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1.75-2 ct cushion cut.. decision time.. with ASETs!!

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flaman

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
21
Hi. I had a post on here that got too long, so I posted this one to be concise. I am down to 3 diamonds (I hope), unless someone has a better last minute option. I think I know my first choice, but wanted opinions from experts.

option 1-
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074
ASET below
my opinion- love the cut, surprised by how much green there is . too much green, right?

option 0-
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-175829
my opinion- not sure if i like rectangle, seems like a dead spot on the left center face

option 3
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.79-carat-h-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120915.html
my opinion- seems the best ASET? Is it too dark on the lower center face?

Does JamesAllen do something differently with their ASETs or did I pick bad diamonds?

Seems that I likely will go ERD...
Now I just need to find a Pave setting (from ERD)
was going to go with this (she likes Tiffany Novo), but seems too pronged. I don't know if she likes Halo...or Harry Winston inspired Halos. She has small thin fingers, so cant pick a wide band
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/beatrice-cathedral-4-prong-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-255-16.html

option_1.jpg

option_0.jpg

option_4.jpg
 
The second diamond you posted is quite different in style than your other two choices. Are you wanting a more modern looking cushion or more of an antique style?
 
Von03|1365616294|3424114 said:
The second diamond you posted is quite different in style than your other two choices. Are you wanting a more modern looking cushion or more of an antique style?
Click to expand...

I think antique would be more ideal, problem is I can't find any great ones that are square, decent, and in my price range. So. I decided to find moderns that are cut well. Was trying to avoid going above H in color.. but if these stones are all felt to be duds, I may need to rethink things


For example, ERD has this,
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.01-carat-f-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120916.html
but that is higher than I wanted to go.. I set my budget at 20K including setting. Have some flexibility, but that pushes me closer to 25k

EDIT- just saw this one
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.70-carat-g-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-111231.html
is it too dark red in the center?
 
Are you on a time deadline? I really like the diamond you posted above ( the one from ERD that pushes your budget)

Personally, I love antique cushions, i like the faceting patterns, culets, maltese cross patterns, small tables, etc. I wouldn't want to settle on a more modern cushion if I truly loved the antique style. Have you considered an "I" color? Some can look quite white. Have you checked AVC cushions from GOG?
 
If you want an antique stone, I wouldn't go with the one posted higher, but this 2.02 that you recently posted.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.01-carat-f-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120916.html

My reasons:
1. because it's significantly bigger than the 1.70 that you just posted
2. because it has a gorgeous aset (better than anything else you posted)
3. if you don't intend on upgrading the stone ever, I always suggest getting the biggest you can.

If you tell ERD you only have a 3k budget for the setting, they'll work with you and find you something (or make you something) gorgeous. When it comes to diamonds bigger is always better. (Assuming everything is about the same quality)...

EDIT - I did a quick search at GOG to see if there was anything comparable with your requirements, and I didn't find anything. Everything was elongated. There was one F SI2, but it had an inclusion on the table would would drive me insane. I really think you best bet is the 2.01 from ERD. Especially if you're getting the setting from there.
 
Von03|1365617070|3424121 said:
Are you on a time deadline? I really like the diamond you posted above ( the one from ERD that pushes your budget)

Personally, I love antique cushions, i like the faceting patterns, culets, maltese cross patterns, small tables, etc. I wouldn't want to settle on a more modern cushion if I truly loved the antique style. Have you considered an "I" color? Some can look quite white. Have you checked AVC cushions from GOG?
Click to expand...

Sort of in a time crunch.. want to get married by end of the summer. Have to draw a line somewhere. $22k for a diamond I think is untenable at present.

GOG has
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9088/
which is $3000 less than the ERD one. It is smaller and not as square.
That I could do, the ASET looks nice.

Oldworld diamonds has:
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=894&SHAPE=OM
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=2721&SHAPE=OM
they are I color but I dont know what EGLLA grading means

hmmm
I thought I was close.. seems that my final 3 arent good?
for a non-antique, how is this one?
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=aeebae177388a4ccd26a70d8136a5efd&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricescope.com%2Fforum%2Fposting.php%3Fmode%3Dquote%26f%3D3%26p%3D3424121&v=1&libid=1365617737225&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engagementringsdirect.com%2Fbeatrice-cathedral-4-prong-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-255-16.html&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricescope.com%2Fforum%2Fpost3424118.html&title=Post%20a%20reply&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engagementringsdirect.com%2Fbeatrice-cathedral-4-prong-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-255-16.html&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13656182235402
 
I think that GOG is really lovely if you are looking for an ántique looking stone.
 
The AVC from GOG is beautiful!! I've never seen a bad AVC..
 
