2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PICS) !

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I need to clarify because my 1.67 does not face up bigger, but is about the same size as the 2 carat you are looking at.
The numbers on my stone 7.80x6.82x4.52, so a 1:1.4 ratio, a little more rectangular than your stone. You probably couldn't tell a size difference side by side. You are searching for a needle in the haystack though trying to balance out your desired numbers with your budget. I don't have a picture of the stone loose but here's a picture of the ring..

slightly more surface area... little bit more shallow.... curious, how much did you pay?

also, here is a rough cad image of the halo setting I will eventually get (I sloppily cut and pasted an extra stone on the bottom of the outer band so that is why the last stone there looks crooked)... will still probably add more stones around the band bottom and maybe underneath the table so as little metal shows as possible...

Do you guys/jewlery pros here have any concerns or comments with this setting for a cushion?

Also, what is your estimate of a good price, if this is done in 14k white gold and comes in around 0.9 cts in total?

thanks again as always, I am learning a lot here...

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

oh shoot! I feel like I am opening a whole other can of worms now by posting the CAD.....

Shared prong vs pave vs micro prong vs bead vs micro pave ?!?!?!

point size of each of the diamonds?!?!

where do I start and what do you think would look best based on the CAD ?

thanks!

 

[onedrop]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Lol! Yes, you are definitely opening up a can of worms re: pave, halos, micropave, point size of the melee, etc. In order to keep everything orderly, I would probably start a new thread regarding the setting and CADs, and keep this thread going for the center diamond selection. I don't think you've even chosen the center stone yet, right? No sense in muddying the waters further!

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

no havent technically chosen the center stone yet as final because it has a return policy but I sent it out to AGS after the recommendation of people in this forum, so I am already into it for the $250 cost for AGS platinum report including shipping....

if it comes back significantly overated like 3 color shades and 2 clarities from the initial EGL international cert, I will most likely return it or try to get a significant rebate since I still like the stone in person...

we will see!

but anybody in the mean time that has an opinion on the CAD, please share !

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Another question! suprise suprise...

EGL CERT says: "Natural Diamond: TYPE IaAB"
I researched high and low on the internet and could not get conclusive information....

Why does EGL list this? I know it has to do with nitrogen pairings inside the actual diamond that determine the TYPE IaAB information... But why is there such little information around the internet regarding this and why does GIA/AGS not list this on their certs?

It leads me to believe that this diamond could have been potentially pressure and heat treated to increase the color grade?

Please experts/gemologists shed some more light on this and let this be a final answer to what seems like not-conclusive info around the net

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

 

[sna77]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

When is the diamond / certificate due back from AGS?

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

At this point I wouldn't worry about what the EGL report says. I honestly don't know and the appraisers on here may not dig into this thread to even see your question. You can always start a new thread asking what that means on and EGL report and someone who knows may reply. You'll have a full disclosure report back from AGS though and it will tell you everything you need and want to know plus some. I'd just sit tight until then and then.

re: the setting. Have you seen other settings done by the custom jeweler? There is a wide variety of styles and type of pave and how well the making and finishing of a ring is executed. We've seem some amazing pave pieces and some botched custom jobs so I would be sure to take a look at other rings the bench has made so you get a good idea of exactly what you are getting. The cad design looks nice though!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I'm going to recommend that anyone who is continuing to bang their head against this wall reconsider doing so for this particular poster. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/natural-diamond-type-iaab-what-the-heck-does-this-mean.172163/#post-3132805#p3132805']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/natural-diamond-type-iaab-what-the-heck-does-this-mean.172163/#post-3132805#p3132805[/URL] Personally, I don't think it is worth the time invested in helping this person out in the future.

 

[marygrace]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

no havent technically chosen the center stone yet as final because it has a return policy but I sent it out to AGS after the recommendation of people in this forum, so I am already into it for the $250 cost for AGS platinum report including shipping....

!

It was recommended that the diamond be evaluated by an independent appraiser to determine its fair market value. It was established that both you and your girlfriend like this diamond. If you like it, you should get it so long as you pay no more than the fair price.

No one mentioned getting a GIA or AGS report because that is giving money and free information to the vendor. AGS will not give you a far market estimate either.

If size is the most important factor to you and your girlfriend, AGS reports don't matter. The independent appraisal needs to be top priority. This is what the consensus recommended.

I am not sure what your game plan is from here.

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

When is the diamond / certificate due back from AGS?

