Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro.

[JessLeigh]

Good afternoon,

I started out as a know nothing when it came to diamonds - I have poured over resources and would like to think that I am starting to catch on, but I need your help!

I want a cushion cut around 1 ct (budget of $4,000 with setting). I have been looking at Halo Settings and compared everything to the famous Harry Winston setting. I have poured over websites looking for an affordable replica and found it! http://www.since1910.com/engagement-rings/pave-diamond-halo-setting-scs1295-set-2550.aspx

Since 1910, will only sell the setting with one of their diamonds. I think their prices are pretty comparable - a little more than I have seen on here but I really want this setting.

Here are my Q's:

- Does anyone know the reputation of this company? It also operates under H.L. Gross & Bro.

- The pave diamonds on the setting are G in color - Do you think an I or J would look too yellow? I can get a better quality with the J but want to make sure that it will not have a contrast in this setting. There are H's available within my range as well but with SI2 ratings - I would feel more comfortable with a cleaner diamond - as I have eagle eyes with 20/13 vision!

- I am looking at Cushions in the Excellent Depth and Table categories to ensure the best cut possible (without seeing the diamond first). Is there anything else I should be doing to make sure that I get a good stone when purchasing online?

Thanks I really appreciate an expert answering my questions - this ring has been agonizing me! My love is a busy man and would walk into (insert name brand store here) and pay the crazy prices because he doesn't have the gene that clips coupons and drives all over town to get a good deal!

Jessica

 

[anonymous1insocal]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

That setting looks very nice but I also would recommend you contact Gary at ERD (engagement rings direct). They have done hundreds if not thousands of custom settings like this; I just received mine and it's gorgeous.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

Are you planning on buying a cushion without seeing pics of it first?

 

[JessLeigh]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

Can you give me an idea of what we would expect to pay for custom? That word "custom" always scares me because I immediately hear cha-ching!

 

[slg47]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

- The pave diamonds on the setting are G in color - Do you think an I or J would look too yellow? I can get a better quality with the J but want to make sure that it will not have a contrast in this setting. There are H's available within my range as well but with SI2 ratings - I would feel more comfortable with a cleaner diamond - as I have eagle eyes with 20/13 vision!

the melee will sparkle differently than the center stone and will look much whiter. I think a J would have noticeable contrast in some lighting, but it is up to you if this bothers you

- I am looking at Cushions in the Excellent Depth and Table categories to ensure the best cut possible (without seeing the diamond first). Is there anything else I should be doing to make sure that I get a good stone when purchasing online?

yes yes yes ONLY buy from a vendor who provides pictures (and preferably ASET photos as well). I would start with CCL's guide to cushion cuts to narrow down what type of cushion you want (there are many types out there, and you can't tell the appearance by the plot diagram) and then work with one of the PS vendors who provides photos and ASET photos to get you the best type of cushion. Rounds you can go more by the numbers but cushions you can't

 

[slg47]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

Here is the wonderful guide that CCL has created.
Also, $4k for a pave halo setting AND a 1-ct diamond is pretty low. You might want to get a smaller diamond (the halo will make it MUCH larger) so that you can get a better quality stone.

ChunkyCushionLover's Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds (2.0)

Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)

Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)
A great video illustrating the best in Cushion Brilliant Optics and a comparison between several varieties http://www.vimeo.com/9188543

Types of Cushions:

i) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the left)
b) 8 main thin (modern style) http://www.vimeo.com/9188543 (1st stone on the left)
c) 8 main thick (vintage style) http://www.vimeo.com/9188543 (3rd stone from the left)
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.... ... icID=12849

ii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows
http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/image...7266-2.mov http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/image...XF7266.mov also second stone from the left in http://www.vimeo.com/9188543

iii) Cushette
http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

iv) Cushion Modified Brilliant
(often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weight not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 both the left and the right stones have the same facet structure. Most in this cutting style would look similar to the one on the left.

