Assistance with Cushion Search

rockysalamander · Oct 5, 2017

Not everyone wants a round, but how did you decide on a cushion? You said above you want it to look big, but you selected a shape that faces up small and are considering colors that will be more apparent in this cut (i.e., color is more apparent in the face of a cushion than a round). The same is true of a oval, but they can face-up bigger. There are ovals with more cushion-like facets that can help you with face-up size (@valeria101 is excellent at finding those). Be sure you are looking at the size/spread of the diamonds under consideration. Remember, carats=weight -- you should look as spread in mm.

You mention character and unique themes, but if that it why you choose a cushion, I'd think about how much a modern cushion offers that relative to a interesting setting or antique stone.

Here's on example of a nice oval (not cushiony), but with a spread of 8.13x5.57mm.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-2719607

I'm not suggesting you necessarily change your approach, but just be clear about the relative merits of each shape and how they work in your budget.

Size 6.5 finger, shank=2.2 mm. Cushion on right, round on left.

Oval vs. cushion with links in this post.

BHamilton · Oct 5, 2017

rockysalamander said:
Not everyone wants a round, but how did you decide on a cushion? You said above you want it to look big, but you selected a shape that faces up small and are considering colors that will be more apparent in this cut (i.e., color is more apparent in the face of a cushion than a round). The same is true of a oval, but they can face-up bigger. There are ovals with more cushion-like facets that can help you with face-up size (@valeria101 is excellent at finding those). Be sure you are looking at the size/spread of the diamonds under consideration. Remember, carats=weight -- you should look as spread in mm.

You mention character and unique themes, but if that it why you choose a cushion, I'd think about how much a modern cushion offers that relative to a interesting setting or antique stone.

Here's on example of a nice oval (not cushiony), but with a spread of 8.13x5.57mm.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-2719607

I'm not suggesting you necessarily change your approach, but just be clear about the relative merits of each shape and how they work in your budget.

Size 6.5 finger, shank=2.2 mm. Cushion on right, round on left.

Oval vs. cushion with links in this post.

Wow! Thanks for a thoughtful breakdown. I only referenced size relative to a cushion's nature, so I'm definitely aware that they don't face up as well as other shapes and am totally fine with that! Within budget, color seems to be where I'd be most comfortable making a concession as I don't want to sacrifice clarity given a cushion looks prone to showing off those tiny imperfections. Based on ASETs of 3185832 and 3088860, is there any red flag while I await my final selection?

rockysalamander · Oct 5, 2017

Great. I'm glad it was helpful and you are clear.

3088860, 6.31 mm - Pretty crisp faceting. Faceup not a lot of visible color. Inclusions nada. If the ASET looks good, this gets my vote. I would personally trade size for mind-clean (if not also eye-clean).

3185832, 6.73 mm -Would be a no for me. The inclusions are too numerous and black for me. I tend to avoid anything with black inclusions in the table. I just can't unsee them (and carry a loupe everywhere and have a microscope at work).

For reference, these are the kind of SI1 inclusions I would not worry about.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-3488622

Out of the Box idea...LoveAffairDiamonds is having a "make me an offer" sale until 10/7. This is a lovely old cut that you could offer her $5k for and see what she says. Click on the blue "here" to see videos and still pics.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-15ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-j-vs2/

BHamilton · Oct 5, 2017

rockysalamander said:
Great. I'm glad it was helpful and you are clear.

3088860, 6.31 mm - Pretty crisp faceting. Faceup not a lot of visible color. Inclusions nada. If the ASET looks good, this gets my vote. I would personally trade size for mind-clean (if not also eye-clean).

3185832, 6.73 mm -Would be a no for me. The inclusions are too numerous and black for me. I tend to avoid anything with black inclusions in the table. I just can't unsee them (and carry a loupe everywhere and have a microscope at work).

For reference, these are the kind of SI1 inclusions I would not worry about.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-3488622

Out of the Box idea...LoveAffairDiamonds is having a "make me an offer" sale until 10/7. This is a lovely old cut that you could offer her $5k for and see what she says. Click on the blue "here" to see videos and still pics.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-15ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-j-vs2/

3185832 Luckily does have an ASET to look at - what do you think @rockysalamander
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...-Carat-I-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-4142Z5213

Still waiting on https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3403896 but I'm in total agreement about 3185832 - those inclusions cannot be unseen by me at this point but an otherwise lovely stone imo.

BHamilton · Oct 8, 2017

the 1.30 vvs I looks to be the winner, i think in a rose gold halo setting, it will be a real looker. i stumbled upon https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.42-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3323351 at the same price point and wanted to solicit an opinion before going ahead with 3088860.

rockysalamander · Oct 8, 2017

The 1.3 vvs is way better than the 1.42 J VS1 is much better cut than the 1.42 J VS1. Sigh. Too bad as it is bigger.

This halo is always popular. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49364

On a budget, I like this one. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-41434

I would request they set the stone as low as possible to make the main and side diamond more seamless. From the side, it should look like this...

The center stone is too high to my taste...

BHamilton · Oct 8, 2017

rockysalamander said:
The 1.3 vvs is way better than the 1.42 J VS1 is much better cut than the 1.42 J VS1. Sigh. Too bad as it is bigger.

This halo is always popular. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49364

On a budget, I like this one. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-41434

I would request they set the stone as low as possible to make the main and side diamond more seamless. From the side, it should look like this...

The center stone is too high to my taste...

Yes! the falling edge pave is my selection, I think it gives the best of pave and halo - at least as far as JA settings go. I've seen some folks on this board aren't overly impressed with JA setting options but I'd like everything done by the same party.
Totally agree about the stone sitting too high, that was my one concern - glad to know I wasn't alone. I will make that request - thanks so much for the assistance - headed to my bank after the holiday weekend

rockysalamander · Oct 8, 2017

BHamilton said:
Yes! the falling edge pave is my selection, I think it gives the best of pave and halo - at least as far as JA settings go. I've seen some folks on this board aren't overly impressed with JA setting options but I'd like everything done by the same party.
Totally agree about the stone sitting too high, that was my one concern - glad to know I wasn't alone. I will make that request - thanks so much for the assistance - headed to my bank after the holiday weekend

Awesome. Keep us posted and we want loads of pictures once you get the ring and then hand-shots.

One note on pave settings...you MUST have her correct ring size. Pave can be persnickety about re-sizing (more so down than up). If you have any doubt...consider using a temporary setting until you get her sized or err slightly larger not smaller, ok? Once she adds a wedding band, the ring will fit more snug (and a slightly big ring can have sizing beads added).

"presentation solitaire"
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-41247

ac117 · Oct 9, 2017

The 1.42 J has lots of mush under the table - stick with the 1.3 I...it really is a stunner and will be gorgeous in that halo setting!!!

Octo2005 · Oct 9, 2017

I had been following this thread but have been on vacation and just checking in. The 1.3 is very pretty, can't wait to see pictures.

Congratulations on the upcoming engagement!

BHamilton · Oct 26, 2017

Wasn't sure what you guys were used to in terms of photos so I had a look at the Show Your Bling section and geez! Some of you must moonlight as pro photographers. Anyways, I took a shot at it with my iPhone