Cushion Advice for a Rookie?

[kweet]

I am a brand new pricescoper, looking for advice on a cushion cut diamond. I have been lurking for some time and I love love love boston jeff''s chunky cushion antique style stone and delicate exquisite setting. My bf knows that I am picky so he is happy to let me source the stone.

We are based in Europe. I would rather source a stone and setting from the US for two reasons - cost and choice. We will be in New York on vacation for one week in August. I am wondering what the best way of sourcing a stone is. My BF has imposed only one condition on the diamond search - he does not want to order a stone via the Net. He wants to do it the old fashioned way - go to a store and choose! He would also like if I could have my ring at the end of the vacation! A lot to ask so I am turning to all you Pricescope gurus for some advice! I am concerned that if we turn up in Manhattan''s diamond district, (as a soon-to-be-exacting pricescoper) I will have difficulty finding a chunky cushion which fits the bill. Does the diamond district in Manhattan cater for this type of request? Does anyone know of a dealer who would have an inventory of chunky cushions who we could make an appointment to meet while we are in Manhattan? Alternatively, does anyone know of any dealer who would order a cushion for us to view in Manhattan?

In terms of the stone, I''m looking for G to I colour. I''m hoping that this will appear colourless unless put beside a D or E diamond. I am hoping for a Very Good to Excellent Cut and a weight of between 1.65ct to 2ct. In terms of clarity, I want it to be eye clean but I think that if I ordered a VS2, I would be worried that inclusions would be visible. I''m also interested in a cushion which doesn''t give too much depth as I would prefer a wider spread to give the illusion of a bigger stone. Is all this too much to ask for a budget of around $10,000?

Also, I loved Boston Jeff''s Leon Mege setting. I would like something similar, but would like ideally to get it from the same dealer as the stone – is there anyone who would possibly be in a position to supply and set the stone within a 1 week period (the duration of our vacay – again the BF is against FedExing the finished product from the States to Europe, which kind of rules Leon out I guess. But I can understand the BF''s concerns, its his money and it would be great to get home and share the happy news with a sparkler!

I know all this is soo soo much to expect, but I''m really hoping that someone will be able to give me a strategy as to how to get my dream ring!

 

[jet2ks]

If you are coming all the way across the pond anyway, take the short trip out to Long Island to see Jon at Good Old Gold. His new Signature Chunky Cushions are killer!!! I don't know about getting it all done in a week without quite a bit of advance work. Definitely get a hold of Jon early so he can try to have a few diamonds for you to choose from. Maybe he can advise as to what settings could be done in that amount of time, as well.

 

[kweet]

Thank you so much Jet2k, I will contact Jon and will keep you posted. I really appreciate it - its very daunting getting started!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 6/30/2009 5:15:14 PM
Author:kweet

I am a brand new pricescoper, looking for advice on a cushion cut diamond. I have been lurking for some time and I love love love boston jeff's chunky cushion antique style stone and delicate exquisite setting. My bf knows that I am picky so he is happy to let me source the stone.

We are based in Europe. I would rather source a stone and setting from the US for two reasons - cost and choice. We will be in New York on vacation for one week in August. I am wondering what the best way of sourcing a stone is. My BF has imposed only one condition on the diamond search - he does not want to order a stone via the Net. He wants to do it the old fashioned way - go to a store and choose! He would also like if I could have my ring at the end of the vacation! A lot to ask so I am turning to all you Pricescope gurus for some advice! I am concerned that if we turn up in Manhattan's diamond district, (as a soon-to-be-exacting pricescoper) I will have difficulty finding a chunky cushion which fits the bill. Does the diamond district in Manhattan cater for this type of request? Does anyone know of a dealer who would have an inventory of chunky cushions who we could make an appointment to meet while we are in Manhattan? Alternatively, does anyone know of any dealer who would order a cushion for us to view in Manhattan?

