Diamond evaluation- 1.8 cushion

[Julieneutron]

I've been looking at diamonds for a few months now and these are the 2 I have narrowed down to. Face up size and sparkle are most important to me so cut has been my priority. I have a yellow gold setting, so I was thinking I could go with a lower grade color. Since I can't actually see the stones, I was trying to stay in a range where I don't have to worry about visible flaws. I was hoping someone could tell me why the 1.73 is almost $2,000 more than the 1.8. This is my first diamond and I've done some research but I don't really understand table and depth and how all the pieces fit together so any feedback would be helpful, thanks!

1.73
http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/Results/D19719488

1.8
http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/Results/D18477264

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am sorry to have to tell you this, but you absolutely cannot choose a cushion stone unless there are pictures. It is impossible because some are downright ugly and you cannot tell from numbers on a report. I strongly recommend you look at vendors such as Good Old Gold, Engagement Rings Direct, and James Allen who all provide pictures of the diamonds.

Are you looking for a rectangular cushion or a more square one? You are safe with VS1 and most VS2's. I would not choose VVS unless it just happened to be the best cut stone.

This is an example of a nicely cut one at $11,500:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11373/

Here is an example of why we recommend having pictures (aside from clarity):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-37317

 

[Julieneutron]

Wow, thanks. I wasn't thrilled about them not having pictures but since that's where the setting is from I was just gonna do it for ease, but I'll definitely take your advice and use one of those sites.
I'm looking for more of a square and something between $10-13,000

 

[04diamond<3]

Not sure what cut you like but here are some options:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-36278

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.83-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-162946

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.05-carat-royal-t-cushion-diamond.-gid-135701.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.70-carat-i-vs2-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-147535.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What does the setting look like? You often can get most setting styles from other vendors. It is easier to get stone and setting from the same vendor.

 

[Julieneutron]

This is the setting
http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Pave/Round-and-Pave-Set-Engagement-Setting/1059

I've looked around for it a bit on some other sites, but no luck.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It is very possible that setting may be made from a manufacturer that many vendors carry such as Stuller or Unique Settings, etc. So once you find the diamond, you can show them the picture and let them see if they can locate it. No vendor has all their settings on their site if they carry any brands other than the ones they make in-house. If it can't be located, then you can order the empty setting and send it to the diamond vendor to have them set it. Usually you'll have to pay a setting fee if you do it that way, but it is still the best way if the setting is bought elsewhere.

 

[Julieneutron]

This is an example of a nicely cut one at $11,500:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11373/

is there anything comparable to this you would suggest on the james allen site?

 

[04diamond<3]

This is an example of a nicely cut one at $11,500:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11373/

is there anything comparable to this you would suggest on the james allen site?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.20-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-222509