Any of these cushions worth consideration?

[pricescopenewbie]

I have a small budget for a diamond, so color and clarity can be low. I just want 1. Big and bold sparkle 2. Face up size as big as possible. I found some on JA. Is either worth consideration? Any other resources for rock hunting? Would an OEC or OMC a better option? Any website for small old cut cushions (I checked a couple old cut sites people here like to go but they seem to be more for big and round old cuts)?

Sry for 1001 questions and appreciate in advance for your advice!

Here are the stones I'm eyeing on:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.64-carat-k-color-i1-clarity-sku-793282
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.55-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-sku-793294
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.51-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-791131
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.51-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-791015
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.51-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-791566
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.50-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-791567

 

[pricescopenewbie]

Anyone can help pls?

 

[marymm]

Really, none of them are very nice - most of them appear to have visible inclusions on the face of the stone and aren't well-cut - perhaps the last stone is the least bad option since it is eyeclean but it doesn't have a good cut (when looking at the video, see the slightly tinged outer ring on the outside of the table? that is generally a sign a stone is not well-cut).

From your OP, it sounds like you are looking for a stone with the largest face-up size - and since you also specify "big and bold sparkle" you also are looking for a well-cut cushion. Generally, "big and bold sparkle" also translates to a chunky-cut antique or antique-style cushion but some modern cushions also can have facet patterns that present bold flashes. Often antique/antique-style cushions face up smaller as compared to modern cushions... just something to keep in mind.

Perhaps if you give us more info, we can suggest alternatives.
1. Is it for an engagement ring or ???
2. What is your budget for the stone?
3. Is the stone for you or someone else?

I looked quickly at JA and did not see any decent cushion candidates between 0.45 and 0.59ct with a budget cap of $725.00. I also looked at Jewels by Grace who sometimes has smaller antique cushions, but nothing with your specs is on her website. If you haven't already, you could email her to check if there is anything coming in or not yet listed.

Have you by chance contacted Adam at Old World Diamonds? I'd suggest calling him during the work week, and letting him know your prereqs - he may well have something suitable as much of his inventory is not listed on his website.

 

[kenny]

Here's what I did to see all six rotating side by side on my screen at the same time.
I clicked on each one so my puter gave me six windows, each with a spinning diamond.
Then I adjusted the size and position of each so they were as close together as possible.

Then I'd spend a long time watching and comparing them.
Look for anything you like or don't like, such as contrast distribution, pleasing facet pattern, distracting inclusions.
I'm partial to diamonds with higher crowns and smaller tables.

Ignore the apparent difference in body color.
Since GIA graded all six of them K the apparent difference has to be in the photography.

IMO since it's easier to elimate the worst than to pick the best I'd go through a process of elimination.
Delete the worst of the 6.
Then delete the worst of the remaining 5, and so on.

 

[marymm]

Not sure what you think about buying pre-loved, but this 0.57ct OMC looks promising and is less than $600 (though note no grading certificate) - the seller is a PSer and responsive to emails (FWIW I recently purchased something from her and found her photos/written description spot on) - depending on your project, perhaps it is worthwhile to email her requesting more focused photos in general, and a close-up photo of the chip? http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/dot-57-ct-antique-cushion-ij-si-5-dot-29x4-dot-50-x3-dot-21

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't go to K color in a modern cushion. I think the color will be visible possibly in concentrated areas. I wouldn't go below I or possibly J.

Also interested in your answers to marymm's questions, especially what the intended purpose of the stone is.

 

[Gypsy]

One of my friends has a J in a modern cushion. It's well cut and you really can't tell. I'm okay to J on them.

That said, all of those are passes for me.

What was you budget again?

 

[pricescopenewbie]

Hey everyone, thank you ssooo very much for all the advice! I am planning on a pendant on this diamond. hopefully this stone is under $850, ideally under $700. i know this is a real tight budget, and it will limit my options. i am open to any option, pre-loved, online websites, any old cut dealer, etc. the most important thing is the sparkles, then it will be a plus if it looks big for its size - this is optional though.

could you also give me a little tutorial on how to pick cushion diamonds? like when you look at the pictures or videos how to tell if the stone has good cut? marymm mentioned a "slightly tinged outer ring on the outside of the table" indicates a poor cut. that is a very good point. are there anything else you will look into the pictures or videos? i started with JA only because video is a little easier than pictures to me. it will really help for my hunting if i know how to look at them.

Thanks again and hope to hear more from you