Help - Diamond for new engagement ring

[Norma2910]

Hi all,

I have been lurking on this forum for the last few months now and decided it is high time I actually posted to see if you guys are able to help me out.

Background: My husband and I got engaged 6 months after graduating and at the time we bought a relatively cheap bridal set (engagement ring and wedding ring) for me from a high street shop with the view that after we had got married and bought a house and were in a better financial position, we would buy the forever rings. The engagement ring is a cushion shaped halo ring with a cluster centre and we paid no mind to cut, clarity, colour etc at this stage as it was never going to be forever and to be honest I was much more ignorant towards these characteristics back then. Now the ring is dull and yellow looking in places and due to this, I am really after a diamond that appears bright, white and sparkly.

Fast forward 3 years and we are ready to buy the forever engagment ring and are looking for a cushion diamond to go in a platinum halo setting - I have now been browsing and researching for about 4 months to narrow down what I am looking for. The budget for the diamond alone is £2500 ($3600ish I think). So, the diamond - 1 carat (I have looked at 0.9 - 0.99 but come to the realisation that having an actual 1 carat or slightly over is important to me, I know that's silly but hey ho better to realise that now), originally I was focusing on D or E as I mentioned earlier I really want a diamond that looks bright white because my current cluster ring looks so dull and yellow, however after researching the last few months, I feel I could be prepared to focus as low as H as long as the cut is ideal and the stone is eye clean particularly on the table and preferably VS2 upwards with plenty of sparkle.

I am looking to buy through James Allen and think I may have settled on a stone, but I think the only thing which is concerning me now is that it is an H. This is the stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...s1-clarity-sku-4525645?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=jo

I would really appreciate any opinions and advice regarding this stone and whether you feel it would fit with my requirements. If I have missed any information that would help then please do let me know!

To summarise, I am looking for:
- Cushion cut
- 1 carat
- D - H
- Ideal cut
- VS2 upwards but definitely eye clean particularly on the table when viewed from above
- Little or no fluorescence
- Optimum brilliance and fire - I really want a sparkler!
- To fit in platinum cushion halo setting
- Budget (just for diamond) £2500, which I believe is around $3600 USD (but correct me if I am wrong)

Thanks for your help!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi all,

I have been lurking on this forum for the last few months now and decided it is high time I actually posted to see if you guys are able to help me out.

Background: My husband and I got engaged 6 months after graduating and at the time we bought a relatively cheap bridal set (engagement ring and wedding ring) for me from a high street shop with the view that after we had got married and bought a house and were in a better financial position, we would buy the forever rings. The engagement ring is a cushion shaped halo ring with a cluster centre and we paid no mind to cut, clarity, colour etc at this stage as it was never going to be forever and to be honest I was much more ignorant towards these characteristics back then. Now the ring is dull and yellow looking in places and due to this, I am really after a diamond that appears bright, white and sparkly.

Fast forward 3 years and we are ready to buy the forever engagment ring and are looking for a cushion diamond to go in a platinum halo setting - I have now been browsing and researching for about 4 months to narrow down what I am looking for. The budget for the diamond alone is £2500 ($3600ish I think). So, the diamond - 1 carat (I have looked at 0.9 - 0.99 but come to the realisation that having an actual 1 carat or slightly over is important to me, I know that's silly but hey ho better to realise that now), originally I was focusing on D or E as I mentioned earlier I really want a diamond that looks bright white because my current cluster ring looks so dull and yellow, however after researching the last few months, I feel I could be prepared to focus as low as H as long as the cut is ideal and the stone is eye clean particularly on the table and preferably VS2 upwards with plenty of sparkle.

I am looking to buy through James Allen and think I may have settled on a stone, but I think the only thing which is concerning me now is that it is an H. This is the stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...s1-clarity-sku-4525645?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=jo

I would really appreciate any opinions and advice regarding this stone and whether you feel it would fit with my requirements. If I have missed any information that would help then please do let me know!

To summarise, I am looking for:
- Cushion cut
- 1 carat
- D - H
- Ideal cut
- VS2 upwards but definitely eye clean particularly on the table when viewed from above
- Little or no fluorescence
- Optimum brilliance and fire - I really want a sparkler!
- To fit in platinum cushion halo setting
- Budget (just for diamond) £2500, which I believe is around $3600 USD (but correct me if I am wrong)

Thanks for your help!

Hi Norma and welcome, we'll be glad to help you!

Just checking quickly, are you in the UK? If so, have you considered VAT and import duty in your budget?

 

[Norma2910]

Hi Lorelei, thanks so much for the reply

Yes, UK based and yes, I've considered VAT and import duty and they are in addition to my diamond budget so the budget is still £2500 for the diamond alone. Thanks very much for checking!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Lorelei, thanks so much for the reply

Yes, UK based and yes, I've considered VAT and import duty and they are in addition to my diamond budget so the budget is still £2500 for the diamond alone. Thanks very much for checking!

