Chunky Faceted Cushion - D with Very Strong Blue Fluorescence

[CharmyPoo]

You must be thinking - not another thread about fluorescence! I did read through all the threads and understand both sides of the fence. I am just stuck and can't make up my mind and would love to hear your opinions.

I am in the market for a chunky faceted square cushion. Our vendor found only 1 stone that came close to my requirements (stock is low now). It is an old chunky cushion (not a newly cut stone) and a D with very strong blue (VSB) fluorescence. I have never seen VSB this in real life and not sure how I feel about it. I have been told that it is gorgeous and the VSB is not an issue.

My concerns include:
1) Very strong blue fluorescence
2) 1.05 ratio which I know is still square but I enjoy a 1.00 ratio
3) Surface graining which I know it is a non-issue in a VVS2 but who knows
4) 60% table is slightly bigger than I usually like
5) Are those feathers on the edge an issue?
6) Are there dark dead spots or just bad photo? I really hate dark spots.

There is nothing out there right now and probably nothing in the near term. My question is what are your thoughts on this diamond? Do I really have anything to worry about it or should I wait until one meets all my desires (which could be never)? Is it worth going to see this diamond in person - I will be about a 2 hours drive from it? Please no comments about going bigger if I go down in color or clarity.
Diamond Specs
Cushion Brilliant
Measurements: 6.97 x 6.64 x 4.29 mm
Carat Weight: 1.51
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: VVS2

Proportions:
Depth: 64.6 %
Table: 60 %
Girdle: Medium to Thick, Faceted
Culet: Medium

Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Very Strong Blue

Comments: Surface graining is not shown. Crown angles are greater than 40 degrees.

Photos

 

[Miss Fortune]

I have a D with med blue fluro and I'm not a fan. very strong blue could make your D stone look milky. just my 2 cts! if it were a H or I with strong blue, it could really make the stone look whiter. good luck on your decision.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Does the vendor not have a return policy? I feel like cushions are so individual, and especially with an old cut one, it will be more about whether (and how much) it "speaks" to you than any specific parameter.

 

[GossamerAngel]

My dear, it sounds like you need to wait a little bit longer until the true "right" stone pops up on the market.

There are way more cons about this stone that pros - unless the diamond is a super-extreme bargain (which, at a D with SB fluor, it may very well be), it''s not worth getting it just to get something sooner rather than later.

I used to work in the diamond business, and honestly, and while I''m not opposed to moderate or more fluor. in stones below an I or J (they really usually do improve the appearance of the color of the stone under normal lighting conditions), I do NOT care for D-E-F stones with anything more than mod. blue fluor. I have yet to see a colorless diamond with SB fluor that does not have at least a slightly hazy, milky, or sleepy look to it. Just my opinion, but there you go.

 

[GossamerAngel]

And again, from someone who *used* to work in the business, the right stone will pop up. It might take several weeks, but that''s the thing about diamonds, more supply is ALWAYS coming down the pipeline. It''s truly just a matter of time.

If a diamond vendor is telling you that there are no "prospects" on the market anytime soon for a stone fitting exactly your criteria, he is wasting his time as a jeweler and should be at the racetrack betting on horses!! Time to expand your search to more vendors

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Why not go for the two hour drive? If you don''t you may spend the rest of your life feeling you possibly missed the right stone.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Miss Fortune - Do you have a photo of your diamond. I tried looking through your posts but not sure if the asscher is it.

GossamerAngel - I honestly don't mind waiting for the perfect stone. We are sticking with the vendor as it will be part of a trade-up and he is very nice. The diamond may or may not be a good deal but it is below my trade-up requirement so I will be purchasing an additional stone or stones to make up the difference. My boyfriend likes our current diamond better - he isn't a fan of the culet or the blue.

MC - Why not drive 2 hours to see it? Well .. I guess I am thinking if this one isn't worth it based on the photos .. it isn't worth the drive. I am just debating because the vendor told me this diamond is a worth the drive to see in person. Plus, I don't really need another vacation to NYC given how often I go there. I rather return home (I work away from home during the week).

 

[Steel]

I voted for Gimmie!

It looks pretty to me. From other flour posts it seems that the milky effect is very very very very very rare -very!

