2.0+ Carat Cushion

[TheAmazingSam]

Hello,

I have been looking to purchase a 2.0+ carat cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring. In particular, I am looking at these two diamonds.

2.5, G, VS1 - ~$22k
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=7242605404

2.2, F, VVS2, ~$17k
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2247800475


The 2.5 has better depth % and table % while the 2.2 has better color and clarity. Both have excellent clarity and polish. In addition, the total area of the 2.2 is 10mm less than the 2.5 (63.8 vs 53.5). Last, the 2.2 carat has a girdle up to thick and has medium blue fluorescence.

I was also able to obtain the ASET for the 2.5 carat diamond which I attached.

I have been doing some research and wanted to obtain to obtain some other's thoughts on these diamonds, the ASET image, and overall price.

Thank you!

 

[rubybeth]

Numbers are kind of worthless when it comes to fancy cuts like cushions. Do you have photos or videos of both stones?

 

[TheAmazingSam]

I have a picture of the 2.5 carat diamond.

 

[Octo2005]

I am no expert, but recently went through this process myself with the help of many great people on this forum. I can share some of what I have learned. Please read [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL] - It is an excellent resource on cushions.

In my opinion, I think that you should pass on the stone you have show a photo and ASET for. The facets are not very crisp and the ASET shows a lot of leakage.

My suggestion is to post your wishlist and budget and the experts here can help find an amazing stone for you.

Best of luck!

 

[dollyanjuli]

the one image you provided shows that this stone is pretty "mushy" in the middle. Have you seen cushions in person? Are you familiar with the different facet patterns? The prices are average but the stones are ehhh.

You need to post more info: what size you want. Minimum color and clarity. What is your max budget, and what kind of setting do you want. Are you open to more antique styles, or do you want a modern cushion. Also, please make sure to always look at the measurements and NOT just the carat weight- cushions are one of those stones where you can see a 2 carat and a 2.5 that are the exact same size, so you always need to look at the dimensions.

The more info you have the better replies you will get!

 

[dollyanjuli]

Not a tone of selection right now, here's a few:

My fav of the bunch, nice 8 main, decent size for the carat weight but not the biggest.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2310756


i love this one but not sure if its going to be eye clean- you can ask JA. This is a more antique style, big broad flashes, big size!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.18-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2570947


Modern stone you can ask them to check out, could have potential

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.22-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2551447


this stone is very unique, if this is to your taste its got great sharp facets with an open culet- interesting mix of old and new.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-36105

And just so you have seen a representation of all the cushions cuts, a hearts and arrow cut which is very similar to a round brilliant but in a square shape- some people really love these, they demand a slight price premium so that's why its a bit more. Also, because of the perfect soft square shape i find they face up slightly small.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1923858

 

[TheAmazingSam]

I am no expert, but recently went through this process myself with the help of many great people on this forum. I can share some of what I have learned. Please read [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL] - It is an excellent resource on cushions.

In my opinion, I think that you should pass on the stone you have show a photo and ASET for. The facets are not very crisp and the ASET shows a lot of leakage.

My suggestion is to post your wishlist and budget and the experts here can help find an amazing stone for you.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the post link! Very helpful and much appreciated.

the one image you provided shows that this stone is pretty "mushy" in the middle. Have you seen cushions in person? Are you familiar with the different facet patterns? The prices are average but the stones are ehhh.

You need to post more info: what size you want. Minimum color and clarity. What is your max budget, and what kind of setting do you want. Are you open to more antique styles, or do you want a modern cushion. Also, please make sure to always look at the measurements and NOT just the carat weight- cushions are one of those stones where you can see a 2 carat and a 2.5 that are the exact same size, so you always need to look at the dimensions.

The more info you have the better replies you will get!

Not a tone of selection right now, here's a few:

My fav of the bunch, nice 8 main, decent size for the carat weight but not the biggest.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2310756


i love this one but not sure if its going to be eye clean- you can ask JA. This is a more antique style, big broad flashes, big size!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.18-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2570947


Modern stone you can ask them to check out, could have potential

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.22-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2551447


this stone is very unique, if this is to your taste its got great sharp facets with an open culet- interesting mix of old and new.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-36105

And just so you have seen a representation of all the cushions cuts, a hearts and arrow cut which is very similar to a round brilliant but in a square shape- some people really love these, they demand a slight price premium so that's why its a bit more. Also, because of the perfect soft square shape i find they face up slightly small.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1923858

Thank you for all the help! I agree with you. The diamond I linked did seem "mushy" but I wanted to get some other opinions just incase I was looking at it incorrectly.

In term of providing more details in what I am looking for:
Carat: 2.0 - 2.5
Color: H or better (was hoping for G/F of better but understand cost restraints)
Clarity: VS2 or better (was hoping for VS1/VVS2 of better but understand cost restraints)
Max budget: $22,000
Type: NOT the "crushed ice" look

I have gone to some jewelers and looked at cushion cuts; however, the cut seems to be rare for jewelers to have. Especially 2.0+ carats.
As you mentioned, I have also noticed that the measurements and important.

With all of this, I looked at all the diamonds you provided and am amazed at how I liked every one of the diamonds you picked out more than any I have been looking at. However, I am a little worried about the clarity in some of the ones you provided. For example, on the 1st diamond linked, I could clearly see some inclusions. I know the diamond is at 20x but that worried me a bit. Thoughts on if something with that type of inclusion would be noticeable to the naked eye? If you have any other suggestions on diamonds please let me know!

 

[dollyanjuli]

Hey Sam,

You need to ask James Allen if the stone is eye clean- they are usually pretty honest. That first diamond ( the F VS2) will be eye clean. You will not be able to see those tiny flecs at all. Some of the other ones you should ask about.