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2 carat cushion cut help!

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flaman

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
21
Hi.. I am deciding between a few cushion cuts...
I want go go 2+ carats.. H and SI1 are my limits.... ideally I want square, but am flexible for a good stone, as you can see from my choices below

#1- From a local jeweler. crushed ice appearance
2.01 ct G- SI1, GIA cert. 7.35x6.82. 66% table, 67% depth, faint florescence, girdle thick to very, thick.. has a crushed ice appearance. cost $15800
pros- I saw it and it looked nice
cons- concerned about smallish face up size, wonder if it was cut for weight, with the thick girdle. also forgot what it looks like!

#2-Jamesallen H vs2
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-181615 $17740
pros- square, larger face up, larger stone
cons- not sure if the black color I see when it rotates will be a negative.

#3 G-Vs2 2.01 ct
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-208110 $17760
pros- beautiful stone
cons- slightly suboptimal dimensions (1.07 ht/width).. not sure if it matters, most expensive

#4- 2.14 ct H si1
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.14-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-203096 $16370
pros- like the crushed ice appearance, think it looks like a good stone
cons- wasn't initially looking for a rectangle, girdle is a little thick

i may get ASETs on the Jamesallen stones..

thanks!
also, considering this setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-2.0mm-art-nouveau-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9023
are the holes on the inside weird?
 
#2, usually the darkness is not a problem. what is really the question is how bright and lively the center is.
#3 my fave of your JA picks.
#4 least fave
 
I personally like the cut on the 4th one...I think you need to decide which facet pattern you like the best. Getting asets on all would be a good idea. You need to keep in mind though, that if you're anything like me (loving glittering, smaller facets also known as "crushed ice"), the aset will not look as good as ones with bigger facets that you've chosen. I would pick the one that glitters the most with the "crushed ice" faceting, but that's just me. It's also the least expensive of all of them.
 
Other than diamond #2, I really wouldn't consider the other diamonds square. I am sorry to say but none of these diamonds look appealing to me. I am also concerned about #3 not being eye clean - most VS2 are but not all and I think that black inclusion on the table is pretty distracting. For diamond #4, that's a heck of a lot of feathers which are essentially internal cracks and my least favorite inclusions - I can usually see them reflect and it would bother the heck out of me.

I doubt this one is eye clean but it is a lot nicer:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-203924
 
I would jump on it and just buy this one. GIA cert looks good and very reasonably priced. Setting is nice. It would be good to see better photos and confirm that it is eye clean but I am pretty sure this diamond is better than the options you looked at.
http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=6127498700&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Designed-2-3CT-Vintage-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-18KT-White-Gold-/251255697645?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3a8001b0ed
 
thanks for the input!

these new ones jumped out at me this AM
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-201635

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-207689
$12890, so makes me think there has to be something off, but maybe not?
EDIT- strong florescence. does that matter on a H color?

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.95-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-201449
not square though

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-201065
more $


i uploaded the reference diagram for the one I was shown. It was priced less than this new ones I added and a bit larger. too bad I don't have images of it to show.

Definitely have learned a lot from the replies so far.. definitely have concerns about the 1st JA stone I put up there. Now sure about rectangle shape..

Question- when I see light from the diamond on the paper below, is that good (emits light), bad (leaks light), or neither

I so apppreciate everyone's help!
 
CharmyPoo|1365337529|3421875 said:
I would jump on it and just buy this one. GIA cert looks good and very reasonably priced. Setting is nice. It would be good to see better photos and confirm that it is eye clean but I am pretty sure this diamond is better than the options you looked at.
http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=6127498700&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Designed-2-3CT-Vintage-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-18KT-White-Gold-/251255697645?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3a8001b0ed
Click to expand...


the JA is nicer. obviously there is an inclusion on the face, as you pointed out..

