Cushion Cut Diamond Input/Recommendations

[NickS]

Hello All!

I'm looking for a cushion cut diamond in the 1.35-1.5 carat size range with a length to width ratio close to 1. The ring will likely be set in a solitaire, 4-prong, 2 mm wide band. After looking a bit I feel like this one (https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C145-A2TQMJ?cid=pricescope) fits the bill but I'm slightly concerned about whether the girdle is undesirably thick.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this diamond or if you have any other recommendations. I'd like to keep the price in this range or lower.

Thanks in advance for any input or assistance you may offer!

 

[Gypsy]

The girdle is not your problem with that. Ignore the vendor's cut score. It's meaningless. That is not a well performing cushion. And that's what you want.

Here are some stones worth your time:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6648992-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6642332-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-459484
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6592670-1.30-carat-Cushion-diamond-E-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

As for settings. Both of the vendors above can get you this setting, and this is the one I strongly recommend you consider getting:
http://www.stuller.com/products/build/122100/9138555/?groupId=119111#/center-stone
http://www.stuller.com/products/121872/?groupId=110520

I'm sure it can be ordered for whatever you stone you pick. And it's a better fit for your criteria than any setting at either vendor.
Setting should be around 500 in white gold. Or 800 in platinum.

 

[NickS]

Gypsy, thanks for the assistance!

Will you clarify a couple of things?
-How would you define a well performing cushion diamond? Is it mainly dependent on the table % and depth % or what are the key features you are looking for?
-With regard to the SI1 clarity diamonds, can I ask the seller to comment on whether or not they are eyeclean or is this something I would need to evaluate in person after ordering them?

 

[JoshuaNiamehr]

The girdle is not your problem with that. Ignore the vendor's cut score. It's meaningless. That is not a well performing cushion. And that's what you want.

Here are some stones worth your time:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6648992-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6642332-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-459484
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6592670-1.30-carat-Cushion-diamond-E-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

As for settings. Both of the vendors above can get you this setting, and this is the one I strongly recommend you consider getting:
http://www.stuller.com/products/build/122100/9138555/?groupId=119111#/center-stone
http://www.stuller.com/products/121872/?groupId=110520

I'm sure it can be ordered for whatever you stone you pick. And it's a better fit for your criteria than any setting at either vendor.
Setting should be around 500 in white gold. Or 800 in platinum.

That diamond is a very well performing crushed ice cushion (like our cut score suggests)...

The diamonds you are recommending have different/better facet arrangement (not crushed ice) - its not apples to apples.... I use the term much better for light performance, not necessarily beauty - though I do think the facet arrangements you're suggesting are way more beautiful.

I would consider explaining the difference between the diamonds to the forum readers.

 

[Gypsy]

I can easily clarify. I have done so many times in the past.

Please study (not just read) these two threads in order. Please make sure to follow the links posted.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/[/URL]

After you are done studying these threads, you should be able to see for yourself why I recommended the stones I did. I'll give you a hint though: Performance (verified by ASET) and faceting.

 

[chrono]

I can easily clarify. I have done so many times in the past.

Please study (not just read) these two threads in order. Please make sure to follow the links posted.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/[/URL]

After you are done studying these threads, you should be able to see for yourself why I recommended the stones I did. I'll give you a hint though: Performance (verified by ASET) and faceting.

I agree; I do not have an issue with the pattern of the cushion you suggested but I don't think it is a great performer for its type.

 

[JoshuaNiamehr]

Hi Gypsy,

I studied those threads - but in this thread I never read a mention of the reasons why, so its hard for a person to learn why you are choosing the diamonds you are choosing, and being self-sufficient in their search.

Even OP is asking what Im asking:

"Will you clarify a couple of things?
-How would you define a well performing cushion diamond? Is it mainly dependent on the table % and depth % or what are the key features you are looking for? "

Thats my point...

Joshua

 

[NickS]

Gypsy - Thanks for providing a number of examples. I also appreciate you directing me to a few threads where there was substantial discussion on characteristics specific to cushion cut diamonds.

I feel as though I have a much better grasp than I did before after reading all of that and feel like I can now begin a semi-intelligent diamond hunt.

After looking at the diamonds you provided I am attracted to the larger diamonds (let me know if you think doing so will have a negative impact on the quality of diamond that I am able to afford). Therefore I asked B2CJewels whether the 1.50 and 1.51 carate diamonds were both eyeclean. They responded that both were in fact eyeclean but that the 1.51 carat appeared blue due to its fluorescence.

Looking at the 1.50 carat, I have a few worries. 1) It looks a bit mushy under the table. Do you agree? and 2) Will the leakage in the very center of the diamond have a more negative impact than if it were on the edge? This seem like a detrimental place to exhibit leakage.

I will continue to look and will return with anything I find that looks promising to me but if you have time I'd truly appreciate it if you provided me with additional diamond recommendations.

My final question is about the ring, which is obviously the next step, but I saw and am curious why you recommended a collar around the stone when selecting a ring?

 

[chrono]

The 1.5 ct diamond has some leakage under the table but the overall performance of the table area is still strong (a lot of red). I think it will be a great performer for an unbranded cushion. However, it is now listed as out of stock. Did you put this on hold or did someone else get it?

 

[NickS]

Unfortunately it looks like someone else got the 1.5 carat. Tonight I'll try to find some more that I'd like your input on. If any of you have any recommendations I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks