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Assistance with Cushion Search

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BHamilton

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Messages
30
Hi All - I've tried to read up through the threads on how to best source a cushion and am thinking JA is the way to go for an engagement ring. Looking for a eye-clean cushion with a priority on cut. I've budgeted 5k max on the stone and am willing to sacrifice color to make up in other areas. Is something in the 1.3c-1.5c range possible? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
What type of ratio are you looking for? A ratio of 1-1.05 results in a square cushion but if you're looking for an elongated cushion, you'll need a ratio of 1.06 or higher (the higher, the more elongated). With cushions, you need to look at dimensions not carat weight. You may find a 1.3 carat cushion that has the same dimensions as a 1.4 carat cushion.

Here are a few more options for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3185832 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-045012463)
With a PS discount and bank wire discount, this may be in budget: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3403896
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C140-42905Z093?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C130-598135Z80?
If eye clean: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.45-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3088882 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...5-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-461271094)
 
ac117 said:
What type of ratio are you looking for? A ratio of 1-1.05 results in a square cushion but if you're looking for an elongated cushion, you'll need a ratio of 1.06 or higher (the higher, the more elongated). With cushions, you need to look at dimensions not carat weight. You may find a 1.3 carat cushion that has the same dimensions as a 1.4 carat cushion.

Here are a few more options for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3185832 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-045012463)
With a PS discount and bank wire discount, this may be in budget: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3403896
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C140-42905Z093?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C130-598135Z80?
If eye clean: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.45-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3088882 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...5-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-461271094)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions, will look through now. I'm looking for a square cushion that will impress face up. Really appreciate the help pulling these up!
 
Just been looking at the great suggestions here and plugging in different factors - wanted to see if any here would be considerations among the group here. Obviously will end up with something I think she would cherish, but want to make an informed choice
 
farrahlyn said:
What color are you setting the stone in? J/K will have some tint to it.

This would actually be my pick of the group
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3350187

But if you could swing this one that ac117 posted, i would sacrafice a little size for the upgrade in color
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
Click to expand...

i'd like to go platinum setting, unless the diamond color would be glaring at the j/k range
 
It's really going to depend on the wearers tolerance to color. A J or K will not be the whitest - but it won't be extremely yellow either. Lighting environment plays a huge role as well as ones perception. A K will certainly show noticeable tint from the side and *to me* will also be quite tinted from the face-up view. I think you'd be safer with an I/J unless the wearer has seen and is comfortable with a K.
 
Spoke with an online rep and started from scratch :oops:

Can anyone take a look at these?
3403896 ad 2617982 are still strong considerations, thanks for the guidance!
 
BHamilton said:
Spoke with an online rep and started from scratch :oops:

Can anyone take a look at these?
3403896 ad 2617982 are still strong considerations, thanks for the guidance!
Click to expand...

Were those recommended by JA? Because they are terrible - I don't really find that JA looks for the same things PSers look for in fancy cuts. All of those stones (with the exception of 3403896 and 2617982 that we picked) are not well cut - they do not have well defined facets, some have a crushed ice look and others just have gray mush throughout which IMO makes the stones appear more tinted, some have dark spots along the edges that will only make the stone appear smaller.

Some people do like the "crushed ice" look in cushions and that's ok but they cannot be compared to cushions that have well defined facets bc they have totally different performance.
 
ac117 said:
Were those recommended by JA? Because they are terrible - I don't really find that JA looks for the same things PSers look for in fancy cuts. All of those stones (with the exception of 3403896 and 2617982 that we picked) are not well cut - they do not have well defined facets, some have a crushed ice look and others just have gray mush throughout which IMO makes the stones appear more tinted, some have dark spots along the edges that will only make the stone appear smaller.

Some people do like the "crushed ice" look in cushions and that's ok but they cannot be compared to cushions that have well defined facets bc they have totally different performance.
Click to expand...

Yes those were suggestions from JA. In seeking out additional info I got cut grades for most of the selections and 3 of the 8 came back 100% so now I'm totally thrown off. I see the appeal of the crushed ice look but don't want to sacrifice performance
 
Those are all a no, if you are looking for optimal performance. Those are all crushed ice and not well cut.

Are you looking for a crushed ice appearance? Small pinfire sparkles or large broad flashes? Have you read @CharmyPoo's post on cushions? You should look it over and get a feel for what you want in the diamond. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ing-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/#post-4096061. It is a great resource on cushions.

I like the 1.3 I VVS2 that AC117 posted.
 
Octo2005 said:
Those are all a no, if you are looking for optimal performance. Those are all crushed ice and not well cut.

Are you looking for a crushed ice appearance? Small pinfire sparkles or large broad flashes? Have you read @CharmyPoo's post on cushions? You should look it over and get a feel for what you want in the diamond. https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ing-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/#post-4096061. It is a great resource on cushions.

I like the 1.3 I VVS2 that AC117 posted.
Click to expand...

Thanks much for this guide. Never thought I'd be going this indepth, but the characteristics of this shape are fascinating.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3403896
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2617997

these continue to impress, should i worry about the J color against a platinum halo setting?

Also 2617997 has an odd cut score - is that a concern or simply a matter of interpretation?
 
Last edited:
Not an expert! I just really love cushions and went through this journey myself not that long ago. Some of the prosumers have made some great suggestions, if you can describe what you like and don't like about the suggestions, they can help find things more suited to your liking.