So I would drive to see it. If you do not like to drive, what is the return policy like?

You clearly are drawn to this stone - else you would not have posted.

ETA: I was posting at the same time. So clearly I was wrong! You are not drawn to the stone. I like it and the more I look at it, I can kinda see a faint purple hue - yummy! If only I was in the market - I would go shopping.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/9/2009 8:41:43 PM
Author: Steel
I voted for Gimmie!

It looks pretty to me. From other flour posts it seems that the milky effect is very very very very very rare -very!

So I would drive to see it. If you do not like to drive, what is the return policy like?

You clearly are drawn to this stone - else you would not have posted.

Thanks Steel. This is the first reassuring post. It''s not worth the shipping back and forth since I am so close to NYC and can hitch a ride with a team member who lives in NYC.

I am also hoping some of the cushion and cut experts will reply and give me a critical feedback on the stone. I really want to understand the light performance. I don''t want a dark stone.

 

[pixley]

Charmy,
I love the shape of that cushion, and would definitely make the drive to see if it grabs you in person. Two hours isn't really that much of a commute when diamonds are involved

. My friend in S.F. drives three hours just to go to work and there are no diamonds at the end of that commute.

I normally wouldn't choose a D with very strong blue, but if it doesn't go wonky or have any ill effects, it might be worth a shot. The dark patches are probably a reflection of the camera lens and a 1.05 ratio isn't going to look rectangular, IMHO. ETA - I wouldn't worry about any surface graining in a VVS2 at all. I doubt it would be a dark stone because of the 60% table. It may not be a ball of fire, but I bet it's bright.

 

[GossamerAngel]

Wait, I don''t understand - what kind of reassurance are you looking for? I''m confused - do you want others'' opinions on whether the stone sounds like the "right" stone for you based on what you have said about it, or assurances that yes, this is the diamond you should purchase?

I''m not trying to be inflammatory, just seeking clarity on what kind of help you need.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/9/2009 9:11:50 PM
Author: GossamerAngel
Wait, I don't understand - what kind of reassurance are you looking for? I'm confused - do you want others' opinions on whether the stone sounds like the 'right' stone for you based on what you have said about it, or assurances that yes, this is the diamond you should purchase?

I'm not trying to be inflammatory, just seeking clarity on what kind of help you need.

Right stone based on what I am looking for which is a pretty well cut cushion. I appreciate your advice!

My last comment was probably a poor selection of words. I probably meant this is the first .. yes, potentially right stone .. response. I know at the end - I need to pick something that sings to me. I don't want to be in an endless unsatisfied cycle.

 

[jstarfireb]

I love fluorescence! I''d kill to have a D with VSBF (the elusive "blue-white" diamond)! My understanding of the milky/oily effect is that it''s exceedingly rare.

Feathers and surface graining in a VVS2 will not be a problem. I don''t know enough to address your other concerns, and I''m certainly not able to evaluate a cushion from the pics, but it looks nice to me!

 

[GossamerAngel]

Ahhhhh so. Well then I agree, I think you should pay a visit to see the stone in person. 2 hours isn''t too far to drive for something major like this HOWEVER, I would be prepared to still walk away from the stone that day, have no intention of buying it on that trip.

I was JUST In a very, very similar situation as you. I was shopping for cushions (either a cushion or radiant for my upgrade), and the jeweler brought in a lovely cushion that seemed to fit closely (but not EXACTLY) what I wanted. The pics were beautiful, and the specs were close to my ideal. I went to see the stone in person, and it was lovely, and I was really anxious about just choosing a stone and being done with the whole "hunt for the perfect stone" process. It was agonizing! I had pretty much talked myself into getting that cushion, told myself it was what I wanted, even though there were aspects of it that I wasn''t totally thrilled with, but it was close! However, my husband talked to me straight, all but told me to snap out of my "diamond stupor" as he called it, and not settle on a stone that was *close enough* for something this important.