Ok great, you're on the ball!

 

[ac117]

Hi all,

I have been lurking on this forum for the last few months now and decided it is high time I actually posted to see if you guys are able to help me out.

Background: My husband and I got engaged 6 months after graduating and at the time we bought a relatively cheap bridal set (engagement ring and wedding ring) for me from a high street shop with the view that after we had got married and bought a house and were in a better financial position, we would buy the forever rings. The engagement ring is a cushion shaped halo ring with a cluster centre and we paid no mind to cut, clarity, colour etc at this stage as it was never going to be forever and to be honest I was much more ignorant towards these characteristics back then. Now the ring is dull and yellow looking in places and due to this, I am really after a diamond that appears bright, white and sparkly.

Fast forward 3 years and we are ready to buy the forever engagment ring and are looking for a cushion diamond to go in a platinum halo setting - I have now been browsing and researching for about 4 months to narrow down what I am looking for. The budget for the diamond alone is £2500 ($3600ish I think). So, the diamond - 1 carat (I have looked at 0.9 - 0.99 but come to the realisation that having an actual 1 carat or slightly over is important to me, I know that's silly but hey ho better to realise that now), originally I was focusing on D or E as I mentioned earlier I really want a diamond that looks bright white because my current cluster ring looks so dull and yellow, however after researching the last few months, I feel I could be prepared to focus as low as H as long as the cut is ideal and the stone is eye clean particularly on the table and preferably VS2 upwards with plenty of sparkle.

I am looking to buy through James Allen and think I may have settled on a stone, but I think the only thing which is concerning me now is that it is an H. This is the stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...s1-clarity-sku-4525645?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=jo

I would really appreciate any opinions and advice regarding this stone and whether you feel it would fit with my requirements. If I have missed any information that would help then please do let me know!

To summarise, I am looking for:
- Cushion cut
- 1 carat
- D - H
- Ideal cut
- VS2 upwards but definitely eye clean particularly on the table when viewed from above
- Little or no fluorescence
- Optimum brilliance and fire - I really want a sparkler!
- To fit in platinum cushion halo setting
- Budget (just for diamond) £2500, which I believe is around $3600 USD (but correct me if I am wrong)

Thanks for your help!

Welcome! Exciting that you get to hunt for your forever set!

Unfortunately, the stone you chose isn't well cut - the facets under the table are not clearly defined/mushy so the light return isn't great, and there's a lot of obstruction around the edges/doesn't have edge to edge brightness so it's bound to look smaller than what it actually is. I had a quick look and here are a few that are really beautiful:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-817383515)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4746898
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4234770
This stone should be eye clean: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3699826

It's important to look at dimensions and not carat weight for cushions and other fancy shapes. There are stones that may be .9 ct that are actually larger dimension wise than a 1 ct. I do understand that you would like the hit the 1 ct mark so this information is just for your reference and why I kept my search to only 1ct+ stones!

 

[Norma2910]

Welcome! Exciting that you get to hunt for your forever set!

Unfortunately, the stone you chose isn't well cut - the facets under the table are not clearly defined/mushy so the light return isn't great, and there's a lot of obstruction around the edges/doesn't have edge to edge brightness so it's bound to look smaller than what it actually is. I had a quick look and here are a few that are really beautiful:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-817383515)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4746898
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4234770
This stone should be eye clean: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3699826

It's important to look at dimensions and not carat weight for cushions and other fancy shapes. There are stones that may be .9 ct that are actually larger dimension wise than a 1 ct. I do understand that you would like the hit the 1 ct mark so this information is just for your reference and why I kept my search to only 1ct+ stones!

Thank you so much ac117, I really appreciate you getting back to me. That's really interesting what you have said about the stone I linked - it was one recommended by https://www.diamonds.pro/ after I had suggested a few other stones to them that I liked and had originally been shown by an advisor at James Allen. Hopefully I am getting a little closer to finding the right diamond!

I will have a look at those stones now thank you. Do you have any thoughts in regards to H? I still feel I have doubts that it will be white enough? But I'm assuming for my budget, H is probably a good place to be looking?

Completely take on board your point about dimensions - thank you

 

[ac117]

Thank you so much ac117, I really appreciate you getting back to me. That's really interesting what you have said about the stone I linked - it was one recommended by https://www.diamonds.pro/ after I had suggested a few other stones to them that I liked and had originally been shown by an advisor at James Allen. Hopefully I am getting a little closer to finding the right diamond!

I will have a look at those stones now thank you. Do you have any thoughts in regards to H? I still feel I have doubts that it will be white enough? But I'm assuming for my budget, H is probably a good place to be looking?

