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Help me find my dream engagement ring 3+ carat!

I am sorry I am a little late replying. #1 looks okay but I'd be afraid the inclusion in the center might catch light sometimes and be visible. Someone would have to look at it in person in various lighting to be sure. I think it is priced too high.
#2 The measurements are better and this one will face up larger than #1. It is also a much better price. Can't tell much from the still photo, though. Would need to see the video or in person.
#3 Considerably larger, but without a picture or video, there's no way to know. I consider most radiants are not well cut, so I am not optimistic without photos.

Thank you so much for your time!

Here is radiant #2:

The video for 3 is posted above if you click here: https://diacam360uploads.s3.amazona...5.pdf&frames=150&fps=25&frontView=0&magnify=1

kwiat also sent me a video of the 3.01 Fvs2 cushion:

How does the Cartier radiant look from my photos? Thank you again!
 
I don't think the Cartier radiant looks much or any better than these, really, so absolutely not worth the price for the size of that stone.

I don't see much difference in the #2 and #3 videos. I guess #3 wins for the greater size. And I'd get one you will be happy with long term since you are unlikely to get an upgrade policy on these.

As far as cushions go, I don't think the Kwiat one is better than the others we had looked at, so I wouldn't do that, either. I feel like you really most desire a radiant, and as long as you don't care about a very organized, symmetrical facet pattern with strong light performance (which is my preference unfortunately, lol!), I think #2 or #3 would be fine.

I did a mock up of the 3 ct and 3.5 ct for you, and the 3.5 ct faces up 10% larger. So you just have to figure out whether the price increase is worth the extra size.
3ct on the left and 3.5 on the right, size 5 finger.

Screenshot (230).png
 
I don't think the Cartier radiant looks much or any better than these, really, so absolutely not worth the price for the size of that stone.

I don't see much difference in the #2 and #3 videos. I guess #3 wins for the greater size. And I'd get one you will be happy with long term since you are unlikely to get an upgrade policy on these.

As far as cushions go, I don't think the Kwiat one is better than the others we had looked at, so I wouldn't do that, either. I feel like you really most desire a radiant, and as long as you don't care about a very organized, symmetrical facet pattern with strong light performance (which is my preference unfortunately, lol!), I think #2 or #3 would be fine.

I did a mock up of the 3 ct and 3.5 ct for you, and the 3.5 ct faces up 10% larger. So you just have to figure out whether the price increase is worth the extra size.
3ct on the left and 3.5 on the right, size 5 finger.

Screenshot (230).png

You’re amazing! DDS is already settling in...

I’d def prefer an organized facet pattern with strong light performance. I just feel the rounded edges of a cushion is less me. So I’m conflicted.

Do you think these radiants above are better cut than the 3c GVs1 Victor offered before?
He seems intent on selling this bc it’s in inventory. It’s priced higher than what I’d like to pay for it.

Out of all the radiants, my fav is still the one you picked from James Allen. The faceting is gorgeous.

I forgot to say Graff offered me this 2c Dvvs2 radiant for $58k. They can reset on a plain band if I’d like. 3AF5E854-D0C8-4ADA-AA0A-D34F59214BFE.jpeg93FF8BEC-678C-4A5E-954D-AD0AEA0639E2.jpegFD0CE340-D5C7-4E51-84CA-446AAE59CDE9.jpeg
 
Honestly, if you like the G best so far, then I'd put it on hold and see if they can any more pictures/videos/aset. I forget if James Allen does that anymore.

It looks like a fabulous stone, ticks your boxes, and you can have it sent to Steven in NY to be set. That way, you can try on the setting in person.

The G from VC is also very nice, but it's more squarish, and is going to face up smaller than the one from JA. Just my opinion.
 
Yes, it seems like you like the rectangular radiants more than the square one. I really know it's hard to decide, but I'd hate to see you settle for something you don't love. The Graff ring is very pretty, of course, but the stone is very small (8.1x6.7) and it looks like it may have leakage or a bowtie in the center.

I personally like the James Allen G the best of all the radiants. It's rare to find a pretty cut like that. It should face up white as it is at the top of the near colorless range, but it won't be icy white. It has almost the same face up size as the last #2 3 ct we looked at, but it's wider and not quite as elongated. If you have any doubts, I'd order it to look at before sending it to be set.

 
@mystiletto Any decisions? The only ring that you seem to love is the Cartier one. Seems like you prefer rectangular radiant to cushion cut? And rectangular radiant faces up larger and it looks beautiful on your finger.

