Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamond

[KushionKwest]

Hi all! It's a very exciting time as my brother had asked me to help him find an engagement diamond!

He has a $15k budget and is looking for a modern, square, cushion.

This is the setting she likes.

His budget is $15k just for the stone. Her highest priority is size and I don't think she would like anything below an H in color or VS2 in clarity.

I would LOVE some suggestions from the forum to share with him. I appreciate any and all help on this super duper exciting project!!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Great budget.

Here are 3 awesome cushions worth considering:

1.7ct, H, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12062/

1.6ct, G, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11760/

1.94ct, F, SI2 (confirm eye-clean) - August Vintage (would need to slightly increase budget)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12402/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Great budget.

Here are 3 awesome cushions worth considering:

1.7ct, H, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12062/

1.6ct, G, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11760/

1.94ct, F, SI2 (confirm eye-clean) - August Vintage (would need to slightly increase budget)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12402/

1.7 H VS1 $13,486 (This one is about as good as it gets for a modern cushion. I'd put it on hold as soon as possible if he is interested.)

1.6 G VS2 $13,348

 

[drk14]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Her highest priority is size

Well, as far as I can tell, this is the largest diamond compatible with his budget (2.18ct, 7.56x7.37mm, $15,519 from Solomon Brothers):

But do you think she'll be happy with that kind of diamond? Maybe it's time to sit down with DB and FSIL and have the "cut" talk...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

I do want to add one thing. If her primary goal is size, a cushion is not the best stone to buy. They usually face up smaller than rounds and ovals. I would be certain she understands that.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Her highest priority is size

Well, as far as I can tell, this is the largest diamond compatible with his budget (2.18ct, 7.56x7.37mm, $15,519 from Solomon Brothers):

But do you think she'll be happy with that kind of diamond? Maybe it's time to sit down with DB and FSIL and have the "cut" talk...

I think since the pictures came from Eternity by Yoni, I would give them the chance to price match Solomon Bros. But I would not feel comfortable buying a cushion without an ASET image.

http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1520892

 

[KushionKwest]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Hi all! Thank you so much for these searches!!

I should amend my original post- cut is of course first and foremost followed by size. I just spoke to him and he is happy with a range of $15-$20k. I am doing searches on my own but honestly know nothing about cushions.

I know what you mean about cushions not facing up the largest but that's the look she likes!

Also, does anyone know of any vendors that create those Davis yurman looking settings?

Thanks again!!!!

 

[drk14]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

I think since the pictures came from Eternity by Yoni, I would give them the chance to price match Solomon Bros.

http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1520892

Good point, I should have credited the source of the image. I didn't think this diamond was going to be a serious contender anyway, I just wanted to post it to help clarify the priorities of OP's search!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

I think since the pictures came from Eternity by Yoni, I would give them the chance to price match Solomon Bros.

http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1520892

Good point, I should have credited the source of the image. I didn't think this diamond was going to be a serious contender anyway, I just wanted to post it to help clarify the priorities of OP's search!

It has potential! Good one to post!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

cut is of course first and foremost followed by size.

The 1.7ct H I posted above is still a good pick.

Here's another option, if Hearts & Arrows cushions are what you're after:

1.715ct, G, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.715-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066516011


With the expanded budget, though, here are the options I would DEFINITELY choose:

2.01ct, G, VS2 (if antique cushion is preferred)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8188/

2ct, H, VS1 (if modern cushion is preferred)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12324/

 

[drk14]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

I think since the pictures came from Eternity by Yoni, I would give them the chance to price match Solomon Bros.

http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1520892

Good point, I should have credited the source of the image. I didn't think this diamond was going to be a serious contender anyway, I just wanted to post it to help clarify the priorities of OP's search!

It has potential! Good one to post!

LOL, I got lucky then! I know very little about cushions and was just searching for the largest H-VS2 I could find at the $15k mark. I had perhaps incorrectly assumed that the blurry-looking virtual facets would be a strike against this diamond.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

drk, the diamond you posted had a lot of potential. I am having a busy day at work, but if I get a chance I'll look to see what I can find at B2C and J. Also it's a good idea to check Excel Diamonds, some of their stones have pics and they can do ASETs.

Blurry looking facets on that stone are the photography set up's fault. It's hard to adjust from one photo set up to another and interpret what you are seeing. Only way to do it is practice. You are doing great.

 

[KushionKwest]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Thank you so much, rocky and drk! I sent these along to my brother minus the vintage cuts. My brother's girlfriend definitely wants the modern flashes she sees on round brilliants.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

FYI if your bother goes with a hearts and arrows stone from BGD here is a the setting he wants: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/split-shank-rope-solitaire-platinum-5364p

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Remember to compare spread not carat weight, okay?
If he wanted one of these he could sent it to BGD for setting, okay?

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6174169-1.85-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS1-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6246922-2.01-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx Pretty and large and budget friendly.
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5094015-2.03-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4817232-1.84-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

These two are gorgeous with great ASET images: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.84-carat-g-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-188741.html and http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.06-carat-h-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-178094.html

And ERD can do that setting for him, custom.

 

[noscrusir]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

The 1.7ct H I posted above is still a good pick.

Here's another option, if Hearts & Arrows cushions are what you're after:

1.715ct, G, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.715-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066516011

Hey Rocky, I had a chance to look at this diamond in person but was not blown away by its light performance. The H&A patterning was cool if you walk around with an eyepiece but as far as pure brilliance, I was more happy with the diamond I selected w/ Brian's Novela setting.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

The 1.7ct H I posted above is still a good pick.

Here's another option, if Hearts & Arrows cushions are what you're after:

1.715ct, G, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.715-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066516011

Hey Rocky, I had a chance to look at this diamond in person but was not blown away by its light performance. The H&A patterning was cool if you walk around with an eyepiece but as far as pure brilliance, I was more happy with the diamond I selected w/ Brian's Novela setting.

Very helpful to have eyes that have actually seen the stone in person.

OP - toss the BGD one out!

 

[noscrusir]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Very helpful to have eyes that have actually seen the stone in person.

OP - toss the BGD one out!

Well I wouldn't necessarily toss it out. It may be a very subjective call and who knows maybe he/she may like the H&A pattern more than I did. I was just trying to judge by pure brilliance and was actually able to put my stone & the one you referenced right next to each other!

FYI - here is the GIA cert. & picture of the diamond I went with. I settled on the cushion modified hybrid cut simply due to personal preference but certainly wouldn't want to discourage OP from going with the other stone if that person likes it better.

Also, any comments on the stone I just bough here would be much appreciated

 

[Madison2]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Very helpful to have eyes that have actually seen the stone in person.

OP - toss the BGD one out!

Well I wouldn't necessarily toss it out. It may be a very subjective call and who knows maybe he/she may like the H&A pattern more than I did. I was just trying to judge by pure brilliance and was actually able to put my stone & the one you referenced right next to each other!

FYI - here is the GIA cert. & picture of the diamond I went with. I settled on the cushion modified hybrid cut simply due to personal preference but certainly wouldn't want to discourage OP from going with the other stone if that person likes it better.

Also, any comments on the stone I just bough here would be much appreciated

noscrusir, your diamond is very beautiful! I like the spread and shape of it too!

 

[KushionKwest]

Re: Help my brother propose! $15k budget, cushion cut diamon

Gypsy- I personally love those ERD options- thank you!! He is going to set up an appt with them and hopefully it works out that I will join.