Thoughts on this Cushion?

[JasSay]

After what seemed like a never ending search, I think I may have found the diamond. Before pulling the trigger, I wanted to get feedback from people who are much more knowledgable in selecting cushions.

It is a 1.75 cushion diamond H color VS2 clarity. The measurements are 7.25x6.28x4.45 (see certificate attached).

https://youtu.be/qMGV313GVqU


Thanks in advance for your input! ^o^

 

[tyty333]

Can you get an aset of the stone?

This is what I'm seeing...the outer edge of the stone (crown area outside of table) is firing pretty good with lots of bigger flashes.
However, I'm only see very few small flashes from under the table. It could all be the lighting but I would want to see an aset
or see it in some other lighting to make sure you are getting good light return from under the table.

 

[Sphene]

Not an expert but it seems a little lifeless in the middle have you seen it IRL not under shop lighting

 

[JasSay]

Thanks for the feedback! I've put in the request for aset of the cushion.

 

[JasSay]

Not an expert but it seems a little lifeless in the middle have you seen it IRL not under shop lighting

Unfortunately I have not seen this IRL. I am working with a store out of state.

 

[PacMan12]

JasSay..the video says a 1.17ct stone. It may be mislabeled on YouTube but you would want to make sure.

IMO..outside looks good but the inside has that "crushed ice" look that can be unappealing IRL

ASET is a good move here

 

[Rockdiamond]

JasSay..the video says a 1.17ct stone. It may be mislabeled on YouTube but you would want to make sure.

IMO..outside looks good but the inside has that "crushed ice" look that can be unappealing IRL

ASET is a good move here

Actually the "crushed ice look" can be super appealing- just go into Tiffany's or Harry Winston to see some gorgeous crushed ice stones.
Chunky stones can be unappealing as well.
Either type can be gorgeous, or a dud.

 

[JasSay]

JasSay..the video says a 1.17ct stone. It may be mislabeled on YouTube but you would want to make sure.

IMO..outside looks good but the inside has that "crushed ice" look that can be unappealing IRL

ASET is a good move here

I got the reply back that they do not use ASET. Can you elaborate on what you mean by "crushed ice" look that can be unappealing IRL?

Should I be looking at other options?

 

[tyty333]

Crushed ice usually means very small facets under the table where you usually cant pick out any symmetry (or its very difficult).
Some people really like them because if well cut they can look like disco balls. Others dont like them as much because
it seems like a lot of them leak light under the table (this is my opinion), also I think most people on PS like to see
bigger facets and some symmetry.

This one is Crushed ice IMO...I dont think this one would reflect light well.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-592451

There are lots of other cushion cuts that are more structured for lack of a better term.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-525463 really big facets
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-580948 a different type of cushion
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-284435 ignore the inclusions...look at pattern
There are many other types of cushion...look at this thread. You can skip anything about the ring design and go to the different
cushion types. I think she has lots of examples. If your GF wants crushed ice, that's fine...just need to make sure you find one
that has good light return. Did we ask if you have seen this stone in person? What did you think?

ok...here is that thread to look at.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

 

[ariel144]

Not a fan of that cushion. I agree that under the table it looks rather dead.

Don't know your budget but I'm digging this H VS with strong blue flourescence on JA. The blue fl. will give the stone a blue hue in some lighting and extra personality that is really cool.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-613695

You might want to check with Old World Diamonds, love Affair Diamonds, and Jewels by Grace for a well performing antique cushion. Cut is king and a well perform I/J/K can be brighter than a poorly cut G/H or higher. Know that is hard for a newbie to wrap their mind around but it is true.

Good luck with your search but be patient and you will find a great cushion. They are like finding a needle in a haystack though.

Nice cushion on a budget:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-39ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-si1#.VeotYLxViko

 

[JasSay]

Crushed ice usually means very small facets under the table where you usually cant pick out any symmetry (or its very difficult).
Some people really like them because if well cut they can look like disco balls. Others dont like them as much because
it seems like a lot of them leak light under the table (this is my opinion), also I think most people on PS like to see
bigger facets and some symmetry.

