Help please! Opinions on light performance and cut quality.

[mike-t]

What do you think of this light performance and overall cut quality? Thanks!


Video can be found here too.

 

[MMtwo]

Hi Mike,
What are your hopes for this diamond? This does not look particularly well-cut compared to many of the well-cut cushions sold by a few popular vendors. If you drop into each of these sites, you can look at asets and get a feel for better optics.

If I were searching, I would look at:
August Vintage https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/august-vintage-cushion
White Flash https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-diamonds/
Brian Gavin https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-cushion-hearts-and-arrows

 

[mike-t]

Hi moneymeister,

Many thanks for your advice. It's for an engagement ring as I'm planning on proposing soon. I'm after a radiant cut diamond with a more rectangular rather than square ratio. I've tried to educate myself as much as possible and feel like I understand colour, clarity, and fluorescence relatively well for a novice. Quality of cut is what I'm really struggling with though.

Here are the specs I'm looking for: around 2.0ct G, SI1 (eye clean), none to faint fluorescence

Because it's a fancy shape, I can't take advantage of a service like White Flash's 'A Cut Above Hearts and Arrows' which would make life so much easier.

How would you rate the cut of the diamond I posted? I'm curious whether it's just average, worse than average, etc.

Thanks again!

 

[MMtwo]

You're welcome.
Honestly, this is a fancy shape, and you're right - a little trickier to navigate. I would wait and see what others can help you dig up. Do you have a budget in mind?
There are also diamond concierge services that might be a good choice.

As far as better or worse, I am still learning myself, but that aset reads "mushy" to me. I will admit, I am far from an expert here, so would suggest you get feedback from others. Do you have a video or link to this diamond? It would be very helpful.

 

[MMtwo]

I see the video link now. Missed it earlier. Thanks.

 

[MMtwo]

Honestly...if this was me, I would have Johnathan find one for me. This cut is tricky. That SI1 may not be eye-clean. https://www.augustvintageinc.com/#/ You could check in and see what he would charge to find you the best for your budget.

 

[elizat]

Radiants can be hard to find pretty ones. For a radiant cut, I would recommend Diamonds by Lauren. That video didn't tell me much about your stone that you are considering. There is a lot of leakage on the image though. David can source diamonds for you in your budget that are beyond what he has. He has an excellent eye for radiant cuts. They make great quality settings as well.

Now, this is a good looking crushed ice style radiant if you like that flavor.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/256ct-g-si1-radiant-diamond-r8008

This is a completed ring, but is a radiant that has nice optical performance to my eye. I prefer the first stone though, in full disclosure.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/202ct-h-radiant-diamond-ring-r5787

 

[lovedogs]

I agree that I don't love this one, although I'm not an expert in radiants. Diamonds by Lauren is my first thought for vendor of this shape.