after exhausting search, should I just go to NY?

[amylina]

Hi All,

So after living on this site and exhausting all local jewelers in my search for the perfect 2+ carat cushion diamond, I''m planning on just biting the bullet and hopping on a plane to the big city. I''m so confused and I just want to see my stone in person before I buy. Every stone a jeweler has shown my has a large flat table and splinter facets, I''m hoping for chunky facets, but still very fiery. They look at me like I''m crazy when I explain that I''ve seen this online. They speak negetively about "Old mine cushions", which is not at all what I want, just a chunkier brilliant like this one

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-chunky-faceted-cushion-thoughts.91435/

Anyway...does anyone have personal experiences recently with the Diamond District in New York? Of course I''ll go see Mark and maybe GOG, but is it really worth the trip? Sigh...I''ve been sadly engaged with no ring since Christmas and it''s taking all the fun out of it.

Any suggestions for vendors is appreciated!

thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/18/2010 11:27:52 AM
Author:amylina
Hi All,

So after living on this site and exhausting all local jewelers in my search for the perfect 2+ carat cushion diamond, I'm planning on just biting the bullet and hopping on a plane to the big city. I'm so confused and I just want to see my stone in person before I buy. Every stone a jeweler has shown my has a large flat table and splinter facets, I'm hoping for chunky facets, but still very fiery. They look at me like I'm crazy when I explain that I've seen this online. They speak negetively about 'Old mine cushions', which is not at all what I want, just a chunkier brilliant like this one

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-chunky-faceted-cushion-thoughts.91435/

Anyway...does anyone have personal experiences recently with the Diamond District in New York? Of course I'll go see Mark and maybe GOG, but is it really worth the trip? Sigh...I've been sadly engaged with no ring since Christmas and it's taking all the fun out of it.

Any suggestions for vendors is appreciated!

thanks!

Hi Amy

I think it would definitely be worth visiting Jon at GOG or Mark at ERD if it is doable for you. If you tell them what you are looking for, they could have a selection of cushions ready to show you, also they might be able to locate just the right diamond from one of their contacts. Alternatively, they might be able to arrange to send a stone to an appraiser near you so you could view it in person if you were very interested in one in particular should such a stone come up. I would be careful with the diamond district in general, ERD is right in the heart of the DD and are an extremely reputable vendor, but otherwise it can be hazardous for the new buyer. However there are some great companies there and it might be worth asking these 2 vendors to see what they can come up with.

www.exceldiamonds.com

www.idjewelryonline.com

www.jamesallen.com have offices in NYC.

With all the vendors you would need an appointment.

Don't feel despondant, I understand how you feel but the right diamond WILL come along!

Also www.briangavindiamonds.com have their own signature cushion now, they are located in Houston - it appears these are more of a modern type cushion but still take a look.

Also I don't know if you have seen this video from Jon at GOG, if you haven't already seen it, the video is a tremendous help to the new buyer. It sounds as if you know what you want, this video could help narrow things down some more.

Here is the video, Consumers Guide to Purchasing a Cushion Cut Diamond.

 

[jet2ks]

Have you contacted Jon at GOG to see what he might have in the pipeline that is not yet up on the website? If you let him know what size you are looking for, he might be able to keep an eye out.

My personal feeling is that the trip would not be worth it, until you know they have something in stock. As you have seen, very few dealers carry this style of diamond and the good ones, like ERD & GOG, will work with you online. The diamond district is really not a place for a novice diamond shopper.

You know what you want, so just find a vendor you are comfortable working with and let them look for you. It may take a bit of time, as chunky cushions are not a commonly cut style, but it will be worth it in the end to get exactly what you want.

 

[amylina]

I have contacted both GOG and ERD...
Here is another question: how important is it that I get John or Mark? Both Sarah and Gary have answered my prelim questions, but now that I''m seriously considering heading there, I want the full treatment.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/18/2010 11:45:15 AM
Author: amylina
I have contacted both GOG and ERD...
Here is another question: how important is it that I get John or Mark? Both Sarah and Gary have answered my prelim questions, but now that I'm seriously considering heading there, I want the full treatment.

Well, it depends on your comfort level and preference, if you would feel more at ease seeing Jon and Mark then just request an appointment with them personally, this should not be a problem.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 1/18/2010 11:45:15 AM
Author: amylina
I have contacted both GOG and ERD...
Here is another question: how important is it that I get John or Mark? Both Sarah and Gary have answered my prelim questions, but now that I''m seriously considering heading there, I want the full treatment.

I wouldn''t go there until you knew exactly what you wanted and were making your final choice. ERD is in the DD in Manhatten and GOG is out in Long Island it is well worth it to visit both, however if getting the best cut is important and you are willing to pay a a little more for it (10 - 25%) to you than GOG is the best place to go.

The cushion you posted is a 8 main old mine cushion or 8 main antique cushion or 8 main chunky cushion brilliant or 8 main old mine brilliant they all mean the same thing.
That one was over 3 Ct though, and it did not have the light performance seen in august vintage cushions.

If you like the 8 main chunky style the most difficult decision will be do you want the best in cut for this type of cushion which would be GOG''s august vintage cushions, or do you want to save a little or go slightly larger, in which case ERD could find you one in your specs for cheaper but the light return will not be the same.

To give you some examples:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6826/ (22K 2.06 F SI1 August Vintage)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6835/ (18K 2.39 G SI1 Chunky Cushion Not Optimized).

If you were to tell them (based roughly on your post)
Carat: 2Ct+
Budget: 20K Max (stone only not setting)
Color: H+ (Colorless)
Cut: 8 main cushion brilliant (chunky faceted like posted above)
Clarity: SI1+ (Must be eye clean from 12 inches away)
LW Ratio = 1 - 1.05 (Very Square)

Please edit this to nail down your preferences and post it so we can help you in the forum or tell it to the vendors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a guide I put together if you tell us your budget and specs we can help you find one, and certainly this information should be given to Jon or Mark to find you the best cushion.

ChunkyCushionLover''s Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds

Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)

Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)

i) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left)
c) 8 main old mine cushion http://www.vimeo.com/5310842 (Your initial post indicated you preferred this style)
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-cushion-let-me-know-what-you-think.128493/

ii) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return there are some exceptions though),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 Pictures and commentary here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)


iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266-2.mov http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266.mov

iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

A helpful thread to see the plots and pictures of different types of cushions can be seen here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/ (keep in mind pictures aren''t as useful as videos and can only be used reliably to understand facet structure not light performance)

If you want to learn about cushions a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843.

Step 2 (Choose the 4Cs)

1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven''t had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Example:

Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eyeclean from 6 feet away looking faceup)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio = 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cushion Brilliant (Modern) either 4 main or 8 main

Than we can help you narrow things down considerably.

Step 3 (View and Post ASET Image and Photographs and/or see in person)

Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.

Step 4 (View a side by side comparison at a vendor or appraisor for final selection)

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourite stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase you will just have to pay shipping. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor.
For such an expensive purchase $100 in shipping and $100 in appraisor time seems well worth it to make the most informed choice possible.

Happy Hunting,

CCL

 

[amylina]

Ok, wow that was so helpful!

Thanks for all the great info! I really need it as I am losing my marbles, I never knew it was this complex! All of the different versions of cushions are new to me, but I''m trying to educate myself on the difference.
The cut is definintely the most important to me, which has me leaning towards the August Cushion, but ERD also showed me one I could afford which is a 3 carat H cushion brilliant on the cert. They said it faces up extremely white, otherwise the H would scare me a bit being that it is so big. The only concern is the culet looks visible from the photo, and from my readings, this distracts from the light reflection capability...am I right on this?

My Criteria is :
Budget: 27k for stone
Carat: 2+
Color F-H (face up white)
Clarity: SI1-SI2 (eye clean)
8 main cushion brilliant ( I think?)
Ratio: 1.05-1.10 ( not too square or rectangular)

That''s all I got and would appreciate any help in my search. You guys are the best and so knowledgeable!

