Mission impossible: 1.5ct cushion halo for 5K - Please help me find a ring for my SIL!

[SimoneDi]

Hi All!

Ok, I have been given a difficult task - my SIL asked me to help her find a cushion diamond as close as possible to 1.5cts in a cushion halo and I figured I would ask you lovely PS folks for help! Her original engagement ring is a pretty sapphire halo three stone ring, but she has always longed for a diamond. She now has about 5K (total) give or take to spend and wants to be as close as possible to 1.5ct. I emphasize more on face-up, so if the stone faces up larger, that is a plus. No crushed ice, we want a nice performer. Pre-loved, vintage are also an option, but I think I would want an asset, so that puts some limitations..

I plan on giving Yekutiel a call tomorrow to see if he can pull of a miracle In the meantime, I stole this suggestion from another thread:https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997 (thanks @rockysalamander ) (the buyer there doesn't want that diamond) and this is the type of halo we are looking at: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53049

Elongated cushion is preferred, but she is open to suggestions.

I also found this one pre-loved, but it seems a bit crushed ice: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...beautiful-cushion-cut-diamond-engagement-ring

Thanks in advance all!

 

[ac117]

Any other requirements?! Here are a few finds-maybe Yekutiel could source. Would she be open to that type of setting with no diamonds on the shank to save some money? Like this: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-sku-3318747
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997 - crisp facets an amazing spread but won't be too fiery since the crown angle is low
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3263544 - pretty but small
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...-Carat-K-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-435385950 - also beautiful but smallest

 

[SimoneDi]

Hi @ac117! Thank you so much for all the suggestions!

I think that diamonds on shank are pretty much a requirement, but I think that there is a little bit of wiggle room in the overall budget.

That 1.33 elongated diamond is the one I saw mentioned in another thread!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997
I was thinking of cutting it at J so it is not too tinted, but I also really like this K that you suggested: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090

Actually, all of them are nice!

What about this one compared to the other elongated 1.33 J above? https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617982

 

[ac117]

Hi @ac117! Thank you so much for all the suggestions!

I think that diamonds on shank are pretty much a requirement, but I think that there is a little bit of wiggle room in the overall budget.

That 1.33 elongated diamond is the one I saw mentioned in another thread!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997
I was thinking of cutting it at J so it is not too tinted, but I also really like this K that you suggested: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090

Actually, all of them are nice!

What about this one compared to the elongated 1.33 J above? https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617982

Ahh now wonder that one looked familiar! I think the ASET showed more green around the edges. I personally don't prefer the bow tie that stone 2617982 exhibits and it has more mush under the table than 2617997.

I'll keep looking but it doesn't seem like you're looking for something impossible!

Look at the ASET on the 1.4 K!!! https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...on&wire_price_max=4580#diamond=C140-836869Z34

 

[SimoneDi]

Ahh now wonder that one looked familiar! I think the ASET showed more green around the edges. I personally don't prefer the bow tie that stone 2617982 exhibits and it has more mush under the table than 2617997.

I'll keep looking but it doesn't seem like you're looking for something impossible!

Ah I didn't even see the asets! I will go back and look. Ok maybe I will put it on hold. Thanks for the encouragement, I think ideally she wants whiter, but that would be a challenge

The ASET on the K is gorg!

 

[HDer]

J or K might be a low in color for a cushion in white gold (says the guy who bought a L diamond). I'm basing that off of these two recommendations though:

https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cushion-cut/
https://yourdiamondteacher.com/diamond-4cs/color/best-diamond-color-for-white-gold/

Would she consider yellow or rose gold?

 

[SimoneDi]

J or K might be a low in color for a cushion in white gold (says the guy who bought a L diamond). I'm basing that off of these two recommendations though:

https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cushion-cut/
https://yourdiamondteacher.com/diamond-4cs/color/best-diamond-color-for-white-gold/

Would she consider yellow or rose gold?

Thanks for the feedback! I have had a J cushion and when a good performer, they do face up white. I would have liked a little bit of flouro to help the color, but performance comes first

No rose and no yellow gold.. she is pretty set on a white metal..

 

[Niel]

Small chance they would take close to his budget on this thohigh first I'd ask for more photos.
https://www.ebay.com/i/172849829909

 

[SimoneDi]

Small chance they would take close to his budget on this thohigh first I'd ask for more photos.
https://www.ebay.com/i/172849829909

Thanks Niel! That's a pretty ring, but yeah the photos are not great. I can send them a request, but I don't think that they would want to do final sale and I think that eventually she might want to upgrade..

