Cushion Cut Diamond Help

[Bobbi_VS2]

Hi all, I could really use some help! I am planning to propose to my longtime girlfriend soon and am in search for a cushion cut diamond! I have narrowed down my list to two diamonds:

1.52ct VS2 H for $9050 USD
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

1.31ct IF H for ~$8500 USD
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

What do you guys think of these diamonds, which is the better option?
I am leaning towards the 1.52ct.

Your feedback / opinons are very much appreciated!!

 

[headlight]

Is there a reason you are going for IF clarity? That seems rather overkill, especially with an H color. You are not going to "see" your money's worth on the IF, yet if you went down in clarity and up in color that is something you would get value from.

 

[Bobbi_VS2]

Is there a reason you are going for IF clarity? That seems rather overkill, especially with an H color. You are not going to "see" your money's worth on the IF, yet if you went down in clarity and up in color that is something you would get value from.

Thanks for the quick response!
With the 1.31ct, I wasn't aiming for the IF. The cut and face up area (for a 1.31) of the diamond caught my eye most. Ultimately, I am leaning towards the 1.52ct because I get a bigger stone by sacrificing on clarity. Unfortunately, I could not find a good diamond with a better color in my budget.
I am looking for a cushion cut without the crushed ice look.

Any thoughts on the 1.52ct? Should I be looking for a diamond with better color?

 

[marymm]

I really love the look of the 1.52ct H-VS2 cushion - it has a crisp facet pattern, a spready face-up, and lively performance - and an H-VS2 with faint fluor will be plenty white especially once set (unless you/GF particularly prefers D/E/F) - I think it is well-priced and a top choice.

Not a fan of the 1.31ct cushion - while the very center facets are nice and crisp, do you see how it gets kind of mushy in the outer ring towards the table edge?

 

[flyingpig]

The H VS2 has potential. The H IF is ..meh...

 

[ac117]

This inclusion on this stone is light so I believe it would be eye clean but you could ask BN to inspect - a very pretty and white E color stone: https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

Not sure if you like the flavor of a H&A cushion but here’s a pretty one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7370665

A few other options:
Larger https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-7494322
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4889847
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7054114