The three you chose are heads and tails better than what you first had. Of the 3, I would go with the third which has a good aset. The second looks mushy in the middle. The avc is pretty much guaranteed to be nice if you want to swing the price. AVC are branded and cost more than others. You pay for the cut.

If you don't want the erd diamond, you need to contact owd as they have far more than what is online. Adam is great and easy to deal with. You should also email Perry from Art of Platinum. Do one last check for options than decide.
 
flaman|1365618234|3424141 said:
Von03|1365617070|3424121 said:
Are you on a time deadline? I really like the diamond you posted above ( the one from ERD that pushes your budget)

Personally, I love antique cushions, i like the faceting patterns, culets, maltese cross patterns, small tables, etc. I wouldn't want to settle on a more modern cushion if I truly loved the antique style. Have you considered an "I" color? Some can look quite white. Have you checked AVC cushions from GOG?
Click to expand...

Sort of in a time crunch.. want to get married by end of the summer. Have to draw a line somewhere. $22k for a diamond I think is untenable at present.

GOG has
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9088/
which is $3000 less than the ERD one. It is smaller and not as square.
That I could do, the ASET looks nice.

Oldworld diamonds has:
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=894&SHAPE=OM
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=2721&SHAPE=OM
they are I color but I dont know what EGLLA grading means
Click to expand...

I don't like any of these. The one from GOG is significantly smaller and as Charmy said, you are paying premium for the cut. I also don't like the ones from OWD....they're all lower in color that the ERD one. I do like both of the ones JulieN posted...those two and the one from ERD are the best ones...
 
choices choices choices!
Think I need more $$ :)


If I stick to my budget, guess I have to pick this
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=aeebae177388a4ccd26a70d8136a5efd&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricescope.com%2Fforum%2Fposting.php%3Fmode%3Dreply%26f%3D3%26t%3D187962&v=1&libid=1365622502604&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engagementringsdirect.com%2F1.79-carat-h-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120915.html&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricescope.com%2Fforum%2Fpost3424141.html&title=Post%20a%20reply&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engagementringsdirect.com%2F1.79-carat-h-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120915.html&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13656225463212

I'm beginning to think it isnt so good, since everyone likes something else!

The ones you posted from James Allen are beautiful, but likely out of my range.. plus the D one has medium florescence.. isnt that not good?

Too bad, wish there was a smaller old mine to be had for less than 20k

Ok.. guess I just have to pick.
 
I think the ERD one will be fine, just ask if that dark half is a problem. Basically, could it be better? Because that style of cushion is relatively plentiful, and well below your budget, so no reason to not have a few more options called in for you.
 
Let me say that stones like AVC's have a price premium because they are far superior in cut than most other cushions.

But if getting the very best optics isn't foremost, here is an unbranded antique cushion from GOG that would be very nice (I think it is a little tilted in the main picture but looks like a very nice shape in the other images):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8188/
 
Laila619|1365625194|3424233 said:
flaman|1365615347|3424105 said:
option 1-
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074
ASET below
my opinion- love the cut, surprised by how much green there is . too much green, right?
Click to expand...

WOW, this one is a real winner! Nice table size, not too deep, no overly thick girdle, nice spread, good color and clarity, and a beautiful, appealing cut. I'd totally go with this one!
Click to expand...

Is the ASET good enough for the price? (18k)? is there enough red?
i like the cut a lot, think it makes it look unique. and the dimensions they say make it look large for its weight. I was just concerned the ASETs were really bright... not a lot of blue either.

then again, this one from GOG (that I had above)http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9088/ is nearly the same price as this JA stone


I do like the one from ERD that you are "settling" for...but you should settle. I would also consider this one:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.40-carat-h-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-109138.html
Click to expand...
asked Chris about this one. large inclusion smack in the middle.. he didnt like it
 
out of your 3 ASETs, I like the first one (1.69 H VS2) the best...however, with that cut, you'll be paying a price premium for it (Canadian diamond)

for your second ASET (2.02 H VS1)...I have seen better

as for the third ASET (1.79 H VS2), I would be worried about the dark half in the center...light leakage in the middle of the table won't look good

If you are interested, I did find a 4 main cushion brilliant 2.02 H VS2 for $17,987 (wire price):

http://www.uniondiamond.com/AE0631648&ptc=PS

I am not familiar with Union Diamond, but I am sure any other vendor can also source it in for you.