 

[Niel]

Thanks Niel! That's a pretty ring, but yeah the photos are not great. I can send them a request, but I don't think that they would want to do final sale and I think that eventually she might want to upgrade..

She sure expects a lot on her budget. She's be wise to either expand her options a bit or save until she can tick all her boxes.

 

[SimoneDi]

She sure expects a lot on her budget. She's be wise to either expand her options a bit or save until she can tick all her boxes.

Right, not arguing with that.. she is pretty open to lower colors and she prefers an elongated shape.. I think the idea is to purchase a ring now and then eventually upgrade it, she has been waiting for a diamond for 5 years and she really wants one

These are the current contenders:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090

She likes the elongated, I like the other one.. thoughts?

 

[HDer]

Would you consider this to be well cut?

http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/hkfauna/pics/diamondImg/170404-98.jpg

 

[SimoneDi]

Would you consider this to be well cut?

http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/hkfauna/pics/diamondImg/170404-98.jpg

I am really not the best with modern cushions, which is why I asked for help but I see some "mush" under the table for the stone you shared. What color is it?

 

[HDer]

I am really not the best with modern cushions, which is why I asked for help but I see some "mush" under the table for the stone you shared. What color is it?

1.68 K VS2 http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/hkfauna/certificates/5181632145.jpg

Very strong fluor. HK price 3,068.

 

[flyingpig]

Would you consider this to be well cut?

http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/hkfauna/pics/diamondImg/170404-98.jpg

sorry. This is a definite no. This stone has more leakage than light return.

 

[SimoneDi]

sorry. This is a definite no. This stone has more leakage than light return.

Yeah, makes sense. I liked the best two of the stones @ac117 helped me find, now we just need to finalize which one

 

[scarsmum]

https://www.haveyouseenthering.com/platinum-gia-1-30ct-engagement-ring-wedding-band
This is the best I could do, and there's bugger all information on it or even pictures. If those gaps could be filled in could it be a contender? The wrap could be sold to regain the extra cost.

 

[SimoneDi]

Any thoughts on this one @ac117 ? https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.21-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-3451122

I see the inclusions and I don't think the facets are as organized, but the color!

 

[mrs-b]

I actually REALLY like that stone - but it's very deep. Like - very.

I hope your SIL appreciates this - it's looking for a needle in a haystack with her parameters!

 

[mrs-b]

@SimoneDi - how low is she prepared to go in color?

ETA And how about clarity?

 

[mrs-b]

This is very nice - lovely faceting, nice and clean. But it's a K. I think you mentioned she wasn't too concerned about color - but.... On the other hand, if she halos this, it could look gorgeous.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3228740

Also - I suspect this one would be eye clean in real life, and the proportions are terrific - and it hits her 1.5ct mark. But again - it's a K....

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3078009

 

[BlingDreams]

A slightly different path, but would she consider something like this?

https://loupetroop.com/listings/bands/beautiful-2-dot-5-ctw-plus-cushion-rose-cut-diamond-ring

Also, depending on budget wiggle room and the sellers definition of ASAP, perhaps this?

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...ra-antique-cushion-needs-to-go-asap-pice-drop

Lastly, would she consider a round diamond in a cushion halo? That might open more options for her.

 

[SimoneDi]

@mrs-b thank you very much for the input!

I think she appreciates the efforts but yes - it is looking for a needle in a haystack! I have been sick and I can't sleep due to which so I think I browsed all of JAs inventory last night

I really like this 1.4 K that you suggested: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3228740

And I love this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090 (I have it reserved) It was a killer asset for a cusion!

She is leaning toward this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997 because of the elongated shape.

And the last one that cauiight my attention was the deeper 1.2 E https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.21-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-3451122

She is not picky on clarity as long as it is eye-clean and regarding color, she is flexible, but based on our last discussion, I think she wants to stay at J min..I just love that 1.4 K SI1, but I know that I will not be wearing it!

What do you guys think about the elongated 1.33 J VS2 that she likes? I am slightly worried about how it will show in a halo. I asked JA, they cannot use a lower colored melee..

 

[SimoneDi]

A slightly different path, but would she consider something like this?

https://loupetroop.com/listings/bands/beautiful-2-dot-5-ctw-plus-cushion-rose-cut-diamond-ring

Also, depending on budget wiggle room and the sellers definition of ASAP, perhaps this?

