Advice on Cushion Cut Diamond

[TheWrangler]

Hi all,

I am a diamond neophyte so I am hoping some of you experts will be able to give me some advice on the way to go. I am currently trying to choose between three cushion cut diamonds, all within my price and size range ($25-33k).

I would very much appreciate any thoughts or advise anyone might have. Here are the specs. If anyone would like any other info that I may have forgot or can provide, please let me know.

Ring 1: 8.12x7.60x5.18mm; 2.53 carat; colour H; clarity VVS1; polish excellent; symmetry very good; fluorescence none; 66% table; 68.2% depth; slightly thick to very thick girdle.

Ring 2: 8.00x7.70x5.29mm; 2.71; H; VS1; polish excellent; symmetry very good; fluorescence none; 61% table; 68.7% depth; medium to thick girdle.

Ring 3: 7.85x7.69x5.96mm; 2.60; H; VS2; polish excellent; symmetry very good; fluorescence faint; 61% table; 64.5% depth; thick to extremely thick girdle.

Thanks everyone!

 

[TheWrangler]

Thanks very much. Helpful stuff.

I think I have it narrowed down to the two on opposite ends of the price range.

GIA report # 2131078929 for the 2.60: http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/act_printPDF.cfm?r=M%298%2F%25S%24K%20!%3F7%3DX%24%3D%26W%2FL-1K%27ZCO.%27%24XV%3DVL6-2%2C%3B\S0S%223.%26N3-%29%3DA!E%3E!L%3C.%0A%26!M\%3B0WZ%3B%0A

GIA report # 2116851393 for the 2.71: http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/act_printPDF.cfm?r=M%298%2F%27RT%2B%22%23%2F_6ZD%3D%26W%2FH%2C1K%27ZCO.%27%24XV%3DVL6-2%2C%3B\S0S%223.%26N3-%29%3DA!E%3E!L%3C.%0A%26!]\83WZ%3B%0A

Do these give you more to go on, while I try to see about getting pics/videos?

I am definitely looking for a square look, both of these are in that realm with 1.02 and 1.04 ratios respectively. Clearly, at least to me, the 2.71 is the better one, not just because of size. However, is it several thousand dollars better?

 

[TheWrangler]

Here is a pic of the 2.71 carat one if it helps/offers anything.

 

[TheWrangler]

And here's the 2.6 0for what it's worth.

 

[backwardsandinheels]

I actually like the 2.6 better, or maybe it's just the picture? It's looks A MA ZING and I'd spend those few extra thou on the setting. Really really pretty and I can't imagine she'd be unhappy with either. When's the proposal?

 

[TheWrangler]

I actually like the 2.6 better, or maybe it's just the picture? It's looks A MA ZING and I'd spend those few extra thou on the setting. Really really pretty and I can't imagine she'd be unhappy with either. When's the proposal?

Thanks for the input. It's so hard for me to tell which one to go for -- as others have said, pictures and stats don't tell the story and I'm just going to have to bite the bullet on one and hope for the best. Ultimately I can return it if it's not what I expect, but I am trying to avoid the hassle.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

As for the proposal, sometime on or before xmas... I need to get the ring first

 

[slg47]

I actually like the 2.6 better, or maybe it's just the picture? It's looks A MA ZING and I'd spend those few extra thou on the setting. Really really pretty and I can't imagine she'd be unhappy with either. When's the proposal?

Thanks for the input. It's so hard for me to tell which one to go for -- as others have said, pictures and stats don't tell the story and I'm just going to have to bite the bullet on one and hope for the best. Ultimately I can return it if it's not what I expect, but I am trying to avoid the hassle.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

As for the proposal, sometime on or before xmas... I need to get the ring first

I also prefer the 2.6 from the photos. however it would be helpful to have a video or a pic of them side by side. ultimately you have to get what appeals to you.

 

[TheWrangler]

I actually like the 2.6 better, or maybe it's just the picture? It's looks A MA ZING and I'd spend those few extra thou on the setting. Really really pretty and I can't imagine she'd be unhappy with either. When's the proposal?

Thanks for the input. It's so hard for me to tell which one to go for -- as others have said, pictures and stats don't tell the story and I'm just going to have to bite the bullet on one and hope for the best. Ultimately I can return it if it's not what I expect, but I am trying to avoid the hassle.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

As for the proposal, sometime on or before xmas... I need to get the ring first

I also prefer the 2.6 from the photos. however it would be helpful to have a video or a pic of them side by side. ultimately you have to get what appeals to you.

Yeah, I am starting to agree that the 2.6 looks nicer.... I am concerned about the other one's facet structure. I agree that a video, more pics, side by side, etc. would be awesome... I don't think that will be possible unfortunately.

