2 Cushions from OWD - what do you think?

[valmanin]

So, as my tastes continue to evolve and I hone in on what I want for my forever stone, I am looking at some 3+ carat cushions that I would like to halo. I have always loved cushions and originally thought I wanted one then I fell in love with OECs...blah blah blah. I have become pretty confident in analyzing OECs from pictures but cushions still throw me and then with OWDs terrible photos...hard to tell if they are worth looking at or not.

I would love to know if either of these stands out as having promise. I would like to follow in the grand tradition of our amazing antique cushion/OMC owners Sarahbear, Just Ginger, Haven, Meg and many more...

Could one of these be a special stone or should I keep looking?

Both 3+ carat cushions, both between 8.8-9 mm, both EGL L, VS...

Cushion #1



Cushion #2



Cushion #1, Cushion #2, (ignore the OEC on the right)

 

[arkieb1]

Does it bother you that they are going to face up smaller than your existing OEC? Cushions also generally show up more of that body colour I was talking about too....

 

[chrono]

Does it bother you that they are going to face up smaller than your existing OEC? Cushions also generally show up more of that body colour I was talking about too....

Agreed. Otherwise, I prefer cushion 2 for the chunkier faceting and larger culet.

 

[SB621]

Can you ask OWD for a video? I find that to me so much more helpful then pictures.

 

[stargurl78]

I am not an expert but my eyes prefer the first cushion.

 

[valmanin]

Does it bother you that they are going to face up smaller than your existing OEC? Cushions also generally show up more of that body colour I was talking about too....

Since I am planning to put it in a halo I think I am okay with the face-up size. The body color I think I would just have to see in person.

 

[valmanin]

Can you ask OWD for a video? I find that to me so much more helpful then pictures.

I can ask him for a video. I haven't found them to be very useful though.

 

[msop04]

I prefer the second cushion to the first because of the culet and overall shape. Any chance you might get a video of them?

 

[arkieb1]

Does it bother you that they are going to face up smaller than your existing OEC? Cushions also generally show up more of that body colour I was talking about too....

Since I am planning to put it in a halo I think I am okay with the face-up size. The body color I think I would just have to see in person.

Yes do take it stone by stone. I have founds ones with a slightly pale brownish body hue or undertone seem to mask or hide colour better than ones with a really yellow undertone. I am with you on the videos, he can probably make both stones look great in a video so that possibly won't be helpful. Pick the one you like the best and get it, compare it to the OEC you currently have if you still have it so you can see if it actually outperforms it optically as well.

 

[SB621]

I think the video does help with seeing how it will perform as well as give a worst case scenario indicator with coloring.

FWIW- I prefer #2 due to faceting but if you are color sensative I would try to see both in person.

 

[arkieb1]

I think the video does help with seeing how it will perform as well as give a worst case scenario indicator with coloring.

FWIW- I prefer #2 due to faceting but if you are color sensative I would try to see both in person.

Yes a video of both stones together side by side would be helpful for that.

 

[justginger]

I try to preface my posting with: this is just MY opinion.

I don't love either. The first one has an odd outline in the group shot, like one corner is more 'squared' than the others. That could just be the angle though. I don't love the tiny culet - I like those in trannies, but I want to be able to clearly see the culet in antique cushions. It almost looks too 'busy' to me, like the faceting is not broad enough for the stone size.

The second I find the culet a hair too big (I know, picky!), and I don't like the faceting under the table. It looks very OMC to me. I don't know how else to describe it, almost like it might have a Maltese cross effect? There are far more knowledgeable people here who could probably define exactly what it is that I'm trying to say, but basically - it looks TOO old for my tastes.

A video certainly wouldn't hurt things - though I found Adam's video to show MORE body color than my stone did IRL. It did give me a very good indication of the facet patterning and light performance though. Perhaps one of these two will have a chance to shine in a video format.

 

[valmanin]

I try to preface my posting with: this is just MY opinion.

I don't love either. The first one has an odd outline in the group shot, like one corner is more 'squared' than the others. That could just be the angle though. I don't love the tiny culet - I like those in trannies, but I want to be able to clearly see the culet in antique cushions. It almost looks too 'busy' to me, like the faceting is not broad enough for the stone size.

The second I find the culet a hair too big (I know, picky!), and I don't like the faceting under the table. It looks very OMC to me. I don't know how else to describe it, almost like it might have a Maltese cross effect? There are far more knowledgeable people here who could probably define exactly what it is that I'm trying to say, but basically - it looks TOO old for my tastes.

A video certainly wouldn't hurt things - though I found Adam's video to show MORE body color than my stone did IRL. It did give me a very good indication of the facet patterning and light performance though. Perhaps one of these two will have a chance to shine in a video format.

justginger, I really appreciate your candidness.

I agree about the first one...it hasn't really impressed me. The second one does look OMCish. I haven't decided if that would bother me or not.

I just asked Adam to shoot a video so I should have that shortly. Thanks for your response!

 

[valmanin]

I try to preface my posting with: this is just MY opinion.

I don't love either. The first one has an odd outline in the group shot, like one corner is more 'squared' than the others. That could just be the angle though. I don't love the tiny culet - I like those in trannies, but I want to be able to clearly see the culet in antique cushions. It almost looks too 'busy' to me, like the faceting is not broad enough for the stone size.

