cushion color issues

[gemnewbie]

Hi and thanks again to all you folks for the great advice and fantastic forum. Here''s the current dilema: Hooked on the vintage chunky cushions, and going to buy one with a fantastic cut. Torn between getting a 2.5 ct. + stone with K color, or a smaller one with a better color grade. Your general thoughts and comments are appreciated as well as your thoughts regarding these specifics:

1. The K color is AGS. I''ve heard some folks opine that AGS is more lenient on color grades. Is there any other reason a vendor would send a chunky cushion to AGS for grading as opposed to GIA? I understand why an ideal cut RB would go to AGS, but not sure in the cushion arena.

2. How much, if at all, will the superior cut mitigate the color issue?

3. Thinking of a Tiffany Legacy inspired setting. Can anything be done with the setting to help the stone look better, from a color standpoint?

4. I''ve also heard some people say that floressence can help improve the apprerance of a K color stone? Is this true and, if so, what degree of floressence is desireable. Also, are there any downsides?

5. Is the color grade more or less important on a stone of this weight, and withsize, and with an antique chunky cushion stone?

Thanks for your anticipated help!

 

[freefly]

Hi gemnewbie. I think the K color stone would look fantastic, but I don''t mind a little warmth in the antique cut stones. I wouldn''t put it in a Legacy style setting if you are trying to hide the color though, the whiter diamonds in the halo and the white metal would most likely bring out the difference in color. I would only consider the K if you can embrace the warmth in the stone. If what you want is a white look, I would opt for the smaller and higher color. That being said, I just set my K color OEC in 18k yellow gold, and I was surprised to see that it became super white, as opposed to how it looked before it was set. So I don''t know if you are open to setting it in yellow gold, but it does make a lower color look much whiter. Also, AGS is a very highly regarded lab, so I would regard their grading of a K as correct. You may be thinking of EGL perhaps?

In the end, it''s up to your own personal preference on color and what you prefer. Some people want a super icy white stone, others embrace the warmth in a lower color. Whatever you decide, I''m sure it will be gorgeous. Can''t wait to see what you end up getting!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/14/2009 12:19:22 AM
Author:gemnewbie
Hi and thanks again to all you folks for the great advice and fantastic forum. Here''s the current dilema: Hooked on the vintage chunky cushions, and going to buy one with a fantastic cut. Torn between getting a 2.5 ct. + stone with K color, or a smaller one with a better color grade. Your general thoughts and comments are appreciated as well as your thoughts regarding these specifics:

1. The K color is AGS. I''ve heard some folks opine that AGS is more lenient on color grades. Is there any other reason a vendor would send a chunky cushion to AGS for grading as opposed to GIA? I understand why an ideal cut RB would go to AGS, but not sure in the cushion arena.

2. How much, if at all, will the superior cut mitigate the color issue? The cut will help but a K colour is a K colour, it won''t look like an H for example.

3. Thinking of a Tiffany Legacy inspired setting. Can anything be done with the setting to help the stone look better, from a color standpoint? Not really in my opinion, the colour is what it is.

4. I''ve also heard some people say that floressence can help improve the apprerance of a K color stone? Is this true and, if so, what degree of floressence is desireable. Also, are there any downsides? Really strong or very strong blue would be needed but bear in mind any desirable effect is subtle.

5. Is the color grade more or less important on a stone of this weight, and withsize, and with an antique chunky cushion stone? Generally larger diamonds can show more warmth.

Thanks for your anticipated help!

There was some discussion a while ago concerning AGS colour grading, if you are concerned with accuracy get an independant appraiser to check your purchase out for you. Do you have a copy of the AGS report?

Generally a larger cushion might show more warmth than a smaller one, this is a large stone so really the warmth it could show needs to be something you embrace. I personally feel some warmth adds to the charm but not everyone feels that way. If you are in doubt ask the vendor to make a comparison video for you with your selections so you can get a better idea.

From your questions above I feel that you are concerned about the K colour, it is what it is, really a setting isn''t going to make it look like a whiter diamond, so I would say if in doubt go with a higher colour.