 

[TheGreatTwizz]

Of note, the spread on those, for the carat weight, is on the small side, most likely due to depth and the thick girdles.

Unless you are terribly color sensitive (in which case I'd expand your search to include G), consider I/J stones. I've seen H/J/K all next to each other, and I was only able to discern the K, the H and J both appeared plenty white to be in a platinum setting. Also, I've seen VS2 stones that were visible to me (and under the table), and some VERY nice SI1 stones that were perfectly eye clean and nothing under the table. For your budget, you should be able to find some VERY nice stuff out there. Don't be afraid to spend less; I initially started shopping in the same range as you, and found much better value in the teens and 20 range without sacrificing quality.

 

[madgenius]

Of note, the spread on those, for the carat weight, is on the small side, most likely due to depth and the thick girdles.

Unless you are terribly color sensitive (in which case I'd expand your search to include G), consider I/J stones. I've seen H/J/K all next to each other, and I was only able to discern the K, the H and J both appeared plenty white to be in a platinum setting. Also, I've seen VS2 stones that were visible to me (and under the table), and some VERY nice SI1 stones that were perfectly eye clean and nothing under the table. For your budget, you should be able to find some VERY nice stuff out there. Don't be afraid to spend less; I initially started shopping in the same range as you, and found much better value in the teens and 20 range without sacrificing quality.

I'm not an expert but I'm certainly an informed consumer. I just finished purchasing a ~2ct antique cushion so can relate to some of the anxiety you are experiencing. I'll agree with others that I like the facet structure on the 2.6ct stone better.

I think Twizz makes some very salient points above, which I will second. I would at least LOOK at some I/J color stones. The stone that I ended up going with is a J in color. It is low set (which seems to mask the color a bit) but I can still tell if I look at it. Maybe I'm color sensitive. It might also be because my setting has lots of melee that are F/G color and seem to face up whiter in comparison to my center stone. Have you looked at stones with your intended? How color sensitive is SHE? There seems to be a larger drop in $/ct when going from I to J than normal (I plotted a graph once although the data was for RB, not cushions).

Also, dropping down to an SI1 will drop your $/ct allowing you to get more rock for your money. Having a good (trusted) vendor choose an eye-clean SI1 is certainly something to consider. I'm a big fan of paying for differences I can see. Neither I nor my future missus walk around with gemscopes strapped to our foreheads so I never even considered VVS stones. (although I hear those 10x monocles the 1% are wearing these days are all the rage). I figured I could spend that money getting more carats. Requesting ASET images from the vendor will help you determine if a VS2 or SI1 is well cut and it will look GREAT.

Twizz is right. With your budget you can play with clarity and color a bit and come up with something wonderful. It's a function of how much work you want to put in and how much time you feel like you have to work with.

That said, between the two stones you posted I'm a bigger fan of the 2.6ct.

 

[TheWrangler]

Thanks everyone.

Basically, the required/non-negotiable criteria are as follows:

- 2.5+ carat
- H or better colour (she is the colour sensitive one)
- square, so as close to a 1.00 l/w ratio as possible
- $33k or less

Clarity is not as important as the above criteria, but it definitely needs to be eye clean. Ultimately, it's the sparkle/brilliance that will matter in the end.

I am definitely open to suggestions based on this criteria; I've used it on various sites and together with my broker came up with the two above as the contenders, but it's very possible I've missed a strong candidate.

 

[madgenius]

Based on your criteria I would go for an eye-clean SI1 that is H in color to maximize your value.

In a quick search I couldn't find anything exactly like that but maybe one of these two are worth taking a look at?

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.71-carat-g-vs2-very-good-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-50760.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1139133.asp

 

[E B]

Hi Wrangler!

Maybe this one? The video matches specs-wise, but it'd be best to double check with the vendor just in case.

http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/2-49-g-vs2-antique-cushion-diamond.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtQyktdwjWU

Another option? Same deal with the video.

http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/2-64-g-vs2-antique-cushion-diamond.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/artofplatinum#p/u/52/D1olzodqQSI

Also check to see what his policy is on buying a diamond without a setting, if that's what you plan to do. He makes settings, but if you've got something else in mind, ask before purchasing.

 

[TheGreatTwizz]

Have you considered GOG's AVC?

 

[CharmyPoo]

The 2.8 looks like crushed ice and I would reject. The 2.6 looks better but nothing special - just a typical 4 main pav modern cushion.

 

[TheWrangler]

I took a look at GOG and they have nothing online that meets what I am looking for, but I will give them an email.

If anyone else has any ideas, I am all ears as well!

Thanks for the help so far.