shape
carat
color
clarity

Help, 2.0 square cushion or radiant in halo

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Hey Guys,

Looking to get engaged next year, and I've already gone out shopping with the SO for some styles she might like. Had my eye on a diamond, but it got sold before I could pull the trigger.

I've been looking around JA and Whiteflash, but really hard to determine a good cut. Wondering if anyone had any suggestions. It needs to be square, and 2.0 carats. Ideally want SI1/SI2 to keep the costs down while being eye-clean.


This was the one I had my eye on, also suggested by a friendly member:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-5802573

Any suggestions lovely members?
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
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18,016
Can you remind people of your budget for the diamond alone?
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
Hey Guys,

Looking to get engaged next year, and I've already gone out shopping with the SO for some styles she might like. Had my eye on a diamond, but it got sold before I could pull the trigger.

I've been looking around JA and Whiteflash, but really hard to determine a good cut. Wondering if anyone had any suggestions. It needs to be square, and 2.0 carats. Ideally want SI1/SI2 to keep the costs down while being eye-clean.


This was the one I had my eye on, also suggested by a friendly member:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-5802573

Any suggestions lovely members?
Next year as in 2020? Anything you find now will be long gone by 2020....
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Sorry meant 2019, in about 3 months. Still stuck in 2018 lol.

Budget for diamond alone roughly 11k to 13.5k
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
18,016
Sorry meant 2019, in about 3 months. Still stuck in 2018 lol.

Budget for diamond alone roughly 11k to 13.5k
Anything we recommend now will be long gone in 3 months. Usually stuff we recommend gets purchased in less than a week or so. Are you ready to purchase now and want to propose in 3 months? Or are you saying you want to buy in 3 months?
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
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Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
I want to buy now and propose in 3 months. Sorry, haven't been really clear.
 

little_rat

Rough_Rock
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Jan 20, 2019
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7
I’m not so sure that JA cushion would be eye clean
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
It was eye clean, unfortunately it is gone.
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Cant seem to narrow down a diamond, keep waiting for images...
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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5,105
Can you clarify if you are looking for a square or elongate cushion, the ones you posted are both types? Potential setting style and metal color. Do you like crisp facets or crushed ice? The love affair posted below is crushed ice. Is this the only shape the intended wear likes? Have they tried on rings to get a sense of what shapes and styles they like? What does she do professionally?

ED is a fine company.

DBL is a good vendor for fancy shapes. They don't have many in your range on the web, but you could contact them and see if they can help you find one. They are also radiant savants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/201ct-l-si2-cushion-diamond-r8500

This is presently on hold, but if that falls through its really pretty. You'd have to reach out to the vendor.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-15ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-k-si1

This one you'd want to see in person to be sure you are ok with inclusions and faceting style.
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-00ct-cushion-cut-diamond-ags-j-i1/

On your posted options
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C202-78562058Z? {cavities are a no as an inclusion for me. I'd eliminate }
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C203-503586450? [This has potential to pursue}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C218-137585878? {Clounds in an SI2 very likely an issue; I'd eliminate unless photos and vendor confirm they have no impact on transparency--which would be a unicorn for a SI2}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-87Z20Z873? (inclusion too visible to me; I'd eliminate)

Edited to ADD: If elongate is of interest, this is a really pretty crushed ice option. Its a bit smaller than your budget would allow.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/124ct-i-vvs2-radiant-diamond-r7222

Same here (they may be willing to place this in a different setting).
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/154ct-h-si1-cushion-cut-diamond-ring-gia-r5848
 
Last edited:

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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27,196
Anyone have any experience with enchanted diamonds? They're prices seem very competitive and most have images, but I got a few I got my eye on...waiting on to see if I can get some images.

Any thoughts?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C202-78562058Z?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C203-503586450?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C218-137585878?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-87Z20Z873?

Cant say anything about the ones without images. Request an aset for the second one. I think its going to be too dark in the middle.
The 4th one has a lot of red in the middle but also has a fair amount of leakage and darkness. It would be a no go for me.
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Can you clarify if you are looking for a square or elongate cushion, the ones you posted are both types? Potential setting style and metal color. Do you like crisp facets or crushed ice? The love affair posted below is crushed ice. Is this the only shape the intended wear likes? Have they tried on rings to get a sense of what shapes and styles they like? What does she do professionally?