The 3.03 FVS2 or 3.52 FVS (pending video) would look amazing in a Cartier inspired setting. My original setting was inspired by a VCA one.
 
Yes, it seems like you like the rectangular radiants more than the square one. I really know it's hard to decide, but I'd hate to see you settle for something you don't love. The Graff ring is very pretty, of course, but the stone is very small (8.1x6.7) and it looks like it may have leakage or a bowtie in the center.

I personally like the James Allen G the best of all the radiants. It's rare to find a pretty cut like that. It should face up white as it is at the top of the near colorless range, but it won't be icy white. It has almost the same face up size as the last #2 3 ct we looked at, but it's wider and not quite as elongated. If you have any doubts, I'd order it to look at before sending it to be set.


I know this cushion cut is low in color, but how is the light leakage @diamondseeker2006 ? It seems to face up whiter...

 
Thank you everyone for your much valued advice! I’m down to 2 options. My bf prefers going with a retail brand with an upgrade policy, where we can go in for service, esp since I’m already thinking of a larger size or changing styles ha (a round with baguettes ?) It’s hard to give up the well cut 3.5 cushion through Victor, or the pretty radiant on JA.

1) Kwiat 3.01 cushion Fvs2 $50k no tax (8.6x8.47x5.29 GIA attached)
2) Graff 2.3 radiant Evs1 $52k+6.35%tax (8.41x6.79x4.33 GIA & photo attached)

Which diamond is better cut with better light performance? I’m tempted by the Graff brand but feel I should go with kwiat’s value. Which option would you pick?

Both brands can hand forge whatever setting I prefer. With a softer square cushion I’d go with Kwiats own setting:

With an angular radiant, I think I prefer a more masculine look like the cartier 1895 setting (which Graff can copy).

kwiat will upgrade with anything of higher value. graff will upgrade with 1xretail (eg we pay $52k (retail $80k), next ring has to retail $104k+ (But we may negotiate to $70k))

FYI for anyone shopping, HW and Cartier does not negotiate price. Graff will.

Thank you again!
 

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Yes, it seems like you like the rectangular radiants more than the square one. I really know it's hard to decide, but I'd hate to see you settle for something you don't love. The Graff ring is very pretty, of course, but the stone is very small (8.1x6.7) and it looks like it may have leakage or a bowtie in the center.

I personally like the James Allen G the best of all the radiants. It's rare to find a pretty cut like that. It should face up white as it is at the top of the near colorless range, but it won't be icy white. It has almost the same face up size as the last #2 3 ct we looked at, but it's wider and not quite as elongated. If you have any doubts, I'd order it to look at before sending it to be set.


Yes, ditto this. I wasn't clear enough before - the G from JA.

The Graff is only 2 carats, which doesn't meet your 3 carat requirement. I'm not sure why they even bothered showing you it unless you wanted to see a 2 carat rock.

Took a quick look at the settings at Steven Kirsch. The Aria strikes me as closest to the Cartier if the shoulders pinch in. Changing it to single prongs should not be a problem. The Simplicity is the other setting very similar to the 1895. He has one with an asscher and another one with a cushion center that gives a better perspective with a rectangular shaped diamond.

As you have seen, a lot of radiants in the larger sizes tend to have more a crushed ice look than have an organized facet pattern. The first three radiants that VC showed you (the 3.0 F's) are different from the 3.0 G VS1 he shows you later. The G has a more organized facet pattern, just like the G from JA, which also has an organized facet pattern.

***

And now having just refreshed and seeing your post, I am confused. This is your ring. You have voiced what your preferences are. I'm not sure why choosing bespoke from VC or SK is any worse than Kwiat or Graff. Frankly, the E from Graff has the crushed look and not the organized pattern that you are looking for in a radiant. If I were to go cushion, I prefer the facet pattern from VC in the 3.5. I worry about the middle of the Kwiat cushion - it really needs to be seen in person.

Both of these options sound like you are settling. If you must go with either one, I would have them continue to search.

And BTW, the VC upgrade policy also allows for equal or greater value. And as a bespoke, he will handcraft whatever you want.
 
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Yes, ditto this. I wasn't clear enough before - the G from JA.

The Graff is only 2 carats, which doesn't meet your 3 carat requirement. I'm not sure why they even bothered showing you it unless you wanted to see a 2 carat rock.