Completely take on board your point about dimensions - thank you

PSers are a lot pickier and focused on cut than other sites. We would encourage you to ask JA for an ASET for any stones you like to evaluate light performance but I could tell you that an ASET for the stone you originally linked won't be pretty and would look a lot like the ASET on this stone: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C105-574398367? - all the black under the table is light leakage, mixed with the tiny green facets which is light return but not as strong as red (and will give more pinpoint sparkle than bolder flashes when you have better defined facets), and the blue that you see around the edges is the obstruction.

I personally think an H in a well cut cushion will be totally fine, especially since you are putting it in a halo. Tint is seen from the side but this is mitigated when put in a halo since the stone should sit low and you shouldn't be able to see the belly. I will see if there's anything else in your budget worth considering in a higher color.

 

[ac117]

@Norma2910 Do you have to purchase from JA?
This one looks really nice: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C103-75398Z305?

A few others a few bucks over budget:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-3137367
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3063131
If eye clean: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4682430

 

[Matthews1127]

I found this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4002748
Just under budget. You will need an ASET to determine whether or not it’s worth pursuing. Find your top 3, and place them on hold, quickly. You can request up to 3 ASETs per email address.

https://www.diamdb.com/diamond/1.01ct-cushion-5.78x5.76x3.99/

 

[ringo865]

If you are open to a round stone in a cushion setting, you could get a nice one. Rounds are easier to pick by numbers and face up larger than cushions, such that a .7? ct round would face up as large as a 1.0 ct cushion.

Of course, if you want a cushion, you should have one. Just in case you didn't know the above.

 

[Norma2910]

Thank you so much for all the replies so far, I really appreciate it!
I am currently narrowing down my three favourite stones (including all your suggestions) and will then request the ASETs for them (something I wouldn't have thought of doing without this forum so thank you very much!).
In the meantime, I thought I would post the stone that one of the representatives at James Allen originally suggested to me, any opinions would be greatly appreciated as the other stones that have been recommended to me so far by Diamonds Pro or James Allen do not seem to be that favourable:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-3531052

Any thoughts on that one?

 

[Lorelei]

I just wanted to check, the cushion you posted is more of a modern cushion, is that what you want or would you prefer a chunkier more antique looking cushion?

 

[Norma2910]

I just wanted to check, the cushion you posted is more of a modern cushion, is that what you want or would you prefer a chunkier more antique looking cushion?

Hi Lorelei,

This is going to sound really ignorant I'm sure - but I think I'm after a fairly modern looking cushion but I have seen some pictures of antique (or antique looking I should say) cushions which are also beautiful.

Thanks again

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Lorelei,

This is going to sound really ignorant I'm sure - but I think I'm after a fairly modern looking cushion but I have seen some pictures of antique (or antique looking I should say) cushions which are also beautiful.

Thanks again

No one is ever ignorant to me Norma, that's what we're here for - no question is unworthy!

I'll post an article for you which might help so you can see the differences.

Actually, I think this video might be the best so you can see them in action!

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/cushion-cut-diamond-video-guide-good-old-gold

 

[Norma2910]

No one is ever ignorant to me Norma, that's what we're here for - no question is unworthy!

I'll post an article for you which might help so you can see the differences.

Actually, I think this video might be the best so you can see them in action!

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/cushion-cut-diamond-video-guide-good-old-gold

Thanks for that video Norma, that was so helpful!! I now know that I prefer a modern cushion. I need to narrow down to 3 so I can request the ASETs from James Allen.

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks for that video Norma, that was so helpful!! I now know that I prefer a modern cushion. I need to narrow down to 3 so I can request the ASETs from James Allen.

Very glad that helped!

 

[Norma2910]

Very glad that helped!

So excited by the video and the help that I accidentally called you my own name apparently haha!! Sorry Lorelei!

 

[Lorelei]

So excited by the video and the help that I accidentally called you my own name apparently haha!! Sorry Lorelei!

Don't worry, I answer to all sorts!

 

[Norma2910]

So I requested 3 ASETs from James Allen. One I'm not bothering uploading because there was so much light leakage but I will put the other 2 on for opinions please? It's interesting that the one I am uploading was the highest in terms of colour (F) but if I had blindly gone for that I would have been disappointed- thanks to you guys I am learning a lot.

Here are the other two:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486


https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-3531052



Any thoughts? Think I might request another 3 with my husband's email address too.

Thanks!

 

[ac117]

So I requested 3 ASETs from James Allen. One I'm not bothering uploading because there was so much light leakage but I will put the other 2 on for opinions please? It's interesting that the one I am uploading was the highest in terms of colour (F) but if I had blindly gone for that I would have been disappointed- thanks to you guys I am learning a lot.

Here are the other two:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486


https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-3531052



Any thoughts? Think I might request another 3 with my husband's email address too.

Thanks!

