Looking for help finding a cushion cut engagement ring!

[qazwsx16]

Hi everyone,

I recently began looking into purchasing a ring (about a month going now). I had no idea when I initially began, and so I was mostly looking at physical mall stores (Helzberg, DeVons, Jareds, etc.), until I heard that mark up prices a lot compared to online retailers! I found this site through Google search and read some great reviews and advice My girlfriend and I did look at rings and I got a pretty good idea of the style of rings she wanted, but I wanted to get your opinions before deciding on anything. I recently began looking into JamesAllens and found some ones that I like, but I'm currently at work so I don't have links to them...

I really hope you can help me out! I'm currently a graduate student (so not the biggest budget...), so my budget is about $3,000 to $4,500 (but I can go to $5,000 if I really need to!). There was one at DeVons she absolutely loved, but the price was around $8,000 (F,VS1, 0.70 center stone c.w.).

She loves cushion cuts with a single halo. She has pretty tiny fingers and doesn't want anything too overpowering. She isn't too materialistic, but I want to get something that complements her and something she'd be proud to wear around . The main ones I've been looking into were Cushion Cuts, F-G, VVS1-VS1 (as long as there are no obvious inclusions glaring back at me), 0.69-0.99 c.w., excellent cut, something more squarish. But I have literally no experience in diamonds except for what I've been reading up on over the past few weeks. So if any of the criteria is too absurd or I'm focusing on the wrong C's, please let me know!

I plan on proposing early to mid August if that helps! When I asked their customer service representative, he said the style of setting and diamond would only take 12-13 days to finish and send over to me.

And I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Hi everyone,

I recently began looking into purchasing a ring (about a month going now). I had no idea when I initially began, and so I was mostly looking at physical mall stores (Helzberg, DeVons, Jareds, etc.), until I heard that mark up prices a lot compared to online retailers! I found this site through Google search and read some great reviews and advice My girlfriend and I did look at rings and I got a pretty good idea of the style of rings she wanted, but I wanted to get your opinions before deciding on anything. I recently began looking into JamesAllens and found some ones that I like, but I'm currently at work so I don't have links to them...

I really hope you can help me out! I'm currently a graduate student (so not the biggest budget...), so my budget is about $3,000 to $4,500 (but I can go to $5,000 if I really need to!). There was one at DeVons she absolutely loved, but the price was around $8,000 (F,VS1, 0.70 center stone c.w.).

She loves cushion cuts with a single halo. She has pretty tiny fingers and doesn't want anything too overpowering. She isn't too materialistic, but I want to get something that complements her and something she'd be proud to wear around . The main ones I've been looking into were Cushion Cuts, F-G, VVS1-VS1 (as long as there are no obvious inclusions glaring back at me), 0.69-0.99 c.w., excellent cut, something more squarish. But I have literally no experience in diamonds except for what I've been reading up on over the past few weeks. So if any of the criteria is too absurd or I'm focusing on the wrong C's, please let me know!

I plan on proposing early to mid August if that helps! When I asked their customer service representative, he said the style of setting and diamond would only take 12-13 days to finish and send over to me.

And I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread!

Settings can range in price quite dramatically, but I can't imagine it being under $1k, so I looked for stones that provided that cushion (pun intended) for the setting. I will let people who know far more about settings lend their expertise on that front.

Here are three great cushions, all of which have the metrics you need to determine their performance:

1.01ct, I, VVS2 (if you want to maximize size) - Modern Cushion
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12274/

.90ct, H, VS2 - Modern Cushion (this one would probably be my pick)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12298/

.83ct, H, VS1 - Brellia
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11562/

I would have GOG make you a video of those three stones and choose the stone I like the most!


If you want to spend a bit more on a setting, check out this KILLER option:

.72ct, D, SI1 - August Vintage Cushion
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12200/

 

[qazwsx16]

Wow thanks for the detailed reply!

Where would you suggest I look into purchasing a setting at? Of the one's I found on JamesAllen, an example of the one she would want (I'll post it when I get home), would be around $1,500 to $2,000... Making the center stone diamond only $2,500 to $3,000, which unfortunately make all of the one's posted (which I love by the way!) unavailable to me

 

[JulieN]

JA has two halo settings
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-31888

I like the more expensive one, but I'll take a look at what kind of center you can get for 3K vs 4K

 

[tyty333]

Not sure what kind of cushion you are looking for but if you went with that 2nd halo setting JulieN posted you could do it with one
of these. You would need to request an aset for these stones so we could check on light return (make sure its a nice and bright stone).
Cushions face up small so I think you should go as big as you can in your $5k budget. If you want I can look for smaller/cheaper stones
though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-303689
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-138080
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-326578
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-303696
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.12-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-47900

Gaberial and Co. has this setting ...you can get it at ID Jewelry online. I think it would be $1350 (thats what their site says).
Just another option.

http://idjewelryonline.com/eringitems.php?cPath=42_133

 

[tyty333]

Ritani settings...
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6119
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6118

Some stones...
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-1-00-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-1F2S1S
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-90-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-MV763M
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-1-01-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-G2NVS1
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-93-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-GSF5SW
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-90-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-M13SQ5

 

[qazwsx16]

I am blown away by all the support I'm getting, I really appreciate all the help!