As for a J color in a platinum halo, it is really up to you and your intended. What is her preference/tolerance for color. I think that the color difference might be noticeable, but only the wearer can say if it will be to much. Have you gone to look at J cushions? They will show color more than a J MRB.

I don't know anything about the Enchanted Diamonds cut score calculator, so I can't comment on that. However, I agree with their assessment that 2617997 is Ok but probably not the best cut. It is a bit deep at 70 and has a huge table at 67. Cushions are supposed to look like a pillow, with smaller tables higher crown than this stone. Compare the side views in the 1.31 that you mentioned. Do you see how the 1.31 looks more like a pillow or cushion? The video of 1.33 also shows lots of mushy areas(areas that are not turning on/off when you move the stone and areas with poorly defined facets). Do you have an ASET on either of these?
 
Octo2005 said:
Not an expert! I just really love cushions and went through this journey myself not that long ago. Some of the prosumers have made some great suggestions, if you can describe what you like and don't like about the suggestions, they can help find things more suited to your liking.

As for a J color in a platinum halo, it is really up to you and your intended. What is her preference/tolerance for color. I think that the color difference might be noticeable, but only the wearer can say if it will be to much. Have you gone to look at J cushions? They will show color more than a J MRB.

I don't know anything about the Enchanted Diamonds cut score calculator, so I can't comment on that. However, I agree with their assessment that 2617997 is Ok but probably not the best cut. It is a bit deep at 70 and has a huge table at 67. Cushions are supposed to look like a pillow, with smaller tables higher crown than this stone. Compare the side views in the 1.31 that you mentioned. Do you see how the 1.31 looks more like a pillow or cushion? The video of 1.33 also shows lots of mushy areas(areas that are not turning on/off when you move the stone and areas with poorly defined facets). Do you have an ASET on either of these?
Click to expand...


thanks for the input! for better or worse, it's always been stated that I would do the search and selection on my own (well obviously not alone haha, but without her). i've only window shopped as i've found the jewelers in my encounters to be more pushy than i'd prefer to deal with, but i do need to get out there. the material provided and some binge watching of GoG vids has me squarely outside the crushed ice team and more aligned with what the other posters have suggested. of my two latest finalists, there's only an ASET for 2617997 that I should have within a day or so - in the meantime, more research!
 
Maybe you can enlist one of her friends or family members to see what her dream ring would be. She might be hoping for a particular shape or setting style. They could also bring up the subject of color tolerance.
 
@tyty333 @ac117 for 2617997, i can't tell if the color is blue or black, can you advise please?
 
absolutely, attached @ac117
2617982
2617982.jpg

2617997
2617997ASET.jpg
 
farrahlyn said:
OP, Do you prefer the elongated shape? Because i think the more square cushions you posted above will ASET better.

What about this one ac117 posted? i believe you can ask for a PS discount and get $100 off (search here for 'James Allen discount' ) so it's right at your threshold and is just a STUNNING stone!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
Click to expand...

I do think the elongated cushion gives some character - I do wish there was an image for 3403896 however. Are the results like those posted above expected based on their specs?
I'll check 3088860 for the discount but it does need to come right in at/under 5000 as I still need to set one of these beauties
 
I personally do not care for either of those - too much leakage on the sides that will make the diamond appear narrower than what they are. Especially the second one. If the sides displayed more red (strongest light return), then I would be more forgiving of some light leakage but these both have so much green on the sides, they also display some mush under the table and the first one has a bowtie (blue/black right in the center) that I don't find that attractive.

That being said, it might take some time to find the perfect cushion for you. If you want slightly elongated, I posted this one before but I'll post it again: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-045012463
 
ac117 said:
I personally do not care for either of those - too much leakage on the sides that will make the diamond appear narrower than what they are. Especially the second one. If the sides displayed more red (strongest light return), then I would be more forgiving of some light leakage but these both have so much green on the sides, they also display some mush under the table and the first one has a bowtie (blue/black right in the center) that I don't find that attractive.

That being said, it might take some time to find the perfect cushion for you. If you want slightly elongated, I posted this one before but I'll post it again: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-045012463
Click to expand...

I can definitely see the image is superior in the 1.4, but the inclusion seems fairly noticible, no? Thanks for the assistance as always
 
BHamilton said:
I can definitely see the image is superior in the 1.4, but the inclusion seems fairly noticible, no? Thanks for the assistance as always
Click to expand...

That's tough and will vary person by person - you're looking at a video/image at 20x magnification but in reality we're talking about something that is just about or slightly larger than a pencil eraser. If possible, zoom out the image and see if you could still spot the inclusion. It will be difficult (but to some, not impossible)! Some people can't "unsee" something once they've seen it and prefer "mind clean" stones. You could also ask Enchanted Diamonds how eye clean the diamond is and at what distance/angle.
 
farrahlyn said:
OP, Do you prefer the elongated shape? Because i think the more square cushions you posted above will ASET better.

What about this one ac117 posted? i believe you can ask for a PS discount and get $100 off (search here for 'James Allen discount' ) so it's right at your threshold and is just a STUNNING stone!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
Click to expand...

JA is looking for3403896, but I found 3185832 and @ac117 had previously provided 3088860. Don't know what to make of their provided "cut score" but the 1.30 vvs2 seems to ASET well even on the sides. JA said 1.4 SI was eye-clean.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3088860
ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...-Carat-I-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-4142Z5213

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3185832
ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-J-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-045012463
 
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