Took a quick look at the settings at Steven Kirsch. The Aria strikes me as closest to the Cartier if the shoulders pinch in. Changing it to single prongs should not be a problem. The Simplicity is the other setting very similar to the 1895. He has one with an asscher and another one with a cushion center that gives a better perspective with a rectangular shaped diamond.

As you have seen, a lot of radiants in the larger sizes tend to have more a crushed ice look than have an organized facet pattern. The first three radiants that VC showed you (the 3.0 F's) are different from the 3.0 G VS1 he shows you later. The G has a more organized facet pattern, just like the G from JA, which also has an organized facet pattern.

And now having just refreshed and seeing your post, I am confused. This is your ring. You have voiced what your preferences are. I'm not sure why choosing bespoke from VC or SK is any worse than Kwiat or Graff. Frankly, the E from Graff has the crushed look and not the organized pattern that you are looking for.

And BTW, the VC upgrade policy also allows for equal or greater value. And as a bespoke, he will handcraft whatever you want.

Thanks for your input! Your expertise on the cuts of the radiants & cushions is very insightful. My bf was about to buy one but I may ask him to hold off. Since we are novices and not experienced like you PSers we are prob afraid to take the leap to using a bespoke jewelry designer, esp when I may want a diff ring in a year or two. Victor said his upgrade policies apply to his in-house signature cut diamonds only so it wouldn’t be what I’m considering :(

JA emailed me the AGS for the G radiant. Does it matter it’s not GIA certified? Would I have to worry about the inclusions (or hard to tell until I purchase)?
 

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JA provided the ASET for the G radiant. How does it look? Is the white leakage? Thank you! 4E621C5E-8B3B-4A4F-9943-E8F8347BD462.jpeg
 
AGS is a well respected grading lab, just smaller than GIA. In fact, most top quality hearts and arrows rounds and many specialty cuts are graded by AGS. The radiant has a little leakage, but as you move the stone different facets will light up. This is about as good as it gets with a radiant, really. I still like it the best of the radiants we have seen.

There's no way I'd go with the Graff stone and overpay for brand and then overpay again to upgrade the stone because it is so small. Plus, it's just not a great stone. So I'd go with Kwiat between those two even though you are overpaying there, too, and I am not sure that's the best of the cushions we have looked at.

James Allen had a double price upgrade policy the last I knew. So $39k to $78k is surely better than the Kwiat situation plus a huge amount more to choose from. But of course, please do not buy any of these unless you think they are beautiful. As we have said before, it's really hard to find well cut radiants or cushions.


"Any loose diamond purchased from James Allen can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2X or greater value. The diamond that is being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by the original laboratory grading document."
 
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This one gets my vote!! What a find @diamondseeker2006 !!!

When I was looking before, I had my parameters set for up to 3.99 so I never saw this one! But since they are considered branded stones closer to this price range, I think a 4 ct stone is a very attractive option!

I do need to point out that it has medium blue fluorescence which I personally consider a bonus. It will have no negative effect on the diamond itself. My original e-ring had medium blue and I never knew it for 25 years until I was considering a reset and the jeweler mentioned it when he looked under certain lighting! It's an incredible deal because there are 4 ct G VS2s at $64-67k!!!
 
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Just reread something above. I see Kwiat does have a better upgrade policy than Graff. But the problem is, you'd have to settle for a stone that may not be the best of the options. Then if you want to upgrade later, you'll be limited to a small amount of stones they'd offer you. And as you can see, with hundreds of stones to look at, we've only identified a few that are really nice enough to buy. That's my concern. Yes, it's easy to just buy from a branded jeweler if they have exactly what you want. But you will be in trouble potentially when it comes time to upgrade as you'll overpay again for a new stone and it may not be a great one because of limited choices.

Okay, I also see you said you were considering a round with baguettes as an upgrade. In that case, I'd highly recommend Whiteflash who sells superideal cut rounds and carries more larger diamonds than any other vendor who specializes in these cuts. They make it sooo easy to upgrade and it is any amount higher than the previous diamond. I have a friend I met here who now has a 4.7 ct diamond from them, but she upgraded to get there. And of course a round would look good on your fingers...you can wear any shape diamond on your pretty hand! You do pay a premium for the best cut rounds, but they face up larger than many deep cut stones. Here's a 3 ct example at 9mm (the 4 ct cushion is about 9.3x9mm).