ED is a fine company.

DBL is a good vendor for fancy shapes. They don't have many in your range on the web, but you could contact them and see if they can help you find one. They are also radiant savants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/201ct-l-si2-cushion-diamond-r8500

This is presently on hold, but if that falls through its really pretty. You'd have to reach out to the vendor.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-15ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-k-si1

This one you'd want to see in person to be sure you are ok with inclusions and faceting style.
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-00ct-cushion-cut-diamond-ags-j-i1/

On your posted options
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C202-78562058Z? {cavities are a no as an inclusion for me. I'd eliminate }
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C203-503586450? [This has potential to pursue}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C218-137585878? {Clounds in an SI2 very likely an issue; I'd eliminate unless photos and vendor confirm they have no impact on transparency--which would be a unicorn for a SI2}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-87Z20Z873? (inclusion too visible to me; I'd eliminate)

Edited to ADD: If elongate is of interest, this is a really pretty crushed ice option. Its a bit smaller than your budget would allow.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/124ct-i-vvs2-radiant-diamond-r7222

Same here (they may be willing to place this in a different setting).
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/154ct-h-si1-cushion-cut-diamond-ring-gia-r5848

She wants square for sure, I tried to look for diamonds under 1.03 L/W ratio to keep it square. I think she's more into the modern crushed ice look, we only looked at one or two antique cushions at the store, they are a bit hard to come by in retail. She seems a bit indifferent to them, I suppose either would be good as she was happy with both.

Single halo setting, half to 3/4 pave on a platinum band. This is the only style/shape she likes. We tried rounds and princesses, colored diamonds etc. She's narrowed it down to this.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I guess I will keep looking. I am having a hard time narrowing down the inclusion specs for these SI1/SI2s, I guess I can just go in the VS range to keep it simple but I want the best bang for my buck obviously. I really don't know what I am looking for other then for obvious carbon inclusions on the table. It really is not as easy as looking for a round. As well, hard to get images for diamonds from some of these online vendors. I'll keep looking...
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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Messages
5,105
She wants square for sure, I tried to look for diamonds under 1.03 L/W ratio to keep it square. I think she's more into the modern crushed ice look, we only looked at one or two antique cushions at the store, they are a bit hard to come by in retail. She seems a bit indifferent to them, I suppose either would be good as she was happy with both.

Single halo setting, half to 3/4 pave on a platinum band. This is the only style/shape she likes. We tried rounds and princesses, colored diamonds etc. She's narrowed it down to this.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I guess I will keep looking. I am having a hard time narrowing down the inclusion specs for these SI1/SI2s, I guess I can just go in the VS range to keep it simple but I want the best bang for my buck obviously. I really don't know what I am looking for other then for obvious carbon inclusions on the table. It really is not as easy as looking for a round. As well, hard to get images for diamonds from some of these online vendors. I'll keep looking...

Thanks for the details. Have you reached out to Diamonds by Lauren? Non-round diamonds are their specialty and they really are amazing at finding lower clarity gems. They have a special fondness for crushed ice, which is actually a tricky cut to select...there is a fine line between a bucket of million stars and slush. Please do give them a call.

I'll keep looking, but the few nice crushed ice I found are distinctively elongate.
 
Last edited:

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
That is quite pretty, but we didn't try any asschers so I'm a bit hesitant.
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Hey Guys,

Back on the prowl, still haven't narrowed anything done. Was wondering if someone can help me appraise:

2 from ED:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-730376758?
The inclusion on the table look a bit dark, but since its a VS2, I assume it shouldn't be too bad? The ASET looks relatively decent for a cushion.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-730376758?
This one as well, no images, requested. But is feathers on the edge of a table a big no no?

