Cushion Cut experts needed!!!

Date: 5/9/2009 5:58:09 PM
Author: QueenMum
Look at these cushions:
GOG Signature Cushions

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"It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds."

-Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State



John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880

"There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things....

The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."

Cushions .. cushions ... cushions ... welcome to the world of cushions.

There are many threads discussing them on PS but here is a summary off the top of my head.  I am too lazy to link to posts and photos right now.

The Facts ...
1.  Cushions are graded as Old Mine Cushion (OMC), Cushion Brilliant, and Cushion Modified Brilliant on GIA reports.
2.  Cushion looks have been referred to as "Chunky", "Modern", and "Crushed Ice" on PS.
2a. Chunky cushions are typically found when it has 8 main GIA plots (fat 8 mains).  Although you can find chunky looking diamonds on all plot patterns as illustrated by a GoG video (can't find link right now).
2b.  Modern cushions can be found in both the Cushion Brilliant and Cushion Modified Brilliant plots.  Modern Cushion Brilliant plots includes both the thin 8 main plot and a 4 main plot.  Modern cushions can rival the sparkle and fire of a round brilliant diamond.  This is especially true for the square hearts & arrows (see GoG) or a modern rotated 8 main GIA plot (thin 8 mains).  There are branded cushions like the cushette which have distinct looks.
2c.  Crushed Ice look is typical of the Cushion Modified Brilliants.  The majority of cushions out there today fall into this category.
3.  In general, Cushion Brilliants cost more than Cushion Modified Brilliants.  There is also a hierarchy of pricing within the Cushion Brilliants.  For example, the fat 8 mains and square H&A cost more than 4 mains plot.  OMC pricing varies greatly.
4.  It is difficult to judge the beauty of cushions based on numbers - you have to see them in person.  However, typical specs of desirable cushions have a depth of 60% and greater and a table in the mid 50s range. 
5.  Cushions tend to face up smaller than a round brilliant but the shapes are different so the cushions can appear the same size.
6.  Cushions are cheaper than round brilliants based on carat weight.

The Opinions ...
1.  Many prefer the look of chunky cushions.  Very few enjoy the crushed ice look although this is all preference.
2.  Many like their chunky cushions in the warmer color ranges with large culets.
3.  Some seek out antique cushions which have a lot of personality.  They are usually found in the warmer color ranges and not cut to the same standards today.  They were cut for performance in candle light.
3.  PSers generally recommend Enagement Rings Direct and Good Old Gold as the cushion vendors:
3a.  Mark at Engagement Rings Direct (Manhattan) is known as the cushion guy and has found many beautiful cushions for PS.  He is known to have a great eye for cushions and have great prices.  He finds the right diamond based on his customers' budget.  Mark's photos are generally very poor and are are not reflective of how beautiful the diamond is in real life.
3b.  Jon at Good Old Gold (Long Island) is known for his love and desire for well performing diamonds that are cut to perfection.  He carries the beautiful square H&As and also recently started cutting OMCs that are to die for.  Jon is a whiz at taking diamond photos, videos, and provides detailed technical specs - this makes Internet shopping easier than ever.
3c.  Ari at SingleStone (LA) carries beautiful antique stones and makes gorgeous settings.
3d.  Other popular vendors include EricaGrace and Old World Diamonds for antique stones.
4.  GIA certed stones are desired but there are great stones that are not certified or certified by EGL-USA.

That's it for now.  Please correct me if I got anything wrong!