August Vintage Cushion/Setting - Need help deciding

[supfooah]

Hello PS Community,

First time poster I'm so glad that there's a place to help out simple guys like me. I'm excited and ready to buy an engagement ring!

Background:My girlfriend is absolutely in love with the tacori setting 2620 with a cushion cut. After readings threads on which places have the best reputation for cushion cuts it seems like Victor Canera and GOG have the best cut. From what I've researched, out of the two, GOG can place a Tacori setting.

Tacori 2620: http://www.tacori.com/2620rdlgp
-I'm trying to decide whether I should get 18K WG or Platinum. My gf wants the least maintenance, so opt for the platinum?

GOG's AVC: After looking at a bunch of picture on PS of people who have an AVC, I'm pretty sold. I would appreciate your comments on a few diamonds that I've narrowed down to. To me they seem pretty similar, so please feel free to comment.

1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1ct-f-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html....... $8696 - I like the symmetry of the facets and overall the aset/diamxray seem good.

This is the only diamond I've requested a picture so far. I'll be requesting other diamonds later so I can compare.

2)http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-00ct-h-vs2-august-vintage-star-cushion-diamond.html $8023 - I was reading up on [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-star-diamonds.208509/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-star-diamonds.208509/[/URL] and people do like the star edition. I thought cushion cuts are supposed to be known for large facets, but I guess it's personal preference.

3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html $9153 - Does 1.02 really make a difference?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-si1-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html $8399 - another one with SI1 clarity.

Pricing: What are your thoughts on pricing? I tried to do comparable searches on PS and WF, but it's really hard to find comparable diamonds since AVC appear to be in its own unique categories. I've searched the 8-9k range cushion diamonds and I could get a significantly larger diamond. AVC worth the price?

Appreciate your thoughts and comments!

 

[LLJsmom]

Sounds like GOG AVC will be your choice since you need a favorite setting and VC dos not set AVCs. I've seen VC CAC in person and they are stunning. I am sure GOGs AVCs are too. As to whether they are worth it, it is if you want that specific cut. A precision cut antique style cushion. If you were considering modern flavors of cushions you have more options. For the people on this board that have bought them, of course it was worth it to them. As you have already see they are beautiful. Go with it. I don't think she will be disappointed.

I like the G vs2. Could not see your first link. It's a beautiful stone. I would be thrilled to receive one myself.

 

[tyty333]

The AVC Star would be my favorite. I like the faceting under the table and like the fact that you get to see more than just 4 main
facets.

Yes, they are expensive. They are branded and have ideal light return plus all the necessary images to show how nicely they are
cut. Your other option is to look for true antique stones with excellent light return. It will take you longer to find but will/should
not be as expensive.

Cushion cuts come in all different faceting patterns. Some are what we call "crushed ice" where the facets are barely discernible.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-sku-750810 obviously bad light return

That AVC Star DOES have large facets by almost anyone's standards so don't let that dissuade you. Remember, with an AVC you
are pretty much getting the best of the best in every sense.

Here is a true antique cushion for comparison sake...It is a 1.27 K/VS1 $5000. Probably doesnt have ideal light return but still nice.
With a true antique you are not getting the best of the best but you are getting a sense of history. Perhaps a quirky piece of the past
that most people love with all it's personality traits (the good as well as maybe the not so good). Just really depends of what
you are looking for.

http://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Loose-Diamonds/100-200cts/127ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/i-BMzsb2c/A
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-27ct-oec-egl-k-vs1#.VmrxK0orLs0

 

[k0rtnei]

She's a lucky lady! Tacori 2620 with an antique cut is my dream ring as well. I always thought it looked better with a round because it shows that subtle halo just enough (which is my favorite feature of 2620, that I haven't been able to find on any other setting ever!). However I would be so torn because AVCs are my favorite stone of all time.

I had broken it down for my own personal reference in the future....if I was to get an AVC, I wanted a solitaire type setting (no halo). I didn't want to take away from that beautiful cushion-y shape. If I went with the 2620 setting, I had decided on an antique round cut. OECs would be much more budget friendly in comparison to AVCs. If you went with an AV Round (or any round antique cut) you'd get a more spready stone, therefore you could buy a .8 round and it might appear as large a 1 ct cushion would...or go even bigger. If you're dead set on an antique cushion for the 2620, you should check out jewelsbygrace. They have by far the best selection of ACs I've found, for reasonable prices. It's hard to beat an AVC though.

My downfall was when I realized it'd be 10k to get a 1 ct ring. That's when I decided to check out other options in the name of frugality....I like the idea of history behind the rock. Not everyone likes the idea of an old stone so it's ultimately up to how you think your girlfriend would feel about it.

