Cushion Cut ** Going in circles ** Help Needed

[Analytical]

Being analytical has it strengths and weaknesses. One finds themselves absorbing information and continuously learning. Unfortunately, decisions are never made, things are delayed, and months go by. This leaves you in a situation where one needs to make a decision fairly quickly. I need you to read through my request and provide your gracious knowledge, insight, and ideas. I have a few weeks to make a the best decision I can.

For a while I was debating between round, asscher, and cushion. After many viewings and trips I am fairly certain I want to go with cushion. This is assuming I could find the correct stone. If hat stone alludes me I may default to round.

I put together some high level specs that I thought would help narrow things down, but let me start with a descriptive view before I provide the technical one. I am looking for an antique style, square, eye clean cushion cut with larger facets. The size should be between 2.4 and 2.99. I am budgeting between $22K - $29K for the diamond. The overall cost is important and if I could get agood diamond on the lower end would like to do so, but am open to spend at the higher end of the budget.

My technical specs are based on my loose knowledge and observations. I may be incorrect in what I am thinking.
Minimum Specs:
Cut:Good Color: G Clarity: SI2 Length-Width: 1.25-1.30

A few more details the lucky lady has small fingers, size 4 - full. It will be set in a platinum cushion halo setting. I have included 2 pictures of ones that were on the top of her list from a design perspective. The actual will look somewhat different.


I need to locate and procure the diamond in the next couple of weeks. Your help in sharing your opinions as well as sourcing the diamond is much appreciated. I thank you for the knowledge I have already learned from the site. If there is a better way for me to try and request some help please let me know.

 

[Niel]

this one is 2.5, but faces up closer to a 2ct... but faces up very white, and is far under budget at about 16k

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/265ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/33264559_tQM6JB#!i=2887345564&k=89cZmdQ

you se it here

a little bit smaller, and a little bit lower color, but its antique style in a modern cut, so its got ideal light performance, plus it has the proportions you like, cheaper, and honestly you can go down to an I easily in an antique cut
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11621/

this one ticks most of the boxes, but im not sure if the center performs well. But you can absolutely reserve it and get light performance information
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.29-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-246286


These are closest to your specs. And they can custom make you a halo, they do amazing work
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/this-2.30ct-royal-chandelier-cushion-diamond-has-been-reserved.-gid-124639.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.24-carat-f-vs2-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-127878.html

 

[Analytical]

Thank you for the feedback Neil. I will certainly review. Can you provide a bit more feedback around your statement below. I have not heard this before...

and honestly you can go down to an I easily in an antique cut

 

[Niel]

Color looks different in different types of cuts. Because of the antique styling of those stones along with the large facets, the color doesn't look as strong, and looks more appropriate with that stone.

Plus an I can still face up very white. If you're interested in that Good old Gold stone, go look at some of their videos. They have vids that compare g,h colors with Is.

 

[04diamond<3]

If you want a white stone, I personally would not suggest going to an "I" because anything other than a round will not face up as white. Fancy cuts will always show more color.

Here's what I found:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.29-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-246286

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.45-carat-f-si1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-119791.html

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/h33m5z

You could also call Jon at GOG: www.goodoldgold.com and ask him to find you a stone with your specifications.

***EDIT to add, it seems Niel and I posted a few of the same stones. I do love that GOG one she posted but I'd ask Jon about how white it looks, pictures can sometimes be misleading especially online. His stones do tend to face up pretty white. But I'd talk to him directly if you're interested.

 

[Niel]

If you want a white stone, I personally would not suggest going to an "I" because anything other than a round will not face up as white. Fancy cuts will always show more color.

It's interesting you say that. Now I'm the fist to say I love a lower color. But even those who won't go down to an I in MRB say old cuts have a lower threshold.

Either way. I still think that GOG stone looks white and in budget and amazing. Worth further inquiry.

 

[Analytical]

Thank you for the responses so far Niel (sorry for calling you Neil before) and Diamonds04<3. I will be reviewing your suggestions in depth. In the meantime I had one other thought. I like the look of the higher crown that many (all?) antique cushions seems to have. Two questions

1.) How do i judge if this is the case on a particular diamond
2.) On a halo setting does it run the risk of too much?

I was intrigued by the stone from Jewels by Erica Grace, but something just seemed off to me. Like it would not look as good in person.

More thoughts to come as I review.

 

[JulieN]

Halos provide lots of protection.

Any vendor who provides pics will give you side shot, or a video where you can see it. Or ask them to eyeball it. Or look at the GIA report, they give a profile that is roughly proportional.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, because of another thread I am almost afraid to chime in here, but you are a lot like ME!!! I analyze to death! I love the inspiration settings! Who are you having make it? That is a very important decision in itself.

