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Cushion advice - 1st time caller, long time listner

S

stucook

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Messages
33
Hi all,

Been lurking for a while, but finally getting down to decision time. I'm looking for a nice (not perfect) cushion cut stone, for a Harry Winston Halo-style setting. I'm working with a local Chicago dealer, and I've narrowed it down to 2 stones. Unfortunately I don't have Sarin info, or even photos, so I recognize I can't expect a lot of tremendously useful advice. Still hoping you all can help steer me in the right direction. Please tell me, what would you choose??

Stone 1: I love this stone's sparkle and brilliance. It has larger cut facets, which I think will look really nice in the halo setting.
Cushion Brillant, AGS certified
7x67 x 7.49 x 5.15mm
2.25ct
Depth: 68.8%
Table: 53.5%
Girdle: Thin to Thick, Faceted
Cutlet: Very Large
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Color: AGS 2.0 H
Clarity: AGS 2 VVS2

Stone 2: I love the antique feel of this stone. It is not very deep, so it does not have the sparkle and brilliance of stone 1. But it's big spread is a real show stopper. I'm a bit concerned about the rectangular shape, which is really holding me back from pulling the trigger on this stone. How will that look in the Halo setting? Anybody know of any examples to look at?
Old Mine Brilliant, GIA Certified
9.12 x 7.35 x 4.64
2.4ct
Depth: 63.2%
Table: 51%
Girdle: Very thin to Thick, Faceted
Cutlet: Slightly large
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
 
We need pictures!

I'm in Chicago. I'd be happy to go in and take a look with my own eyes. :naughty: :cheeky:
 
Stu, no one can answer this question for you- even if they looked at the diamonds, your opinion- and the recipient's is what counts.

I will say that it does sounds though you've at least found a seller that has some reasonable candidates.
Few jewelers carry stones graded b AGSL_ and even fewer carry cushions graded by AGSL- this sounds like a positive to me.

The depth is not (necessarily) the reason you notice differences in the brilliance- but it's good that you did notice the differences.

Rectangular diamonds can look lovely in a halo.
 
if you have pictures we can offer more opinions...without them it is just not enough to go by. which one stood out to you the most?

I think a rectangular cushion looks great in a halo setting...there are certainly many examples of rectangular cushion halos on PS. I'm sure if you search for cushion halo you will find a lot!
 
Thanks for all the responses!

Stone 1: AGS 104052066004
Stone 2: GIA 2135692126

I guess I was just looking for some advice on these questions...
- How will the higher ratio, Old Mine stone look in the halo setting? I've been told that rectangular stones can look awkward.
- I'm really drawn in by the antique feel of the Old Mine, but should I be more concerned about the brilliance and flash?

Photos are attachedDSCN0680.jpg
 
Re: Cushion advice - 1st time caller, long time listener

Somebody had asked about price, but that post seems to have been deleted. Not sure of this forums rules, but I assume that is out of bounds. Both stones are priced very similarly.
 
Price is not outlawed. They probably violated some other rule.

I can't see the one on the right. Do you have a bigger picture?
 
I will try to crop the picture so it is bigger. Strange, it looks big to me. Stone 1 is 21,500 stone 2 is 22,500
 
stucook|1320726418|3056620 said:
I will try to crop the picture so it is bigger. Strange, it looks big to me. Stone 1 is 21,500 stone 2 is 22,500
Click to expand...


SORRY! I meant a BETTER picture of the stone on the right. Not bigger. My bad.
 
Gypsy, sorry that is the only pic I have.
 
I am not a cushion expert but my preference in the more rectangular stone. BuI as you can see by my avitar I like that shape. I think it is really flattering. I now if you look through the "Eye candy folder" you will be able to see lots of examples of both shapes is HW style halos. Both are beautiful you really can not go wrong.

Can not wait to see what you choose.
:bigsmile:
 
The rectangular stone is just gorgeous, and it looks like it'll give you some high-impact finger coverage.
 
I'm no expert either but my eye was drawn more to the rectangular stone, it looks much brighter and unless you partner is particularly in love with antique things- go white, bright and sparkly. Its a much safer bet.
 
Both could be amazing - just trust your gut! I will say that I've seen MANY elongated cushions in halos and they're even more beautiful/striking to me than the squarer ones. I also will say that I prefer a slightly wider band with the elongated cushions - like two or three rows of pave instead of just one. there's something solid and classic and still a bit more unique in that. Your stone is very similar to mine in ratio and size (mine is aprox 9.5x7.5) . I think the perfect and most classic ratio is 1.15. Since I bought a longer stone, it's easy to assume that that's what I'd choose again, and you'd be right - except the MOST important thing when choosing any stone - but especially cushions - is what the light does for your eyes, the patterns it creates, what is most harmonious to you. That's more important that spread, more important than square vs elongated. All of those are just details. Let your eyes fall in love and trust THAT :)
 
I don't care for stone #1...something about it doesn't appeal to me. Stone #2 looks really nice, though I'd want to see a better photo before I commented for sure. Have you seen both stones in person and taken them outside to see them in natural light?
 
Wow, thanks for all th feedback. I'm getting more confident in stone #2. I'm takng a final look today, then it's decision time. More feedback is welcome!
 
I couldn't choose either stone from just that picture. You need a full face shot of both. I would not personally like a stone that elongated in a halo for an engagement ring. I'd set it with side stones to keep it from looking so long.

Here are a few examples. Please picture the last one in all white metal, though.

