CUSHION CHOICE - PICS AND ASET IMAGES (One dud - One Winner = Expert Advice Needed)?

[CushionHunterDC]

I''ve got two stones and need some serious expert support - HELP! I have a feeling based on pricing that one is a dud and the other is a winner (or they are both duds!) but I''m not going to say which. Please let me know if either are worth it - or if I should continue my search. My main concern are optics to the naked eye (i.e. sparkle and fire).

Here''s where I need an expert''s help:

(1) They are telling me the SI2 is "eye clean" - is this possible with an SI2 - I think I see some serious inclusions - or is this just the magnified image? Do I really want to buy and SI2?

(2) How do the ASET images look?

(3) What''s the deal with the Table and Crown % for these two - good/not/acceptible?

(4) Which looks better overall?

Stone A (left):
GIA certified
Cushion Brilliant
3.01 carat
I colour
SI2 clarity
Polish E
Sym G
Flour None
55% Table
69.2% Depth
Girdle thick - extremely thick (faceted)
Crown Angles are Greater than 40 degrees
Large Culet
Stone B (right):
GIA certified
Cushion Brilliant
2.32 carat
I colour
VS1 clarity
Polish VG
Sym G
Flour Faint
61% Table
65.7% Depth
Girdle think-extremely thick (faceted)
Clouds are Not Shown
Slightly Large Culet

 

[CushionHunterDC]

A (left) v. B (right)

 

[CushionHunterDC]

ASET A

 

[CushionHunterDC]

ASET B

 

[Cehrabehra]

aset A looks like it's missing one of the pavilions - what would do that i wonder?

I kinda think the person who took the aset pics didn't do a great job at it - I hope it wasn't you lol sorry!

 

[Cehrabehra]

what are the dimensions and ratios?

I personally like the facet structure of stone A better but it really is all about visual performance - what did you see when you saw them? I prize clarity but even I would consider an SI2...

 

[CushionHunterDC]

I haven''t seen the stones in person (I''m working with a broker who is thousands of miles away), so I''m relying on your expert opinions. I will always have the opportunity to return the stone if I don''t like it when I receive it - but I want to make sure I don''t miss anything fundamental in purchasing it.

I''m attaching the certs - if it helps. I REALLY need an unbiased expert opinion before I purchase (it looks like there may be some major issues with the 3.01 based on the reference diagram but I think the ASET looks better. HELP!

Here are the fruther details:

Stone A (3.01):
8.19 x. 7.96 x 5.51 mm
1.03 l/w ratio

Stone B (2.32):
8.20 x 7.47 x 4.91 mm
1.10 l/w ratio

 

[CushionHunterDC]

2.32 Cert

 

[Lorelei]

Can you post what the grade setting inclusions are on the SI2 please, it looks like they didn't scan when uploading it here - it looks like a cloud and feather and or twinning wisps. Also it looks as if some of the inclusions are marked in green which usually denotes surface reaching or outside blemishes.

 

[CushionHunterDC]

See attached. Your feedback is appreciated!

 

[CushionHunterDC]

I also wanted to note that there is a somewhat substantial price difference ($2k) between the two stones. Before I pull the trigger any advice?

 

[Collee]

I am by NO MEANS a diamond expert but I would be VERY uncomfortable buying an SI2 with that many inclusions sight unseen. Perhaps it is eyeclean but I would most definitely want to examine the stone prior to purchasing. I understand that you have done your research and have been "browsing" around but I would STRONGLY advise that you contact one of the many reputable dealers on the board for the purchase of the stone. It's a hefty price tag (emotionally, psychologically and financially) to pay and not be 110% satisfied with the purchase.

 

[asforhim]

I''m actually suprised the price difference isn''t larger. 2k difference is for the extra ct weight. You are comparing a 3.01 ct stone to a 2.32 ct stone.... there''s alot of weight there.

 

[CushionHunterDC]

To be honest, I''m not an expert - especiallly when it comes to reading the finer points of GIA Reference Diagrams. To me, it looks like there are some serious issues with the inclusions based on what''s on the digram - but the ASET image actually looks good? Can anyone with more knowledge speak to this? Is this a stone that I should avoid based on what''s there - or could it be a [pardon the pun] diamond in the rough and end up being eye clean with good optics?