GIA cert: https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=2155227348&weight=2.02#

It has a nice spread, nice table, nice depth, and it has a 1.05 ratio, which is very very slightly off square. (1.00 - 1.04 is considered square) The only thing I would be concerned about are some of the inclusions on the table (just ask if the stone is eyeclean even though it is a VS2)

To give you an idea what a 4 main cushion brilliant looks like...it looks like this when set in a BGD Novela setting:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/just-arrived-bgd-novela-cushion.148154/

Looks very Novo-like :)
 
by OMG_AMG » 10 Apr 2013 21:06
out of your 3 ASETs, I like the first one (1.69 H VS2) the best...however, with that cut, you'll be paying a price premium for it (Canadian diamond)

for your second ASET (2.02 H VS1)...I have seen better

as for the third ASET (1.79 H VS2), I would be worried about the dark half in the center...light leakage in the middle of the table won't look good

If you are interested, I did find a 4 main cushion brilliant 2.02 H VS2 for $17,987 (wire price):

http://www.uniondiamond.com/AE0631648&ptc=PS

I am not familiar with Union Diamond, but I am sure any other vendor can also source it in for you.

GIA cert: https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=2155227348&weight=2.02#

It has a nice spread, nice table, nice depth, and it has a 1.05 ratio, which is very very slightly off square. (1.00 - 1.04 is considered square) The only thing I would be concerned about are some of the inclusions on the table (just ask if the stone is eyeclean even though it is a VS2)

To give you an idea what a 4 main cushion brilliant looks like...it looks like this when set in a BGD Novela setting:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/just-arrived-bgd-novela-cushion.148154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/just-arrived-bgd-novela-cushion.148154/[/URL]

Looks very Novo-like
Click to expand...

wow, the cushion brilliant looks great. thanks!
i searched the GIA and it is sold by multiple vendors. For some reason B2C says it is out of stock, but others have the same stone, at a higher price.

How did you find the cushion brilliant? The ring in that link is stunning.. I'd love to do something like that.

If I can't may be inclined to just go with the JA 1.69 stone. It is pricier, but its dimensions are really good and the cut is fantastic. wish it had more red on ASET but I'm sure it would be nice.
 
flaman|1365651200|3424523 said:
wow, the cushion brilliant looks great. thanks!
i searched the GIA and it is sold by multiple vendors. For some reason B2C says it is out of stock, but others have the same stone, at a higher price.

How did you find the cushion brilliant? The ring in that link is stunning.. I'd love to do something like that.

If I can't may be inclined to just go with the JA 1.69 stone. It is pricier, but its dimensions are really good and the cut is fantastic. wish it had more red on ASET but I'm sure it would be nice.
Click to expand...

The stone is relatively new (certified in Feb 2013), so most likely it is still available. Just go with the vendor that you'll be getting the setting from to make things easier and more efficient.

I just found it through PriceScope's search engine...I had the most luck finding cushion brilliants (4 mains and 8 mains) when I searched for stones with tables in the mid 50's (a lot of them fall in the 54-57 range) and depths in the mid 60's (64-67 range)

But yeah, these kind of cushion brilliants are hard to come by these days due to cutters not cutting them anymore.

The BGD Novela setting can be found here if you are interested:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/novela-platinum-5372p

I would love to see an ASET on the 4 main cushion brilliant

cheers!
 
I think folks are confusing the OP. His budget is $20,000 including the setting yet there are so many recommendations for $20,000 plus diamonds. The OP wants a balance of size, budget, and performance. Yes, he can go smaller and get an AVC that some believe have the best optics yet others dislike because they feel it lacks character (I have one and I am not dissing GOG just stating the opinions that have been expressed on PS). Yes, he can get a generic antique cut stone but seems like the market doesn't have one easily found through the search engines within his desired specs.

ERD is known to take crappy ASET and their photography/aset settings are still off after many years. Get them to take more photos and a video than we can really see if there are dead spots. The Canadian diamond is great but the premium is so much that I would just get an AVC unless you simply love the facet pattern .. that ASET is not exactly hot but the video doesn't show an inhibiting effect.
 
flaman|1365651200|3424523 said:
by OMG_AMG » 10 Apr 2013 21:06
out of your 3 ASETs, I like the first one (1.69 H VS2) the best...however, with that cut, you'll be paying a price premium for it (Canadian diamond)

for your second ASET (2.02 H VS1)...I have seen better

as for the third ASET (1.79 H VS2), I would be worried about the dark half in the center...light leakage in the middle of the table won't look good

If you are interested, I did find a 4 main cushion brilliant 2.02 H VS2 for $17,987 (wire price):

http://www.uniondiamond.com/AE0631648&ptc=PS

I am not familiar with Union Diamond, but I am sure any other vendor can also source it in for you.

