Cushion Cut experts needed!!!

[happygolucky851]

HI!!!

My cousin is starting to look at cushion cut diamonds for his gf. He isnt in any rush yet so i''m glad he''s doing it now! I know nothing of Cushion cuts as I have an EC and researched those like a crazy person. My cousins girlfriend is looking for at least a 1 ct to a 1.5 ct cushion for a setting. She pretty much knows the setting she wants which is at about 5k. And I think he said definitely no more than 10k for the whole thing. since her setting is so elaborate she doesnt want a wedding band. I dont think he wants to spend as much as 10k but if it happens that way then thats how it will be. Could yall give me some kind of guidance as to what they should look for?? i''m curious myself too! I went with her today to look at settings and loose diamonds and the cushion is breathtaking!! so anyway, if anyone has any guidelines as to what she should look for that would be so helpful!!!

 

[Stephan]

Look at these cushions:
GOG Signature Cushions

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/9/2009 5:58:09 PM
Author: QueenMum
Look at these cushions:
GOG Signature Cushions

Seriously.

It may not be quite as much fun buying online, but I gaurantee you will not see stones cut like this in B&M''s. And you''ll pay a way better price too.

You can just about order what you want!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Cushions .. cushions ... cushions ... welcome to the world of cushions.

There are many threads discussing them on PS but here is a summary off the top of my head. I am too lazy to link to posts and photos right now.

The Facts ...
1. Cushions are graded as Old Mine Cushion (OMC), Cushion Brilliant, and Cushion Modified Brilliant on GIA reports.
2. Cushion looks have been referred to as "Chunky", "Modern", and "Crushed Ice" on PS.
2a. Chunky cushions are typically found when it has 8 main GIA plots (fat 8 mains). Although you can find chunky looking diamonds on all plot patterns as illustrated by a GoG video (can't find link right now).
2b. Modern cushions can be found in both the Cushion Brilliant and Cushion Modified Brilliant plots. Modern Cushion Brilliant plots includes both the thin 8 main plot and a 4 main plot. Modern cushions can rival the sparkle and fire of a round brilliant diamond. This is especially true for the square hearts & arrows (see GoG) or a modern rotated 8 main GIA plot (thin 8 mains). There are branded cushions like the cushette which have distinct looks.
2c. Crushed Ice look is typical of the Cushion Modified Brilliants. The majority of cushions out there today fall into this category.
3. In general, Cushion Brilliants cost more than Cushion Modified Brilliants. There is also a hierarchy of pricing within the Cushion Brilliants. For example, the fat 8 mains and square H&A cost more than 4 mains plot. OMC pricing varies greatly.
4. It is difficult to judge the beauty of cushions based on numbers - you have to see them in person. However, typical specs of desirable cushions have a depth of 60% and greater and a table in the mid 50s range.
5. Cushions tend to face up smaller than a round brilliant but the shapes are different so the cushions can appear the same size.
6. Cushions are cheaper than round brilliants based on carat weight.

The Opinions ...
1. Many prefer the look of chunky cushions. Very few enjoy the crushed ice look although this is all preference.
2. Many like their chunky cushions in the warmer color ranges with large culets.
3. Some seek out antique cushions which have a lot of personality. They are usually found in the warmer color ranges and not cut to the same standards today. They were cut for performance in candle light.
3. PSers generally recommend Enagement Rings Direct and Good Old Gold as the cushion vendors:
3a. Mark at Engagement Rings Direct (Manhattan) is known as the cushion guy and has found many beautiful cushions for PS. He is known to have a great eye for cushions and have great prices. He finds the right diamond based on his customers' budget. Mark's photos are generally very poor and are are not reflective of how beautiful the diamond is in real life.
3b. Jon at Good Old Gold (Long Island) is known for his love and desire for well performing diamonds that are cut to perfection. He carries the beautiful square H&As and also recently started cutting OMCs that are to die for. Jon is a whiz at taking diamond photos, videos, and provides detailed technical specs - this makes Internet shopping easier than ever.
3c. Ari at SingleStone (LA) carries beautiful antique stones and makes gorgeous settings.
3d. Other popular vendors include EricaGrace and Old World Diamonds for antique stones.
4. GIA certed stones are desired but there are great stones that are not certified or certified by EGL-USA.

That's it for now. Please correct me if I got anything wrong!

 

[geoffreysnow]

Tell him to watch the two 41 cushions videos:
http://www.vimeo.com/tag:cushioncutdiamonds

Jon captures just about every different type of cushion in those 2 videos.

Find out what type of cushion she wants. Chunky or one with more scintillation? If she likes Tiffany Novo style she might prefer crushed ice. Members here on PS tend to greatly favor chunky cushions in warmer colors but we''re a unique bunch and tend not to be the norm in real life.

The other thing, and this is very very very important: you can''t judge a cushion without seeing it. Modified brilliants can be chunky and 8 main pavs can look like crushed ice. There is no such thing as ideal ranges for specs with cushions. With round brilliants you can gauge its worthiness with it''s specs and then pull it in for further tests. With cushions you can''t say "find one with so and so specs" because one with those specs can still be a dog. There are generalities, but cushions are best judged in person by an expert like from PS vendor.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 5/10/2009 4:14:08 PM
Author: giraffecushion

If she likes Tiffany Novo style she might prefer crushed ice.

In general, Tiffany Novo do not have the crushed ice look. In fact, they are cut similar to the square H&As with the rotated 8 mains. They are not modified cushion brilliants.

 

[geoffreysnow]

Date: 5/10/2009 5:04:31 PM
Author: CharmyPoo

Date: 5/10/2009 4:14:08 PM

Author: giraffecushion


If she likes Tiffany Novo style she might prefer crushed ice.

In general, Tiffany Novo do not have the crushed ice look. In fact, they are cut similar to the square H&As with the rotated 8 mains. They are not modified cushion brilliants.

Meant with respect to smaller flashes and more sparkle scintillation compared to the large broad flashes that an antique chunky cushion typically has.