The first ASET that corresponds to the 1.01 H VSI stone I suggested is beautiful! Well defined facets, strong light return throughout the stone exhibited by all the red you see. We had the ASET from ED but it's good to see they match. The 1.01 G SI1 is not bad but too much obstruction under the table for my liking (when you look at the stone head on, those facets will be dark which you see in the video although what you see in the video is so dark due to the camera.)

 

[Norma2910]

The first ASET that corresponds to the 1.01 H VSI stone I suggested is beautiful! Well defined facets, strong light return throughout the stone exhibited by all the red you see. We had the ASET from ED but it's good to see they match. The 1.01 G SI1 is not bad but too much obstruction under the table for my liking (when you look at the stone head on, those facets will be dark which you see in the video although what you see in the video is so dark due to the camera.)

Hi ac117, thanks for your reply and you're right the 1.01 H stone that you suggested is beautiful and the ASET looks really good too - it is definitely my current favourite and unless any of the next three ASETs that I am about to post look any better, it is the one I will be going for

 

[Norma2910]

Hi all,

So I have had another 3 ASETs back and would really appreciate opinions on them, specifically as to whether any of them are better than the one that I posted for the H stone suggested by ac117 which is here:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486



The other three that I requested are here:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4525645

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4682430


https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4746898


Any opinions are really really appreciated! If possible I would like to buy whilst James Allen still has 25% off in settings and this ends on 22nd April so any thoughts would be great as I am keen to buy!

 

[ac117]

Hi all,

So I have had another 3 ASETs back and would really appreciate opinions on them, specifically as to whether any of them are better than the one that I posted for the H stone suggested by ac117 which is here:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486



The other three that I requested are here:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4525645

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4682430


https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4746898


Any opinions are really really appreciated! If possible I would like to buy whilst James Allen still has 25% off in settings and this ends on 22nd April so any thoughts would be great as I am keen to buy!

Ok, a definite no to the 1.01 H VS1 sku 4525645 - it came out just like the example I posted and has way too much mush under the table, the facets aren't well defined and there's obstruction along the edges that will make the stone appear smaller (this was the example just on a black background instead of white: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C105-574398367?)

I'm also not a fan of the 1.01 G SI1...although it will be very bright in the center, it doesn't have as strong light return along the edges and more light leakage throughout the stone than I would like (white in the ASET).

The 1.01 H VS2 is nice, ASET has a lot of red so it will be bright throughout but I prefer the organized X facet pattern under the table of the original 1.01 H VS1. However, the 1.01 H VS2 is slightly larger so that's also nice - it's also ever so slightly more elongated - not sure what you're preference is there but things to consider.

 

[Norma2910]

UPDATE

Hi all, just popping on to post an update!

After all the help and advice, I have gone ahead and purchased a 1.01 carat VS1 H cushion diamond, which was recommended by ac117 (thank you so much!): https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486

This is the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

In addition I have decided to also purchase a new wedding band. My original one came as part of the bridal set so I never specifically picked it out and didn't feel emotionally attached to it. I am having a 2mm platinum band (with the same engraving as my husband's) made by a jeweler in Hatton Garden.

I am so excited and can't wait for my rings to arrive and just wanted to say a massive thank you as I wouldn't have found my diamond without this forum

Will post pictures when the ring arrives!

 

[ac117]

UPDATE

Hi all, just popping on to post an update!

After all the help and advice, I have gone ahead and purchased a 1.01 carat VS1 H cushion diamond, which was recommended by ac117 (thank you so much!): https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486

This is the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

In addition I have decided to also purchase a new wedding band. My original one came as part of the bridal set so I never specifically picked it out and didn't feel emotionally attached to it. I am having a 2mm platinum band (with the same engraving as my husband's) made by a jeweler in Hatton Garden.

I am so excited and can't wait for my rings to arrive and just wanted to say a massive thank you as I wouldn't have found my diamond without this forum

Will post pictures when the ring arrives!

Yayyyy so excited for you!!! It will be stunning for sure please come back with pictures once you receive it!!

 

[Lorelei]

UPDATE

Hi all, just popping on to post an update!

After all the help and advice, I have gone ahead and purchased a 1.01 carat VS1 H cushion diamond, which was recommended by ac117 (thank you so much!): https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412486

This is the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

In addition I have decided to also purchase a new wedding band. My original one came as part of the bridal set so I never specifically picked it out and didn't feel emotionally attached to it. I am having a 2mm platinum band (with the same engraving as my husband's) made by a jeweler in Hatton Garden.

I am so excited and can't wait for my rings to arrive and just wanted to say a massive thank you as I wouldn't have found my diamond without this forum

Will post pictures when the ring arrives!

Congratulations and great job by ac!!!

 

[AprilBaby]

Pictures when the come please!

 

[Norma2910]

Here it is !!!

 

[Lorelei]

 

[Lorelei]

What do you think?? Are you happy??