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20th Anniversary Project...Suggestions/Opinions Needed!

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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Hello PSers! After a few years of looking at the Show Me The Bling forum, I finally get to start my own project! :clap:

I found a three-stone ring that is--in my opinion--perfect for me, but it was made across the Atlantic by Emma Anne Jewellery Design and Manufacture located in South Africa. So, it's not feasible for me to work with her in case there are issues and apparently shipping could be problematic as well. Anyhow, here is the ring by the talented Emma Anne:





Specifications are:
18k Rose Gold Band with 18k White Gold Mount
1ct cushion center, I color (not sure of clarity, etc.)
.50ct each round brilliant side stone, I color (not sure of clarity, etc.)

I've saved a few center stones that fancy me on the James Allen website, so I'm pretty sure that I'll buy from them since I can see what I'm getting without driving from jeweler to jeweler. I've sent pics of the ring to Brian Gavin Diamonds in hopes that their Classic Three Stone (modified with double center prongs) can fit the bill: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/classic-three-stone-18k-rose-gold-5377r18?desktop

My plan is to send the James Allen cushion center to BGD (or whoever the best jeweler for the project is) and then have them match up a pair of their own round side stones and mount all the diamonds on the ring. I'm definitely open to (and hope you'll offer) opinions and suggestions for this newbie!

Thank you for reading!

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diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I think that sounds like a good plan! I think BG will have to customize that setting for the cushion center, but it should be possible.

What is your budget for the center stone? Do you want it more square or rectangular? I am not seeing but a few good ones on the JA site.
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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@diamondseeker2006: My budget for the center stone is less than 6k, and I want the ratio to be around 1.10-1.15 because I like the slightly elongated look. I only have three diamonds saved to my James Allen wish list, but I'd be happy to get an SI1 clarity stone if the inclusions are hidden by a prong, but it seems the inclusions are usually smack-dab in the middle of the table! Of course, I want the biggest eye-clean diamond I can get for the price and I color definitely helps me get that, I think!
 

JDDN

Ideal_Rock
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Wow, that is a gorgeous ring!!

For your cushion center, have you looked at Brilliantly Engaged and Good Old Gold?

FWIW, I think some BGD Signature side stones in their classic 3 stone in rose gold would be absolutely stunning! You must come back and post photos when your project is finished!! :appl: :naughty:

P.S. I think a slightly elongated cushion will be great with the round sides so that you can differentiate that the center stone is a cushion. You'll see a different silhouette or outline of the center stone against the round sides.
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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@JDDN: I haven't tried those two but am on my way to their sites as soon as I hit the Submit button!

Thanks so much; I think I'm equally as excited to post pics as I am to wear the new set! :)
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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What color stones?
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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@Gypsy: 'I' color in all three...I wouldn't turn down 'H' if I could get it eye clean at less than $6k and 1.40+ carats! :pray:
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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OK. will look for you.

Do you have the BGD rounds picked out yet?
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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Thanks, Gypsy! My plan is to just send my center stone to BGD and then let Brian and his team pick a pair of matched rounds to go with it. Their expertise will be critical in getting me a full set that are nicely matched!

PS: How do I tag other users in my posts? I can't figure it out!
 

Gypsy

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Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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Thank you! Those are so beautiful! I really like the trade-up option with JA, too. The only difficult part is knowing how a a 1ct center will look on my finger (I wear a 4.5)....I think I might try a few on locally before I make a decision. ;-)
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Make sure you compare measurements with cushions not weight.

And you can do a paper cut out for the diamond size and tape it to your finger. We've all done it before.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Yes, the disadvantage of cushions is that they can be deep and face up small for their weight. A well cut 1 ct round will be about 6.4 mm in diameter, but a 1 ct cushion (such as this below) is just under 5.5 x 6 mm (which is why a 1 ct cushion costs less).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597803

So I think for this ring to work, you really need to go larger for the center when using a cushion. You probably won't need more than .25 ct each for the round side stones if the center cushion is 1.2-1.4 or so.

Here's a pretty nice one (6 x 6.6mm):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-3-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

Good Old Gold actually has a better trade-up policy (although you have to make sure the stone you buy is one that qualifies) in that the upgraded stone can cost any amount more than your old one, whereas James Allen requires that it cost double the cost of the original stone.

Not quite the ratio but nice (5.9 x 6.2):

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-1-21-Carat-I-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-4U7D4E
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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I never knew that I needed to look at anything but table and depth...Wow! I remember reading something that said the table is directly affected by or proportional to the depth, but I couldn't recall where.

If I can get a 1ct cushion that faces up bigger, I bet I'd save a couple grand....My search has been for a 1.30ct-1.50ct diamond, but now I have a whole new perspective...Thank you both!

Honestly, I'm just afraid of not seeing the whole actual diamond before buying, which is why I've been looking at JA diamonds. But, GOG does have some good close-ups (and a return period).
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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A 1 ct cushion is just not going to have the size you need, in my opinion. I'd stick with 1.2-1.5, but the diameter measurements are still what you watch. I don't like a huge table so I do look at that, though. GOG will call in other cushions for you if you are interested in buying from them. They do a lot more for you as far as taking a video comparison of two or more stones and do the light return images. I personally think GOG is the best place to buy most fancy cut stones.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I think DS is right. You aren't going to need larger sidestones than 35 pointers. And I would go for a larger center.