What about the ebay stone jumped out at you? I thought ideally one should steer clear of J color, if you have the option. If it is $10000 that is a low price, obviously
 
This is the nicest JA stone out of all the ones you posted.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-207689

I posted a thread about cushion diamonds that may help you in your search:
[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]

In terms of the ebay diamond, I like the dimensions and from the photos shown it appears to be a bright stone. If you are considering it, I would suggest asking for more face up photos of the diamond and confirming that it is eye clean. The price is great especially with that setting. It comes with a GIA certificate which makes buying safer. There is nothing wrong with a J diamond but it is personal preference. Is J going to be too yellow for you? For many, it is ok and for others it is too warm. You should go to a store to look at GIA J stones and see if they are too yellow for you.
 
CharmyPoo|1365340530|3421893 said:
This is the nicest JA stone out of all the ones you posted.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-207689

I posted a thread about cushion diamonds that may help you in your search:
[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]
Click to expand...

thanks for your help. . I looked again at the jamesallen stone you found for me.. It is a great cut. I wish that inclusion wasn't in the middle, I love the facet pattern.

I think you really helped me narrow it down to:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-203924
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-207689
there is a $5000 difference between them, which is huge. Is the strong florescence in a H color a problem? I've read in I and above, it makes it appear "whiter", not sure about H color.

EDIT-may be worth dowgrading ct weight..Almost an 8 main pattern! (your 101 was great)
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074
 
Last option you posted is lovely and an interesting cut.

If you like the one I posted, it means you like the old style cut. Let me find a few more options for you if you like old cuts - pricing is better sometimes.
 
CharmyPoo|1365343546|3421928 said:
Last option you posted is lovely and an interesting cut.

.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think I am honing in on that one.. the price is more, but I love the cut. Initially I wanted 1.75+ carats, but I'm learning that shouldnt be an absolute, and I think (hope) the dimensions are quite good

Like old style cut too.. I called JA.. the agreed with you that the inclusion is in a really bad spot, so it wouldnt be eye clean

My final 3 reserved through JA
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074
pros- everything. con-price (not an impediment)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-207689
pros- price
cons- florescence
I would strongly consider this one. I guess I have to decide if the other stone is worth $5000 more (financially not an issue, but saving $5000 is pretty substantial, nonetheless)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-181615
but if I was going to spend the $$ for this one, would pick the first option, hands down

Awaiting the gemologist, and requested ASETs. Unless something drastically changes, I think i found my stone!
thanks for your help
 
Seriously? I find the third diamond you posted really unappealing. I wouldn't even consider it.
 
that rectangle one is beautiful! At some point I have to set a price limit, though as there is always a nicer stone. but the rectangle may be on the list. The ebay stone is nice too, but maybe I'll call that out of my range.

The 3rd one I listed I didn't love (mostly from your advice), but JA convinced me to keep it aside for the gemologist to look at . But may have to swap the rectangle for it
 
I agree .. You have to set a budget and stick with it but don't settle for a diamond you don't love. You are dropping a huge amount of money and need to get something great. Beyond ja, many people use engagement rings direct. I would also recommend contacting old world diamonds who have access to many beautiful cushions. You give them the parameters you are looking for and they will come back with options.

if you are brave enough to try eBay, they will negotiate.
 
I recommend reaching out to Chris at Engagement Rings Direct. I just bought a 2 carat cushion from him in your price range and he was amazing to work with. I just got the ring 3 days ago and I am absolutely in love with it. You can look at one of my posts to see the diamond he found for me. I was going between JA and ERD and I felt more comfortable with ERD. Chris' knowledge of cushions blew the people I dealt with at JA away. Chris felt very genuine and trustworthy. I always second guess every purchase I make, but I can honestly say this has the been the first time I have not had buyer's remorse.
 
Thanks.. Will definitely check out ERD. Your stone looks beautiful! I don't love JA settings and people apparently have had some problems with them.

Not sure if I'm adventurous for eBay and for me it's bad superstition to have someone's ring, unless it was from a long marriage

Very curious to see the Aset images for the JA stones picked out
ESp the 1.69 ct stone I like..
 
