Total novice in the e-ring thing-would love some help!!

[jcox]

I am completely new to diamond things in general, but especially new to the online buying experience. My fiancee and I are going into the shopping experience together, as he just really wants to get me something that I love. I have been obsessed with the online vendors, so I have many questions!!
I live in Los Angeles so I was contemplating going to the jewelry district here-but, now I am feeling like online is the way to go for the best price.
So! Here is what I think I am looking for:

A cushion cut(?) I love the look of this shape-as I have really long, slim fingers and I like the the almost, thick, chunky look of this shape. Any advice on shapes would be awesome!
A 1 carat to carat and a half would be a dream come true!
I want it to appear white, or colorless-(how far can you go down the color scale while keeping the colorless appearance?)
Clarity: I want it to be eye clean-again, how far down the scale can you go for an eye clean appearance?
I also want to go only with the most reputable of online jewelers-it scares me to death for us to make such an important purchase online. I have read a lot about whiteflash, but I am really drawn to the James Allen website. I really need advice here!
We want to buy the best (largest, prettiest) stone we can in the $4000 dollar range. Is that doable?

Thank you so much in advance!! Any and all advice will be appreciated.
Jenny

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/13/2008 8:58:17 PM
Author:jcox
I am completely new to diamond things in general, but especially new to the online buying experience. My fiancee and I are going into the shopping experience together, as he just really wants to get me something that I love. I have been obsessed with the online vendors, so I have many questions!!
I live in Los Angeles so I was contemplating going to the jewelry district here-but, now I am feeling like online is the way to go for the best price.
So! Here is what I think I am looking for:

A cushion cut(?) I love the look of this shape-as I have really long, slim fingers and I like the the almost, thick, chunky look of this shape. Any advice on shapes would be awesome!
A 1 carat to carat and a half would be a dream come true!
I want it to appear white, or colorless-(how far can you go down the color scale while keeping the colorless appearance?)
Clarity: I want it to be eye clean-again, how far down the scale can you go for an eye clean appearance?
I also want to go only with the most reputable of online jewelers-it scares me to death for us to make such an important purchase online. I have read a lot about whiteflash, but I am really drawn to the James Allen website. I really need advice here!
We want to buy the best (largest, prettiest) stone we can in the $4000 dollar range. Is that doable?

Thank you so much in advance!! Any and all advice will be appreciated.
Jenny

Hi Jenny, wecome to Pricescope!!! I would contact Engagement Rings direct and tell them your budget; they have a great reputation for cushions!!!

 

[Ellen]

Hi Jenny,

First, I would really suggest getting to any and all places around you, and ask to see the cushions they have. Most won't have but a few, but the more you see, the more you will find if you like the chunky facets, or the crushed ice look. Also, whether you like square, or elongated. You will also get a feel for your color tolerance, and find out how low you can go on clarity.

Then come online for your purchase. As Skippy said, Mark at ERD is known as the cushion guy. But GOG is great as well, they will even do a video if need be, which is fantastic when buying online.

I think you can get a nice stone with your budget!

 

[jstarfireb]

Welcome to PS! I don''t want to burst your bubble, but I think it''s going to be very difficult to find a white, eye-clean cushion of that size for $4000. Would you be OK with a smaller stone (under 1 ct)? I would look at SI1-SI2 clarity, which can easily be eye clean, although there are also some rare eye clean I1s out there. For color, I wouldn''t go much farther than H-I in a cushion (J-K rounds face up white, but I believe cushions show a tad more color than rounds).

ERD is a great source for cushions. Good Old Gold has some awesome cushions too (and in particular square H&A cushions)! Unfortunately, their traditional cushions are all too big and expensive (2-3ct, way over budget). If you like the square cushion look, here''s a beautiful 0.80 G/VS2 square H&A cushion for $4k (hit "reserve stone" to see the price; it doesn''t commit you to buying).

 

[Honahlea]

I''m not able to help any (except to add that F colour stones seem to be the best deal to me) but I just wanted to say that it sounds like you''re going to end up with a really lovely, classy engagement ring. Cushions are beautiful, I think they''re a great choice.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Modern or vintage (cut) Cushion?

Singlestone is in LA and an option for vintage.....

http://www.singlestone.com/

cheers--Sharon