1.2+ L-W Ratio in Cushion or Radiant?

[JK_88]

I'm trying to find a nice stone that is rectangular but not the emerald cut. From what I understand, this ratio often is not found in the strongest performing stones. I'm finding very little inventory.

My priorities are carat weight and cut. I'm willing to be in the warmer colors and probably around an eye clean SI1 or 2. I've tried doing my due diligence but am still intimidated by a lot of the integers and ratios that you guys use to discuss fancy shapes. Some of the guides on here are still a bit beyond my grasp.

Any information you could give me to help guide me would be great. I think I prefer the more modern cushions and don't really like the crushed ice look. Is there a more rectangular cut that I might be overlooking? I've found more radiants than Cushions.

I'd like to get north of 2 carats and as "sparkly" as I can.

 

[chrono]

Unfortunately, there is no cut grading or any possible method to evaluate the cut quality aka sparkliness by the numbers. You have to look at the actual pictures and if your eye is well trained, you can tell which ones are well cut or have the vendor take ASET pictures to help you assess the cut quality. Ratio is a personal preference and has little to no bearing on the cut quality.

 

[RADIANTMAN]

At the risk of restarting a long dormant discussion -your own eyes are the best performance gauge - especially with fancy cuts. For me the best definition of fine cut has always been one one without those integers and ratios you refer to - a well cut diamond spreads its carat weight (ie looks as big as it should for its weight) and sparkles the way it's supposed to.

The first part of the test is pretty easy to judge - just compare the measurements and see which diamond will actually make a bigger more impressive ring - people looking at your ring will not know what it weighs but they will see how big it looks.

The second is harder because its visual and a bit subjective. Both radiants and cushions are cut in multiple styles yielding different "looks." The best way to start is to do some comparison shopping - live is best but pictures will work - to see what "look" you like. Then try to find a beautiful diamond with that look within your budget.

If you're looking on-line, then send the vendor the best photo you can of a diamond you think is beautiful and insist on getting a diamond that looks like your picture.

This may not sound "scientific" enough but you really will know a beautiful radiant when you see it and the only way to judge it is with your eyes (or the eyes of someone you trust). If someone tells you that a diamond that doesn't look as beautiful to you somehow "performs" better that "better performance" won't make the diamond look any prettier but it should tell you all you need to know about the value of the "performance" measure.

At the risk of re-starting an old debate - trust your eyes and your own judgment about what YOU like best. Consider "data" but with an understanding of its limitations. Diamonds don't "perform" like basketball players by scoring more points on some kind of objective scale.

They "perform" by creating a beautiful piece of jewelry that you love.

 

[JK_88]

That makes a lot of sense. I think taking the numbers into account might be complicating the issue for me.

Thank you!

 

[tyty333]

If you post the specs and budget you're looking in we might be able to suggest some nice looking radiants and cushions.

 

[JK_88]

2 carats, 1.2 L-W, color can be a bit warmer (the letters mean very little to me until I see the thing, but H-J probably?) and eye clean is fine by me. Looking for something that's beautifully cut above all.

15-20k for now.