Cushion Cut: Cut?

[Regular Guy 28]

I'm curious to get the opinions of those who are familiar with cushion cut diamonds. I know there's a huge difference of opinions with cushion cut diamonds, however if there are any MAJOR concerns over this diamond. Please let me know.

Specs are as follows:

1.01 Carat E color VVS2

Cushion Modified Brilliant

depth: 69.2%
Table: 56%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet: None

Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None

I really want to know if visually you believe based purely upon the information not being able to see such a diamond if there's any thing to be concerned about.

Do you believe such a stone to be visually pleasant. I'm really looking for something that has GREAT Fire and Brilliance.

I realize that the depth is of SOME concern and the girdle thickness is less than ideal. That being said I know there are little hard and fast rules about cushions and different people have different views on cushions.

I was looking for a SQUARE shaped cushion in the 1.0 region.

I have the opportunity to purchase said stone for $3,500 with GIA cert, SEALED (coming from out of the country).

Is it really a no brainer?

Please do not respond with "if it's too good to be true" or something of that nature, I have a friend of mine who's a diamond dealer abroad but even he has not seen the stone as it's not in his country either.

*According to James Allen a similiar stone with similar measurements is considered "ideal" is that true?

 

[Rhino]

Greetings RG 28,

My thoughts/response between yours.

Date: 2/4/2010 9:12:43 PM
Author:Regular Guy 28
I'm curious to get the opinions of those who are familiar with cushion cut diamonds. I know there's a huge difference of opinions with cushion cut diamonds, however if there are any MAJOR concerns over this diamond. Please let me know.

Specs are as follows:

1.01 Carat E color VVS2

Cushion Modified Brilliant

depth: 69.2%
Table: 56%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet: None

Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None

I really want to know if visually you believe based purely upon the information not being able to see such a diamond if there's any thing to be concerned about.

Visually it is impossible to determine anything about the diamond with this extremely limited amount of information. It could be beautiful or it could be the worst looking diamond you or your fiance will ever lay eyes on.

What are the crown angles?
What are the pavilion angles?
How long are the lower half facets?
What are the angles of the upper and lower half facetes?
What is the star ratio?

These are a few of many questions that run through my mind when I see stats on a cushion.

Do you believe such a stone to be visually pleasant. I'm really looking for something that has GREAT Fire and Brilliance.

Although I consider myself an optimist I'm also a realist. Do I believe such a stone to be visually pleasant? No. I would not believe it until I had the opportunity to see it and compare it to diamonds that I know have great fire and brilliance. I like hard data. Evidence. Until I see convincing evidence I don't believe it.

I realize that the depth is of SOME concern and the girdle thickness is less than ideal. That being said I know there are little hard and fast rules about cushions and different people have different views on cushions.

I was looking for a SQUARE shaped cushion in the 1.0 region.

I have the opportunity to purchase said stone for $3,500 with GIA cert, SEALED (coming from out of the country).

When I see an E VVS2 offered at that price the first question that runs through my mind is, why? There is usually very good gemological reasons.

Is it really a no brainer?

Please do not respond with 'if it's too good to be true' or something of that nature, I have a friend of mine who's a diamond dealer abroad but even he has not seen the stone as it's not in his country either.

If you want to better understand why diamonds of the same carat weight, clarity & color can vary in value by thousands of dollars I've shot a number of videos demonstrating why. My suspicisions are precisely the same with this.

*According to James Allen a similiar stone with similar measurements is considered 'ideal' is that true?

Absolutely not.

Kind regards,

 

[Lorelei]

Hi regularguy and welcome!

Ditto what Jon said, it is too risky also to purchase especially when performance matters to you, a cushion diamond that you haven't seen, it could be great or more likely mediocre to badly cut. From the basic info we have no idea how it looks, the type of cushion it is, the amount of pavillion mains, the appearance and performance....Also the price of an E VVS of that size gives cause for pause....Comparable diamonds are selling for around $4500 and up.

I would definitely suggest watching some of these videos if you are new to cushions, they are extremely helpful and will give you a good idea of what to look for to get yourself a stone that is lively and performs the way you want.

http://www.vimeo.com/7579666

http://www.vimeo.com/7611843

http://www.vimeo.com/9188543