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Assistance with Cushion

countingdown

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
140
Hi Everyone,

Have the utmost respect for this forum. It has been a huge help in the past.

I currently looking for a cushion cut stone.

Looking for 1.4 to 1.7 in carat size
G to I in color
VS1 to SI1
Ex and Ex
Depth under 68.

These are a few of the choices and open to suggestions. All are GIA certified and have no fluorescence and ex ex on polish and symmetry.

Choice 1 I, 1.52 VS2, depth 65.6, table 62, girdle m-tk

Choice 2 I, 1.51 VS1 depth 68.2 table 61 girdle tk-vtk

Choice 3 I, 1.51 VS1 depth 61, table 64 girdle m-stk

Choice 4 H, 1.59, SI1 depth 66.1, table 61 girdle m-
Stk

Choice 5 I, 1.69, SI1, depth 62.8, table 63, girdle TN-stk, there is a more that says crystal feather cloud. Needle indented natural


Thanks for the feedback
 
With any fancy cut, you need pictures. Can't judge a cushion just based off numbers or a report. DO you have pictures? Can you post a budget so we can look at stones for you as well?
 
This is where ASET imagery helps - or even better, your eyes. Both are a good way to evaluate how the diamond handles light. A cushion can not be judged on its numbers.
 
Thanks for the replies, I have to make arrangements to see but was hoping to narrow it down. The budget is 6k for the stone.
 
I'm not getting any "I" stones in the 1.5 range to come up for under $6k on JA...so they are either a really good deal or ???

this one did come up but you can see its a disaster of a rock:eek2:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-3174308

EDIT...I move the cut grade all the way down to "Good" and a few more pop up. Nothing good
though. There are a few in the low $6k that look decent so hopefully thats what they've brought
in for you to look at.

Blue nile (hold shift key down when you click on link)...only stones that came up at 1.5ish (2 more bad stones)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09399992
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07238603

I got 0 stones at EnchantedDiamonds...so, dont know what that means. $6k seems like its not enough for the stones you are looking at...hopefully
they are nice stones but not really sure what to tell you unless we can see upclose photos and asets.
 
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2DF48FD1-CCDD-483D-9595-748A7C3E6F95.png got the 9FE65E97-EC59-436E-B59B-79680F74DE0B.png cert for the 1.69
 

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I like @tyty333 #2 from BN. https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07238603

@countingdown we need photos, video and ASET to really tell you anything about your stone. The SI1 with a crystal under the table would make me hesitate. I also concur with tyty333. It is rare that a B&M are less expensive than online and when they are, it is usually within a few hundred dollars. If you go local, make sure the diamond matches the certification (and look for diamonds that have the cert. # engraved on them). A diamond comparable to what you posted is $11600+, not $6k. If it sounds too good to be true...
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-3356909

Raising your budget a bit, I found a few to consider (at least one has an ASET). Do wait for other's to give input on these.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3091770, VG, G

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.43-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3102795, VG, VG

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1925365, VG, G

https://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.20-carat-g-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-1052249.html
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I found 0 diamonds online between 1.0-2.0ct, above SI1 for $6,000. The one that I found was a trainwreck, so, I consider that 0.
I increased the budget between $6,000-$8,000, and I found several AGS ideal Cut cushions on WF between 1.0-1.03ct.
This one has the best clarity: VVS2.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-3871305.htm

You will have to decide if you want to sacrifice carat for cut. Cushions are tricky & finding an AGS ideal Cut cushion is not easy. Cushions tend to have multi-size facets that contrast and create "mush" or "crushed ice", which can cause the appearance of dark spots where chunky, broad facets lie. Ideal Cut cushions are less likely to have that issue, and seem to have even facet patterns across the stone, allowing the diamond to absorb, and disburse light, evenly. The right Cut can increase the appearance of a diamond's size, sometimes. You can check the spread, and decide for yourself.

You be the judge.
So far, I have found nothing above the heavy 1ct mark that I* would consider an option.
I do hope the search bears more fruit! ;)2
 
I don't usually suggest old Cuts to anyone, unless they have expressed an interest in them, but I wanted to introduce this link for budget sake.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-39ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-si1

It's a beautiful stone, no mush or crushed ice, smoothe, and eye clean at SI1 clarity. J color, and well above 1ct.
Antique Cushions have such original, beautiful personality. Please enjoy the video.

For Clarity, and slight carat comparison:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-62ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-vs1
This stone is above your budget, but you get an idea of comparison between the JSI1 & JVS1. To my* eyes, not much, and the minimal carat weight difference just isn't worth crushing your $6,000 budget.
Just tossing these out there as alternatives. Modern Cushions will be more difficult to find for quality within your budget.
 
@Matthews1127 --- any opinions on my suggestions to the OP? I think they all are imperfect, but would you have the OP pursue any of them? I like the 1.43's faceting the best...
 
@Matthews1127 --- any opinions on my suggestions to the OP? I think they all are imperfect, but would you have the OP pursue any of them? I like the 1.43's faceting the best...

