2.3-2.6c Cushion cut e-ring

[sparkly5]

Thanks again for all the helpful posts and information gained from lurking.
Going to go with a Modern Cushion Cut with Novo style setting.

So I finally got some analysis on one of the diamonds that had potential. More pending and will update thread when I get them!

Choice 1)
2.53c H VVS1 Ex/VG Table 66%; Depth 68.2%
http://goo.gl/4qd7P
ASET and photograph in the link

I've seen some folks hate on the large tables/depths. How does this one look?

 

[Sheherizaad]

Hi there. I have a 2.34 VS2 cushion that is like super super clean (can barely see anything with a 10x loupe let alone anything with your eyes). Are you sure you want to pay for the premium on the VVS1? I'm thinking you could prob go into the colorless range instead of going so high in the clarity. Or perhaps stay with the G but get a bigger stone....?

 

[sparkly5]

You make an excellent point, but I'm noticing that there aren't a lot of options around 2.5ct for a great cushion cut. If I could find a G VS2, that would be ideal - H VS2 search has opened up some options.

Any comments on the ASET? There's something black in the center, and reflected white in the corners of the crown - is that light leakage? I thought the 10x looked ok, but the ASET seems off.

Still waiting on more options to come in!

 

[slg47]

since you are interested in a novo-like cushion I would look for an 8-main cushion. I am not super crazy about this one, I think you can find one with a better ASET.

 

[sparkly5]

Hmm, I thought the Novo was primarily a modern cut. Are you suggesting an antique by saying "8 main"?

 

[slg47]

Hmm, I thought the Novo was primarily a modern cut. Are you suggesting an antique by saying "8 main"?

no, the number of mains has nothing to do with modern vs. antique. you are correct, the Novo is a modern cut.

Charmypoo has a beautiful modern 8-main cushion
ETA pic

 

[sparkly5]

I guess I didn't quite understand the difference between 8 main and 4 main cushion cuts.

Are these diamonds that I'm having evaluated all 4 main cushions?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1372952.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1372951.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1373839.asp

And is this an 8 main?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1353716.asp

Thanks slg for all of your help thus far!!

 

[iota15]

All the stones from JA (I hope I've opened them all correctly) are four-main modified cuts.

There's an article written by ChunkyCushionLover a while ago on the naming of cushion cuts. Personally, I've never given much attention to the number of mains/naming of cuts.

Regardless of what they are called, find one that pleases your eyes. There are beautiful 8-mains and there are crappy 8-mains. The same works for four mains, and modified cuts.

 

[sparkly5]

Thank you for the clarification! I had watched some of the videos in the CCL guide, but hadn't really understood some of the differences. I guess most of the photos I'm seeing are the watery crushed ice in the 4 main modern cuts.

Ugh, I feel like I'm never going to find the right diamond!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I put this together a few years ago but too lazy to replace with better example photos. Sorry - I never liked 4 mains or modified cushions and didn't include them. My first cushion was a 4 main but I switched it as soon as I saw a 8 main modern in person - they just couldn't compare.

These are the most common cushion brilliant plots:


Here are examples of the 8 main plots and photo examples:

 

[CharmyPoo]

CCL's Aritcle on Cushion Naming Conventions:
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/new_gia_and_agsl_naming_conventions_cushion_cut_diamonds

CCL's Cushion Guide:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/where-is-ccl-s-great-cushion-guideline-thread-t147633.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/where-is-ccl-s-great-cushion-guideline-thread-t147633.html[/URL]

 

[sparkly5]

Just before my NY trip, I got some aset images back from JA - 24hr hold and no more requests (3 max?). At the same time, I've been in touch with ERD who says they have some amazing cushions... Any of these worth pulling the trigger?

Maybe it's just me, but the one they say looks the best seems to have moderate light leakage from the upper corners? It's also since it's on the smaller side I was hoping to be blown away by the performance...

Thanks sooo much in advance! I'm leaning on waiting to see what ERD has, but don't want to miss a great deal!!

2.31 H VVS2
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1372952.asp
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9964/1372952aset.jpg
"completely eye clean and has a nice H color performance. This diamond is square in shape and has nice light performance."

2.56 H VS2
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1372951.asp
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/9410/1372951aset.jpg
"fairly square in shape, has a nice outline, and has nice light performance. This diamond is eye clean, though the feather may be seen reflecting within the diamond with magnification."