GIA cert: https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=2155227348&weight=2.02#

It has a nice spread, nice table, nice depth, and it has a 1.05 ratio, which is very very slightly off square. (1.00 - 1.04 is considered square) The only thing I would be concerned about are some of the inclusions on the table (just ask if the stone is eyeclean even though it is a VS2)

To give you an idea what a 4 main cushion brilliant looks like...it looks like this when set in a BGD Novela setting:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/just-arrived-bgd-novela-cushion.148154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/just-arrived-bgd-novela-cushion.148154/[/URL]

Looks very Novo-like
Click to expand...

wow, the cushion brilliant looks great. thanks!
i searched the GIA and it is sold by multiple vendors. For some reason B2C says it is out of stock, but others have the same stone, at a higher price.

How did you find the cushion brilliant? The ring in that link is stunning.. I'd love to do something like that.

If I can't may be inclined to just go with the JA 1.69 stone. It is pricier, but its dimensions are really good and the cut is fantastic. wish it had more red on ASET but I'm sure it would be nice.
Click to expand...

I strongly disagree...the ASET on the JA 1.69 Canadian cut stone is not good at all...LOTS of green all around the edges and will make that stone look smaller than it is. Also all the ASETs on those Canadian cuts have not been good. I would rule this one out. My choice would be the 2c F from ERD. Pay more for the stone and less for your setting to stay within budget is my suggestion.
 
hmm.. maybe budgets are made to be broken
1)
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-178707
I like a lot.. small table, right cut.. large cutlet..square

may just do this one

It looks perfect to me in the video


The other one JulieN posted is also gorgeous
2)
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-177005

I guess. question is:
1 (H VS2 2.2 ct and 7.7x7.45, 69% depth, 51% cutlet) old mine brilliant, $1000 cheaper
or
2) (D VVS1 1.72 ct 7.23x6.8 68.5% depth, 54% cutlet) old mine brilliant

Large and good quality, or smaller and near perfect? My inclination is choice 1.. the size should be much more striking
I should get ASETs right?

I think I can get a simple setting.. may be a good move, can always upgrade setting in the future...

ps- Thanks again to everyone. If I could private message you thanks, I would. I don't want to name names and leave anyone out... this is such a great community! It's nice to have a passion in something that brings people so much happiness! :)
 
flaman|1365682497|3424635 said:
hmm.. maybe budgets are made to be broken
1)
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-178707
I like a lot.. small table, right cut.. large cutlet..square

may just do this one

It looks perfect to me in the video


The other one JulieN posted is also gorgeous
2)
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-177005

I guess. question is:
1 (H VS2 2.2 ct and 7.7x7.45, 69% depth, 51% cutlet) old mine brilliant
or
2) (D VVS1 1.72 ct 7.23x6.8 68.5% depth, 54% cutlet) old mine brilliant

Large and good quality, or smaller and near perfect?
I should get ASETs right?

I think I can get a simple setting.. may be a good move, can always upgrade setting in the future...
Click to expand...

They are both lovely but they both have the bow tie effect. If you are going over budget my pick would be the Leon Mege stone:
2.09 G VS2 7.6x 7.6 a perfect square. EX/EX

http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/104046249001.htm

LM has an exceptional reputation for picking very nice cushions and I highly doubt that it will have that bow tie effect.

Maybe more cushion experts can weigh in on the bow tie effect of those stones. I saw both of them when I searched JA earlier but didn't post because of this effect, which face up in a ring will more than likely always be seen. But of the two I would go with the larger 2.2 H VS2 but best to get the ASETS first and then decide. D-J colors are still in the colorless range of the GIA scale.

5c J Leon Mege cushion in halo...check out Thouarella's comments on page 3 about her search for the perfect honker cushion:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]
 
I love #2 the 1.72...does have a little bit of bow-tie but not enough to bother me.
 
Oh too bad...someone has the 2.09 G VS 2 reserved on ERD...ha! same stone posted on LM but slightly lower cost:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/this-cut-beyond-cushion-brilliant-has-been-reserved.-gid-115519.html

The ASET is really great...you could wait and see if they purchase it.

My other choice would be this 2c F SI1 on ERD...nice!

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.01-carat-f-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120916.html

Based on other posts on cushions in PS I'm getting the strong impression that the stones that ERD and LM turn down get posted by JA. Another poster commented that a stone on JA he was considering, that after talking to ERD they told him that they had passed on listing that stone.
 
tyty333|1365686366|3424672 said:
I love #2 the 1.72...does have a little bit of bow-tie but not enough to bother me.
Click to expand...

Yes, those facets are turning off and on so maybe it won't be so noticeable. Love the cut. You are just paying a high premium for D VVS1 but it is beautiful. Has the Kozibe effect too and a nice high crown.
 
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