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...ra-antique-cushion-needs-to-go-asap-pice-drop

Lastly, would she consider a round diamond in a cushion halo? That might open more options for her.

Hi @ILikeShiny !

Thank you for the suggestions! Funny because I was actually looking at these two!

The first one is a no, I love rose cuts, but she is after a more modern/classic cut.

That second stone - I have personally had my eye on it for a while I sent another note to the seller, waiting to hear back. However, I recommended it to another PSer a couple of days ago, so it may be gone by now..

 

[BlingDreams]

@mrs-b thank you very much for the input!

I think she appreciates the efforts but yes - it is looking for a needle in a haystack! I have been sick and I can't sleep due to which so I think I browsed all of JAs inventory last night

I really like this 1.4 K that you suggested: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3228740

And I love this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090 (I have it reserved) It was a killer asset for a cusion!

She is leaning toward this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997 because of the elongated shape.

And the last one that cauiight my attention was the deeper 1.2 E https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.21-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-3451122

She is not picky on clarity as long as it is eye-clean and regarding color, she is flexible, but based on our last discussion, I think she wants to stay at J min..I just love that 1.4 K SI1, but I know that I will not be wearing it!

What do you guys think about the elongated 1.33 J VS2 that she likes? I am slightly worried about how it will show in a halo. I asked JA, they cannot use a lower colored melee..

Does she have a hard and fast deadline? If not, maybe she could give it a month or two to see what might pop up in inventories. And have you asked Yekutiel to look for you?

 

[SimoneDi]

Does she have a hard and fast deadline? If not, maybe she could give it a month or two to see what might pop up in inventories. And have you asked Yekutiel to look for you?

She is very eager to order it asap..I called Yekutiel, they are out of office on a holiday until Sunday. I will ping them then.

I think she also likes the halo setting from JA and their return policy, so she is leaning toward JA at this point.

Any preference on the above stones? I think that it will be hard to find a higher color, well-cut, appx. 1.5 ct diamond..

 

[BlingDreams]

She is very eager to order it asap..I called Yekutiel, they are out of office on a holiday until Sunday. I will ping them then.

I think she also likes the halo setting from JA and their return policy, so she is leaning toward JA at this point.

Any preference on the above stones? I think that it will be hard to find a higher color, well-cut, appx. 1.5 ct diamond..

I just spent time looking at all four, and it was hard. What I'd choose would probably be different than your SIL, but that's because I've become a high color-whore .

I found that shrinking them down to ~10x really made a difference for me, and these two ended up being my favorite (based on your SIL's desires for elongated shape and being okay with color):

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997

with the slight edge going to the 1.33 for the winner. I found something kind of mesmerizing about its faceting... it's almost like there's a round shape in the middle of the cushion shape. As long as she's ok with the halo being noticeably whiter than the center stone, that's probably the way I'd go!

 

[SimoneDi]

I just spent time looking at all four, and it was hard. What I'd choose would probably be different than your SIL, but that's because I've become a high color-whore .

I found that shrinking them down to ~10x really made a difference for me, and these two ended up being my favorite (based on your SIL's desires for elongated shape and being okay with color):

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-3112090
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997

with the slight edge going to the 1.33 for the winner. I found something kind of mesmerizing about its faceting... it's almost like there's a round shape in the middle of the cushion shape. As long as she's ok with the halo being noticeably whiter than the center stone, that's probably the way I'd go!

wow thank you so much for the help! I hear you on the color, but her budget + size requirements need to compensate for it at this time unfortunately. I am hoping that the color difference will not be that terrible noticeable in real life and that she will not be as color sensitive The great think about JA is their return policy, so I am hoping that either way things will be ok

Great thick with zooming out, I was trying to do something similar, but did not pay attention to the overall "feel" and "look" of the diamonds and I really appreciate your feedback!

I think that the 1.33 may be the winner since she so very much wants an elongated shape, but let me share the asets!

 

[HappyNewLife]

Not that I'm a cushion expert, but there's something special about the E/SI2. The E/SI2 may be deep and thus smaller to the eye, but halo-ing it will make it look bigger and the melee will match nicely.

 

[SimoneDi]

1.33 J VS2

1.4 K SI1


I know which one I like, but again - it is not for me!

Do you guys think that the performance difference will be significant between these two?