Help with diamond selection

[Hcivm]

I'm just a regular guy trying to pick a beautiful diamond for the girl of my dreams. I've spent a lot of time learning about diamonds, but really wanted the advice of people who know more than me.

I'm looking for a cushion cut, 1.7-1.9 carat, VS2 or better, G or better diamond. She prefers simple elegance so I plan to get a solitaire setting once I have picked out the loose diamond.

I've been to NYC's diamond district, fancy jewelry stores, Blue Nile and James Allen. James Allen seems to have the best prices and their virtual loupes give me a chance to look at the diamond. I'm leaning towards these choices below. Any insights? Thank you all so much!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1375347.asp

(I like this one because the inclusions are peripheral although the large culet worries me)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1515669.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1527893.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1385258.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1415697.asp

 

[Gypsy]

The rules that apply to rounds do not apply to cushions.

"Ideal" label at JA is an arbitrary designation based on basic numbers. You can't buy cushions by the numbers. You have to buy them based on faceting and light return. JA is a very good vendor for this. They will provide you with an ASET image which evaluates light return. But they only do that for three stones total. So you have to pick carefully. I can help you with that.

The first one you picked. The F VS2 is a decent pic and the inclusions are safe. So I would put that as one of your three options. Now lets help you pick two others for a comparison, and we can work toward getting you the best diamond we can at JA.

Finally, you also need to be aware that cushion SIZE does not correlate very well to carats. So you have to shop by dimensions.

Here's the 1.70 F VS: Measurements: 7.09*6.64*4.63 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1375347.asp


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1524466.asp This one has a lot potential. I would add this to your list. I know it weighs a little less than you were aiming for but if it performs really well and has edge to edge bightness it would look bigger than a heavier stone without the same performance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1526908.aspI know it's an H and you were looking at F and G stones. But again, if the stone performs well enough the color will be masked by the light return. And H is not yellow at all. This one could be good as well: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1511257.asp

Of your original pics this one could work for your 3rd: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1385258.asp I think it might have a bowtie though, and I would honestly prefer one of the two I picked above over it. But the decision is yours, obviously. And I don't know your budget.