This one is Crushed ice IMO...I dont think this one would reflect light well.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-592451

There are lots of other cushion cuts that are more structured for lack of a better term.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-525463 really big facets
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-580948 a different type of cushion
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-284435 ignore the inclusions...look at pattern
There are many other types of cushion...look at this thread. You can skip anything about the ring design and go to the different
cushion types. I think she has lots of examples. If your GF wants crushed ice, that's fine...just need to make sure you find one
that has good light return. Did we ask if you have seen this stone in person? What did you think?

ok...here is that thread to look at.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

Oh man...did not realize how complex picking out a diamond would be. This is so informative! Thank you! Definitely will be considering these factors. Unfortunately I have not seen the stone in person since the vendor is out of state.

 

[JasSay]

Not a fan of that cushion. I agree that under the table it looks rather dead.

Don't know your budget but I'm digging this H VS with strong blue flourescence on JA. The blue fl. will give the stone a blue hue in some lighting and extra personality that is really cool.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-613695

You might want to check with Old World Diamonds, love Affair Diamonds, and Jewels by Grace for a well performing antique cushion. Cut is king and a well perform I/J/K can be brighter than a poorly cut G/H or higher. Know that is hard for a newbie to wrap their mind around but it is true.

Good luck with your search but be patient and you will find a great cushion. They are like finding a needle in a haystack though.

Nice cushion on a budget:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-39ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-si1#.VeotYLxViko

Really appreciate the suggestion! Will check those vendors out. I am trying to keep the total cost of the ring around 15k (with 3K going towards the setting).

 

[ariel144]

That's a nice budget. You can post another thread asking for cushion experts to help you find something. There are a lot of vendors that specialize in well cut cushions which are hard to find. When I searched JA I was keeping the budget low. With a $12k budget you should be able to find a cushion that is a 2 carat size of 7mm x 7mm. The best well cut cushions are about 65% depth and 55% table. The smaller the table the higher the crown which gives it that pillowy - cushiony look. That is how most antique cushions are cut with that high crown and why the vendors below are custom cutting cushions like the antiques with that chunky faceting. some prefer the modern faceting which is nice as well. And some love the look of the crushed ice cushion. Its just a personal preference thing.

Go to youtube and watch Jonathan's (Good Old Gold) videos on picking out cushion cuts. He has so many videos comparing the diff. styles of cushions...modern, antique, and crushed ice like in the stone you posted. The more you watch the better idea you will get of which type of faceting you prefer.

Good Old Gold, Leon Mege, Brilliantly Engaged, Victor Canera & Diamonds by Lauren plus the ones I posted already that specialize in antique stones.

Finding a well performing cushion is not easy, but worth it when you find "the one".

Hope this helps.

 

[ariel144]

Ok, found your stone....this is SO RARE I CAN'T even tell you !!! An 8 MAIN CUSHION BRILLIANT...the faceting on this stone is TDF!!!
Put it on hold NOW ...under $10 K!! 7mm x 8mm...faces up HUGE because it is 65% depth. The table is 59% so it doesn't have an high crown but the faceting is phenomenal! (Note all the gray mushy cushions listed on JA....they have a lot of leakage and won't perform well)

You can request an ASET but put it on hold NOW before someone else snatches it up. This IS a needle in a hay stack! And that price! Wow!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.75-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-628767

8 main cushion brilliants are an EXTREMELY RARELY cut any more and usually are amazing performing stones. They rarely come up on JA where you can get a nice stone and have better pricing than the vendors that have their 8 main cushion brilliants custom cut, which come at a premium price. I know you are new to searching for a cushion but this one is highly desireable and eye clean VS2. I still can't get over how big it faces up ...LOL like a 2.5 carat cushion and only 1.75! Don't worry about the "good" symmetry and polish. That is not unusual on an antique style faceted cushion. Will be interesting to see the ASET.