-Get an old stone vs. A newly cut stone?
-A non perfect old antique cut vs. A rock precisely cut with modern tools?
-1.5 or more carats for $8k vs. 1 ct. For 8k?

I wouldn't go with a modern cushion unless you find a damn near perfect cut that shows off a definitive facet pattern. Tacori 2620 is too beautiful for crushed ice! Modern round brillants look good in 2620 too, but I personally feel as if the antique beauty of the setting should be complemented with an antique cut stone.

Best wishes!

 

[supfooah]

The AVC Star would be my favorite. I like the faceting under the table and like the fact that you get to see more than just 4 main
facets.

Yes, they are expensive. They are branded and have ideal light return plus all the necessary images to show how nicely they are
cut. Your other option is to look for true antique stones with excellent light return. It will take you longer to find but will/should
not be as expensive.

Cushion cuts come in all different faceting patterns. Some are what we call "crushed ice" where the facets are barely discernible.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-sku-750810 obviously bad light return

Here is a true antique cushion for comparison sake...It is a 1.27 K/VS1 $5000. Probably doesnt have ideal light return but still nice.
With a true antique you are not getting the best of the best but you are getting a sense of history. Perhaps a quirky piece of the past
that most people love with all it's personality traits (the good as well as maybe the not so good). Just really depends of what
you are looking for.

http://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Loose-Diamonds/100-200cts/127ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/i-BMzsb2c/A
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-27ct-oec-egl-k-vs1#.VmrxK0orLs0

==============
Thanks for the reply. I've been trying to look at other antique stones with excellent light return, but there's just so many options out there in the market. I'm finding it difficult to understand how well light returns by basing it on dimensions and GIA reports.

Crushed ice can stay crushed... does not look appealing to me at all. I can't image any crush ice cuts giving good light return.

I'll have to do a little bit of research on antiques. Thanks for the link of jewelsbygrace. Another person recommended that site as well. I'm not sure if the lighting has anything to do with it, but those diamonds look nice.

 

[supfooah]

Sounds like GOG AVC will be your choice since you need a favorite setting and VC dos not set AVCs. I've seen VC CAC in person and they are stunning. I am sure GOGs AVCs are too. As to whether they are worth it, it is if you want that specific cut. A precision cut antique style cushion. If you were considering modern flavors of cushions you have more options. For the people on this board that have bought them, of course it was worth it to them. As you have already see they are beautiful. Go with it. I don't think she will be disappointed.

I like the G vs2. Could not see your first link. It's a beautiful stone. I would be thrilled to receive one myself.

=====================
Report link: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1ct-f-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html
Thoughts of that vs. the G vs2?

I'll just have to compare some modern cushions with AVC. There's no doubt that AVC are beautiful. I just need to decide whether a 1.5 or greater antique cushion makes more sense than 1ct AVC. I personally think cut is a priority, but my gf who doesn't know about rings too much will think about carat wt.

 

[supfooah]

She's a lucky lady! Tacori 2620 with an antique cut is my dream ring as well. I always thought it looked better with a round because it shows that subtle halo just enough (which is my favorite feature of 2620, that I haven't been able to find on any other setting ever!). However I would be so torn because AVCs are my favorite stone of all time.

I had broken it down for my own personal reference in the future....if I was to get an AVC, I wanted a solitaire type setting (no halo). I didn't want to take away from that beautiful cushion-y shape. If I went with the 2620 setting, I had decided on an antique round cut. OECs would be much more budget friendly in comparison to AVCs. If you went with an AV Round (or any round antique cut) you'd get a more spready stone, therefore you could buy a .8 round and it might appear as large a 1 ct cushion would...or go even bigger. If you're dead set on an antique cushion for the 2620, you should check out jewelsbygrace. They have by far the best selection of ACs I've found, for reasonable prices. It's hard to beat an AVC though.
==============
-haha, looks like we have the same type of dilemma. My budget is around 10-11k. I haven't really given it a thought to put a AV Round on the 2620. Maybe I'll ask them to take a video.

I found one that seems reasonable - http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.20ct-i-si1-august-vintage-round-diamond.html
Hmm... now I have to think about AVC or AVR on a 2620. I'm not sure why I like AV so much. Maybe it's because I find it too daunting to do more research. I feel with AV I'll at least know what I'm paying for.

 

[LLJsmom]

She's a lucky lady! Tacori 2620 with an antique cut is my dream ring as well. I always thought it looked better with a round because it shows that subtle halo just enough (which is my favorite feature of 2620, that I haven't been able to find on any other setting ever!). However I would be so torn because AVCs are my favorite stone of all time.