Anyway, I''m really glad that I waited and didn''t get that stone even though I had convinced myself I would be fine with that stone as my diamond, since a few days later the dealer I was working with found the stone that I am having made into my dream ring - a radiant with the exact measurements, ratio, color, and clarity that I was hoping for. Anyway, all I am saying is to be ready to walk away and give yourself some time to cool your head after seeing this "maybe, could be" stone - and put things into perspective

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/9/2009 9:30:38 PM
Author: GossamerAngel

I was JUST In a very, very similar situation as you.

Thank you for sharing your story with me. Since this is our second stone and hopefully the setting will be perfect this time, I really want everything right. If I could help it, I don''t want to have to ever upgrade after we get engaged. Partially why I ask that he propose after we got the perfect ring and not before.

 

[T L]

The flour really comes into play in the sunshine. It would be nice to see some sunshine shots. I have several colored diamonds with flour, and I like the flour on those, they add to the color, but I''m not so sure about it on a completely colorless diamond.

 

[GossamerAngel]

Date: 1/9/2009 9:38:47 PM
Author: CharmyPoo

Date: 1/9/2009 9:30:38 PM

Author: GossamerAngel


I was JUST In a very, very similar situation as you.

Thank you for sharing your story with me. Since this is our second stone and hopefully the setting will be perfect this time, I really want everything right. If I could help it, I don''t want to have to ever upgrade after we get engaged. Partially why I ask that he propose after we got the perfect ring and not before.

I TOTALLY hear you on that one!!!

 

[Miss Fortune]

here's a thread on my new asscher band but you can check out my engagement ring. you won't be able to tell the med blue fluro - nobody else really can either. it's just I can tell because my side stones don't have fluro so it looks a little weird to me.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-daniel-k-asscher-band.103321/

 

[chrono]

Personally, I''d go for it because I love a chunky icy D cushion with strong fluoro. However, it is YOUR stone so it''s best if you actually see it and play around with it to decide if YOU love it before committing $$$ on it.

 

[Miss Fortune]

I should add that my stone is not milky or cloudy colored at all.

 

[pixley]

Charmy,
Does your vendor have this one in house at the moment?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/9/2009 11:43:49 PM
Author: pixley
Charmy,
Does your vendor have this one in house at the moment?

Yes - it has been called in for me.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/10/2009 8:15:59 AM
Author: CharmyPoo

Date: 1/9/2009 11:43:49 PM
Author: pixley
Charmy,
Does your vendor have this one in house at the moment?

Yes - it has been called in for me.

Charmy, I think it is definitely worth a look in person - and I would personally love the SBF in a D!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Love the D--but (any) flouro would be a dealbreaker for me.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Winks_Elf]

Only you can decide whether or not the stone sings to you, and the only way to do that is go see it in person.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/10/2009 8:19:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

Charmy, I think it is definitely worth a look in person - and I would personally love the SBF in a D!

Thanks Lorelei. I am going to go look at it in person and see how I feel. I guess no one can give me the answer and I will make the decision myself. I am planning to take my idealscope and aset scope along too and get some photos to post on here. I am also going to try to take some photos in the sunlight if I am allowed to take it outdoors.

I am taking some time to get used to your new avator. I keep expecting to see the big chubby white bunny!

 

[LD]

I''m glad you''re going to see it. I love fluor but would hesitate with a D colour. I''ve heard positives and negatives for diamonds with high colour and high fluor. I think you need to see how it performs in strong sunlight!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/10/2009 1:37:42 PM
Author: CharmyPoo

Date: 1/10/2009 8:19:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

Charmy, I think it is definitely worth a look in person - and I would personally love the SBF in a D!

Thanks Lorelei. I am going to go look at it in person and see how I feel. I guess no one can give me the answer and I will make the decision myself. I am planning to take my idealscope and aset scope along too and get some photos to post on here. I am also going to try to take some photos in the sunlight if I am allowed to take it outdoors.

I am taking some time to get used to your new avator. I keep expecting to see the big chubby white bunny!

Sounds like you are very well prepared with your ASET and IS!! Please let us know how you get on!!

LOL with the bunny - I always seem to be attracted to bunny avatars for some reason....

 

[coatimundi_org]

Good luck Charmy!! I love the faceting on this stone!

 

[EricaR]

Good luck!!! I agree with everyone that it is worth looking at for sure, so now I can''t wait to see what you think of it in person!