Monday

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

At this point I wouldn't worry about what the EGL report says. I honestly don't know and the appraisers on here may not dig into this thread to even see your question. You can always start a new thread asking what that means on and EGL report and someone who knows may reply. You'll have a full disclosure report back from AGS though and it will tell you everything you need and want to know plus some. I'd just sit tight until then and then.

re: the setting. Have you seen other settings done by the custom jeweler? There is a wide variety of styles and type of pave and how well the making and finishing of a ring is executed. We've seem some amazing pave pieces and some botched custom jobs so I would be sure to take a look at other rings the bench has made so you get a good idea of exactly what you are getting. The cad design looks nice though!

thanks for the reply! I will take a look at other custome pieces...

no, I havent seen any other pieces really, but saw they had good feedback.... and they seemed to be the cheapest at 1000-1200 for 14k white gold around 0.9-1.0 cts in the setting

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

no havent technically chosen the center stone yet as final because it has a return policy but I sent it out to AGS after the recommendation of people in this forum, so I am already into it for the $250 cost for AGS platinum report including shipping....

!

It was recommended that the diamond be evaluated by an independent appraiser to determine its fair market value. It was established that both you and your girlfriend like this diamond. If you like it, you should get it so long as you pay no more than the fair price.

No one mentioned getting a GIA or AGS report because that is giving money and free information to the vendor. AGS will not give you a far market estimate either.

If size is the most important factor to you and your girlfriend, AGS reports don't matter. The independent appraisal needs to be top priority. This is what the consensus recommended.

I am not sure what your game plan is from here.

didn't have the vendor send the stone to the AGS.... I offered to do it myself since they dont normally work with AGS stones and put down a deposit to take the stone and found the best appraiser in LA... the guy who practically invented the AGS standards, and the first guy to ever be certified by AGS, Coz Altobelli: http://www.altobelli.com/cos-altobelli.htm

took it to him and he sent it to AGS (since normal people not affiliated with AGS cant send it themselves)

he could have done his own appraisal right there for me which is the same thing basically... but i figured i might as well spend the extra $150 and get the full certificate in case I end up going through with it...

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

At this point I wouldn't worry about what the EGL report says. I honestly don't know and the appraisers on here may not dig into this thread to even see your question. You can always start a new thread asking what that means on and EGL report and someone who knows may reply. You'll have a full disclosure report back from AGS though and it will tell you everything you need and want to know plus some. I'd just sit tight until then and then.

re: the setting. Have you seen other settings done by the custom jeweler? There is a wide variety of styles and type of pave and how well the making and finishing of a ring is executed. We've seem some amazing pave pieces and some botched custom jobs so I would be sure to take a look at other rings the bench has made so you get a good idea of exactly what you are getting. The cad design looks nice though!

thanks for the reply! I will take a look at other custome pieces...

no, I havent seen any other pieces really, but saw they had good feedback.... and they seemed to be the cheapest at 1000-1200 for 14k white gold around 0.9-1.0 cts in the setting

I wouldn't do 14K WG for a pave setting, I'd do 18K or platinum. When it comes to pave, cheap usually means poorly done i.e stones will pop out randomly etc. After you get your stone settled you might want to do some research on pave. Lots of good info here and Leon Mege has a great information article on his site. Pave ring= you get what you pay for so if you are only wanting to spend 1K on a setting, I'd advice a nice solitaire. There are plenty of designer rings in similar styles that don't run 5K. If you can up your setting budget a bit, I'd suggest taking a look at Beverley K. Very well made rings and nice price point..

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/171PP1/

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

At this point I wouldn't worry about what the EGL report says. I honestly don't know and the appraisers on here may not dig into this thread to even see your question. You can always start a new thread asking what that means on and EGL report and someone who knows may reply. You'll have a full disclosure report back from AGS though and it will tell you everything you need and want to know plus some. I'd just sit tight until then and then.

re: the setting. Have you seen other settings done by the custom jeweler? There is a wide variety of styles and type of pave and how well the making and finishing of a ring is executed. We've seem some amazing pave pieces and some botched custom jobs so I would be sure to take a look at other rings the bench has made so you get a good idea of exactly what you are getting. The cad design looks nice though!

thanks for the reply! I will take a look at other custome pieces...

no, I havent seen any other pieces really, but saw they had good feedback.... and they seemed to be the cheapest at 1000-1200 for 14k white gold around 0.9-1.0 cts in the setting

I wouldn't do 14K WG for a pave setting, I'd do 18K or platinum. When it comes to pave, cheap usually means poorly done i.e stones will pop out randomly etc. After you get your stone settled you might want to do some research on pave. Lots of good info here and Leon Mege has a great information article on his site. Pave ring= you get what you pay for so if you are only wanting to spend 1K on a setting, I'd advice a nice solitaire. There are plenty of designer rings in similar styles that don't run 5K. If you can up your setting budget a bit, I'd suggest taking a look at Beverley K. Very well made rings and nice price point..

