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Can't decide! cushion brilliant vs vintage cushion

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violetkites

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
3
I will be the first to admit that I'm a procrastinator. I started looking at rings about 2 weeks ago.

The first ring I liked was a Tiffany Novo. This led me to cushions, which led me to ERD and GOG.

After watching some GOG videos, I felt that an vintage cushion cut was the "one." I loved the look of large facets and broad flashes of color. But I was nervous about it because I had never seen one in person (would it be enough brilliance/fire, will the "maltese cross" bother me?).

I though I would start by looking locally for approx 1.5 ct chunky/vintage cushion for my budget of 13K.

But when I asked around, I got crazy looks and they kept showing me modified cushions, some with that crushed ice look and some with lots of sparkle and fire. But no matter how many modified cushions I looked at, I just didn't care for the look of them -- they all reminded me of TV snow or a QR code.

Then one day I found a cushion brilliant, 1.54 ct, F, VVS1, 7.06 x 7.03, table 60%, depth 64%, culet none, fluoresce none. It's within my budget and it's down the street from where I live. I not sure I would call it chunky though? But I still like it. I've seen it in person a few times (which tells you how much I like it) and my untrained eye loves the dancing fire this thing gives off. Sorry no good pictures to post.

So now I feel stuck. I really like this cushion brilliant but I started out looking for an chunky/vintage. On one hand I don't want to lose this cushion brilliant. On the other hand I'm still thinking about the vintage. And the more I look at this cushion brilliant, the less I think of the vintage. On the other hand my engagement ceremony is at the end of July and do I have time to find and order a vintage online?

I was wondering if anyone else went back and forth through trying to choose between one of these two types. I need a pros/cons list or maybe some other things to think about regarding this decision?? Any comments about the stats on the cushion brilliant? something to stop my overanalyzing??
Thanks!
 
I haven't read about anyone on PS not loving their AV cushions. Could you have GOG send you one to look at?
 
This one is under budget. Not an H but nice:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10806/

OP didn't mention color or clarity requirements. I know there are other options out there, but OP did mention AVCs specifically.
 
OP - just to put out another point of view, I too was intent on getting an AVC - I had looked at GOG's videos and PS threads, and I was certain I would find AVCs to be stunning on my finger and right up my alley, style- and design-wise. So I bought an M-color AVC but after having it in my possession for several days I came to the conclusion I did not care for it for two reasons: (1) I didn't like the warmth of the color, and (2) cut-wise, I didn't like the prominence of the Maltese cross. While I do still think AVCs are beautiful and well-cut, I know they are not for me.

Not saying your experience would be the same - not at all - if you have the time and budget I strongly encourage you to buy an AVC so you can see and evaluate it with your own eyes. At the same time, there is something to be said for "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush" - you have already found a cushion that delights you and tugs at you...

Good luck!
 
Is there a thread that exists about how to call in a diamond? I tried looking in FAQ and resources, but have not been able to locate information on how the process works. If it doesn't exist, it would be nice to lay out options, step by step guide with tips and pitfalls for newbies and those who live in different parts of the US.
 
Do you mean having GOG send a stone to another retail store? Or having it sent to you directly?
 
If I were in the same position, I'd order the diamond (is it from GOG?) and have it shipped to me. Once it arrived, I'd pop over to the local store and compare it and cushion brilliant side by side and in as many lighting environments as possible. Until the end of July gives you time if the setting isn't a custom one.
 
Thank you Rhea! That's what I'll do.
marymm and mlolle-- that's exactly how I am feeling.
And everyone thanks for the suggestions. I will let you know how it turns out.
 
This thread needs pictures!
 
You'll probably eat the shipping both ways so I'd chose whatever diamond you'd actually like and consider keeping. In sense in ordering a cushion online, figuring out that's the style you like, but sending it back because you didn't get the ratio that you wanted or something.

I second the motion that we need photos!
 
minousbijoux|1371869979|3470309 said:
This thread needs pictures!
Click to expand...


we should start a thread that bans words altogether and people can only communicate via pictures and see what happens :P would be interesting to see where it went
 
I second the plan to compare your 1.5c F vvs to another antique cut cushion.

Your stone locally sounds really nice though and faces up nice and large like a 2c cushion 7mm x 7mm.

Finding a cushion brilliant is like finding a needle in a haystack. They are some of the best cut cushions on the market. If you watch GOG's videos on cushions Jon recommends finding a cushion brilliant with a mid 60% depth and a mid 50% table....so your stone is close to those perimeters. I've seen some on ERD with 60% tables that were very nice. I believe Some of the AVC's are graded as "cushion brilliants" by AGS. The smaller the table the higher the crown which makes the stone look more "pillowy" and plump which is very desirable as well.

Is your's an eight main or 6 main cushion brilliant? Can't you take a picture with your cell phone? Have you seen the certification?

Hard to find a 1.5c that faces up like a 2c cushion. Sounds like a winner to me for your budget.
 
Just for comparisons, here are some on JA, and your stone is better than any of these IMO (without seeing the faceting on yours). But just so you can see it faces up like a 2c cushion and for your budget I'm guessing you will choose your 1.5 F vvs which is a perfect square ...also highly desirable.

I tried to find some of the better faceted cushions, some are Old Mine Brilliant and have the antique faceting.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/?CaratFrom=1.44&CaratTo=10.00&Color=F,G,I,H&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=999000&Sort=Carat%20asc,%20DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&ps=15&DiamondID=166143,199200,177021,67633,147025,216459,175869,203914

I haven't checked GOG, ERD or Leon Mege. You might find a generic antique cushion on GOG which are less expensive than the AVC's.

I would watch the videos on cushions on GOG to help make your decision...the more educated you are the better your decision will be.

FYI, here's an AVC certed as a "cushion brilliant" on AGS:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10727/
faces up very large for a 2c too, but over your budget.

I would not let the 1.5c cushion brilliant get away though. If you can ask the jeweler to hold it for you while you are deciding that would be great. Is the price $13,000? If so and you like it I would be tempted to just buy it. An 1.5c F color VVS that faces up like a 2c diamond is very hard to find. If you could give him $100 to hold it for 2 weeks and if anyone else wanted to buy it, give you first right of refusal would be the best deal, that is, if you could get your $100 refunded if you decided not to get it.

Hope this helps.
 
So... after looking at other antique cushions that were posted, it looks like they all kind of have a maltese cross. Are they simply not as pronounced as with an AVC?

Also, I'm curious... when it comes to rounds, the predominant feeling on PS is that superior optics matter. I don't see a lot of people recommending anything other than ideal cuts. They are usually H&A or just shy of that. Why not with cushions?
 
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