Advice on deciding centre stone type

[Riesz]

I settled on a slightly modified version of a James Allen band:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-1106

I originally had my heart set on a round diamond for the centre, but since looking at the "recently purchased" gallery on the page for my band, I'm now strongly considering cushion or perhaps even oval.

Here's the band with a round centre:
http://jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-1106-Purchased-5267

Cushion centre:
http://jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-1106-Purchased-3208

Oval centre:
http://jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/vintage/platinum-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-148-Purchased-2812


If I choose to go with cushion, I prefer a more square-shaped cushion than rectangular. My main question is: What should I look for in the best cushion cut stones? The grading isn't as strict as round stones, so I want to be sure I choose a stone with great brilliance and sparkle.

These are the stones I've been looking at so far:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.02-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-35750

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.09-carat-H-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-26341

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-I-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-178091

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-D-color-VS2-clarity-sku-110173

Would any of those be any good? They do all seem to look quite different.

I also have a round 1.01 carat I colour eye clean SI1 on hold, which is $4700 with the Pricescope discount. The length and width on the round diamond are greater than the cushions, so it would appear larger and not so deep. On the other hand, a much nicer colour and clarity cushion in similar carat weight is much less expensive than round.

I love antique style jewelry but I also want my diamond to sparkle brilliantly. Given the style of band and my budget of $4000-4800 for a centre stone, which would be recommended to go with?

 

[JulieN]

What do you want? A round is going to have strong flashes, while pears and the type of cushions you picked out are going to have small glitter look.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd stick with rounds. Great cushions are hard to find and face up too small at that size unless you are doing a halo setting. I also don't think a modern cushion would look as good in that setting as a round.

 

[Riesz]

OK thanks for the advice! I'll go with the round.

 

[farmer gal]

Here are some beautiful ovals if you decide to go that route. They tend to give you great size for the money and sparkle beautifully as well.

Here are some options

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-D-color-SI1-clarity-sku-182983

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-sku-171007

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-D-color-VS2-clarity-sku-97528

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-IF-clarity-sku-26830