In terms of the stone, I'm looking for G to I colour. I'm hoping that this will appear colourless unless put beside a D or E diamond. I am hoping for a Very Good to Excellent Cut and a weight of between 1.65ct to 2ct. In terms of clarity, I want it to be eye clean but I think that if I ordered a VS2, I would be worried that inclusions would be visible. I'm also interested in a cushion which doesn't give too much depth as I would prefer a wider spread to give the illusion of a bigger stone. Is all this too much to ask for a budget of around $10,000?

Also, I loved Boston Jeff's Leon Mege setting. I would like something similar, but would like ideally to get it from the same dealer as the stone – is there anyone who would possibly be in a position to supply and set the stone within a 1 week period (the duration of our vacay – again the BF is against FedExing the finished product from the States to Europe, which kind of rules Leon out I guess. But I can understand the BF's concerns, its his money and it would be great to get home and share the happy news with a sparkler!

I know all this is soo soo much to expect, but I'm really hoping that someone will be able to give me a strategy as to how to get my dream ring!

Kweet,

You are in luck!

The two best providers of chunky cushions in North America are Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com and Jon at GoodoldGold.com. Mark is on 5th Avenue in New York and Jon near Long Island about an hour from where Mark is.
As for a diamond search they would be the best people to speak to and I highly reccomend you contact them both.

1) For your budget you should be able to get an H I or J SI1(eye clean) cushion close to your size and price range for the diamond only.

2) I suggest you speak to Jon at GOG about one of his signature OMC cushions they are optimized for light performance. Take a look at this stone's video http://www.vimeo.com/5310842 this stone can be found here http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5954/. I know you don't want an L but this just shows you the amazing optics of these stones.

3) The setting you might like is the GOG angel setting found here http://video.asterpix.com/v/376189351/the-gog-angel-setting/.

4) My suggestion have jon or mark do the search find the diamond for you send you pictures, ASET , IS and Certificate Jon can even do a video. You could select the stone by Internet and both have many many positive referrals on here. Neither will choose a poor stone for you. Both can also also make the setting for you. If they find your stone quickly you could have it all ready for you by the time you make your trip to New York as they have both have quoted settings that could be made in 2 - 3 weeks.

5) Alternatively see the diamond and a sample of the setting you would like in August and then get it made and shipped. I know the BF won't be happy about the shipping part but its going to be one option or the other.

6) Leon Mege is on vacation until July 13 and he usually takes longer to make a setting (4 - 8 weeks) but if you are going to have it shipped you could still consider getting a setting from him. His workplace is very close to Mark's on 47th.

7) Expect an additional 2 - 5k (Platinum) for the setting on top of the diamond price I hope that was considered in your original budget.

We have very similar taste and budget as I intend on doing almost the exact same thing for my Fiance except I will be getting a halo around the cushion and will be meeting with all three in late July or early August.

Good-luck please let me know how it goes and I hope we don't both want the same diamond!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/30/2009 5:22:03 PM
Author: jet2ks
If you are coming all the way across the pond anyway, take the short trip out to Long Island to see Jon at Good Old Gold. His new Signature Chunky Cushions are killer!!! I don''t know about getting it all done in a week without quite a bit of advance work. Definitely get a hold of Jon early so he can try to have a few diamonds for you to choose from. Maybe he can advise as to what settings could be done in that amount of time, as well.

BIG ditto!

www.goodoldgold.com

 

[geoffreysnow]

i''d set up an appointment with mark at ERD.

 

[kweet]

Thanks so much Chunkycushionlover, Lorelei and Giraffe. I appreciate your help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/30/2009 7:09:19 PM
Author: kweet
Thanks so much Chunkycushionlover, Lorelei and Giraffe. I appreciate your help.

Glad to help you!

 

[lowphat]

I''d say to go with Mark at ERD. I''m pretty sure if you contact him ahead of time, he can have some stones ready for you to look at on the first day you get into NY. And if you can pick out the setting and stone that you want that day, I''m sure he''ll do everything possible to get the completed ring to you before you leave NY.

Since Mark''s in Manhattan, it will also save you time from having to travel out to long island two times.

 

[DiamondFlame]

Hmm... if this keeps up, ERD and GOG are both in danger of becoming ''tourist attractions''.