Cushion Cut - Halo Setting Help

[JeffR]

Hi!

I'm completely new to everything but my gf has been putting some heat on me and so I figure I should try to educate myself before I make a decision. She is looking for a cushion cut diamond in a halo setting. I have been reading through some of the forums on here but most of the discussion has involved diamonds too big for me to afford

I've done some looking on James Allen and Brilliant Earth, plus some local jewelers, but I'd have to say that none of the jewelers I've spoken to are as helpful as what I've read on here. I am looking for a diamond around $2k, it looks like the size will be between .6 and .8, but I'm not too sure what to look for at that price point. Any advice that you might have to offer would be wonderful! Thanks so much!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Most of the PS vendors who do this kind of work are: Victor Canera, Steven Kirsch, and Brilliantly Engaged (formerly Engagement Rings Direct). Personally, I worked with Chris at BE. Others have worked very successfully with the others, certainly your preference and budget. Most people might agree that if you are very budget minded, which it seems you are, BE might be your best bet.
Good luck.

 

[dawnxcui]

what's your total budget including setting?

and what kind of cushion cut, antique or modern?

 

[JeffR]

I'd like to stay around $3500 if possible. Also, looking for a modern cut.

 

[dawnxcui]

a nicely done halo pave setting is going to eat away most of that budget of yours
do you need pave on the shanks too or are you looking for a halo with a plain shank?

antiquelover is having her setting made by diamond zone who seem to be very budget friendly
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendors-with-inexpensive-settings.209139/

and email BE and tell them your budget and requirements and see what they can find for you

 

[JeffR]

Would something like this be a good buy?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-388514

 

[RockyRacoon]

Check out this option:

.73ct, H, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/0-73ct-h-vs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html

That should leave you at least $1,000 for a setting.

As an example (I am no setting expert), this would be under your budget, with the above stone:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/14kt-white-6mm-cushion-halo-styled-engagement-ring-mounting.html

 

[RockyRacoon]

Would something like this be a good buy?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-388514

Very likely not eye-clean.

 

[JeffR]

THanks Rocky I am going to give them a call to discuss. If you don't mind me asking, what in particular led you to this stone over another that you would have seen?

 

[RockyRacoon]

THanks Rocky I am going to give them a call to discuss. If you don't mind me asking, what in
particular led you to this stone over another that you would have seen?

Happy to answer.

GOG have some excellent cushion cuts. They have a great modern cut, and since that was your preference, I started there.

I tried to find something that would appear white, would be eye-clean, right in the size range you were looking for, AND something that fit your budget.

I would suggest asking GOG to pull the stone I had suggested and two others in the same price range, and to make a video of those stones.

From the video, you will be able to compare the suggested stone against others and get a good feel for its character. With that info, it should be easy to make a decision, and GOG can get you set-up with a quality setting, as well, so that you can get it all done at once without extra shipping/insurance, etc.

Best of luck!

 

[JeffR]

Rocky,

Thanks so much for the help. I contacted GOG and they are in the process of sending over some photos for comparison so I wanted to thank you for that. I did want to run one more stone by you if that is ok-- what do you think about these BG H&A cuts?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.714-i-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104067042019#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/

 

[RockyRacoon]

Rocky,

Thanks so much for the help. I contacted GOG and they are in the process of sending over some photos for comparison so I wanted to thank you for that. I did want to run one more stone by you if that is ok-- what do you think about these BG H&A cuts?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.714-i-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104067042019#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/

The BGD cushions are very nice!

If you are considering this type of stone, ask GOG to make a video with a Brellia in it for you.

The Brellia is a H&A stone, similar to the BGD cushions, so you'll get a good feel for which one you prefer / think the recipient would prefer.

 

[Gypsy]

Blue nile has GORGEOUS hearts and arrow cushions. And those have fantastic performance (we've had several people buy them and post ASETs, as BN doesn't offere ASETs). And they are much more affordable per carat than the BGD or Briella and have a more 'cushiony' outline that is very pleasing instead of a very square outline.

All BN signature stones are guaranteed eyeclean: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04351461 or http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04109770

And you can have it sent to IDJewelry and have them put it in this halo for you: https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER10694W44JJ (their price will be 15% or so lower than that list price).