1.5 ct Cushion

[diamondseeker2006]

I hate to sound like a broken record, but you have to find the stone first. And since you are shopping with internet vendors, you need to focus on ones that provide you with pictures at minimum for the stones. An ASET showing light performance is really nice, too. Once you decide on the stone, then the setting search begins with that vendor to see what options they have. If they don't have anything acceptable, then go beyond. But first you need to find a stone.

I was just looking through the James Allen inventory, and there are a LOT of ugly cushions! That's why I wouldn't want to commit to paying for calling in stones from suppliers unless I absolutely couldn't find one in-house somewhere.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Trying to help you find some possibilities:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1336143.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281619.asp

The hard part is that there will be very little in your price range above 1.5 carats, and then most of the stones below that are in the 1.2 range with very little from 1.3-1.49.

This one should be eyeclean since it is VS1: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1364254.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1362591.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324964.asp

 

[chief44444]

Thank you diamond seeker for the advice and options. I agree I have seen a lot of unattractive cushions on JA as well. Too bad they're the only ones showing the pics. I like that 1.5 I VS2, but the 1.3 HVS1 has that pock right in the middle??? Based on the picture alone, would you choose the 1.5 VS2 or the 1.6 VS1? Since I'm paying cash both are affordable.

Also, the feeling I got from WF was that they would only send back the diamond if it wasn't eyeclean as per the report, but more than likely it would be and would send it on to me. So it sounds like they are counting on finding a good diamond in the first place. So why shouldn't I just order the same diamond they recommended, but directly from drop and shop (like b2c), take it to a local appraiser and send it back if unhappy? And this way I can order the setting from anywhere.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The thing is, they have no idea how the stones look from the numbers either. And I feel like after looking at James Allen, only about 1 in 10 is even worth considering. That would be my only concern, that you might need several called in to find a decent one. So if you are interested in that stone, I'd certainly have WhiteFlash call it in for you so you can see pictures before you waste time and money having a stone shipped and have to ship it back.

I need to look back at the links for a sec to see the two you are asking me about.

I like the 1.5 I VS2 better. That 1.3 has to be eyeclean because it is VS1. I don't understand the picture for that one at all. It would be worth asking about if you wanted to go down in size to go up in color or something.

 

[chief44444]

Hi Gang,

So here's an update. I've ruled out the drop and ship places. I've got Mark at ERD and Bob and WF hunting diamonds for me. But I am nervous about WF since they have such a short return policy and I want to take the diamond for 2 weeks on vacation (leaving 5/21) shortly after I get it. I need something in hand before we leave. Here are a couple on JA I've seen. Thoughts?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1335013.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1295014.asp

Following diamondseeker's advice I have focused on the finding the diamond first. Since nothing has stood out in the 1.5 range, I have decided to up the budget to 9000 (cash). If you have any new options to check out that would be great. I think I am focusing more on eye-cleanliness than color.

Also, I have accepted that I will have to choose a setting when I get back, so I have a question: If I want to be able to propose on vacation is it best to just take the diamond and get the setting after we return? Or should I have them (whoever I buy from) put it in a basic setting and exchange it for what we really want later?

Thank you!!!

 

[slg47]

since you know what setting she likes I would propose with the finished ring.

 

[chief44444]

The problem is I need the ring in hand before we fly to the Dominican Republic on the 21st. I don't think that will be enough time to put it all together.

 

[slg47]

chief have you considered a round? or does your gf specifically want a cushion? i just ask because it is MUCH easier to find a round diamond

 

[Dreamer_D]

chief have you considered a round? or does your gf specifically want a cushion? i just ask because it is MUCH easier to find a round diamond

Put a round in a cushion halo!

 

[chief44444]

sadly it has to be a cushion. we've chatted a lot about it lately and i think the expectations are that it will be a cushion in a halo and micro pave setting. just saw this on Steven Kirsch's site http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/115903822/Steven_Kirsch_micro_pave_diamond_ring.html

any thoughts?

 

[slg47]

oh, is that a ready-made Steven Kirsch ring for sale??

 

[Dreamer_D]

This is a really important purchase for a lot of money. I would either postpose the engagement, or propose with some sort of token on your trip and get the ring afterwards together!

 

[chief44444]

oh, is that a ready-made Steven Kirsch ring for sale??

Yes it is. I don;t know a lot about him and more importantly the diamond. But I've requested info.

I guess the token ring might be a good idea. I really have been watching this stuff for a while, but am pretty slow to make decisions. I might bring up the RB in a cushion halo tonight with pics. It looks pretty unique. Which was part of her initial attraction to cushions. Argh!

 

[slg47]

oh, is that a ready-made Steven Kirsch ring for sale??

Yes it is. I don;t know a lot about him and more importantly the diamond. But I've requested info.

I guess the token ring might be a good idea. I really have been watching this stuff for a while, but am pretty slow to make decisions. I might bring up the RB in a cushion halo tonight with pics. It looks pretty unique. Which was part of her initial attraction to cushions. Argh!

Steven Kirsch makes beautiful halo rings, I am shocked at the price though (would have expected it to be MUCH more). I would definitely call him tomorrow and inquire about it!

 

[Dreamer_D]

oh, is that a ready-made Steven Kirsch ring for sale??

Yes it is. I don;t know a lot about him and more importantly the diamond. But I've requested info.

I guess the token ring might be a good idea. I really have been watching this stuff for a while, but am pretty slow to make decisions. I might bring up the RB in a cushion halo tonight with pics. It looks pretty unique. Which was part of her initial attraction to cushions. Argh!