I do like the 1.43IVS2. It has beautiful faceting patterns, and appears whiter than I color (from my experience). I* am obsessed with eye clean clarity, and this stone meets my expectations; no dark carbon inclusions, no inclusions against nor under the table. Perfectly eye clean from table down. No indented faceting along the pavilion, no noticeable clouds or pinpoints; all inclusions seem to hide very well along the perimeter of the stone. No clustering of inclusions, which is a bonus. VS2 may be an insult to this diamond. I see very few areas of facet-caused darkness across the stone. From center to outside edge, there seems to be little to no interference or disturbance of light. I can't call it "leakage", as I can tell it's not poor Cut, rather, broad facets. There is still flash and scintillation, when tilted. The cut is VG/VG/VG. It's within budget. Strong contender. ;)2
I wanted to share comparison for OP, and introduce even more options to help OP "think outside the box". I must say, @rockysalamander, there are very few diamonds that you have posted across PS that I haven't liked. You have a keen eye, and I always consider your advice; you are quite knowledgeable, and I have learned a lot from you. :mrgreen2:
 
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I do like the 1.43IVS2. It has beautiful faceting patterns, and appears whiter than I color (from my experience). I* am obsessed with eye clean clarity, and this stone meets my expectations; no dark carbon inclusions, no inclusions against nor under the table. Perfectly eye clean from table down. No indented faceting along the pavilion, no noticeable clouds or pinpoints; all inclusions seem to hide very well along the perimeter of the stone. No clustering of inclusions, which is a bonus. VS2 may be an insult to this diamond. I see very few areas of facet-caused darkness across the stone. From center to outside edge, there seems to be little to no interference or disturbance of light. I can't call it "leakage", as I can tell it's not poor Cut, rather, broad facets. There is still flash and scintillation, when tilted. The cut is VG/VG/VG. It's within budget. Strong contender. ;)2
I wanted to share comparison for OP, and introduce even more options to help OP "think outside the box". I must say, @rockysalamander, there are very few diamonds that you have posted across PS that I haven't liked. You have a keen eye, and I always consider your advice; you are quite knowledgeable, and I have learned a lot from you. :mrgreen2:

As you know, I'm an old-cut lover, so I love your suggestions. I think its worth mentioning them to posters even if they have not requested, as maybe they just have not seen them to ask about them. With PS being educational, I think adding those options provide value to posters (and lurkers that might just be along for the reading-ride to learn).

I too learn so much from your posts (especially on step-cuts). I can see a good or bad one, but you have a great way of describing what your eyes see in step-cuts that I still am learning for step-cuts. Quite a skill!

Ok. OP, which direction do you want to go in?
 
As you know, I'm an old-cut lover, so I love your suggestions. I think its worth mentioning them to posters even if they have not requested, as maybe they just have not seen them to ask about them. With PS being educational, I think adding those options provide value to posters (and lurkers that might just be along for the reading-ride to learn).

I too learn so much from your posts (especially on step-cuts). I can see a good or bad one, but you have a great way of describing what your eyes see in step-cuts that I still am learning for step-cuts. Quite a skill!

Ok. OP, which direction do you want to go in?

@rockysalamander,
Thank you for the compliment. I do appreciate that. I love step-Cuts almost as much as I love my DH. :lol-2:
I have studied them, and researched them for approx. 15 years; I find them to be the most fascinating of all diamond Cuts. PS has helped me to learn so much more in the world of brilliant Cuts, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
OP, you're keeping us all in suspense!! I do understand this selection can be stressful & trying. We just hope to give you the best advice, possible. I can't wait to find out what you choose! :mrgreen2:
 
Thanks everyone? I guess I should have mentioned. The person who I would get the stone through is a client of mine and I have helped him with some stuff through the years. He was a big player in the diamond industry for many years and out of privacy I will not mention his name. He he retired for the most part.

He sent me a list of 150 stones I assume using whatever system like mls but whatever the diamond industry uses. He said narrow it to a few stones and he can make arrangements for me to see. Whatever the price is, he is passing it onto me with no mark up so I guess I would be getting it at wholesale.

The 1.69 stone is 5932 and listed as 39.5 percent off wrap.
 
Just checking in again. You might see if your friend can get the stones we listed above by GIA number. I think that our difficulty in helping you will be that you cannot buy stone by the numbers for cushions. You may have to pull all 150 to get a few contenders as there are far more bad than good cushions. The only numbers I know for cushions are to stay below 70% for depth and table. Not very helpful, right?

If you are willing, what about changing the shape to a round diamond? Unlike a cushion, initial selection of a round can be accomplished simply by the numbers. If that has any interest, let us know and we can post some guidelines for rounds.

We are still here if we can help...
 
That’s great that your acquaintance will do that but can he also get you ASET’s for the good ones? That’s worth almost as much as bringing them in. There are several suitable diamonds at yardav, but I cannot assess them as I don’t understand cushions. If you think you’re on the right track with your acquaintance you might be right but focus on the asets and inclusions.
 
That’s great that your acquaintance will do that but can he also get you ASET’s for the good ones? That’s worth almost as much as bringing them in. There are several suitable diamonds at yardav, but I cannot assess them as I don’t understand cushions. If you think you’re on the right track with your acquaintance you might be right but focus on the asets and inclusions.
I meant to say Yadav Diamonds
 
That inclusion will be noticable and this is a crushed ice type faceting, is that the type that you prefer?

I am still learning about cushions. I saw the inclusion. Not sure how obvious it would be.
 
Crushed ice type will have smaller more scattered reflections, whereas an antique cushion will have large chunky facets and a modern will have defined facets.
 
Black, dense inclusion under the table of that size and location will be easily seen. Together with the crushed ice look...I'd give it a hard no personally.
 
27B1623B-4DEA-4B16-A239-050592827EE2.jpeg 9355E3B4-6155-4E85-8F7F-957A30D77D0F.jpeg So here is picture of two stones. The first one is a exceptional cut stone but you will see see some inclusions. The stone is the modern cushion cut.

Second picture crushed ice.
 
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