 

[amylina]

Hey, I think I figured out how to post the picture of 2 options! It says it is attached anyway...I guess we will see.

 

[neatfreak]

ERD is a wonderful vendor as well. Right now the "craze" here on PS is the August Vintage cushions from GOG. They are wonderful. BUT that being said there are many other wonderful cushions out there too-you just have to sort through a few more to find them.

But if Mark has one that he''s recommending to you, and you love it, there''s no need to buy a different kind just because it''s what''s popular here right now.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The stone on the right looks like a nice possibility. The open culet is desirable on that style of cut. I''d personally want the August Vintage if I could get what I wanted, but cushions in that size are going to be rare.

 

[Collee]

Date: 1/18/2010 11:35:44 AM
Author: jet2ks
Have you contacted Jon at GOG to see what he might have in the pipeline that is not yet up on the website? If you let him know what size you are looking for, he might be able to keep an eye out.

My personal feeling is that the trip would not be worth it, until you know they have something in stock. As you have seen, very few dealers carry this style of diamond and the good ones, like ERD & GOG, will work with you online. The diamond district is really not a place for a novice diamond shopper.

You know what you want, so just find a vendor you are comfortable working with and let them look for you. It may take a bit of time, as chunky cushions are not a commonly cut style, but it will be worth it in the end to get exactly what you want.

ITA 110%. Call Jon or Mark tomorrow and let them know your desired specs and budget. Jon will happily provide a video for you to view and compare the stones. IMO, this is the next best thing to seeing the stones IRL.

I did a quick search and below are two stones that are currently available in GOG’s inventory that meets all of your desired criteria. If interested, I would reserve and contact Jon tomorrow to discuss.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6821/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/239GSI1CU/

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/18/2010 1:25:27 PM
Author: neatfreak
ERD is a wonderful vendor as well. Right now the ''craze'' here on PS is the August Vintage cushions from GOG. They are wonderful. BUT that being said there are many other wonderful cushions out there too-you just have to sort through a few more to find them.

But if Mark has one that he''s recommending to you, and you love it, there''s no need to buy a different kind just because it''s what''s popular here right now.

Ditto, go with what makes your heart sing....

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/18/2010 1:17:17 PM
Author: amylina








I never knew it was this complex! All of the different versions of cushions are new to me, but I'm trying to educate myself on the difference.






The cut is definintely the most important to me, which has me leaning towards the August Cushion, but ERD also showed me one I could afford which is a 3 carat H cushion brilliant on the cert. They said it faces up extremely white, otherwise the H would scare me a bit being that it is so big. The only concern is the culet looks visible from the photo, and from my readings, this distracts from the light reflection capability...am I right on this?

My Criteria is :
Budget: 27k for stone
Carat: 2+
Color F-H (face up white)
Clarity: SI1-SI2 (eye clean)
8 main cushion brilliant ( I think?)
Ratio: 1.05-1.10 ( not too square or rectangular)

That's all I got and would appreciate any help in my search. You guys are the best and so knowledgeable!

Amy, it needn't be too difficult, also please take advantage of your vendor's expertise. Jon and Mark have between them among the best eyes in the business for cushions, use their skills and experience! If you speak to the vendors and give them the info above, that will go a long way toward narrowing down the field and getting you the cushion you want, although judging from the photo you posted it looks like you have two beautiful cushions you could consider already if either of them really appeal.

H colour will still be very white even in that size, the near colourless come across to me as a softer white rather than icy, so its a matter of personal taste and budget. The culet is often visible in some cushions and normally isn't an issue. Sometimes culets can reflect around the diamond in these shapes, this is what is known as the Kozibe effect, some buyers find this effect particularly attractive.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/18/2010 4:10:02 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 1/18/2010 1:25:27 PM
Author: neatfreak
ERD is a wonderful vendor as well. Right now the ''craze'' here on PS is the August Vintage cushions from GOG. They are wonderful. BUT that being said there are many other wonderful cushions out there too-you just have to sort through a few more to find them.