The second I find the culet a hair too big (I know, picky!), and I don't like the faceting under the table. It looks very OMC to me. I don't know how else to describe it, almost like it might have a Maltese cross effect? There are far more knowledgeable people here who could probably define exactly what it is that I'm trying to say, but basically - it looks TOO old for my tastes.

A video certainly wouldn't hurt things - though I found Adam's video to show MORE body color than my stone did IRL. It did give me a very good indication of the facet patterning and light performance though. Perhaps one of these two will have a chance to shine in a video format.

justginger, I really appreciate your candidness.

I agree about the first one...it hasn't really impressed me. The second one does look OMCish. I haven't decided if that would bother me or not.

I just asked Adam to shoot a video so I should have that shortly. Thanks for your response!

 

[yennyfire]

I'm with JG on this one. Neither really does much for me. Does he have any other candidates?

 

[valmanin]

I'm with JG on this one. Neither really does much for me. Does he have any other candidates?

Hi yennyfire! Unfortunately not. He says he gets stones in every day but in months these and the one I have are the only options with my specs. I am just not feeling very patient. Plus I can't really look at other vendors bc of the trade in.

 

[SB621]

Do you see the 4ct pillowy OEC jbeg just got in? Perhaps they would do a trade in. It never hurts to ask....

 

[justginger]

Try not to get anxious and rush such a large purchase. I am the queen of diving into buying, but only if I feel that immense tug towards a stone. I don't think you're feeling that, are you? How spewing would you be to discover a stone that makes your heart race a mere month after you 'settle' on one of these? To me, your current OEC is a more attractive stone than these two cushions. Try to wait for the right one (easier said than done, lol).

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think both of those stones represent a major downgrade from your current stone. Set your OEC in a cushiony halo.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Do you see the 4ct pillowy OEC jbeg just got in? Perhaps they would do a trade in. It never hurts to ask....

Now THAT diamond is a looker and a killer price. I want it! haha

 

[arkieb1]

Do you see the 4ct pillowy OEC jbeg just got in? Perhaps they would do a trade in. It never hurts to ask....

Now THAT diamond is a looker and a killer price. I want it! haha

Yep I wrote that in a different post hours before this one!!!! Killer stone fab price. And I am glad dreamer has said this because the subtle point I was making about getting the best of these stones and comparing it to your existing OEC is seeing with your own eyes there is no contest. Both diamonds are going to face smaller, have more colour and be worse cut than your existing stone.

 

[valmanin]

Do you see the 4ct pillowy OEC jbeg just got in? Perhaps they would do a trade in. It never hurts to ask....

Now THAT diamond is a looker and a killer price. I want it! haha

Yep I wrote that in a different post hours before this one!!!! Killer stone fab price. And I am glad dreamer has said this because the subtle point I was making about getting the best of these stones and comparing it to your existing OEC is seeing with your own eyes there is no contest. Both diamonds are going to face smaller, have more colour and be worse cut than your existing stone.

Yes...I know...I know...

I certainly wasn't falling in love from the pictures. I'm just getting antsy. It happens every so often (okay every other week or so) when I just decide I want my forever stone NOW!!!

Thank you all for your honesty and help keeping me on the straight and narrow!

 

[valmanin]

I think both of those stones represent a major downgrade from your current stone. Set your OEC in a cushiony halo.

I have thought about that, but decided against it since I don't want to poor any more money into a stone I don't plan to keep. It looks like this is going to take some time though so I may consider that in the future.

 

[valmanin]

Do you see the 4ct pillowy OEC jbeg just got in? Perhaps they would do a trade in. It never hurts to ask....

I did see it. I emailed Grace about it after seeing in on their FB page. The price is just too steep for me presently. Bummer because it does check all my boxes. The only one I was concerned about is if the faceting was crisp, but I didn't pursue it anymore once I got the price.

 

[arkieb1]

I am sorry, I don't mean to cause you more stress!!!! Perhaps you should hang on to your OEC and put it into a white metal diamond halo. Better finger coverage the melee will give it more bling, like your first suggestion, and then hang out until you find something else. It can be an incredibly frustrating wait, I know what that part of it is like!

 

[valmanin]

I am sorry, I don't mean to cause you more stress!!!! Perhaps you should hang on to your OEC and put it into a white metal diamond halo. Better finger coverage the melee will give it more bling, like your first suggestion, and then hang out until you find something else. It can be an incredibly frustrating wait, I know what that part of it is like!

You weren't causing me stress! No worries at all! I appreciate all your insight and opinions!

The thing that is causing me stress is feeling like I have a 3+ carat stone that I am not in love with, kwim? So, I put myself in a position where I have to wait for Adam to find me something else. That could take a while. I have to dig deep and find some patience.

 

[AnnaH]

Val, you are exactly right. There's no hurry. You will find the right one given time, and with the trade-in option, there's no reason to take a monetary hit. Meanwhile, enjoy your amazing temporary ring, and enjoy your hunt for your perfect ring. If you aren't in too big of a hurry, I think you will have fun. That gorgeous ring on your finger has taught you a lot about what you want next.

 

[misskittycat]

The facet pattern of the first one appeals to me more but I agree with the others - they symmetry seems a little off. And I like a bigger culet too. Neither of them are a patch on your current stone.

 

[valmanin]

I don't have videos for the first two because I don't think I am interested. But, I saw this one and think it looks good in the video. Thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpwV8DPcBiw

 

[delight]

Looks good.