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/171PP1/

good info... thanks... why the 18k though over the 14k if it looks the same? and I thought since 18k is softer you have more risk of losing stones?

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/engagement-rings/platinum-vs-white-gold

http://www.mwmjewelry.com/platinum_purity.htm

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/platinum-or-gold

and since I'm on the site..

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/pave-types

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/pave-types

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Oh and does she have other White Gold pieces of jewelry? Many women have a allergy to the metals in WG rings and end up developing a rash so you want to be sure she can wear WG without issue. I personally don't like WG b/c it yellow's very quickly on me and I just prefer a 90/10 platinum mix or the 95/5 mix Tiffany's uses. But, there are many lovely WG rings out there. Just want to make sure your lady can wear it

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I see what ur saying... i went with platinum for a promise ring i gave her years ago... but it has greyed over the years and is hard to maintain...

only reason why i was going 14k white gold was because its brighter with the rhodium plating and you can always replate it every few years and its harder than the 18k which might lose stones easier...

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

well, you can polish the platinum without loosing any metal and if you do a 90/10 mix folks have had much success with it staying shiny.

Did you read the links I posted? Platinum and 18k are softer but platinum is more dense and it much better to use for a pave ring. There are tons of discussion on handmade vs. cast or a combo of the two, which can also make a difference in how well the pave holds up. There is a chance you can lose a stone no matter what metal the ring is made in but all the high end pave designers and guys who are considered masters with skill will use platinum or maybe 18 wg, none use 14k, it's too brittle and can break. again, you will get what you pay for

 

[Gypsy]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

well, you can polish the platinum without loosing any metal and if you do a 90/10 mix folks have had much success with it staying shiny.

Did you read the links I posted? Platinum and 18k are softer but platinum is more dense and it much better to use for a pave ring. There are tons of discussion on handmade vs. cast or a combo of the two, which can also make a difference in how well the pave holds up. There is a chance you can lose a stone no matter what metal the ring is made in but all the high end pave designers and guys who are considered masters with skill will use platinum or maybe 18 wg, none use 14k, it's too brittle and can break. again, you will get what you pay for

Ditto. Highly recommend platinum. And honestly, she can't say this, but I can. If you like MsSalvo's ring... you can buy it, and that would be the BEST ring you can buy, IMO. She's decided she wants a plain solitaire and so she's selling her ring. It's a great ring, VERY high end designer amazing (and I have seen a lot of pave) pave work, the ring will blow you away: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/rings/128PO1/32/ Plus, it's a 1.6 that faces like the 2 carat you are considering. And I guarantee that setting will blow the top off anything your CAD place can make.

If that doesn't work for you, and we're back to CAD and pave. Make sure you get a good pave guarantee. If a stone falls out, they fix it free, no quibbling. And get it in writing. And also make sure that their manufacturer's defect warrranty is rock solid. Casting is great, but can have some problems. Any cast engagement ring should be, IMO, appraised for air bubbles and other casting defects as soon as possible and if the ring has these issues, it needs to be remade, or a full refund should be given.

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

well, you can polish the platinum without loosing any metal and if you do a 90/10 mix folks have had much success with it staying shiny.

Did you read the links I posted? Platinum and 18k are softer but platinum is more dense and it much better to use for a pave ring. There are tons of discussion on handmade vs. cast or a combo of the two, which can also make a difference in how well the pave holds up. There is a chance you can lose a stone no matter what metal the ring is made in but all the high end pave designers and guys who are considered masters with skill will use platinum or maybe 18 wg, none use 14k, it's too brittle and can break. again, you will get what you pay for

ya i read all the links, thanks... advantages disdvantages of both... interesting, so 14k is actually more prone to breaking because its harder rather than platinum or 18k loosening and losing a stone because they are softer...

what would the estimated price difference be between 14k and platinum on the cad i posted in your opinion?