Tell her that an RB is sparklier than a cushion and looks bigger for the ct. weight Set into a halo that is cushion shaped, IMO the difference between a modern cushion and an RB is minimized so much, that it is hardly worth even looking for a cushion! Also, most of the settings that are in the links below take up to 8 weeks to make! So you are not going to rush that. If she likes the look, propose with an RB in a simple solitaire, then choose the cushion setting after with her input!

Here are some images to show her that might help your case

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5671

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ics-of-my-wedding-set-and-some-others.119593/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...up-for-a-fabulous-little-diamond-band.118467/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/upgrade-wf-custom-halo-cads-theyre-here.115054/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-finally-arrived-pearlmans-beverly-k.116692/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/early-anniversary-present-my-re-set-is-here.91705/

More here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/

 

[CharmyPoo]

It is so funny that steven has a alibaba site. I always go there for China manufacturers

Not sure about the diamond - it looks ok for a modified cushion but the table is a bit too big for my liking.

 

[nfowife]

Here's a beautiful BGD custom cushion halo for a RB:
http://blog.brianthecutter.com/2010/12/15/custom-brian-gavin-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-reset-and-matching-band%E2%80%A6/

 

[CharmyPoo]

How about an OEC but not sure how much easier it is to find.

Check to see if there is anything form JbEG. I would go check but I am in China right now and their site is blocked (likely because it is a blog) ... and too lazy to VPN in.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you have two choices in order to propose on your trip. Definitely find out about the Steven Kirsch ring!!!!!! Seriously, that is a deal if her ring size is close enough for him to size the ring! You will not find a better made setting! Amazing!

The other choice is to buy a loose cushion, and yes, have it set it a plain setting for the proposal. You'll be out a couple hundred bucks, but it'll be worth it to be able to propose on the trip. I would not take the stone loose. It can be insured if it is set and she can enjoy wearing it on the cruise until she gets home and the decision on the setting is made.

But my honest inclination is to see about the Steven Kirsch ring!!! I'd call him first thing in the morning!!!

(I really wouldn't confuse things at this point by trying to get her to change diamond shapes or settings since she has already clearly told you what she loves! But I think we may have said earlier to be sure she knows that cushions are smaller than rounds for the weight.)

 

[chief44444]

Thanks for the all the thoughts. Just discussed the RB in cushion idea, and that's DOA. I'll call 1st thing about Steven Kirsch ring.

I didn't know that you couldn't insure the stone loose. Thanks for the heads up. You think I'll be out a couple hundred for shipping? Or are there other costs I should consider??

 

[nfowife]

I think she means a couple hundred for the temp setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No, I meant be out a couple hundred for a cheap 14k thin white gold setting if you have to get a temporary one. The only way to insure a loose stone is when you are buying the stone and having it sent to another jeweler to be set, there is one insurance company that will insure the loose stone temporarily while it is in the process of being sent somewhere to be set. But I don't think that would work for the cruise idea. Plus, you just need to have it in a ring, I think, in order to propose!

What is her ring size?

(Yes, nfowife was correct!)

 

[chief44444]

Her size is a 6, which is what the Kirsch ring already is. So that might be perfect. We'll see. Otherwise, you guys don't think I can return a ring once a stone is set? Even if I upgrade rings with the same jeweler?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you buy a stone from a vendor like WhiteFlash and have them set it, you can return the whole thing. There are conditions about the refund on the setting and I think they would be listed on the website. If you sent the ring/stone back for an upgrade after the return period, then you'd get nothing back for the temp setting, if that is what you meant.

But really, that is so amazing that her ring size is a 6, that I would really strongly recommend getting the SK ring. That is going to be the closest to a HW that you could possibly get. Perhaps he'd give you three days or something to return it if for some reason you didn't like it once you receive it. But you are not going to come close to that in price if you bought a stone and then had him set it. You'd have to settle for a much lesser quality setting, and that would be sad!

 

[chief44444]

Bummer! That ring sold last week. He said it was cheap because it was a stock ring, but could make an equivalent setting for 3800. I think I'd be hardpressed to find an IVS1 for under 6000!!! Back to the hunt. A decision must be made today. Still waiting on images and options...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Gosh that is a shame!!!! At least we know the price of the setting. Are you going to check on that other stone from JA?

 

[chief44444]

I think JA is the best option given their return policy. WF won't budge on the 14 day (and I won't be back before then). So now I'm deciding on the following: Which would you choose???

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1361877.asp too dark?? $7070
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1362064.asp is ration of 1.07 ok? $7800
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1336143.asp too big of table and extra facet?? $7070

and this one from b2c (which I would have shipped over to Mark or Steven for a setting) GIA report coming soon.

Thank you all! Esp diamond seeker.

 

[slg47]

what is the image of the one below?

first one from JA-way too dark.

second one-too rectangular

third one-ask for ASET.

ETA did you ask ERD about more square modern cushions?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Option 1 from JA is . Option 2 from JA looks by far the best to my eye. The facet pattern is pleasing and the table to depth ratio much better than the third JA stone. Option 3 is in second place. Ask for ASETs of both. not enough information about the b2 stone.

 

[chief44444]

The second one looks best to my eye as well, but 1.07 is too rectangular?? Rats. Mark's best option is a 1.52 H SI1 with a 1.07 ratio for $8k. So, I think I still might go with the second from JA and pay for a custom setting with Mark or Steven. The third has a pretty big table, so it's out. I don't know how much extra it will cost to ship/insure the diamond from JA to Steven or Mark (or someone else) or how long it will take. So initially I will have JA send me the ring in a basic setting, and then I can return for full refund, and just buy the stone.

What do you think?