Looking To Get The Best Bang For My Buck...Obviously

[flyRy]

What's going on PS? I've been dropping by every now and then to read posts and trying to get a good idea of what to look for when selecting an Engagement ring, but I finally decided to join the crew and talk rocks with you guys! Anyways, I'm looking to get some information on Cushion-cut stones. My wife to-be wants a Cushion-cut, Halo setting with a VERY thin band. I guess me knowing exactly what style she wants is a good step. However, my budget is kind of on the low end ($7,500 max). The color doesn't need to be a 'D' grade, I'll be happy (so will she) with a H, I. Also, the clarity doesn't need to be amazing...a SI1, SI2 will do. The carat is what I'd want the majority of my money to go towards. Is 2 ct. tw pushing it with my budget and requirements? Also, are there any jewelers here that can help me out or guide me to someone who could? Thanks so much!

 

[tyty333]

Do you know what kind of cushion she wants? Yes, 2 carats is pushing it.

You might try reading this thread...it has info on different cushions.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

 

[fixall]

Is your $7,500 budget for the diamond by itself or is that the budget for the complete ring? I'm super new to the diamond hunt, so I can't really help you there... But from the research I did while selecting a stone for my upcoming engagement, I found $8000 - $10000 to be the going rate for a decent looking 2 carat cushion cut. The halo setting can add another $1000 - $2000 to that cost.

 

[telephone89]

This is the only ok 1.7+ J cushion I could find that would be eyeclean at JA. There were a few others that were H/I, but with big black blobs super visible.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.71-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-671100

I think you're going to need to adjust your expectations a bit.

 

[Gypsy]

Yes. If 7.5k is your total budget. You can afford a 1.2 center and a nice halo with 1/2 a carat of stones. So 1.7ctw is what you can afford. And that's a really ring.

This is the setting you need to get:
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html 3,100 in platinum (and you need platinum).

And one of these three center stones:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-597667
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-671049
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-602932




It's a nice sized ring. And I'm sure she'll love it.