I had broken it down for my own personal reference in the future....if I was to get an AVC, I wanted a solitaire type setting (no halo). I didn't want to take away from that beautiful cushion-y shape. If I went with the 2620 setting, I had decided on an antique round cut. OECs would be much more budget friendly in comparison to AVCs. If you went with an AV Round (or any round antique cut) you'd get a more spready stone, therefore you could buy a .8 round and it might appear as large a 1 ct cushion would...or go even bigger. If you're dead set on an antique cushion for the 2620, you should check out jewelsbygrace. They have by far the best selection of ACs I've found, for reasonable prices. It's hard to beat an AVC though.
==============
-haha, looks like we have the same type of dilemma. My budget is around 10-11k. I haven't really given it a thought to put a AV Round on the 2620. Maybe I'll ask them to take a video.

I found one that seems reasonable - http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.20ct-i-si1-august-vintage-round-diamond.html
Hmm... now I have to think about AVC or AVR on a 2620. I'm not sure why I like AV so much. Maybe it's because I find it too daunting to do more research. I feel with AV I'll at least know what I'm paying for.

Nothing wrong with that. I love the look of antique cuts but I also want maximum light performance, and symmetry. Just the anal part of me. So I will probably go with a recently cut antique style stone. I love AVRs. They are just stunning.

 

[k0rtnei]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfTy9svRWc


My stupid youtube app is being a pain. I'm not sure if this linked right, but it should be a 2620 (without pave but same ring) with an AVR (or OEC, what have you). I love how the cushion shaped halo barely pokes out from under the round stone. It's not a huge, chunky overwhelming halo taking away from the center. I have seriously looked all over for what I call "subtle halos" and the next thing I've found is VC's emilya. For that look you have to get a massive center to make the halo look dainty on most. Not with 2620. I don't know what it is about that setting. Like you said, as far as the stone goes, you know you're set with an August Vintage. You won't have to deal with any worries about performance. I've been an avid GOG stalker for a while now...in my opinion, they have the best newly cut antique stones around!


Although after watching the AVC in 2620 video, I'm loving the way the stone looks extra pillow-y sitting atop the halo. It's like it pokes up slightly higher than the round. Looks more tulip-y. You won't go wrong either way. I'm excited for you haha

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I definitely love either an AVC or AVR in the 2620! Those are really the perfect stone for that setting. I'd probably go with the AVC since she has expressed wanting a cushion. Plus, those facets should show up well in contrast to the diamonds on the setting. I'd definitely go with platinum.

The most important thing to look at aside from the shape and facet pattern is the diameter of the stone. Cushions are deeper cut stones and face up smaller than some others. So when I look at any cushions, I sort out the ones that I like and then narrow them down further as to which face up the largest in size.

These are the two best stones in your budget range, in my opinion:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-00ct-h-vs2-august-vintage-star-cushion-diamond.html

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

 

[supfooah]

I definitely love either an AVC or AVR in the 2620! Those are really the perfect stone for that setting. I'd probably go with the AVC since she has expressed wanting a cushion. Plus, those facets should show up well in contrast to the diamonds on the setting. I'd definitely go with platinum.

The most important thing to look at aside from the shape and facet pattern is the diameter of the stone. Cushions are deeper cut stones and face up smaller than some others. So when I look at any cushions, I sort out the ones that I like and then narrow them down further as to which face up the largest in size.

These are the two best stones in your budget range, in my opinion:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-00ct-h-vs2-august-vintage-star-cushion-diamond.html

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

================================
Thank you for giving me some more insight on the diameter of the stones.
1)http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1ct-f-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html - 5.89x5.70x 3.87 table 53.9%
2) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html - 6.14x5.93x3.95 table 47%
3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-00ct-h-vs2-august-vintage-star-cushion-diamond.html -6.16x5.98x3.78 table 57.5

2 & 3 have the larger diameter, but #2 does the small table %. How does that impact the way it faces up? Will it show smaller center facets?

I went from looking at AVC to some AVR just to get some options. Can I get some quick thoughts? Found a few in the price range.
1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.20ct-i-vs2-august-vintage-round-diamond.html - Aset image is really blue...
2)http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.20ct-i-si1-august-vintage-round-diamond.html - 1.2 ct, seems ok as long as its eye clean.
3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-03ct-h-vs2-august-vintage-round-diamond.html - Smaller, but quality is better due to color and clarity?

 

[supfooah]

Narrowed my search down to these last 4:

1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1ct-f-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html
2) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-si1-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html
3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html
4) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-02ct-d-si1-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

Video included : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxUitAV-Vow

Quick thoughts?

 

[MissGotRocks]

I would choose the AV Star - I much prefer the faceting of that stone!

 

[tyty333]

Love them all but the star has my vote!