Cushion Cut - Help Me Decide

[GoldenState]

Hi Everyone! Thank you in advance for helping me make a decision. I appreciate all the info and advice this community provides.

I've narrowed my selection to three modified brilliant cushions and would appreciate your advice on which one you think is the best. My budget is anywhere from $20k - $30k for the loose diamond. Here's my wish list:

• Cut: Cushion Modified Brilliant (I don't like the crushed ice or "X" facet plot)
  Carat: Prefer 2.00+
  Color: Minimum H
  Clarity: Prefer VS2+ (must be eye clean)
  L/W Ratio: 1.00-1.05

I found the following diamonds on James Allen and Brian Gavin.

#1: 2.02 Carat H-VS2 Cushion Cut Diamond ($27.1k) - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177148

Below is the ASET image for the James Allen diamond.



#2: 1.715 G VS1 Hearts and Arrows Cushion ($21.3k) - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../1.715-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066516011

#3: 2.065 G VS1 Hearts and Arrows Cushion ($34.8k) - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.065-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066027001

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Travelgal]

I LOVE the first one. I have been drooling over that stone every time I do a search for a cushion cut stone. It's a bit on the expensive side, but the facet pattern is so pretty and unique. I think it will look amazing in person. What kind of setting have you selected?

 

[GoldenState]

Hi Travelgal! Thanks for your input. I plan on getting a platinum pave setting.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are 3 cushions that are top-notch, with 3 different flavors of cut:

2.00ct, G, VS2 - Modern Cushion
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12323/

2.14ct, I, VS1 - August Vintage Cushion
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9197/

2.03ct, H, VS1 - Brellia
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11559/

Any of those is a winner. It's just a matter of deciding which facet pattern you prefer.

If I were in your position, I would ask Good Old Gold to make me a video of those three stones, so I can compare them side-by-side.

I would then choose my favorite from those and be done!

 

[GoldenState]

Hi RockyRacoon! Thanks for the info and suggestions. I don't really like your first two options because of the facet plots, but I'm open to a hearts and arrows cushion. However, I'm finding with hearts and arrows you sacrifice size for arguably a better cut.

 

[JulieN]

Personally, I prefer the optics of H&A style cushions over the first one. But #2 is significantly smaller than #1. To go up in size #3 is quite a bit more expensive than the other two.

I would definitely check out these Blue Nile cushions as alternatives. They've got good size, and not as expensive at #3.

Biggest, 30K http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-vvs2-clarity_LD04403036?click_id=460818790
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-vvs2-clarity_LD04403038?click_id=238575011
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-vs1-clarity_LD04403044?click_id=296417799

 

[GoldenState]

Thanks JulieN for your suggestions! I didn't realize the Blue Nile Signature Collection has actual images of the diamonds and performance. Of the three you suggested, I think #2 and #3 are the most appealing. Which one do you think is the best?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I actually do not like H&A cushions but I like them in rounds. I'd much rather have a more typical cushion cut as long as it is well cut. I like that James Allen cushion, but it does not have a great ASET. The first GOG stone that Rocky posted has far better light return (one of the best for a cushion that I have ever seen), and I think it will show as a more beautiful stone.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12323/

 

[JulieN]

Of the three you suggested, I think #2 and #3 are the most appealing. Which one do you think is the best?

#1, the big one, is definitely my favorite for the increased size and smaller table over #2 and #3. Between #2 and #3, they are so similar, I can't make a suggestion. Maybe ask BN which one is better, or whiter. Maybe the 2.09 because the 2.06 has a section of girdle that is Very Thin.

 

[GoldenState]

Thanks diamondseeker and JulieN for your input. I'm still analyzing all the options before I make a decision. I'll definitely let you know when I select a diamond.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like the facet pattern on #1, but the ASET is too bad for me to recommend that stone. I'd keep looking. Good luck with your decision!

 

[GoldenState]

Yeah diamondseeker, I really like the facet pattern on #1 as well, but the ASET was disappointing. I still have two more complimentary ASET images for James Allen, so I'll see if I can find another better performing diamond.

 

[farmer gal]

this one has an interesting facet pattern:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-191574

 

[GoldenState]

Hi farmer gal! Thanks for your suggestion. Funny thing is I happened to come across that same diamond today when searching around. It's an interesting facet pattern.

 

[JulieN]

It is antique style. Very nice. It ASETs well.

 

[Gypsy]

I agree about the antique cushion. That's a lovely stone and should ASET well.

 

[GoldenState]

this one has an interesting facet pattern:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-191574

I'm liking this diamond more and more and agree with JulieN and Gypsy on the antique style. I requested an ASET image from James Allen, so hopefully it performs well. I'll post the ASET once I receive it.

 

[GoldenState]

this one has an interesting facet pattern:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-191574

I'm liking this diamond more and more and agree with JulieN and Gypsy on the antique style. I requested an ASET image from James Allen, so hopefully it performs well. I'll post the ASET once I receive it.

I finally received the ASET for the cushion brilliant from James Allen and would like your thoughts. After more searching over the past couple weeks, I've decided I like antique style facet patterns. I'm now trying to decide between the following two diamonds.

#1: 2.03 Carat H-VS1 Cushion Cut Diamond ($19.75k) - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-191574

Below is the ASET image.



#2: 2ct H VS1 August Vintage Cushion Diamond ($23.79k) - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12212/

Thanks for your input!

 

[farmer gal]

I would go with the James Allen diamond. It has a larger spread and looks gorgeous. But you can't really go wrong either way.

 

[GoldenState]

Thanks for your thoughts farmer gal. I'm going to go with the James Allen diamond. I'll be sure to share pictures.

Thank you again everyone who helped me make this decision!