2.51 H VS1
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1373839.asp
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3760/1373839aset.jpg
"larger faceting and is rectangular in shape but is not recommended due to its center being dark."

 

[slg47]

I would wait to see what ERD shows you, I am not impressed by any of these.

 

[sparkly5]

Thanks! Will do and will let you know what pops up.

@Charmypoo - thanks so much for the tutorial and correlation between the cushion brilliants to how they look in photograph. It has really cleared up my understanding!

It's a shame that it seems like a lot of the cushions out there are the modified brilliant! Hopefully I get lucky at ERD!

 

[slg47]

yeah, finding a good cushion is hard. most of them are... but there are some gorgeous ones out there!

 

[sparkly5]

Hmm I thought I wanted an 8main, unmodified, but this diamond looks nice. Is part of me being fooled by the lighting in the photgraphs?

Also a little concerned about the I color.

BGD:
AGS 2.60- I VS1, modified brilliant





Going to NY to see these in person
GIA 2.50 G-VS2, unmodified
Hmm, can you only upload 2 at a time?

 

[sparkly5]

Try#2
GIA 2.50 G-VS2
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7156/250ctgvs2.png

GIA 2.57 H-VS1
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/8251/257cthvs1.png

These are supposed to be regular cushion brilliants (unmodified). Are these more like the Novo?

edit: I guess the file sizes are too big to attach...

 

[slg47]

do you have an ASET for the BGD?

the other ones look promising from the pics but the Novo is square...

 

[sparkly5]

As an aside, is the modified (BGD) 4 main and the other 2 unmodified 8 main cuts?

requesting ASET.

 

[slg47]

I am not sure, I would need to look at the plot

also here are the pics. both of these look promising!

 

[sparkly5]

So got back from my trip to ERD and have some big questions! Hope you guys can help because I want to seal the deal

She's ok with antique cuts (I think), but I think I'm going to have to stay at G and square ratio.

There are 3 antique cuts that I was debating between, but each of them have something that doesnt quite make it perfect.
Something is wrong with their ASET images too...

1) 2.52 G SI1 - appears eye clean, but don't think she's ok with it
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2029/252ctgsi1.png






2) 2.40 G VS2
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3460/240ctgvs2.png





Both, with a third that was too expensive (2.53 G VS2)
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/240ct253ct252ct.png/

 

[sparkly5]

Questions:
I hadn't done much research on the Old Mine Brilliant (having been focused on an 8 main modern). Other than a slightly smaller table, is it pretty indistinguishable with an antique cushion cut?

The 2.40 G VS2 seems nice (a little smaller). Im just not sure about the OMB designation...?? Is the culet supposed to be dark? Seems weird having a 'hole' in your diamond?

The 2.52 G SI1, although 'eye clean' at 6" I don't think settles with me.

Should I hold out for a better 8main cushion brilliant? Restart the search looking for more antiques? Go with the 2.40 G VS2?

Thanks!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I vastly prefer the antique cushions but you need to be sure she does because it is a very different look that a modern cushion! I adore that last one and hope it is on the left in the photo link!

 

[nfowife]

The larger visible culet is a feature of antique cushions. It is part of the look and yes it is visible. I also like the one on the left in the photos.

 

[slg47]

I like those but if you are trying to recreate the novo look then I would not go with an antique cushion! maybe try asking about a square modern cushion from ERD? or a higher color from BGD?

 

[sparkly5]

I like those but if you are trying to recreate the novo look then I would not go with an antique cushion! maybe try asking about a square modern cushion from ERD? or a higher color from BGD?

I would have loved to slg, but finding a 8main modern cut that looks great is nigh impossible! Im losing hope and got the ok for antique cuts. If anything else turns up I may reconsider but for now the 2.40 G VS2 might be a go!

 

[slg47]

I like those but if you are trying to recreate the novo look then I would not go with an antique cushion! maybe try asking about a square modern cushion from ERD? or a higher color from BGD?

I would have loved to slg, but finding a 8main modern cut that looks great is nigh impossible! Im losing hope and got the ok for antique cuts. If anything else turns up I may reconsider but for now the 2.40 G VS2 might be a go!

OK, well as long as that's what she wants, it sounds good!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I really like the 2.4 G VS2!

 

[nkarma]

I really like the 2.40 G as well.

Another antique cut for you to consider http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8190/