A few potentials I think from JA:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5658631
-just that inclusion in the center of the diamond, but probably eye clean?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-5691519
-multiple cavities underneath, so really not sure what i think about this one
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-6431291
-looks eye clean, but not sure about the small cavities
Should be getting ASETs for those 3 very soon, all the inclusion look ok, even the SI ones. Thoughts?

Two more I just found, will be getting the ASETs as well
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-6765848
bit worried about this inclusion on the table, might not be eye clean
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.06-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5461114

Out of those potentials, I feel these 3 might be the better ones?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-730376758?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5658631
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-6431291
 
Last edited:

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Actually not sure how I feel about the symmetry in the 2nd one there...The first one is really the only one I think has the best potential.

Any thoughts?
Another 2 perhaps.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4891784
Just query the medium fluro, eye clean apparently from the advisor.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6253545
Strongly considering this one, just the crushed ice appearance, but the specs seem pretty good.
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
anyone?
 

ringo865

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 14, 2014
Messages
2,897
The first of the three above looks like the best light performance. As for the inclusion, zoom the stone down to just larger than the size of a pencil eraser and watch it spin around. It may be that the brilliance of the stone and the focus of your eyes will mask the inclusion in real life viewing. You may, however, be able to see it from the side if looking closely. And whether that would bug you or not is a different thing.
 

ringo865

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 14, 2014
Messages
2,897
Seems a little disorganized under the table. Also looks to be possible light leakage in the center and scattered throughout. I still like the top one best.

Also I’m not an expert. Sunday’s are slow, but people will chime in soon.
 

ProfYY

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
34
Ok thanks for the suggestions.
 

Sherie123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 5, 2019
Messages
8
Can you clarify if you are looking for a square or elongate cushion, the ones you posted are both types? Potential setting style and metal color. Do you like crisp facets or crushed ice? The love affair posted below is crushed ice. Is this the only shape the intended wear likes? Have they tried on rings to get a sense of what shapes and styles they like? What does she do professionally?

ED is a fine company.

DBL is a good vendor for fancy shapes. They don't have many in your range on the web, but you could contact them and see if they can help you find one. They are also radiant savants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/201ct-l-si2-cushion-diamond-r8500

This is presently on hold, but if that falls through its really pretty. You'd have to reach out to the vendor.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-15ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-k-si1

This one you'd want to see in person to be sure you are ok with inclusions and faceting style.
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-00ct-cushion-cut-diamond-ags-j-i1/

On your posted options
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C202-78562058Z? {cavities are a no as an inclusion for me. I'd eliminate }
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C203-503586450? [This has potential to pursue}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C218-137585878? {Clounds in an SI2 very likely an issue; I'd eliminate unless photos and vendor confirm they have no impact on transparency--which would be a unicorn for a SI2}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-87Z20Z873? (inclusion too visible to me; I'd eliminate)

Edited to ADD: If elongate is of interest, this is a really pretty crushed ice option. Its a bit smaller than your budget would allow.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/124ct-i-vvs2-radiant-diamond-r7222

Same here (they may be willing to place this in a different setting).
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/154ct-h-si1-cushion-cut-diamond-ring-gia-r5848

Hi RockySalamander and everyone else! I sincerely apologize if I'm breaking any rules but I am new to this and desperate for some advice. I'm trying to choose between a few radiant stones for my engagement ring and I am in way over my head. I was hoping you guys could please offer me some feedback since it seems like you know a lot more about this than I do!

This is a link to my thread w some options I've found. Please, if you have time, share your thoughts. It would mean the world!! THANK YOU.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-choosing-radiant-1-5-2-carats.249361/
 

KKJohnson

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
1,834
Hi RockySalamander and everyone else! I sincerely apologize if I'm breaking any rules but I am new to this and desperate for some advice. I'm trying to choose between a few radiant stones for my engagement ring and I am in way over my head. I was hoping you guys could please offer me some feedback since it seems like you know a lot more about this than I do!

This is a link to my thread w some options I've found. Please, if you have time, share your thoughts. It would mean the world!! THANK YOU.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-choosing-radiant-1-5-2-carats.249361/


I suggest making a new post as this may get confusing or no answers due to this being on another person post from January
 
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