 

[JasSay]

Ok, found your stone....this is SO RARE I CAN'T even tell you !!! An 8 MAIN CUSHION BRILLIANT...the faceting on this stone is TDF!!!
Put it on hold NOW ...under $10 K!! 7mm x 8mm...faces up HUGE because it is 65% depth. The table is 59% so it doesn't have an high crown but the faceting is phenomenal! (Note all the gray mushy cushions listed on JA....they have a lot of leakage and won't perform well)

You can request an ASET but put it on hold NOW before someone else snatches it up. This IS a needle in a hay stack! And that price! Wow!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.75-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-628767

8 main cushion brilliants are an EXTREMELY RARELY cut any more and usually are amazing performing stones. They rarely come up on JA where you can get a nice stone and have better pricing than the vendors that have their 8 main cushion brilliants custom cut, which come at a premium price. I know you are new to searching for a cushion but this one is highly desireable and eye clean VS2. I still can't get over how big it faces up ...LOL like a 2.5 carat cushion and only 1.75! Don't worry about the "good" symmetry and polish. That is not unusual on an antique style faceted cushion. Will be interesting to see the ASET.

You've got a great eye! I definitely see the differences between the two stones and do like 8 main cushion better. I've submitted the request for an ASET. Will post once received. Should I be concern that it's a I color? The diamonds within the halo setting would consist of F-G color/VS clarity.

 

[ariel144]

Oh great! I and J colors are still in the near colorless range. Watch some videos on color on GOG's youtube channel where you can see the colors side by side in natural light. A well cut and great performing I can actually be brighter and whiter facing than an higher color H lesser cut stone.

Can't wait to see the ASET. I'm in shock that there is an 8 main cushion brilliant on JA or any site for that matter. LOL, can you tell how excited I am for you!

People come on PS looking for 8 main cushion brilliants and the PSr's that are experts in searching out cushions have to tell them; "Sorry you won't find one!" I actually prefer them to the Old Mine Brilliants because they don't have the maltese cross under the table. If you are lucky you can find an antique cushion with the flower pattern under the table...those are genuine antique stones. Like this one:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-71ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-i-si1#.Vep6uLxViko


Here is an antique cushion GIA J color 5c honker in a halo by Leon Mege. Halo should be no problem at all with a GIA I color.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

Check out pg 3 where she compares the color to her E color engagment ring and how long and hard they searched for just the right stone. Note the symmetry on her stone is also "good".


"So at the end of the day and after months of searching we decided to go ahead with Leon''s stone and I just love it. The J doesn''t bother me at all and mostly it looks icy white and I only notice a tiny bit of warmth very occasionally from certain angles (my e-ring is an E and there is a very slight difference but really not very much)."

Another 5c GOG AVC J color in a halo scroll down to m-2-b's post.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-avc-avoec-diamonds.123446/page-8']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-avc-avoec-diamonds.123446/page-8[/URL]

Glad you put it on hold.

 

[ariel144]

Did you get the ASET? Please post...the suspense is killing me....LOL!

 

[pktkid10]

I hope he did. This is a truly remarkable stone. I'm working with nearly the same budget, etc. but missed this.

 

[ariel144]

I hope he did. This is a truly remarkable stone. I'm working with nearly the same budget, etc. but missed this.

Yes, couldn't believe my eyes on this stone. Price is $9,500. Those fat arrow 8 main cushions are usually so lovely. You have to keep watching on JA, but haven't seen one of these in that size for a VERY long time. They do have some around 4c size but most have bow ties and not as amazing faceting under the table. If this OP does not follow through and purchase you could get it. Email JA and ask to buy it if this sale does not happen.

wonders never cease...another 8 main cushion brilliant...more money but an higher color but 66% depth so 7mm x 7mm:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

 

[Sphene]

Ita not available please tell who got it so want to see more pictures its glorious

 

[ariel144]

Ita not available please tell who got it so want to see more pictures its glorious

Yes, the OP put it on hold over the weekend....waiting to see ASET.

Did you see this one?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

 

[pktkid10]

Thanks for pointing out this stone, I requested the aset. Based on the dimensions do you think this will 'face up well'?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

 

[ariel144]

Thanks for pointing out this stone, I requested the aset. Based on the dimensions do you think this will 'face up well'?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

Yes, 7 x 7mm is the size of a 2c cushion. Note the depth is 66% which makes it face up larger than most 1.5c cushions. Nice square cushion shape and decent heighth in the crown.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Thanks for pointing out this stone, I requested the aset. Based on the dimensions do you think this will 'face up well'?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

Yes, 7 x 7mm is the size of a 2c cushion. Note the depth is 66% which makes it face up larger than most 1.5c cushions. Nice square cushion shape and decent heighth in the crown.