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

what would the estimated price difference be between 14k and platinum on the cad i posted in your opinion?

I'd guess anywhere from 1K- to $1500 more, but that is really just a guess. I have no idea how your jeweler sets their pricing. You can always just ask for a quote in both metals and then you'd have solid info to work with. Please do see examples of their work before committing to a custom piece and take Gypsy's advice of getting a replacement policy and refund policy in place. I'd also suggest going to a jewelry store that carries some higher end designer rings so you can learn what excellent quality pave looks like and make an educated assessment. Gypsy and I have spent years on this forum studying pave and ring settings but it helps to see them in person to really understand and appreciate the difference.

 

[vmajo1]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

If u can see the inclusion with the naked eye its probably not a SI1. try to stick with a gia or igl certs. egl is the worst, what ever they say expect one grade less. my personal opinion is to get a GCAL cert. that is for light refraction. if the cut is good u will have beautiful light dispersement (which is what makes one diamond out shine another) then as long as u like how it looks with ur naked eye u will always be happy. good luck.

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

When is the diamond / certificate due back from AGS?

Monday

Just curious if the diamond made it back and what AGS said?

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

When is the diamond / certificate due back from AGS?

Monday

Just curious if the diamond made it back and what AGS said?

Still not back yet, should be in tomorrow though... I will post results....

in the mean time I was browsing similar James Allen Cushions, and they are all equally crappy in their "face up" or their "spread".... and these are all "GIA"

take a look for yourself... not sure what people were talking about when they act like there are tons of readily available cushions with perfect dimensions...

here are a few of many examples:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1284361.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1463056.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1463270.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1424491.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1424472.asp

And this is just the first 5 in a row I looked at... 5 for 5 on clicking 2.00-2.02 stones that have near equal or worse dimensions...

maybe they are easy to find in round that face up good, but not cushions...

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Yep, tons of crappy cushions out there which is why we recommend working with a vendor who knows what they are doing! I don't think anyone said finding a great spready one would be easy. It's a needle in a haystack really, and as already noted what you are wanting to accomplish i.e 2 carats, big spread etc. makes it all the more difficult if not impossible unless you up your budget. James Allen is a good vendor but not one we usually direct people to for cushions so I wouldn't use their selection as your guide

 

[marygrace]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

maybe they are easy to find in round that face up good, but not cushions...

You are correct. These are cut, well, I don't like them either. The cushions recommended here come from 2 places: ERD and GOG.

links

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/a-cut-beyond-antique-cushion-diamonds/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondResults.php?shape=16&ctMin=0.20&ctMax=10&clarity=1023&color=65535&optSym=128&inHouse=1&resultsColumns=268435551

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Just a note...18k white gold is not necessarily softer than 14k white gold. It can be harder. Fine jewelry is almost always made in 18k wg or platinum.

 

[CushionRock2012]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Just a note...18k white gold is not necessarily softer than 14k white gold. It can be harder. Fine jewelry is almost always made in 18k wg or platinum.

but mainly just for value reasons or for functional reasons?

also, here is a 32K GOG cushion that also faces up smaller and has much more depth to it but still gets an "AGS Ideal" cut?

Guess you can be realllllly deep and still be ideal? interesting

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8157/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Just a note...18k white gold is not necessarily softer than 14k white gold. It can be harder. Fine jewelry is almost always made in 18k wg or platinum.

but mainly just for value reasons or for functional reasons?

also, here is a 32K GOG cushion that also faces up smaller and has much more depth to it but still gets an "AGS Ideal" cut?

Guess you can be realllllly deep and still be ideal? interesting

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8157/

Those are the only cushions that AGS is grading ideal for light performance. They are newly cut antique cushions. Those would be my choice if I were buying a cushion because they are beautifully cut. You are looking at a totally different kind of cushion. It's like comparing apples and oranges.

I think 18k white gold and platinum are used for functional as well as the value for the precious metals. 18k white gold can be more durable than 14k, and platinum is only displaced when scratched. The item can be polished and restored to almost new condition. When gold is polished, it loses metal. Gold usually doesn't have to be polished, but metal is lost over time with wear as it rubs against various surfaces. That is why platinum is often considered best for fine jewelry that will be worn often.

I'd actually buy this one if I was looking for a modern cushion with a pave setting. It is probably half what that designer ring would go for today:

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/rings/128PO1/32/