So now that I'm finally home, here are some links of some sets she liked from Helzberg:
1. http://www.helzberg.com/product/diamond+bridal+set+2005429.do?from=Search&cx=0
2. http://www.helzberg.com/product/mondrian+masterpiece+engagement+ring+1990938.do?from=Search&cx=0

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JA has two halo settings
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-31888

I like the more expensive one, but I'll take a look at what kind of center you can get for 3K vs 4K

So looking at JulieN's post, it seems like the second link is the most similar to some of the sets she liked (the thickness is similar), but the $2,100 price tag does take away from the diamond. Would you guys suggest going with the first link (looks thinner to me)?

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Not sure what kind of cushion you are looking for but if you went with that 2nd halo setting JulieN posted you could do it with one
of these. You would need to request an aset for these stones so we could check on light return (make sure its a nice and bright stone).
Cushions face up small so I think you should go as big as you can in your $5k budget. If you want I can look for smaller/cheaper stones
though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-303689
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-138080
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-326578
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-303696
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.12-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-47900

Gaberial and Co. has this setting ...you can get it at ID Jewelry online. I think it would be $1350 (thats what their site says).
Just another option.

http://idjewelryonline.com/eringitems.php?cPath=42_133

So I'm not too familiar with the tint/color of rings, so I just read this post: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/color-e-vs-h-i.203884/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/color-e-vs-h-i.203884/[/URL]

Thanks for researching all those stones tyty333! Although she didn't specify, I feel like she would want a diamond that appears white. For example, the second Helzberg link I posted in this reply definitely does not look white in person. What is the best way to check if one of the diamonds we choose won't be that way? Is that what requesting the ASET would do? And would a H, I, J, K appear white with the settings we've been looking at or should I go for a G?

I really like the third link, except for the inclusion that's dead in the middle. Is that something that we would see with the naked eye? Also, would you guys suggest those dimensions (5.43 x 5.16) to be nice on a small finger (size 5)?

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Ritani settings...
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6119
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6118

Some stones...
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-1-00-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-1F2S1S
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-90-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-MV763M
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-1-01-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-G2NVS1
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-93-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-GSF5SW
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-0-90-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-M13SQ5

Does Ritani function the same as James Allen? I like the second setting. I've noticed she liked ones where there were diamonds half way down

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Once again, I highly appreciate the support!
Some questions, what should I look for in terms of Depth, Table, and Girlde? And should I aim for excellent polish and symmetry? Also, she did mention she didn't want any rings in the future to replace the one I get her, so in your opinions, do you feel like a diamond this size is something you would enjoy wearing for years?

Opinions on these:
1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-304739
2. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-306088
3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-328259

 

[qazwsx16]

I don't mean to be pushy or anything, but since I'm planning buying this as soon as possible, I hope you guys don't mind me bumping this thread

If that's illegal, please let me know and I'll stop!

 

[tyty333]

You were asking about these 3...
Opinions on these:
1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-304739 No, dark bulls eye right in
the middle
2. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-306088 This is the best of the
3 of them. Need to request an aset for it.
3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-328259 very leaky

That G/VS2 that I posted earlier that has the inclusion in the middle should not be visible.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-326578
It is a pretty stone but may not be as
big as you would like. Since you are worried about color, I think you probably not go lower than H. That is also going to restrict
the size you can get.

Let me take a look at the .9ish stones in the G/H range again to see what there is.

 

[tyty333]

Forgot to mention depth, table etc. Cushions can not be picked by the numbers. You really have to view them and get aset images.
There are some guidelines but you really have to view the stone to decide if its a nice one.

Here is an E that is pretty. Table looks a little big though. Plus size is a little small.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-276013


OMG...I found the most gorgeous stone for you. Please tell me you like this one. The faceting pattern is gorgeous and it looks
like it has really nice light return (see the sharp, clear facets???) Really beautiful!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977

 

[WillyDiamond]

Contact GOG and Chris at ERD to work within your budget
Best of luck

 

[qazwsx16]

Forgot to mention depth, table etc. Cushions can not be picked by the numbers. You really have to view them and get aset images.
There are some guidelines but you really have to view the stone to decide if its a nice one.