Such a fun thread.

Great looking cushion! Hope it works out for pktkid10!

 

[pktkid10]

Thanks for pointing out this stone, I requested the aset. Based on the dimensions do you think this will 'face up well'?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

Yes, 7 x 7mm is the size of a 2c cushion. Note the depth is 66% which makes it face up larger than most 1.5c cushions. Nice square cushion shape and decent heighth in the crown.

I put this on hold, we will see what the aset images come back with tomorrow! Great recommendation, thank you.

 

[bws]

Have you seen any more stones like this on JA recently?
I'm in the market for something similar.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

 

[JasSay]

Did you get the ASET? Please post...the suspense is killing me....LOL!

Not yet...still waiting for the ASET. Was told on Monday that it would take 3-5 business days.

 

[ariel144]

Have you seen any more stones like this on JA recently?
I'm in the market for something similar.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

The only stone I'm seeing that I think is phenomenal is this antique cushion (old mine brilliant which is a cushion brilliant with very chunky faceting)...over kill on high color and clarity but the faceting is really really nice....higher price too. But the price is really good compared to the other vendors that cut their own antique cushions. Just need to confirm that the flourescence doesn't make it hazy or milky, which rarely is the case, and in certain lighting the blue fl. will give the stone a blue hue and great personality). The small table and high crown are amazing on this stone. This is about as good as it gets for the "perfect diamond"...a D VVS1 with amazing faceting and blue fl. Don't know if you are willing to splurge though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-177005

Compared to this generic well performing antique cushion on GOG (not an AVC):
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-01ct-g-vs2-premium-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

there are a few nice modified cushion brilliants that are might be excellent performers if you like that faceting too :

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-616088

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-616092

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-605328

Really large and nice faceting modern cushion:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.30-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-598255

My least favorite of the modern cushions is the 1.81 F. it has some very slight leakage around the table
which is common for cushions, even some that perform really well. (See a little gray mush)

You can get up to 3 ASETs on JA and compare. You should start your own thread and other PSrs that are good
cushion finders can weigh in. Post your perameters for your specs and your budget. Also compare these to what
you can find on the vendors listed above.

 

[ariel144]

Did you get the ASET? Please post...the suspense is killing me....LOL!

Not yet...still waiting for the ASET. Was told on Monday that it would take 3-5 business days.

Still LOVE that stone. Can't wait.

 

[bws]

Have you seen any more stones like this on JA recently?
I'm in the market for something similar.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606647

The only stone I'm seeing that I think is phenomenal is this antique cushion (old mine brilliant which is a cushion brilliant with very chunky faceting)...over kill on high color and clarity but the faceting is really really nice....higher price too. But the price is really good compared to the other vendors that cut their own antique cushions. Just need to confirm that the flourescence doesn't make it hazy or milky, which rarely is the case, and in certain lighting the blue fl. will give the stone a blue hue and great personality). The small table and high crown are amazing on this stone. This is about as good as it gets for the "perfect diamond"...a D VVS1 with amazing faceting and blue fl. Don't know if you are willing to splurge though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-177005

Compared to this generic well performing antique cushion on GOG (not an AVC):
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-01ct-g-vs2-premium-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

there are a few nice modified cushion brilliants that are might be excellent performers if you like that faceting too :

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-616088

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-616092

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-605328

Really large and nice faceting modern cushion:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.30-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-598255

My least favorite of the modern cushions is the 1.81 F. it has some very slight leakage around the table
which is common for cushions, even some that perform really well. (See a little gray mush)

You can get up to 3 ASETs on JA and compare. You should start your own thread and other PSrs that are good
cushion finders can weigh in. Post your perameters for your specs and your budget. Also compare these to what
you can find on the vendors listed above.

18k is a little high for me. I'm hoping for something like the OP purchased. Closer to 10k.