the middle, and aren't within the guidelines listed above.

I personally like the look of the first BN one, but it's also not the proportions suggested via the wiki. I strongly suggest ignoring the "3 is her favorite number" thing, because you need to be looking for the best diamond, not a specific number. You can get something special engraved in the ring itself, but you are being unnecessarily restrictive here.

What is your preferred size? I see 4-5K in your budget above--do you want 1ct in size?

I suggest reaching out to diamonds by lauren (@Rockdiamond on here). He has great cushion cut stones and is an expert and looking at/evaluating cushion cuts.

EDIT. DBL is one of the best for radiant cuts, but perhaps less for more "traditional" cushion cuts. Not that he wouldn't be a great help (he's super knowledgable), but just wanted to clarify!