Help choosing a cushion diamond!!

[Molinski44]

This forum has been awesome. Thanks all for your input. It's been a huge help in this scary, exciting process. Just looking for your input on my decision!

I think my biggest concern is what carat to go with for a cushion (heard it appears bigger). My significant other is a size 5.5 and I wan to ensure the size looks okay. (She's expressed she doesn't like the tiny diamond look so I could compromise a worse quality look for a bigger rock). I'm thinking around 1.3 carat mark

These is the settings I currently like:

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_21482?click_id=880230912

What are your thoughts for specs that I should be looking into with a $6-8k budget in mind.If anyone could help me out with suggestions from blue nile I would really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[chrono]

Ovals look big for their carat weight and the elongated shape of the marquise as well. Other than that, rounds generally look bigger than cushions.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Hi There,

I agree with Chrono, a cushion is going to face up smaller than other shapes. I suggest you stick with a round stone & find a setting with a cushion shape. I think this might be the best of both worlds. If you want to squeeze out another 1 - 1.5mm, a bezel would add to the width. I don't know that you will get to 1.3 ct with your budget. Others will chime in with their recommendations & what they have seen on the various sites.

Here is a stone I found from the Signature section of Blue Nile. The HCA dings it in Spread otherwise, the score is xxx,vg. It's smaller than you are asking but the spread is pretty good (in my view, even though the HCA doesn't think so. LOL).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04646400
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/cushion-halo-14k-white-gold-engagement-ring_49863?elem=img&track=product

All the best..

 

[Stone Hunter]

Does she want a cushion? And does she want a square cushion or a rectangular cushion?

Or is she just looking for a larger size visually? Ovals look larger but many have visible "bow ties."

Maybe you could spend all of your budget on the stone and go with a simple setting if size matters the most.

HTH

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I did a search under the non signature section, & you might be able to get to your 1.3.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05224150


I don't know cushions very well so others will let you know about those.

 

[chrono]

Unless BN provides actual pictures and a video or ASET of their cushions, I would shop elsewhere because fancies cannot be bought by the numbers alone.

 

[ariel144]

I would buy an old cut ...antique round diamond and put it in a cushion halo. the faceting on these are really lovely.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-13ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-h-si1#.VZa6iVVViko

To get the size you want you will have to go with a lower color:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-42ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-ags-k-si1#.VZa9zVVViko

 

[ariel144]

This one is nice and is an antique cushion
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-31ct-antique-cushion-cut-egl-j-vs2#.VZfw91VViko

Do you have a specific reason for sticking with Blue Nile?

 

[TruLuv858]

Unless you specifically knows she wants a cushion cut, I don't know that I would suggest it? There are sooo many variables involved. With that said, I have an antique cushion cut (OMB) and adore it, but it definetly faces smaller than something like a round or oval. Honestly, if I were to upgrade the stone, it would seriously consider an oval... provides more finger coverage and still has an antique feel to it, if that is what she is in to.