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Advice please! - 1.14 AVC vs 1.14 ERD Cut Beyond Cushion

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kpeasy34

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
18
Hi all, what a great site this is chalked full of information and good advice. I would like some honest opinions from the PSers here that have much more exoerience dealing in diamonds and with the mentioned vendors in my subject.

I recently purchased this stone - it's a GOG AVC 1.14 F I1 with a great inclusion in the corner that is for all practical purposes an eye-clean stone. I got the stone in and it is beautiful.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8973/

However, after looking at a few cushions in some B&M stores, there are plenty of an antique cushions out there that look great and perform well. I found this cushion on ERDs website and I feel like it could be a decent alternative to the AVC - for a much better price. It's a 1.14 I - SI1 and for the most part the dimensions are very similar. Color is a little lower but I think I could sacrifce for the savings. I would save roughly $2,500 by going with the ERD stone, and then I could go more elaborate on the setting.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.14-carat-i-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-101879.html

My main question is - from your experiences - is it worth it to pay the premium in the instance for the AVC given their similar dimensions and cut? Can you tell from the ASETs? I would really appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks!
 
Is the ERD stone eye clean, it looks like in the magnified picture there are some inclusions near the center. To my eyes,I prefer the faceting of the AVC better.

However, I can see why saving $2500 sounds appealing. I would find out if it's eye clean.
 
Thank you for the reply, mandasand. I have an inquiry into ERD to see if it is eye-clean. I definitely wouldn't want it if it's not. I'll let you know what they say. Have you, or anyone else on here, ever seen these two cuts side by side in real person? I just feel like if they are similar, saving a 1/3 of the cost is the smart thing to do.
 
If eyeclean, ERD is my preference. 2,500 is a lot.

But is the AVC eyeclean? It doesn't look like it would be, although it might be prongable, mostly.
 
Thanks Gypsy. ERD says the stone is eye-clean. As for the AVC I1, i think it's a rarity - It is nearly, nearly eye-clean. I really have to look for the inclusion to see it. After set and mostly pronged, if I never said anything to my GF she would never know it is there.

$2,500 is a lot. Is the performance and appearance of an AVC (and also F color) that much better than an ERD I color Cut Beyond ??
 
kpeasy34|1350668203|3288664 said:
Thanks Gypsy. ERD says the stone is eye-clean. As for the AVC I1, i think it's a rarity - It is nearly, nearly eye-clean. I really have to look for the inclusion to see it. After set and mostly pronged, if I never said anything to my GF I don't think she would ever even know it is there.

$2,500 is a lot. I guess my main question, Is whether the performance and appearance of an AVC (and also F color) that much better than an ERD I color Cut Beyond ??
Click to expand...

OP - if you selected the AVC and it turns out your GF *can* see the inclusion - would that bother you and/or your GF? Is your GF completely disinterested in diamonds such that she will not inquire about the stats of the diamond in her engagement ring? If she did ask, are you comfortable telling her the truth about the AVC being an I1?

To me, the AVC is the GOG signature antique-style cushion and A Cut Beyond is the ERD signature antique-style cushion - only you can decide which performance/appearance you (and your GF) prefer - carat weight and dimensions of the two stones are very similar - I will say that while I myself *might* choose to buy an I1 diamond, I'm not sure I would want an I1 stone for my engagement ring.... and I am very sure I would not want my DH to present me with an I1 stone he selected without my input - what if he can't see the inclusion(s) but I can? In this case, I personally prefer the ERD stone FWIW.
 
Do you have the AVC in hand? Is your return period long enough that you could also order the ERD stone and compare in person?
 
I don't think that between these two stones the performance difference is going to be so great as to overcome the 2,500 price difference. So I would go with the ERD stone on the issue of price versus performance.


They are almost exactly the same size in terms of dimensions (and carat, but that's less important than dimensions). So tie there.

The color difference is noticeable. And I do like F color. So AVC wins on color.

BUT I gotta tell you, those are feathers (which are cracks in the diamond) so I would be terrified of knocking that AVC on that inclusion and cracking the diamond outright. I personally wouldn't go down to I clarity on a ring stone unless it would be bezel set, and even then I'd prefer a halo around it for cushion. But bezel setting it won't cover the inclusion. So for me, that inclusion would be a deal breaker. ERD wins on clarity.

Which mean ERD wins for me.
 
I just found a stone from JBEG (another pricescope vendor) that you might want to consider. The price listed is for the stone and setting. They will sell the center stones without the setting - ask them for a quote for just the stone without the setting and try to negotiate if you like the stone. I think it is a lovely stone. Maybe they can even get some better photos for you.

