Cushion cut dilemma

[newdiamondguy1983]

Hi everyone,

1st time poster, long time lurker. I've been in the market now for about 2 months looking for the perfect diamond for my girlfriend. I'm having difficulty deciding whether size or quality is what I'm (or she) really looking for. My current search is for a GIA certified 1.8-2 ct F/G (H????) color, VS2/SI1 clarity, VG/VG polish/symmetry (with no fluorescence) cushion for my current budget of 14-15k with setting (halo w/.75 ct). With the recent surge in diamond pricing, I'm afraid that I may need to dip a little lower than that since 1.7's might be more price appropriate.

With that said, I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say. Which direction would everyone go in?

I'd also like to thank everyone on the forum that takes the time out to answer these posts. You have made this entire process incredibly more tolerable than I had expected.

 

[ecf8503]

What type of cushion are you looking for - a modern "crushed ice" or an antique style with larger facets?

 

[newdiamondguy1983]

I'm open to either, although most of the diamonds I've seen so far have had that crushed ice appearance. I think I've seen one chunky faceted antique-style, but it was a GIA I colored stone.

 

[newdiamondguy1983]

Bump for help

 

[diamondloveaffair]

unfortunately, you are trying to find answers to a question that only you can answer.

"difficulty deciding whether size or quality" What kind of quality are you looking for? Quality in clarity, color or optics? H colors at this size will show a tinge of yellow. Does that matter?

From what you had mentioned and your given budget, I would say it is pretty easy to find something nice.

 

[OMG_AMG]

maybe CharmyPoo's cushion thread will help you out:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...rience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/

 

[CharmyPoo]

I personally think 15K for a 1.7ct with the specs you want and a halo setting will still be difficult. A halo setting is going to run you $3000 - $5000. That leaves you around $12K for the diamond. You can do it but don't expect a very well cut diamond - you are going to be looking at a modified cushion / crush ice looking / likely not a great pattern. We can look but will need to level set a bit.

 

[JulieN]

rectangular or square?

How much are you setting aside for the setting?

 

[newdiamondguy1983]

I personally think 15K for a 1.7ct with the specs you want and a halo setting will still be difficult. A halo setting is going to run you $3000 - $5000. That leaves you around $12K for the diamond. You can do it but don't expect a very well cut diamond - you are going to be looking at a modified cushion / crush ice looking / likely not a great pattern. We can look but will need to level set a bit.

Hi CharmyPoo,

I've used your experience with a cushion cut and it has been very helpful. As for the budget, I think that I'd prefer to stick to $13k for the stone and $2k for the setting. I will probably buy the stone in the diamond district and have my own loupe that I have been using. All of the stones have been GIA certified and while most have been cushion modified, I'd prefer a cushion brilliant, which is why I'm still looking. I've seen some very beautiful stones, but my only problem was whether I should lower quality for size. Laypeople will prefer size, while the people on here, appear to prefer quality.

 

[farmer gal]

You could place this one on hold at ERD and ask them if it's eyeclean and if they could make you a video of the stone

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.63-carat-h-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-111100.html

Setting:http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html

 

[PushinCushion]

I have an ERD-sourced cushion (2.09 carat, H VS2) and it is super white. So I have to disagree with the poster who said that cushions at that size will show yellow. A very well cut stone will face up whiter than a poorly cut stone.

Here is the link to my original show me the ring post: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646[/URL]

I think that while lay people might be drawn to size, a well-cut diamond will sparkle like crazy be memorable. I would recommend contacting ERD (who are in the district) and seeing what they can pull for you based on your budget.

 

[newdiamondguy1983]

I have an ERD-sourced cushion (2.09 carat, H VS2) and it is super white. So I have to disagree with the poster who said that cushions at that size will show yellow. A very well cut stone will face up whiter than a poorly cut stone.

Here is the link to my original show me the ring post: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646[/URL]

I think that while lay people might be drawn to size, a well-cut diamond will sparkle like crazy be memorable. I would recommend contacting ERD (who are in the district) and seeing what they can pull for you based on your budget.

I have to agree. Despite GIA color standards, I have difficulty discerning coloring unless you compare side by side or if you put it table down on a white piece of paper. I'd still prefer to go with a G than an H, like I'd rather stick to a VS2 instead of an SI1. I am actually planning on meeting up with ERD and hope to get something similar to your ring, but with a halo (I do like the detail on the basket though).

 

[newdiamondguy1983]

I have an ERD-sourced cushion (2.09 carat, H VS2) and it is super white. So I have to disagree with the poster who said that cushions at that size will show yellow. A very well cut stone will face up whiter than a poorly cut stone.

Here is the link to my original show me the ring post: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-cushion-cut-e-ring-by-mark-erd.133278/#post-130646#p130646[/URL]

I think that while lay people might be drawn to size, a well-cut diamond will sparkle like crazy be memorable. I would recommend contacting ERD (who are in the district) and seeing what they can pull for you based on your budget.

I have to agree. Despite GIA color standards, I have difficulty discerning coloring unless you compare side by side or if you put it table down on a white piece of paper. I'd still prefer to go with a G than an H, like I'd rather stick to a VS2 instead of an SI1. I am actually planning on meeting up with ERD and hope to get something similar to your ring, but with a halo (I do like the detail on the basket though).