Right now, I will stand by the Blue Nile 4 ct cushion as being the best cut and best diamond for the price if you want to stick with cushion or radiant. I never post a diamond I don't like, but this one is outstanding and the best posted so far.
 
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Since you like the elongated shape of a radiant stone have you considered an elongated cushion? Also this is totally a personal preference but why would you want to overpay for a “brand name or designer name” stone when you could still find an excellent stone with better qualities for probably less money? If it’s brand name you’re after, put the money in the setting but remember most high quality jewelers can custom make what you want. I know it’s not as fun but place the money you’ll save in your savings account. Take your time and don’t settle because you’ll look at that ring everyday and everything you settled for will get on your last nerve. Good luck.
 
Gorgeous stone!!! You’re amazing diamond seeker. I’m also mesmerized by the ring in your avatar. Sadly I decided to draw a hard line at 50k (including setting & taxes).

I prefer a square cushion, bc an elongated one looks vintage and I prefer a more modern look.

I’ve ruled out Graff, Cartier and HW thanks to everyone’s wise counsel. It doesn’t make sense to overpay for a brand. I was drawn bc my bf and I grew up chasing prestige - brand name schools, prestigious jobs etc. But you PSers have shown me it’s better to buy a larger, nicer quality diamond. I’m overwhelmed by the support on this forum. I feel blessed strangers would take time to help my search and provide their expertise. My family and friends just want me to pick one and get on with it. My gfs all walked into a store and picked a ring fast, not knowing much about diamonds.

I’m now debating between the JA radiant (I’m mesmerized by the faceting) and having SK set it, or going with Kwiat (they are continuing to search). There are pros and cons to both. Kwiats largest draw is their generous upgrade policy, and for me less so to upgrade size (though I’m sure DSS will set in) but more to change style. I can’t decide which style I like best on my hand bc none of these stones are set so I’m not seeing the full picture when I try them on. If I get a cushion now, I may swap for a radiant next. If JA had the same policy, the decision would be easy, bc I’d prefer to only spend 10-20k more later. But I agree with you diamondseeker. I will pay more at kwiat, have a smaller selection and longer search.
 
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Gorgeous stone!!! You’re amazing diamond seeker. I’m also mesmerized by the ring in your avatar. Sadly I decided to draw a hard line at 50k (including setting & taxes).

I prefer a square cushion, bc an elongated one looks vintage and I prefer a more modern look.

I’ve ruled out Graff, Cartier and HW thanks to everyone’s wise counsel. It doesn’t make sense to overpay for a brand. I was drawn bc my bf and I grew up chasing prestige - brand name schools, prestigious jobs etc. But you PSers have shown me it’s better to buy a larger, nicer quality diamond. I’m overwhelmed by the support on this forum. I feel blessed strangers would take time to help my search and provide their expertise. My family and friends just want me to pick one and get on with it. My gfs all walked into a store and picked a ring fast, not knowing much about diamonds.

I’m now debating between the JA radiant (I’m mesmerized by the faceting) and having SK set it, or going with Kwiat (they are continuing to search). There are pros and cons to both. Kwiats largest draw is their generous upgrade policy, and for me less so to upgrade size (though I’m sure DSS will set in) but more to change style. I can’t decide which style I like best on my hand bc none of these stones are set so I’m not seeing the full picture when I try them on. If I get a cushion now, I may swap for a radiant next. If JA had the same policy, the decision would be easy, bc I’d prefer to only spend 10-20k more later. But I agree with you diamondseeker. I will pay more at kwiat, have a smaller selection and longer search.

I am going to tell you something. As one of many very long term members of this forum, I came here when we were thinking of getting me a new ring for an anniversary. It took me three tries of upgrading to get to the diamond you see in my avatar picture. I still wear it almost daily, but I since bought a couple of other diamond rings including a beautiful antique asscher. I still drool over other diamonds such as a large emerald cut, and I wouldn't mind having a larger, high color ideal cut round, as well. :lol: So basically, it is extremely hard to come to the conclusion that there is one perfect diamond for each person, because there are many examples of outstanding diamonds in various shapes. And some of us like more than one!