But if Mark has one that he''s recommending to you, and you love it, there''s no need to buy a different kind just because it''s what''s popular here right now.

Ditto, go with what makes your heart sing....

I definitely third this advice.

 

[amylina]

Thanks everyone, I''ve gathered a few more options, in various styles to help me get some clarity. So hard when you''re just looking at a photo.
Thanks to Collee for gathering those options for me, it''s funny because I''ve been pondering that one that is already in the setting. It has a small inclusion that may be visible that shys me off a bit.

I do feel comfortable with these vendors, which is a HUGE accomplishment after talking to others, so now it''s a matter of waiting and watching : )

The question is to "chunk" or not to "chunk"....sigh!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 1/18/2010 5:10:19 PM
Author: amylina
Thanks everyone, I''ve gathered a few more options, in various styles to help me get some clarity. So hard when you''re just looking at a photo.
Thanks to Collee for gathering those options for me, it''s funny because I''ve been pondering that one that is already in the setting. It has a small inclusion that may be visible that shys me off a bit.

I do feel comfortable with these vendors, which is a HUGE accomplishment after talking to others, so now it''s a matter of waiting and watching : )

The question is to ''chunk'' or not to ''chunk''....sigh!

Amylina,

Your choice between two vendors is a classic one that often comes up here as myself and others suggest these two vendors for cushions frequently.
ERD is usually quite competitively priced but they don''t like to use use optical tests and are not as stringent on cut as GOG, you often see obstruction under the table in the stones they sell.

GOG offers the best in chunky cushion optics but they are more expensive and their stock is often limited so you might have to sacrifice on color or size to get one in your budget range. They will cut one to your specs but you have to find out how long you will have to wait and get a final price, you can expect their price per carat for the same specs will always be more expensive than ERD especially for their branded line of stones. This has a lot to do with the high rejection rate of stones that don''t meet Gog''s stringent criteria for their siganture line and have to be returned for recutting.

The choices presented here should be seen in person. In magnified images a culet may seem like a big deal while in person you may feel quite differently. In the perception of size and color should be seen in person. For some they notice a hint of color in an H while others would rather get the biggest size they can and are happy with lower colors
You might even ask Jon how large a cushion you could get an a G or H August Vintage, I would suspect about 2.5 Carats should be possible in your budget.

ERD Cushion -

Pros
Large Size
3CT Priced Within Your Budget
Chunky Faceted Cushion 8 main antique style with good optics

Cons
Obstruction Under the Table(Shown by Dark Areas)
H Color may show some warmth under the table
SI1 Needs to be checked to see if its Eye Clean To Your Standards


GOG August Vintage Cushion

Pros
Larger Bold Chunky Facets
Optimized 8 Mains for optimal reflections under the table
Only a small zone of obstruction under the table, rare for this type of cushion
Ice White E Color
VS2 Clarity ensures it is most likely eye clean to anyone''s standards

Cons
Much smaller than the ERD cushion
More Rectangular (Maybe you like this shape better)
Much more expensive per carat due to GOG brand and E color

-----------------------

 

[Collee]

CCL - Thank you for the infomative reply.

Although the 2.01 AVC is at the very low size end of the OPs desired range, I recommended the stone because it meets all prefered specs. She stated that she would like "Ratio: 1.05-1.10 ( not too square or rectangular)".

Thanks again for your knowledgeable advice and assistance.

 

[Bosie]

Amylina--

Let me chime in. ERD is in Diamond District in NYC (47th St.). GOG is over one hr drive out of NYC and one hr train ride on LIRR. So you have to be willing to make this trip. Thats''s your call.


Another suggestion, google "SecureIdeals", call and ask for Megan. They are on 48th St. Bought my wife''s ER ring from them, and could not be happier with sales and service.

Best of luck.