Honestly - I'd rather have a crystal clear stone than an SI1 or and I1 anyday of the week. I think you can get away with an SI1 or even an I1 sometimes with a modern round brilliant but for an antique style or antique cushion I think inclusions show more because of the cut. They just don't hide inclusions as well. And keep in mind eye clean to one person is not the same as eye clean to someone else who may be looking at the stone.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/122ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/23077037_XWKFBm#!i=1863180369&k=MFr7QQR


If you have to choose between the AVC and the ERD I would choose the ERD in this circumstance. I would normally chose the AVC as they are amazing cuts and performers but I don't think the $2500 premium is worth it here - ESPECIALLY not for an I1 clarity stone.
 
There is NOTHING wrong with ERD...their stones are pretty competitively priced. If you get the stone at ERD, I suggest that you have them set it too. They have some lovely settings. Another vote for ERD since it's eye clean!!
 
I would definitely go with the ERD cushion. I have been looking at and researching cushions and diamonds etc for months because I hope to get an antique style cushion as well. If it were me, I wouldn't want to pay $2500 more for the AVC especially if the ERD stone is eye clean.
 
I think both options sound amazing and both would be spectacular in whatever setting you end up with. But for me, in my circumstances, the $2500 difference is too much to ignore. I'd have to go with the less expensive diamond - and by no means is it a "settled for" diamond at all!!! They both seem gorgeous!!!

I just think the extra $2500 could be redirected into a pretty sweet setting....!
 
Enerchi|1350688252|3288900 said:
I think both options sound amazing and both would be spectacular in whatever setting you end up with. But for me, in my circumstances, the $2500 difference is too much to ignore. I'd have to go with the less expensive diamond - and by no means is it a "settled for" diamond at all!!! They both seem gorgeous!!!

I just think the extra $2500 could be redirected into a pretty sweet setting....!
Click to expand...

Ditto. I love AVCs, but I love saving money too, and $2500 is a nice chunk of change!
 
Well, I am sure everyone knows my love for AVR and AVC's, so I will mention that upfront! They also know I prefer higher clarity and would be hesistant on an I1 for an engagement ring.

But, just looking at the two stones as far as shape goes, the GOG AVC is far more appealing to me. I have seen cushions I really like on ERD's site, but this is not one of them. It is way too square and not as cushiony as the AVC. I am not crazy about the black inclusion under the table even though it may be pretty eyeclean.

I am fine with the idea of getting a stone with higher clarity than I1. But I am not okay with settling for a stone that is less attractive in overall shape and faceting.

Here's an alternative:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9876/
 
I have been stalking that AVC for a while so I am very curious to see your final choice!
It realy had my attention because of its color and the corner (prongable-ish?) inclusion... But the premium price for these cuts is a big factor for sure. On the other hand I am not loving the inclusions on the ERD stone. I'm very new here and not sure what the wiggle room is for taking good Aset images. That being said I prefer the Aset of the AVC.
I think the AVC wins for color,clarity, and pillowy shape but the ERD would be less expensive and possibly safer to prong set.

In short I like the AVC, but I'm a bit biased. ;)

Sorry if I'm not much help! Good luck!
 
Thank you all for your responses.

I have the AVC in hand. I never would have bought an I1 if Marie hadn't assured me that the inclusion really isn't noticable, and she wasn't lying. I may be a novice but after being set and partially covered I really am positive the inclusion wouldn't be recognizable whatsoever. I'm only second guessing the purchase because after going to a local jeweler and seeing some other antique cuts I really couldnt tell if the AVC was THAT much better than them. The stone at ERD has almost the exact same dimensions as this AVC it's just an I color instead of F and it is an SI1 that ERD claims is eye-clean. Saving $2,500 would be really nice.

I went ahead and bought the ERD stone too. It should be here on Tuesday. If I feel the AVC's cut really is that much better, but that the color difference isn't that big of a deal, then I'll probably return them both and go with the 1.13 J SI1 and save $900.

Again, thank you all for your responses and I will let you guys know what I decide when the ERD stone comes in.
 
We'll be interested to see what you think! Be sure you take them into many different lighting environments.
 
I wanted to check back in and let you all know that I ordered the 1.14 "I" Cut Beyond cushion from ERD and I compared it to the 1.14 F AVC over a 2 day period. When all was said and done I couldn't get past the "I" color. The "I" showed too much color when compared next to the F. You also really can't dismiss the performance of an August Vintage diamond! Mark and Chris at ERD both great to work with and I hope I can send them some business in the future. I'm keeping the AVC and I just sent it to Brian Gavin to set in his Novela solitare. I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I get it!!

Once again, thank you all for your thoughts and input!
 
That is extremely interesting because I just did the exact same thing...returned an I color stone! Only I really, really want an AVR and the I color was the highest color they had in the size I wanted. But I can't do I color, either! Lucky you that there was a higher color AVC! They are beautiful! I look forward to seeing your finished ring!
 
kpeasy34|1351632089|3295834 said:
I wanted to check back in and let you all know that I ordered the 1.14 "I" Cut Beyond cushion from ERD and I compared it to the 1.14 F AVC over a 2 day period. When all was said and done I couldn't get past the "I" color. The "I" showed too much color when compared next to the F. You also really can't dismiss the performance of an August Vintage diamond! Mark and Chris at ERD both great to work with and I hope I can send them some business in the future. I'm keeping the AVC and I just sent it to Brian Gavin to set in his Novela solitare. I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I get it!!