Here is an E that is pretty. Table looks a little big though. Plus size is a little small.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-276013


OMG...I found the most gorgeous stone for you. Please tell me you like this one. The faceting pattern is gorgeous and it looks
like it has really nice light return (see the sharp, clear facets???) Really beautiful!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977

Ok, I'll ask for those ASETs when we finalize on our top 3

Ah the second stone is gorgeous! It's not just me, but even though it is an H it still looks great right?? Are there any benefits to getting diamonds that have sharp corners vs. rounded?

So I called DeVon's and got the SKU number of the ring she loved from there: 1136258317. However I can't find it anywhere on their website I would have loved everyone who's helping me to see it so that you know what it looks like but it seems I can't even find their search function.. Haha. The dimensions of the center stone is: 5.09 x 5.06, F, VS2 ($8,500 with insurance)

One last question for now, I don't know how to share her Pinterest page with everyone, but I'm beginning to get the impression she likes settings with a thin halo and thin bands (she likes dainty things). It might be so it doesn't take away from the center stone. Are those settings generally more affordable? And will get a setting and center stone from James Allen get me a small discount? I'm just trying to find ways to stay within my budget..

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WillyDiamond, can both stores work with James Allen or each other if I end up buying from different stores?

 

[qazwsx16]

So these are the diamonds I like from most of what you guys have suggested! Any final opinions or suggestions before I ask for ASETs?? Also, I'm basing my opinions off what I think is important in a diamond, however I've clearly been wrong so PLEASE correct me wherever you think I'm remotely wrong!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977
1.I love the appearance viewed straight forward.
2.It has a slight yellowing when viewed from the side (Do I not need to worry about that?)
3.I like the size of the diamond itself (5.67*5.39)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.92-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-307063
1. I like the more squarish shape (5.46*5.3
2. It seems a little cloudy (I think I'm using that term correctly)
3.It has a slight yellowing when viewed from the side (Do I not need to worry about that?)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-276013
1. I like the more squarish shape (5.27*5.14)
2. I like the color, very white.
3. It is slightly smaller than the rest.

I'm thinking of getting this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-31888
Although it is pretty pricey and about 2/3s the price of the center stone, I like it. She likes thin bands with thin halos (I believe), but I don't see too many options at JamesAllen. Also, since the average color is F-G for the all the stones, will that make the center stone (which is lets say a H) appear less white?

Once again, thank you for all the suggestions JulieN, tyty333, and RockyRacoon!

 

[Gypsy]

Three nice choices. And great analysis.

Yes, the second stone is much mushier under the table than the other too. The facets are not as crisp and that does often mean leakage under the table. But the edges and the center should still be bright... whether they are bright enough to compensate for any leakage would be up to an ASET.


I didn't find anything better. You did a great job. Put on hold and ask for ASET .
Lovely good quality setting choice too. F/G will be fine with an H.

 

[tyty333]

You usually don't see yellow in the sides of an H.
Remember you are putting it in a halo so you really
Wont be seeing much of the sides.

I agree the second stone looks mushy under the
Table. I think it will have a bright "X" going through
The center but the rest of the table will
Be mushy. Aset will give us the answer.

 

[JulieN]

I was going to suggest #1 for you, but I was worried it was out of budget. If you can go overbudget, it will be a stunning combo.

 

[qazwsx16]

So after getting your replies and advice I decided to get ASETs for the first and third one

And! The customer representative told me that they are able to modify some of the round cut, halo settings for cushions! Will this cause some instability or do you think this is something I should definitely look into? And if it is, any early suggestions? I'll post some of mine when I get the chance when I get home!

*Sorry for being brief, currently at work, but will do more research when I get home

 

[Gypsy]

I like the setting you originally posted. Is there a reason you don't want that one?

 

[qazwsx16]

I like the setting you originally posted. Is there a reason you don't want that one?

The main two reasons:
1. I know she likes the dainty look, like a thin band, and thin halo. I'm not sure if that's the thinnest it will go and I'm just asking for too much. I'll definitely screenshot some pictures from her Pinterest when I get home and I'll post them to get your feedback! From everyone's experience, do you think the dimensions of the stone (5.67 mm x 5.39 mm) would look good in with that halo?
2. The price is a little high, but I really want whatever is best just so I can see her face light up (So I guess it is just one issue. Haha.)

