Antique cushion - 62% table, 63% depth: will it still be beautiful?

[diamondhoarder]

Well I started looking for spring cuts, realised they are mostly badly cut with massive tables, and came across a really eye catching cushion which is on hold for me.

Its GIA certed and has the following:

table: 62
depth: 63
girdle - medium to v thick

I love the facet pattern and the face-up size, but Im wondering if these proportions will make it "windowy" . Im really hoping for decent light return, but could it be dead under the table because of the proportions? As yet there's no ASET. How useful are ASETs with antique cut diamonds? I have read various posts about cushion proportions but there seems to be no consensus for the antique cuts.

I don't want to post the pic or provide more info at the moment as its not secure and I don't want someone to snatch it.

 

[Octo2005]

Once your hold is secured, come back and post photos. You can not judge a cushion by the numbers alone. Do you have video of the stone? Have you requested an ASET?

 

[Octo2005]

Also, a true antique stone is not expected to have the same light performance as a modern cut antique stone. Most of those are branded and specially cut for performance. An antique may suffer in performance but make up for it in "personality"

 

[valeria101]

Im wondering if these proportions will make it "windowy"

No ...

Waiting to see !

 

[diamondhoarder]

Here's a pic:



What I like about it is the way pattern repeats itself symmetrically and kind of draws the eye down towards the culet. It's a larger table than you usually get on antique style cushions but I actually think I prefer the look. Just not sure if Im going to be sacrificing light return because of it?

Here's the ASET:

 

[acaw2015]

I would be concerned about the "mushy" X, but I am not experienced enough to know what to expect re a non ideal cut cushion. The best way of knowing is seeing it in person (within the return period..!)

 

[diamondhoarder]

I would be concerned about the "mushy" X, but I am not experienced enough to know what to expect re a non ideal cut cushion. The best way of knowing is seeing it in person (within the return period..!)

Yes, that's one of my concerns too.

Im outside of the US and there are taxes and duties payable so I need to have a good degree of certainty before ordering

 

[acaw2015]

Yes, that's one of my concerns too.

Im outside of the US and there are taxes and duties payable so I need to have a good degree of certainty before ordering

Honestly, if it were me, I'd pass. The X is so prominent that it seems like a huge risk. I would of course wait for the experts here to chime in... I also would add that there are non branded newly ideal cut cushions out there too, like my own gog cushion, if you dont like the premium of a branded cut. But it certainly takes some searching.

 

[diamondhoarder]

Honestly, if it were me, I'd pass. The X is so prominent that it seems like a huge risk. I would of course wait for the experts here to chime in... I also would add that there are non branded newly ideal cut cushions out there too, like my own gog cushion, if you dont like the premium of a branded cut. But it certainly takes some searching.

Is your cushion the one in your avatar? If so it looks lovely!

I am liking the pattern and the spread that the shallower cut gives on the cushion I found, but I'm not sure if that large X is going to bother me.

I keep being drawn to shallow elongated cuts, so maybe that is the compromise I would have to make in terms of light performance.

I've even been wondering about Daussi cushions. I have seen comments from some people on here that Daussi cushions are not good performers but I dont think Ive ever seen an ASET for a Daussi.

It seems that elongated shapes often suffer more leakage than those with a ratio closer to 1. Im wondering if there such a thing as an elongated cushion or other fancy cut with a similar outline which has a big face-up and cut design which is clever enough to give excellent light performance?

 

[Octo2005]

I am not an expert, just a fellow elongated/chunky facet cushion lover.

Do you have a video of the diamond? Yes, there is light leakage, but there is a lot of red. Depending on the size of this stone the big flashes may "fool the eye" somewhat. Ask if they can send you a video - possibly with different lighting conditions. A lot of the PS vendors have the 360 videos.

Honestly, most cushions are not optimal performers and it is even harder when you choose a more rectangular shape. You have to decide what your preferences are and go from there. For me the stone had to "speak to me".

The AVC's as @acaw2015, mentioned are gorgeous and cut for optimal light performance. However, they tend to be more on the square side and they will come at a very large premium.

 

[Octo2005]

If you list your budget and the parameters that you are looking for I am sure that some of the experts can help you find something fantastic.

 

[acaw2015]

Thank you @diamondhoarder !
The cushion is the same as in my avatar, but it is completely square as you mentioned. I cant really answer re more elongated cushions as I have a preference for square ones and havent really read up on elongated cushions...
I also agree with @Octo2005 , only you can say what parameters are the most important for you, cut vs spread etc. I think a video would be nice since you dont really have the option of seeing it in person. However, a video can be tricky because a seller would probably rather shoot it in a lighting situation that does not show the weaknesses. Just beware of that.

Please come back with pictures if you do decide to buy it!

 

[valeria101]

What I like about it is the way pattern repeats itself symmetrically and kind of draws the eye down towards the culet.

IHMO, the cushions with two-tiered crowns www do this very obviously ! (perhaps not in those pictures ...)

-

The diamond looks good to me as is - elsewhere in some posts I might have admired the 'contrast' in similar ASET profiles. I wonder if the corner facets might light up at a slight tilt & what is happening with the rest then ...

____
Remembered: this is a better view of a double-tier crown WWW (pt.: the faceting must be different from the other, except for this characteristic).