Step 2 (Choose the 4Cs)

1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is unrealistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Jon at Goodoldgold.com (The most selective and expert vendor for the best light return in cushions especially branded lines like Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows, August Vintage Cushion (8 main vintage) and 4 main cushion brilliants.
ii) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com (Excellent prices, specializes in 8 main vintage stones and can find 8 main thin modern ones as well)
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com (Has been known to source decent 4 main cushion brilliants)
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com (Designed the BGD 8 main modified cushion brilliant above but mostly specializes in hearts and arrows rounds)

Once you know what kind of cut you are looking for we can be most helpful if you post your preferences in your thread.
Example:
Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eye clean from 6 feet away looking face up)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio: 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cut: Cushion Brilliant (Modern) 8 main

Step 3 (View and Post ASET Image and Photographs and/or view in person)

Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.

If you want to learn about cushions cut for light performance a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843....

Step 4 (View a side by side comparison at a vendor or appraiser for final selection)

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favorite stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraiser without you having to pay first and the appraiser will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor. You may incur small shipping and appraisor fees to view potential choices in person which for many is well worth it to be sure about their purchases.

Happy Hunting,
CCL

 

[MxMom]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

I purchased my setting from this company and am very satisfied with them. However, they will tell you they only sell settings with their diamonds, but that is not true. They told me this.

My only nitpic about my settings is that I wish my 1 ct princess cut sat a little lower in the setting. If that was the case (1) I wouldn't catch it on anything and (2) the space between the diamond and the halo would ne almost non-existent. I still may have it worked on by a local store, but I'm not willing to take my ring off long enough to have it done. I've had so many beautiful comments about my ring. Of course, I have also been asked if it is real. Yes, it's real!

Here is my original post.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-upgrade-after-12-years.148030/#p2673810']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-upgrade-after-12-years.148030/#p2673810[/URL]

 

[MxMom]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

I listed some of the information on my diamonds incorrectly. They are all SI and my center stone is an I. The color does not match perfectly, but in true light it is very difficult to see the difference.

 

[JessLeigh]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

slg47,

Thanks so much for your help. I definitely do not like the crushed ice look of most modified but will look at the other options as well to better inform myself.

My problem is that I LOVE this setting. Every other setting I look at I compare it to this setting - but I also want a beautiful diamond to accompany the setting!

I live in Orlando and can get flights to NY for under $150 - it may be worth the trip to fly up and crash with a friend (or just send my friend to look at the stones).

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

slg47,

Thanks so much for your help. I definitely do not like the crushed ice look of most modified but will look at the other options as well to better inform myself.

My problem is that I LOVE this setting. Every other setting I look at I compare it to this setting - but I also want a beautiful diamond to accompany the setting!

I live in Orlando and can get flights to NY for under $150 - it may be worth the trip to fly up and crash with a friend (or just send my friend to look at the stones).

Have you actually seen the setting? Those are half pointers, very small and delicate with small flashes. I hope you have seen setting with half point melee in them in person.

 

[D&T]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

you don't necessarily need to go "Custom"

please check this casting site, as many if not all jewelers can buy the cast from them, and set it with their own melee diamonds, therefore you save the money from a full on "custom" ring but still with this look that you want.

you can't find out the price directly so best to get the setting from the person providing the diamond if its not "custom" such as these from adwar.com just an idea unless you feel the need to actually go custom.

http://www.adwar.com/products/list?page=2&type=Ladies+Rings&shape=Cushion+Cut

 

[MarkBroumand]

Re: Cushion Cut Halo Setting from Since1910/H.L. Gross & Bro

As slg47 mentioned, your budget really is kind of low for what you want. If the setting is what is most important to you, then it's best to put everything else into a balance, ie: left over budget, diamond's carat weight, color, clarity, performance, etc... and begin to put things in order in terms of what is then most important to you and make adjustments accordingly. This way you can find out if you'll be happy with the final outcome and the ring as a whole.