*EDIT: The only reason I mentioned price was because the grant I'm getting paid through for work hasn't paid me for two weeks now and there aren't any signs of when it'll start back up again.. But JamesAllen's customer service just told me they offered interest free financing for six months, so that isn't an issue anymore

 

[Gypsy]

With pave, quality matters. And that setting has some of the nicest pave at JA.

That is as thin as you want to go with a white gold setting. You do not want thinner. It will bend ans warp and could lose stones through regular wear and tear if you go too thin, or get poor quality pave.

 

[qazwsx16]

With pave, quality matters. And that setting has some of the nicest pave at JA.

That is as thin as you want to go with a white gold setting. You do not want thinner. It will bend ans warp and could lose stones through regular wear and tear if you go too thin, or get poor quality pave.

In that case, I think we have a winning set! Once ASETs come back and I get Pricescope's approval it'll only be a few weeks before I have it in my hands

 

[qazwsx16]

So I was trying to find examples of what my ring would end up looking like if I used the first stone. Do you think this would fairly good representation of it: http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-purchased-engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-31888-14468652

 

[tyty333]

So I was trying to find examples of what my ring would end up looking like if I used the first stone. Do you think this would fairly good representation of it: http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-purchased-engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-31888-14468652

Sizewise they would be similar. The faceting on your stone is much nicer than on that ring above.

How do you feel about the look of the ring above?

 

[qazwsx16]

Sizewise they would be similar. The faceting on your stone is much nicer than on that ring above.

How do you feel about the look of the ring above?

I definitely like the color and look of it. Of course I wish it was bigger, but I know my budget isn't quite large enough

Oh and here's a link to her Pinterest page if you were interested in the kinds of rings she likes and sizes: http://www.pinterest.com/vbolanos/you-never-know/

When we did go to stores a while back she did have a keen interest and expressed she liked cushion cuts that didn't sit too high, so I primarily focused on those on her page.

 

[Gypsy]

She also likes simple pave bands too, so you aren't limited to a halo in my opinion. That said, I agree that the one above is a nicely proportioned, and that your stone will be much nicer than that one.

 

[qazwsx16]

Sizewise they would be similar. The faceting on your stone is much nicer than on that ring above.

She also likes simple pave bands too, so you aren't limited to a halo in my opinion. That said, I agree that the one above is a nicely proportioned, and that your stone will be much nicer than that one.

Both you're comments definitely make me feel better about the soon to be purchase
The main reason I was pushing for a halo was because literally every single ring she liked when we were looking at rings at malls all had halos. I took that as a hint

I'm pretty sure I care more about size than she will, but after seeing all halo rings on her Pinterest, do you think that this center stone will be large enough? And to help put it in perspective, she has a size 5 finger.

 

[qazwsx16]

What's everyone's thoughts on 14k vs. 18k white gold for settings?

 

[Tekate]

I'm no authority but I like 14K bettern 18K unless you want a more yellow gold look (patina?) look.. I used to like 18K yellow gold but it always turns yellowish and you must redip every year... (or so)...

it's all in what you like.

What's everyone's thoughts on 14k vs. 18k white gold for settings?

 

[qazwsx16]

I'm no authority but I like 14K bettern 18K unless you want a more yellow gold look (patina?) look.. I used to like 18K yellow gold but it always turns yellowish and you must redip every year... (or so)...
it's all in what you like.

Thank you for the reply, I think I'll probably stick with 14k white gold then

Great news! They got in the two ASET images today! I am extremely appreciative of the support and help this forum and its members have provided me!

I've attached the two images and would be love if I could get everyone's opinion! I plan on finalizing our selection on a diamond by tomorrow morning, so if you have any advice or opinions, I would love them

What does he mean by true "H" in color?

Option #1:
Gemologist said: The alignment of the facets are perfect and the gemologist said that very eye catching. It is a true "H" in color and is a nice white face up. Diamond face up completely "eye clean".


Option #2:
Gemologist said: Excellent amount of brilliance, fire and sparkle. This one is a bright, icy white color. Diamond face up completely "eye clean".

 

[Gypsy]

AWESOME.

What he means by "true H" is that it is accurately graded by the lab, and he agrees with the grading. Sometimes they will disagree with the color grade and that's when you'll see them say: "Faces up slightly more tinted than it's stated color" which means it looks more tinted than what they would expect for the color grade the lab assigned the stone or "faces up whiter than the stated color" which means it looks whiter than the grade assigned by the lab.

That H is a freaking GLORIOUS stone. The other one is nice, but the only thing it has over the H is that it's an E. But since the H is SO much bigger (spread) than the E for me it's hands down the H.

Oh, and I prefer 18kt settings.