I want to say, though, that you almost have too many restrictions. There will be many more stones in the 2-2.5 ct range than 2.5-3.0. And truthfully, with a halo, you are going to be looking at significant finger coverage with a 2 ct center. You probably won't be able to find a totally clean SI2 stone and maybe not SI1 in an antique cushion, so I'd prepare for VS clarity.

My recommendation is to look at Good Old Gold's August Vintage Cushions because they are cut to have ideal light performance which will be very satisfying to an analyzer. The difficulty will be combining your preferences with the budget. But I can give you an idea of what they have at the moment.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10866/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8538/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11621/ (I color would also be as low as I would go since you seem to want a near colorless stone)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9197/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8214/

 

[JulieN]

1.25-1.3 is incredibly long for a cushion, it will needlessly narrow down your pool of candidates when you already are looking at a high carat weight.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.34-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-145409
If they can price match to 29.5K http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=678437HF&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

 

[04diamond<3]

1.25-1.3 is incredibly long for a cushion, it will needlessly narrow down your pool of candidates when you already are looking at a high carat weight.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.34-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-145409
If they can price match to 29.5K http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=678437HF&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

that stone is MEZMERIZING!!!!

 

[Analytical]

I could be wrong on my ratios. I was trying to make sure the stone was more square. I know Cushions can vary and I do not want something more rectangular.

1.25-1.3 is incredibly long for a cushion, it will needlessly narrow down your pool of candidates when you already are looking at a high carat weight.
/quote]

Thank you for that. I was more asking would it look too costume jewelry in the type of settings I mentioned.

Halos provide lots of protection.

Any vendor who provides pics will give you side shot, or a video where you can see it. Or ask them to eyeball it. Or look at the GIA report, they give a profile that is roughly proportional.

I am discussing with a local jeweler who knows us and has discussed with my lady. This will ensure her thoughts are accounted for. Basically looking for something like the two provided, but sitting closer to the finger. She also does not want a custom made band to fit around it. She wants something should could wear stand alone as opposed to a cut out band. Cushion cut diamonds like what I am looking for are not exactly flowing off the shelves, so the local jeweler is also looking, but I think I hope I can find something first.

With regards to restrictions they are more guidelines than restrictions. The clarity was the minimum I would go, but needs to be clean. I also think I can compromise on color as long as it will face up white and I think the setting will help with that. With regards to size I would be ok with 2.2-2.4 range. I know there will be trade offs and balance.

Well, because of another thread I am almost afraid to chime in here, but you are a lot like ME!!! I analyze to death! I love the inspiration settings! Who are you having make it? That is a very important decision in itself.

I want to say, though, that you almost have too many restrictions. There will be many more stones in the 2-2.5 ct range than 2.5-3.0. And truthfully, with a halo, you are going to be looking at significant finger coverage with a 2 ct center. You probably won't be able to find a totally clean SI2 stone and maybe not SI1 in an antique cushion, so I'd prepare for VS clarity.

 

[Analytical]

Do not let the ramblings of one ruin the support you offer others. I have reviewed and have some comments below. My comments are not definitive, but I am hoping it will help in a couple of ways. Help everyone understand more of my taste and allow everyone to point out where my thinking is just wrong. I also posted a couple I looked at on GOGs site I am curious about

The light leakage in the center of these one is really throwing off my view of it. Other than that it is really pretty.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10866/

This ones seems like it would set a bit small and maybe a little to much yellow to it?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8538/

There is a lot I like about this one. Something does seem off about it, but I am not quite sure how to describe what I am seeing. It could be the shape that is throwing me off. I jotted this one down as a follow-up when I did my own review of the inventory.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11621/ (I color would also be as low as I would go since you seem to want a near colorless stone)

This one seems too rectangular for my taste. And looks like it could be a little too yellow, but not sure.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9197/

I actually like this one a lot. At first I jotted my notes down that it seemed to look a little yellow and maybe rectangular, but then when I did my own review of GOGs inventory I jotted this one down as a follow-up. I welcome any thoughts on my initial observations

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8214/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10726/ - Has a lower color rating, but looks pretty white in the picture
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10434/ - seems nice, but pic has a lot of haze on the left. Is that just the photo?

This weeks and months of research has me second guessing everything. As I draw closer to decisions I start fearing that this type of cut want glitter and sparkle enough and I should just go with something like this http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10989/....

 

[Analytical]

This Diamond looks really nice. The ASET does not seem to have a lot of Red. That said it does nto show much leakage, but is the lack of strong red a concern?

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/h33m5z

 

[Niel]

If you like those good old gold ones, contact good old gold. They may take a down payment, but would make you some videos. Help you compare them Those are very well performing stones.

 

[heididdl]

At this point call GOG let him set up a video with his 3 or 4 best cusions and talk to him he has amazing stone and I love watching the utube videos.

 

[Analytical]

Whats the protocol here? Do you need to speak to a specific person? Ask for anything specific?

