1.5ct Modern Cushion Cut - Light Return?

[mercurial_dirigible]

Shopping for a modern cushion cut stone around $8,500 with slightly oblong shape. Read as much as I can on here and other sites and found James Allen to be the most user-friendly in terms of actually seeing what you are buying. Would like something eye clean.

I currently have these two stones on hold at James Allen and am having ASET images taken, as I believe that is helpful?

#1 ($8,990) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-424010
#2 ($7,400) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.42-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-386457

I prefer #1 given the size but would appreciate any initial thoughts on light return and if the inclusions noted in the GIA report will pose an issue.

This will be set as a solitaire with micropave band in white gold.

Thanks

 

[JulieN]

cancel your ASET requests, let some PSers help you pick out 3

2nd one is just a disaster.

1st one is probably unacceptable for most PSers

 

[tyty333]

cancel your ASET requests, let some PSers help you pick out 3

2nd one is just a disaster.

1st one is probably unacceptable for most PSers

Ditto! Cancel now before it's too late.

 

[mercurial_dirigible]

Thank you for the feedback, I will cancel the ASETs.

Is there anything in particular I should be on the look out for? I understand it is more than just polish and symmetry, but from what I have read it is hard to pin down ideal angles and table / depth for cushions are there are so many different types of cuts. Both look optically clean, so I presume the issues aren't with inclusions but with the cut?

If someone is willing to suggest a few alternatives I would be very grateful. I have enjoyed learning about diamonds (first time buyer) but clearly have plenty more to absorb.

Thanks again.

 

[Gypsy]

Those are terrible, thank goodness you cancelled the ASET request. Yes, it's the cut. Which for cushions means faceting and light performance.

Numbers tell you nothing about cushions. Cushions aren't at all like rounds.

These two threads summarize what you need to know. Please study them, not just read, and click on the links and follow them. Okay?
First this one:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-and-looking-for-help-choosing-cushion-cut-diamond-to-oz.205195/[/URL]
And then read this:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-need-opinions-about-this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics.206771/[/URL]

It looks like you are looking for a 1.4+ carat with a 9k-ish budget and that you want H Si1 or better. I can help you with that and suggest some stones for you.

Are you set on JA, or can I suggest stones from other vendors?

 

[Gypsy]

Ok. So JA just had a huge sale for Christmas. And their stock is very depleted in the spec range you are looking for, unfortunately. There is nothing but duds in the 9k and under range.

So either you are going to have to wait, or raise your budget slightly.
If you can swing up to 9.5k then there is this stone: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-388039 Which is lovely and should ASET out very well. That said, it is the ONLY stone in the H SI1 or better and 9.5k or less range. So I would put it on hold ASAP. But it is really not oblong.

When they tell you to pick others for an ASET and that you get 3--decline. This one will ASET out well. And save your other two ASETs just in case.

I will look at other vendors for you, whose stock is not so depleted.

 

[Gypsy]

There is also this one: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6464442-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx But it is square. And this one: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6270813-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-D-color-SI1-clarity.aspx Which is square too.


If you really want oblong, then you best bet is to call GOG or Brilliantly Engaged and ask them to source you a modern cushion stone. Budget of 9K. Eyeclean H SI1 or better. Length to width ratio of 1.10 or greater. And great performance.

They will be able to do that for you. And if it were me, that's what I'd be doing.

 

[mercurial_dirigible]

Thank you all for the advice and links. Having read (studied!) the links provided I much better understand what I am looking for and hopefully can work with you all to find the right diamond.

The links provided were all gorgeous stones, but slightly out of the price range, not my ideal cut or too square.

New parameters:
- $8,500 budget
- Modified 4 main cushion cut (prefer this to a 6 main or other non-modified variations, assuming my vernacular is correct)
- Eye clean (therefore SI1+)
- Slightly oblong (1.1+ L/W)
- Color H+
- Maximizing light return and spread

A few questions:
1. I understand color can be quite subjective and have read it is better to stay H+ in cushions if setting in white gold. Good Old Gold has a nice looking stone that is I color but is significantly under my budget and had good cut, size and a good (I think?) ASET. Does anyone have any thoughts on this stone and am I stepping too far down on the color spectrum, or is that something that has to be seen in person to fully comprehend? Link: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-3-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

2. I have read thin - thick bezels are not ideal, is this something to truly avoid, or what is the logic? I ask as this looks like a nice stone, although it is similar to the Good Old Gold stone above, just less color and with thin to extremely thick bezels. Likely not worth the extra $2,200 but it looked in my wheelhouse. Link: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-22311

3. I would like to find a diamond within the next month or two, but am willing to wait for inventory to resupply to find the right one without overpaying. Is there any downside to having someone at Good Old Gold source a stone? As in, will I be paying significantly more to have them help vs. taking some extra time and picking the Pricescope hivemind?

Thank you all again for your help, this is a fantastic resource and I truly appreciate the time you all volunteer to help beginners like myself. If anyone would be able to suggest alternative stones that roughly match the criteria above and meet the discerning Pricescope standards I would be much obliged.

 

[mercurial_dirigible]

Not sure of the bump etiquette on this forum, but would love to hear any feedback. The Good Old Gold stone in particular.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-3-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

 

[JulieN]

Looks great.

 

[Christina...]

This stone seems to check most of your boxes. If you haven't reserved it yet I would do so asap and speak with Jon about seeing some side by side comparisons.