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1147&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1089&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1482&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
 
Thanks for the feedback diamondseeker! Sorry I don't have a better pic. Sone 1 is definitely more brilliant and stone 2 is whiter
 
stucook|1320762638|3056822 said:
Thanks for the feedback diamondseeker! Sorry I don't have a better pic. Sone 1 is definitely more brilliant and stone 2 is whiter
Click to expand...

I don't understand this - both stones are an H correct? Because brilliance is the white light return.

And while I adore DS, I don't think you need to try to make the stone look more square - I think there is nothing wrong with a longer stone... it has a certain classic elegance to it like an oval or an emerald cut and makes the finger look longer. If you want a more square look - get a more square diamond!
 
Sorry, I guess I'm not using the right terminology. Stone 1 has more sparkle and flash. Stone 2 appears whiter.
 
Stu,

It looks like we're both looking at VERY similar stuff, as I've been HARD on this for the past few weeks. It looks like you've found yourself a few beautiful stones. I agree with the sentiments in a previous post, an AGS graded cushion is a rare find in and of itself. I also agree that 1.15 is the PERFECT ratio for a non-square cushion (of which I'd stick with a branded cushion like AVC or that Briella [sic] one). The 1.24 of Stone #2 is very similar to one I've been looking at, but I, too, haven't been able to find any cushions in that kind of ratio in a halo setting. My g/f found one locally that is a 1.10 ratio that she loves, so I'm skeptical to go to a 1.25+ ratio. Shame, as it is nearly identical to the one you're looking at (they're different, I checked).

All that said, you noted that on Stone 2, you were concerned about it being too shallow. I had the pleasure of talking with a renowned appraiser and cushion expert based in the Philadelphia area, and his recommendation was that ideal depth was in the 62-64% range. Now, it being graded as an Old Mine Brilliant, with a slightly large cutlet, would indicate that it is either an old stone, or cut to antique style. I'd definitely want to see an ASET image on it to see what kind of performance it offers. You saying that Stone #1 sparkles more could simply be a function of it being a more modern cut.

I will most likely pass on the stone I've been looking at that is a 1.28 ratio, 2.5 ct, very similar specs should you want to consider another rectangular one with a more modern cut. Not sure of protocol, but if there's a way we can contact each other outside of here, I'll send you the info on it (including the PS vendor that has it).

Cehrabehra - could you be so kind as to post some links/photos of elongated cushions in halo settings for the OP and myself? I have the luxury of begin able to sit down with the future Mrs. (event will be a surprise, ring isn't, and I want to make sure she gets EXACTLY what she wants). Also, with regard to the OP's 'Sone 1 is definitely more brilliant and stone 2 is whiter'; I believe he is saying that Stone 1 has more 'fire' (flashes of light), whereas Stone 2, the larger faceted antique stone, doesn't. There's probably much more life to Stone 1, but not necessarily a bad thing in this comparison.

I don't think that apples and apples are getting compared here. Each stone, for their respective place in the cushion world, are both absolutely beautiful stones and priced at market.

The questions lie: 1. square or rectangular; 2. modern or antique
 
Great feedback Twizz. Good luck with your hunt! The dealer doesn't know exact history of the Old Mine stone, but he suspects it is antique. Those branded cuts seem nice, but I can't personally justify the premium. I've seen a few AGS graded cushions here, and I've narrowed it down to this one. I think you and me are hesitating on the same point - How will the longer stone look in the halo setting. Try and try, I can't find a good pic.
 
As indicated by the responses, all this is about personal preference. I like perfectly square cushions much better and that is what I sought out when I was purchasing my cushions. I find that the rectangular diamond you have is too elongated but others find it beautiful. If it was up to me, I would not purchase either of the diamonds - I have seen much nicer facet patterns on cushions. You are investing a lot of money .. why not wait until you find something you love.
 
Thanks Charmypoo, I appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately I don't know enough about facet pasterns to make a decision based off that. I've looked at a few dozen stones in my price, and these two appealed to me most.
 
stucook|1320772452|3056994 said:
Thanks Charmypoo, I appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately I don't know enough about facet pasterns to make a decision based off that. I've looked at a few dozen stones in my price, and these two appealed to me most.
Click to expand...

do you love either one? if not then keep looking.
 
I do, I think they are both phenomenal stones. I just love certain aspects of each stone. I'm very lucky to have these sort of problems.
 
Thanks for the helpful advice. I made the decision to go with the larger stone. I'll post a pic once it is in the setting. Thanks again!
 
stucook|1320767790|3056913 said:
Great feedback Twizz. Good luck with your hunt! The dealer doesn't know exact history of the Old Mine stone, but he suspects it is antique. Those branded cuts seem nice, but I can't personally justify the premium. I've seen a few AGS graded cushions here, and I've narrowed it down to this one. I think you and me are hesitating on the same point - How will the longer stone look in the halo setting. Try and try, I can't find a good pic.
Click to expand...

Thanks Stu, please check out my soon to be posted thread with ASET and Sarin. While I do agree with your sentiments on the premium for branded cuts, I left myself a pretty vast budget. Some guys will say 'oh, my budget is XX', and not look lower. I gave myself a range, and the only things outside it have been 3ct+, which, frankly, the g/f would eventually balk at (yes, it can be too big). My reasoning for not going with branded cuts is they are all 1-1.03 squares. I otherwise haven't come across any AGS stones. Then again, I've been looking H-J, VVS2-VS2.

Good luck with yours!
 
Send me a private message if you'd like the names of the dealers I've been working with in Chicago. I've seen quite a few AGS graded cushion stones
 
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