If you like those good old gold ones, contact good old gold. They may take a down payment, but would make you some videos. Help you compare them Those are very well performing stones.

 

[Niel]

Whats the protocol here? Do you need to speak to a specific person? Ask for anything specific?

If you like those good old gold ones, contact good old gold. They may take a down payment, but would make you some videos. Help you compare them Those are very well performing stones.

In their site there's a email. Just email them and tell them what you are interested in. They'll email you backward the info and what you'll need to do. I think they charge a non refundable fee, but I think that will go toward whatever stone you pick. I think.

I've never bought a stone from them so I think someone who has recently would be of more help. But they are very nice and helpful. Email them and I'm sure they will help!

 

[Rhino]

Whats the protocol here? Do you need to speak to a specific person? Ask for anything specific?

If you like those good old gold ones, contact good old gold. They may take a down payment, but would make you some videos. Help you compare them Those are very well performing stones.

In their site there's a email. Just email them and tell them what you are interested in. They'll email you backward the info and what you'll need to do. I think they charge a non refundable fee, but I think that will go toward whatever stone you pick. I think.

I've never bought a stone from them so I think someone who has recently would be of more help. But they are very nice and helpful. Email them and I'm sure they will help!

Just for clarification, we only charge a deposit relating to diamonds under 2 circumstances.

1. If we're calling in "virtual" diamonds for physical examinations and yes the deposit is applied to the purchase.
2. If a person is requesting a video of which we've already shot multiple videos of already that demonstrate precisely what they are asking to see. Ie. Show me what a hearts and arrows looks like in ________ lighting environment.

If a person is asking to see a comparison of diamonds that are already in stock we don't mind doing that to show them size/color/optical differences.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[Analytical]

Thank you. I dropped you an email would love to have a call when you can.

 

[Analytical]

Slightly Off Topic

But related to my request for help. It does not look like this forum has a feature to private message people. Am I missing something? I wanted to reach out to a couple of you directly to thank you and ask a few other questions.

 

[chrono]

PS does not have a PM function anymore due to security and privacy reasons.

 

[04diamond<3]

This Diamond looks really nice. The ASET does not seem to have a lot of Red. That said it does nto show much leakage, but is the lack of strong red a concern?

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/h33m5z

It has a lot of red! You could call them and talk to the gemologist and ask for a video (if they do that). But if you're interested, contact them. I think the stone looks stunning and don't see potential for leakage.....

 

[04diamond<3]

1.25-1.3 is incredibly long for a cushion, it will needlessly narrow down your pool of candidates when you already are looking at a high carat weight.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.34-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-145409
If they can price match to 29.5K http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=678437HF&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

that stone is MEZMERIZING!!!!

Did you put this tone on hold? It's your biggest option and it's just stunning!!! And *very* white!

 

[Analytical]

I did put the stone on hold. I wanted to get some ASET images for comparison. There are a couple from GOGs video I am comparing too. They are very different.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.29-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-246286




http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.34-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-145409

 

[Gypsy]

I did put the stone on hold. I wanted to get some ASET images for comparison. There are a couple from GOGs video I am comparing too. They are very different.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.29-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-246286




http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.34-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-145409

Those are both lovely. Which did the gemologist prefer?

 

[JulieN]

The G is squarer. It is off square, the F is a rectangle. I wonder if the VS2 inclusion is visible on close inspection.

 

[Analytical]

Here are the gemologist notes

both of these diamonds have great fire, brilliance, and scintillation. They have a comparable "G" color and face completely eye clean. You truly cannot go wrong with either of them, as both of them will look stunning mounted in any setting. The difference between them is so subtle that only the trained eye of a gemologist may notice it, but diamond 246286 is slightly brighter in terms of light performance and its "G" color is just slightly whiter. You cannot go wrong with either of these diamonds, as both of them come highly recommended. However, since the gemologist found diamond 246286 to be slightly brighter, and since it has the better price, I would encourage you to go for that diamond.

I too think that inclusion on the VS1 looks like it would be noticeable though they do not say so.

I should also share the GOG video
http://youtu.be/Zu2MEHT6R2Y

 

[arkieb1]

Have you thought about using Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch for the setting? You are going to all the trouble of selecting the best possible stone and then putting it into a setting that is not in the same calibre in my humble opinion. Yes some people here will disagree with me, but there will be others that agree with what I am saying.....

 

[Analytical]

Have you thought about using Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch for the setting? You are going to all the trouble of selecting the best possible stone and then putting it into a setting that is not in the same calibre in my humble opinion. Yes some people here will disagree with me, but there will be others that agree with what I am saying.....

Thank you for the suggestion. The images I posted or just inspiration photos. The actual setting will be made by a local jeweler. If you have other samples that you think are appropriate I would be open to your suggestions.