I think the ASET will be nice but I have seen that cut before and it comes with a higher price premium. I would really suggest trying out ERD. I like them a lot and found them patient and focused on education. I am not stuck on any vendor but have sent many friends to NYC to try out different vendors - 100% of the time they end up choosing ERD because they felt comfortable with them and that their service was better and less sales like. I am also pleased with their setting work.
 
The stones from JA that have all that gray mush in the middle/under the table ....that will be leakage and those stones are not good. It will be white in the ASET and wouldn't bother getting ASETs on those stones.

I liked this one posted above:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-203924

You can't go wrong with this nice large AVC from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8913/

Also try Victor Canera and Leon Mege (micropave.com)...+ engagementringsdirect.com

All of these have nice cushion cut stones.
 
ariel144|1365391421|3422387 said:
The stones from JA that have all that gray mush in the middle/under the table ....that will be leakage and those stones are not good. It will be white in the ASET and wouldn't bother getting ASETs on those stones.

I liked this one posted above:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-203924

You can't go wrong with this nice large AVC from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8913/

Also try Victor Canera and Leon Mege (micropave.com)...+ engagementringsdirect.com

All of these have nice cushion cut stones.
Click to expand...

thanks,
the JA one you posted, some thought would have issues with the inclusion in the center..but it looks nice
Going to talk to EGD today.
My price range is 20 (including setting) so while that goodoldgold stone is great, likely out of my range. I think I need to set a limit somewhere...
 
Do you know what type of setting do you want yet?
 
CharmyPoo|1365433929|3422598 said:
Do you know what type of setting do you want yet?
Click to expand...

She wants a Pave style.

If I pick the JA stone, I may go with this
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/side-stones/18k-white-gold-0.54ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9018

I read your 101 and you have good info, but am also a little lost on how to have it set locallly or through a different jeweler. Don't love the JA setting (the holes on the inside are dumb)

The local jeweler I went to (who was pretty much an idiot) was gong to have a setting hand made for me, in the style of Tiffany Novo.. so I could always bring the stone to him. But really, he wanted me to pick stones with no cut pattern of significance, I color (not because it is charming but because he said it looks the same as G), SI2, etc....
______

I called ERD.. they dont have exactly what i am looking for, but have some interesting cuts (including an 8 main and x-factor).. Chris was very helpful and will email me some options.. would be great to be able to head over to NYC to look, just not sure when I can do that

Old World Diamonds are beautiful, but I am not sure if my fiancee to be wants that so it would be a risk (as in J and above, inclusions etc). I like them a lot and if I knew she wasnt particular, I would consider them

Love the good old gold link from above but it was too pricey for me
______
I really and truly appreciate everyone's input and interest and help!!! People should have paypal links for thanks, or a charity to donate to as thanks or something
 
If you want pave please consider Leon Mege. He is a master.
 
Thanks for everyone'e help..
Spoke with Chris at ERD.. may be honing in on this one
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.79-carat-h-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-120915.html
thoughts?

still awaiting the ASETs on the JA stones.. but harder to justify this one, which costs $3000 more
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%3D187809&v=1&libid=1365523756724&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jamesallen.com%2F%23!%2Floose-diamonds%2Fcushion-cut%2F1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pricescope.com%2Fforum%2Frockytalky%2F2-carat-cushion-cut-help-t187809.html&title=Post%20a%20reply&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jamesallen.com%2F%23!%2Floose-diamonds%2Fcushion-cut%2F1.69-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-54074&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13655238562892


the 8 main they have is smaller, closer to 1.5 ct (probably the one you saw, CharmyPoo)

If I go with ERD, not bound to the Tiffany Novo style setting. She has small fingers, andI know she can't stack rings easily (she bought a few thin J crew rings to wear together, but has to wear them separatley).. so will need a small band

As for size, I gotta figure that one out.. I know she has a size 5 ring that was 2 big that she had resized to a 4 1/4. But that s not slightly tight on her... so maybe I'd go 4 1/2 or 4 3/4. Problem is I don't want to be too obvious about things!



this looks interesting, but I am not sure if she wants a halo
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/ada-a-classic-micropave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-79-15.html
 
That ERD diamond is way better than the other options.
 
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