One reason I warn you about Kwiat is that my avatar diamond is one that I now won't get rid of, but at one time I wanted to upgrade it. But while the jeweler it came from had a wonderful upgrade policy, they stopped carrying larger diamonds above a certain price point and it became impossible for me to upgrade. So the policy was worthless. Just be sure if you go with Kwiat that they will call in diamonds that are not in their inventory, because if you are stuck with only diamonds they own, you'll be severely limited. (Places like James Allen have virtual diamonds listed that they don't own and many other jewelers can access the same stones through the cutters.) High end jewelers like Tiffany and Cartier do not even carry many (or any) top cut diamonds. You can do as well at a James Allen or Blue Nile compared with those or really any high end jeweler for much less money. I know you know that and I am repeating myself! But I wanted to emphasize that you need access to a LOT of diamonds to choose from to find a well cut one and I'd want it clear whether Kwiat's upgrade policy includes stones they don't own. So you could choose a stone from a site like JA and have them access it for you for an upgrade. But you'll still probably feel kind of sick seeing JA price and the price they'd want for the diamond.

One other thing, I totally respect your favoring a square cushion if that's what you like the look of most. But an elongated modern cushion is a modern cushion and doesn't look like an antique cushion at all. Antique cushions have very large facets and look totally different. Antique cushions come in square and elongated shapes. Modern cushions come in square and elongated shapes. They are easily recognizable by their very different facet patterns. I think you still favor a radiant anyway, though!

We want you to have a ring that you will love and can upgrade later if desired. So even if you go with Kwiat, we will still be most happy to help you be sure you're getting a great diamond!
 
Gorgeous stone!!! You’re amazing diamond seeker. I’m also mesmerized by the ring in your avatar. Sadly I decided to draw a hard line at 50k (including setting & taxes).

I prefer a square cushion, bc an elongated one looks vintage and I prefer a more modern look.

I’ve ruled out Graff, Cartier and HW thanks to everyone’s wise counsel. It doesn’t make sense to overpay for a brand. I was drawn bc my bf and I grew up chasing prestige - brand name schools, prestigious jobs etc. But you PSers have shown me it’s better to buy a larger, nicer quality diamond. I’m overwhelmed by the support on this forum. I feel blessed strangers would take time to help my search and provide their expertise. My family and friends just want me to pick one and get on with it. My gfs all walked into a store and picked a ring fast, not knowing much about diamonds.

I’m now debating between the JA radiant (I’m mesmerized by the faceting) and having SK set it, or going with Kwiat (they are continuing to search). There are pros and cons to both. Kwiats largest draw is their generous upgrade policy, and for me less so to upgrade size (though I’m sure DSS will set in) but more to change style. I can’t decide which style I like best on my hand bc none of these stones are set so I’m not seeing the full picture when I try them on. If I get a cushion now, I may swap for a radiant next. If JA had the same policy, the decision would be easy, bc I’d prefer to only spend 10-20k more later. But I agree with you diamondseeker. I will pay more at kwiat, have a smaller selection and longer search.

Check this one out!

 
Happy new year PSers! Thank you for your much needed sage advice. I decided I really want an emerald. I tried on my friend’s and fell in love. Sorry it’s taken many iterations for me to realize this. The glittery facets of a cushion bother me. I like the clean, sleek look of an emerald. And the elongated shape is more flattering on my fingers. So please help me find the best performing, well cut emerald: 3-4carats, ~1.3 ratio (not too square or elongated), ~Fvs2 eye clean with a 50k budget including setting (&tax if applicable). I’m excited to be one step close to my dream ring. Thank you so much in advance!
 
Happy new year PSers! Thank you for your much needed sage advice. I decided I really want an emerald. I tried on my friend’s and fell in love. Sorry it’s taken many iterations for me to realize this. The glittery facets of a cushion bother me. I like the clean, sleek look of an emerald. And the elongated shape is more flattering on my fingers. So please help me find the best performing, well cut emerald: 3-4carats, ~1.3 ratio (not too square or elongated), ~Fvs2 eye clean with a 50k budget including setting (&tax if applicable). I’m excited to be one step close to my dream ring. Thank you so much in advance!

@mystiletto that's exciting news! My engagement ring is an EC and I still love it many years later. It also happens to be a F/VS2. Maybe start a different thread on your EC search.
 
I don’t know about emerald cuts. But, I found this one. 39018505-F1BE-42C8-B366-2BB0E163515C.png
 
Whiteflash also has some- but they seem to all be virtual selection. Not sure if that matters to you
 
Thank you! Virtual is fine. I was looking at the ECs on victors site too but I can’t tell which is the best cut. Can any PSers weigh in? Thank you!
 
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