Cushion/asscher stone help

[burntorangeskies]

Hi all! I'm looking for stone help. I have a $5k budget and would like in the neighborhood of a 1.25 carat cushion or asscher cut stone, up to an H in color and eye clean SIs graded by GIA. I definitely prefer symmetrical cushions as opposed to rectangular. I've found so many but they all look very different and I'm not exactly sure what makes one better than the other. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated. I'm not super picky, I just want decent finger coverage (size 5.5) and a sparkly stone. My first diamond was so deep it wouldn't even register on the HCA. I plan to set it in a 3.5mm wide cathedral band with a bead and eye eternity band. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[tyty333]

You are probably going to get better finger coverage with the right cushion (vs. an asscher). They are both very different looks. Your mind hasnt
settled on which one you like better? The other issue is that SI1 may not be good enough for an assher. Due to the cut, inclusions show way more
in asschers than in cushions.

What I can find at JA...in your budget...Not really finding any all that nice in an asscher at JA.
The windmills and the outter rim of this stone are lighting up nicely but the center does not appear to be flashing
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.01-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-1838240

Cushion...

This one has amazing light return (its a VS2 so additional pinpoints, clouds should not be an issue but ask Enchanted Diamonds if interested)
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C105-739Z6489Z?
Another nice one
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-0973Z25Z4?

Edit ...if you want more finger coverage have you considered ovals? They're pretty popular lately but looks like you are more into squarish stones.

 

[tyty333]

Not sure if you would consider an antique stone. Here is a cushion that is bigger and in your budget but it is a lower color which is common in
an old stone. What color gold are you planning on putting your stone in?
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-27ct-oec-egl-k-vs1

 

[burntorangeskies]

[QUOTE="tyty333, post: 4189012 [/QUOTE]

Thank you! I've decided on cushion. I did more research after posting and asscher is definitely out. Can you educate me a bit? What makes the stone you linked have amazing light return? I've read that the ratio should be around 1.06 and I know the 4C basics, but cushions are a different world with the various cuts and the more I research the more confused I am, especially trying to figure out what gives off the best sparkle (crushed ice vs X, etc). I know I don't want antique, I'm not a fan of the pastel colors. Not a huge oval lover.

 

[burntorangeskies]

Not sure if you would consider an antique stone. Here is a cushion that is bigger and in your budget but it is a lower color which is common in
an old stone. What color gold are you planning on putting your stone in?
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-27ct-oec-egl-k-vs1

White gold. I plan to use a slightly thick band with a trellis setting (I originally said cathedral but what I meant was a setting that was raised so a band sits flush).

 

[tyty333]

You want to see crisp, clear, well-defined facets that are mirroring on and off as the stone turns. However, the 2 cushions I posted both have
ASET images with them that show you how strong the light is that reflects back from the stone. Red will be the brightest light returned, green
less bright and the blue is contrast that will show up as black (you need some contrast). Limit the amount of gray/whitish green you see.

Check out Enchanted diamonds. They have quite a few nice/decent stones. You might look a little over your budget too.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...irloom=true&shape=Cushion&wire_price_max=5590

 

[tyty333]

You want to see crisp, clear, well-defined facets that are mirroring on and off as the stone turns. However, the 2 cushions I posted both have
ASET images with them that show you how strong the light is that reflects back from the stone. Red will be the brightest light returned, green
less bright and the blue is contrast that will show up as black (you need some contrast). Limit the amount of gray/whitish green you see.

Check out Enchanted diamonds. They have quite a few nice/decent stones. You might look a little over your budget too.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...irloom=true&shape=Cushion&wire_price_max=5590