I found this one, that I suggest you put on hold ASAP:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-1-52-Carat-I-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-9SXBEB
7.22 x 6.6 Gives you a nice amount of size and the performance competes well with the GOG ones DS posted.

Instead of doing BGD signatures for the sidestones you can get BGD to source you a couple nice I colored SI1 GIA 3X stones like this: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.36-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-550344

Budgeting 750 each for the sidestones saves you a lot of money to put toward the center.
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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Gypsy:The stone at Enchanted Diamonds is a beaut, but much over my budget!
DiamondSeeker2006: The GOG diamond is very nice!

From both of your posts, I'm gathering that I was on the right path to look at 1.30ct weight and up and side stones no larger than .35ct each. But-and here's where you'll probably scream quietly--I'm a little confused about dimensions. Should I be looking for a depth and table as low as possible and l/w/d as large as possible? :think:

Because my budget is pretty low (<$6,000 for the center), I know I'll have to make some sacrifices and I'm okay with that as long as I can get something that looks as big as possible for the price.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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No you need to shop for performance and faceting. But when you are comparing stone you don't compare weight.You compare the dimensions (length and width) of each stone.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Pretty terrible.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I love these
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-839878 6.7x6.3 :love: :love:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-866928 6.6x 6 :love:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-782270 6.4x6.1 looks like it will be eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-775157 6.6x6.3
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-749025 6.4 x 6.8


I think you should drop to J color. One of my best friends has a J 1 carat stone with excellent light return, and honestly NO ONE thinks it's a J. It looks so white. And with you planning a 3 stone you aren't going to see much of the profile of the stone.

And dropping to J gives you the size you need. And also means your sidestones will be cheaper.

I think it's a smart move.
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
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Oooooh......That second one has the ratio I want (slightly elongated) and it's g-e-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! How do you find these so quickly?! I need to hone up my skills!

I'll see if I can find any J boards in the forums, too...It helps for me to se them. I want it to look "antique-y" but not dirty. ;-)

Thank you so much!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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LegsDiamond|1454460943|3985928 said:
Oooooh......That second one has the ratio I want (slightly elongated) and it's g-e-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! How do you find these so quickly?! I need to hone up my skills!

I'll see if I can find any J boards in the forums, too...It helps for me to se them. I want it to look "antique-y" but not dirty. ;-)

Thank you so much!

I promise that it will not have a dirty look at all. GIA J's in a well cut cushions and rounds are really lovely!
 

marcy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Beautiful setting and exciting project. I can't wait to see the finished ring.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I'll have to say that I like the cut of the J cushion, but I really thought you were on the right track with I color. J is going to show some tint.
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
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Jan 21, 2006
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2,087
E B|1454461581|3985931 said:

This 1.53c is a very nice stone....there are several 5c J color antique cushion honkers posted with halos and they face up very white.
Right now in "Show Me the Bling" there is a 3+c AC halo by Leon Mege that is a J...they are lovely.

Just for the love of RARE elongated cushion brilliants I have to post this beauty...but it is a K
BUT the size!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.54-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-289324

The one you found on ED is beautiful! Will be interesting to see the ASET.

Love the ring you will be making too! Can't wait to see the finished product.

This info. will help you feel confident in choosing a well cut J cushion:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-beauty-by-leon-mege-ac-halo-3-39-cts-j-vs2.216293/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-beauty-by-leon-mege-ac-halo-3-39-cts-j-vs2.216293/[/URL]

Check out pg 3 on this thread where she compares her J to her E colored diamond:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

Videos comparing J color:
J AVC in halo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsMqUcz9S8

comparing J color to I/H/G colors side by side
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vI3Tkd3VQU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21v3jBtTEmM
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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A poorly cut J or even an H will look dirty.

There was a jeweler I stopped in at once, all of his goods were poorly cut. And I'd mentally guess at the color grades. And then he'd pull the GIA paper and I'd be shocked at the grade.I was sure one was a light brown/grey. It was a J but it looked to me, who had only seen well cut J's before, like a much lower color.

All the well cut J's I've seen 2 carats and under, once set, have been hard to discern tint in.

My aunt has a poorly cut 4 carat J. Looks like crap.

If you go to see J's go to a hearts on fire dealer and look at the dream cut in a J. And then look at their rounds. You'll be shocked.
 

Bijouteried

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 12, 2014
Messages
215
Gypsy|1454486020|3986073 said:
A poorly cut J or even an H will look dirty.

There was a jeweler I stopped in at once, all of his goods were poorly cut. And I'd mentally guess at the color grades. And then he'd pull the GIA paper and I'd be shocked at the grade.I was sure one was a light brown/grey. It was a J but it looked to me, who had only seen well cut J's before, like a much lower color.

All the well cut J's I've seen 2 carats and under, once set, have been hard to discern tint in.

My aunt has a poorly cut 4 carat J. Looks like crap.

If you go to see J's go to a hearts on fire dealer and look at the dream cut in a J. And then look at their rounds. You'll be shocked.

I keep seeing that there is no "standard" for cushions to determine what good cut quality is. Thanks to you, I now know what to look for although I think I'd be fine with some that don't have good cuts...It's that whole "sacrifice" thing I mentioned...
 
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