Crisscut Cushion?

[snakecharming]

My fiance likes this cut as it is like a cross between a cushion and asscher cuts. I saw a 2ct one in person and it has very nice scintillation that outdoes the aforementioned cuts. Unfortunately the jeweler wanted $25k. There seems to be quite the price premium for this cut so I'm wondering if there are alternative cuts like this.


It's not a popular cut either so trying to find a used one is nearly impossible. I did find one on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Christopher-CRISSCUT-18K-White-Gold-Cushion-GIA-Diamond-1-66ct-Ring-MSRP-15500-/151637002149
If the center was actually 1.66ct then I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy it but the center is small at 1.16ct and about 6x6mm. Ideally we'd like a stone that's 7x7mm but that's going to exceed my budget by almost double if not triple. Why 7x7mm? Well, for us that's when we can start to notice the patterning of various cuts of diamonds as sizes below that can look busy. Since my budget is $6k should I take a chance on this ring? Ebay does have a liberal return policy. Any place else where I can get a used crisscut cushion?


I'm also considering pushing my budget and looking at this 1.5ct. http://www.ebay.com/itm/martin-flyer-1-5-carat-engagement-ring-and-wedding-band/221800658978
It's EGL cert though so I'm not sure if the 8 HEARTS & ARROWS really means it's a H&A diamond or not. I'm sure it's not a G color but hopefully still an I by GIA's standards. Hopefully clarity is still SI1 or at least eye clean. It's 7.3mm so in the desired size range.


Any opinions, suggestions or comments on either ring? Worth pursuing either ring? Perhaps the 1.5ct first and if it doesn't pan out try the crisscut? Anything better used rings on ebay or other sites?

 

[solgen]

That crisscut looks pretty dead in the center. Maybe it's just the way it was photographed though. Since it's not a popular cut it will be harder to obtain. If you do find a used one you can probably get a good deal on it as the market is small for it. I wish I knew where to point you on your search but perhaps someone else can offer assistance.


I wouldn't trust EGL reports and hearts and arrows is thrown around almost without regard. Looking at the light performance diagram on the report that is clearly not a H&A diamond if that indeed is the patterning. They also fail to list many details on the proportions of the diamond. This in part is why EGL grading should be viewed with skepticism. % of crown and pavilion aren't as accurate so when plugged into the HCA it helps it achieve a 1.0 TIC score. Scoring excellent on Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation and Very good on Spread. It could potentially be a nice stone but from all appearances it certainly isn't a super ideal or even a ideal cut stone.

I don't like what I'm seeing form either but if I had to choose I'd lean towards the Crisscut and just hope it's poor pics that make the center look dead.