 

[LamborghiniGirl]

Are there any other pictures? The photos make both stones look really dirty, so it is hard for me to see if the inclusions are very obvious in stone A.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 10/7/2009 2:25:48 PM
Author: CushionHunterDC
I also wanted to note that there is a somewhat substantial price difference ($2k) between the two stones. Before I pull the trigger any advice?

There are two things reflected in the price of the 3 carat stone.

1) The inclusions are definitely a factor.
2) The greater depth and thus faceup size makes this stone worth less than a 3CT with 65% depth so that is also reflected in the comparison of the two prices.

 

[haagen_dazs]

Date: 10/7/2009 12:56:16 PM
Author: CushionHunterDC
See attached. Your feedback is appreciated!

i am no expert but considering that the symbol for feather and needles are basically red lines and the fact that there is no needle in the diamond,

1) that is heck alot of red lines flying around that cushion diamond
ie alot of long, short feathers AKA CRACKS in that diamond...

2) with lots of the cracks touching the edge of the diamond too

3) the cracks are top of your symbol list = the grade setter probably

you might want to get that diamond checked out.

 

[CushionHunterDC]

Can anyone help me on standards for Table/Depth? ChunkyCushionLover mentioned that a 3.01 with a depth of 65% would be worth less?

For example, is there an ideal range of Table and Depths for cushions?

What would be the difference in a Table/Depth of 55%/69.2% v. 61%/65.7%?

Theres another stone with a Table/Depth of 59%/67.9% - is this acceptable?

 

[Cehrabehra]

the thing is - the greater depth might make the stone more beautiful and its size loss irrelevant... but it might be a total waste. Those aset images are a mess and don''t even show as much as the plain picture in some ways. I agree with both the person who said to go with someone reputable that you can return the stone to - and - examine the stone with your own eyes in a variety of lights. You may be able to arrange to have BOTH stones sent to a local appraiser, or you can turn to someone you can trust and put yourself in their hands and start over.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 10/8/2009 2:48:57 PM
Author: CushionHunterDC
Can anyone help me on standards for Table/Depth? ChunkyCushionLover mentioned that a 3.01 with a depth of 65% would be worth less?

For example, is there an ideal range of Table and Depths for cushions?

What would be the difference in a Table/Depth of 55%/69.2% v. 61%/65.7%?

Theres another stone with a Table/Depth of 59%/67.9% - is this acceptable?

I came here trying to judge stones by the numbers, unfortunately it is far too complicated to do that for fancy shapes especially cushions and you should have an expert save you the time and effort by doing this for you.
I would propose the following to help you in your search it will save you a lot of time and will ensure you end up with a stone that most matches your preferences:

Step 1

Tell us the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)

i) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return)
a) 4 main (several varieties)
b) 8 main (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)

ii) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left) (My finace owns this type in her ER)
c) 8 main antique or old mine brilliant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g708wEVYmJ4
d) 8 main old mine cut http://www.vimeo.com/5310842


iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://www.vimeo.com/2120109
iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

Step 2

1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preferences. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is unrealistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Step 3

Post the video link or ASET http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp image and photograph of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down your choice further

Step 4

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourtie stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor.

Hope this helps,

CCL

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/8/2009 4:42:52 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
the thing is - the greater depth might make the stone more beautiful and its size loss irrelevant... but it might be a total waste. Those aset images are a mess and don't even show as much as the plain picture in some ways. I agree with both the person who said to go with someone reputable that you can return the stone to - and - examine the stone with your own eyes in a variety of lights. You may be able to arrange to have BOTH stones sent to a local appraiser, or you can turn to someone you can trust and put yourself in their hands and start over.

Absolutely. It looks like you have four naturals on the clarity plot there and a considerable amount of feathers. Definitely get an appraiser to check the diamond out, the naturals aren't usually an issue but get those feathers checked. You can use some numbers as a starting point but all they give you are a chalk outline of the diamond, so use as a first round elimination then the rest is images.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

To be honest, I don''t think either of these stones is all that great. I don''t really like the shape of either one. Take a look at the cushions on the Good Old Gold site (videos) and you''ll see some outstanding ones. You''d have to call and ask when they might get some larger ones in, though. Mark at Engagement Rings Direct has also sourced some beautiful cushions as well.