Crushed Ice vs X-factor Cushion cut

[azguy61]

My gf and I have been spending time shopping around for her engagement ring, we have been to Harry Winston, Cartier, Tiffany's, etc. After finally understanding that 78 grand for a 2 carat diamond is ridiculous she finally okayed me to look online. After much deliberation I feel like we might go with Eternity by Yoni (http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/). The specs of what we are looking at are from D-F and IF-VVS2.

Questions/Concerns

First she is looking for a Cushion cut diamond, in my research I came across the crushed ice and x-factor modification of cushion cut. This link explains the different cuts,( https://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/site-page/cushion_cut_diamond_tutorial.html ). I really had a difficult time understanding it, but what I took away is that X-factor is the more brilliant of the two. Is that true? I often see two diamonds with the same cut, clarity, and color but at difference prices and I can't figure out why. Does anyone know why those prices differences are happening? I honestly just want to know how I can pick the brightest and best quality cushion cut, any information would be appreciated especially on the differences between x-factor and crushed ice.

 

[maccers]

Don't want to read and run but a couple of short points
1. Hit 'report concern' and get this thread moved to RockyTalky forum, you'll get many more responses. There's not much action in this subforum.
2. As a starting point, read this tutorial: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/cushion-cut-diamond and look at some of threads referenced in it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

X factor will be far better cut than crushed ice. Brian Gavin also sells top cut quality modern cushions. Good Old Gold carries some as well. Do some looking at these sites before you make a decision.

 

[danielxlin]

This is probably a minority view (though David from Diamonds by Lauren, and Jon from Good Old Gold agree) but crushed ice should not be a pejorative term, it is just a description of a splintery, random, scintillating pattern of reflections in a cushion. Crushed ice can be bad (slush) or it can be bright and very beautiful. I think the video below shows good examples.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPKsQosNMQ

I think Brilliantly Engaged's X-Factor cushions are just a different look. It's a matter of preference: broader reflections in orderly patterns vs tiny splintery reflections in a more random pattern.

 

[treasurehunter]

why out of curiosity do you want such a high clarity grade, i get it you want 100% eye clean never seeing any little thing and even with vs2 you can see sometimes so i suggest VS1 thats a guaranteed grade youll never see anything

 

[azguy61]

why out of curiosity do you want such a high clarity grade, i get it you want 100% eye clean never seeing any little thing and even with vs2 you can see sometimes so i suggest VS1 thats a guaranteed grade youll never see anything

Honestly, my budget for the ring itself is 50k so that is why the clarity is that high. I personally agree with you that I should lower it, but my girlfriend is very particular about what she wants, and I figured I would give it to her since she already gave up the Name Brand.

Regardless of any of that, I just want information on whether I should try to find X-factor or Crushed Ice cushion cut diamonds. I keep finding mixed reviews on which is better, I just want the cushion cut that will give the most overall shine.

 

[azguy61]

This is probably a minority view (though David from Diamonds by Lauren, and Jon from Good Old Gold agree) but crushed ice should not be a pejorative term, it is just a description of a splintery, random, scintillating pattern of reflections in a cushion. Crushed ice can be bad (slush) or it can be bright and very beautiful. I think the video below shows good examples.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPKsQosNMQ

I think Brilliantly Engaged's X-Factor cushions are just a different look. It's a matter of preference: broader reflections in orderly patterns vs tiny splintery reflections in a more random pattern.

That is an interesting thought, so what you are saying is that not one type is brighter just one is more large shines while the other is a bunch of small shines?

 

[azguy61]

X factor will be far better cut than crushed ice. Brian Gavin also sells top cut quality modern cushions. Good Old Gold carries some as well. Do some looking at these sites before you make a decision.

I personally like X-factor more, but is there any expert reasons or studies done to as why X-factor is better, I would like to understand the entirety of the cut.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

X factor will be far better cut than crushed ice. Brian Gavin also sells top cut quality modern cushions. Good Old Gold carries some as well. Do some looking at these sites before you make a decision.

I personally like X-factor more, but is there any expert reasons or studies done to as why X-factor is better, I would like to understand the entirety of the cut.

Actually, the very best cut cushions with top light performance (AGS Ideal) available would be:

GOG August Vintage Cushions, August Vintage Star

Brilliantly Engaged Mark T Modern Cushions

Victor Canera Antique Cushions

Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows Cushions (be aware that his diamonds are measured differently than most all other cushions, so you cannot compare diameter measurements of his stones with the ones above)


Next tier for generic modern cushions:

Good Old Gold Signature Modern Cushions

Brilliantly Engaged X Factor

My personal experience and opinion is that GOG offers the most options including having a stone custom cut (unless you see the exact stone you want at any one of the vendors above). Plus they compare multiple stones for you on video showing light return,etc. Victor Canera is a good option if you are seeking a fine pave setting such as Harry Winston's and like his cushions.

****Here is a very helpful and educational video on cushions by GOG:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM

He also has tons of videos comparing different cushion cuts if you'd like to expand your knowledge on cushion cuts and your preferences:

https://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan/videos

 

[danielxlin]

This is probably a minority view (though David from Diamonds by Lauren, and Jon from Good Old Gold agree) but crushed ice should not be a pejorative term, it is just a description of a splintery, random, scintillating pattern of reflections in a cushion. Crushed ice can be bad (slush) or it can be bright and very beautiful. I think the video below shows good examples.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPKsQosNMQ

I think Brilliantly Engaged's X-Factor cushions are just a different look. It's a matter of preference: broader reflections in orderly patterns vs tiny splintery reflections in a more random pattern.

That is an interesting thought, so what you are saying is that not one type is brighter just one is more large shines while the other is a bunch of small shines?

That is my contention. But the caveat is that it's easier to buy one of the branded cushions listed above than it is to find a truly beautiful crushed ice style cushion.

This is an example of bright beautiful crushed ice effect:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lezSzq74zvM#t=53

Edge to edge bright sparkle, scintillation and chaotic patterning.

It looks very, very, very different from, let's say, an August Vintage Cushion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxwEXLpHPpw

For me, I love both! But some prefer one kind of patterning over another.