Once again, thank you all for your thoughts and input!
Click to expand...

Thank you for getting back to us!! I have been watching your thread with interest.

I had the ERD stone on hold a few weeks ago, but was concerned about its clarity so pulled out. I am more of a VS girl than a SI one!! :bigsmile:

I wondered if you took any photos of the two along side each other? I would love to see how they compare.

I owned an L colour AVC for a while and I adored it (not colour sensitive just clarity :tongue: ). So I am always interested to see how other flavours of antique style cuts compare.

I would love to hear your thoughts as well as shots of your ring once it is complete.


:wavey:
 
Susimoo, I did take some pictures but I deleted them becuase I didn't want the GF to see them on my phone! Too bad because I would have liked to have been able to compare them for you.

The inclusion on the ERD stone was a little iffy .... especially if you are sensitive to inclusions. At first glance it appeared to be completely eye clean, but the more I stared the easier it was for me to spot easily. Personally, I wouldn't have had an issue with it if I'd gone that route. As far as color, I looked at several "I" rounds when I first started my search and I wouldn't have had a problem getting an I RB, but the I cushion cut just showed too much warmth.

I hope I made the right decision in the end. The inclusion on the AVC is the only thing that made it afordable for my budget and after being set I really think it is going to be a non-event.
 
Thank you so much for your reply!!! You confirmed my fear about the clarity. It would have bugged me too.

I would have loved to have seen the comparison shots, but hey, it is just one of those thing!! :bigsmile:

I cannot wait to see your finished ring with the AVC. You cannot go wrong with them. I adored mine but traded it in to get to my dream size in RB, which is in my avatar.

In the meantime I have gone for a true antique diamond. I still hope to have a modern cut old style cushion in my collection, one day. Greedy I know!! :tongue:

I will await your update!! :wavey:
 
The ring is ready and was shipped out from BGD last night! As a guy, I never would have ever thought I would have been so interested in picking out a diamond and ring. It's addicting, really.

It arrived at the FedEx facility this morning and I'm going to pick it up this afternoon when I get off work. The glamour shots should be here sometime this afternoon and I'll post them when I get them. Asking the big question on Friday and will post hand shots then.......wish me luck!
 
Good luck!

Looking forward to the pics!
 
I think you made the right decision.

From a cut perspective you are the better judge since you saw them and we did not, and based on the imaging etc I think they look similar enough to let your eyes be the judge.

But to me, it is worth $2500 more for a colorless stone that has no inclusions under the table like that. I am a huge fan (now) of diamonds that have grade making inclusions on the periphery that can be covered with a prong. My own diamond has a small black inclusion on the very very periphery that is totally covered by a prong. Out of sight out of mind. That AVC is a great I1. In contrast, the ERD stone has a table inclusion of a type that I know from experience can most likely be seen at some angles. Deal killer for me!

Can't wait to see it set.

ETA: Oh and I also wanted to commment that I think you made your selection the right way by seeing both stones in person! Sure, it adds some cost, but its a small fraction of the savings from buying online and well worth the effort. Once you get down to the nitty gritty and cannot decide, you really need to see them in person.
 
kpeasy34|1353433718|3311119 said:
The ring is ready and was shipped out from BGD last night! As a guy, I never would have ever thought I would have been so interested in picking out a diamond and ring. It's addicting, really.

It arrived at the FedEx facility this morning and I'm going to pick it up this afternoon when I get off work. The glamour shots should be here sometime this afternoon and I'll post them when I get them. Asking the big question on Friday and will post hand shots then.......wish me luck!
Click to expand...

Ah, a very nice addiction for you to have! Come back for future anniversary gifts!

I look forward to seeing the pictures! :appl:
 
Thank you all so much for your input, thoughts and opinions. This really is a great forum. In the end, I am very pleased with the final product and I think she is going to love it! I am glad I stuck with the AVC as the F color is sharp and the inclusion is a non-event. At times I got frustrated with the BGD service, but in the end their product speaks for itself. I posted two of the glamour shots and two iphone pictures in a new thread in SMTB. I will post hand shots once I ask the big question on Friday. Here's a link:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-cushion-avc-in-brian-gavin-novlea-its-here.182184/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-cushion-avc-in-brian-gavin-novlea-its-here.182184/[/URL]

Thanks again to everyone!
 
I commented on your other thread already but I just wanna reiterate how much I love it...totally worth it for the AVC no??? Good luck Friday!

(edited for spelling)
 
Thank you pandabee!!! Absolutely 100% worth it for the AVC! The diamond GLOWS : )
 
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