Cushion Cut..NEED HELP!

[kliffie]

Hi, I'm new to diamond shopping and don't really know whats good or bad on the market. I have a GIA 4Cs chart but when I look at the diamonds on PriceScope, I'm just not sure which is best. I know I'd probably want a smaller size (around 0.6 Carat) with F-H color grade. I'd prefer a VS1 or VS2 clarity and excellent cut grade. I've listed 3 diamonds below with the same color and clarity grade. Which one do you think is best? The first one is a cushion brilliant while the last 2 are cushion modified brilliant. I know the modified is cut differently but does it really make much of a difference in appearance and quality?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280368.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280392.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.adiamor.com/D-12819622.htm

Also, should I be worried about the clarity characteristics listed for each diamond such as cloud, flowers, pinpoint, needle, etc on a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade?

Your input is greatly appreciated!

Thank You!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You have to eliminate #3 because there is no picture. I like #1 best of the other two because it has a nice shape and is a little bigger than #2.

You do not need to worry about inclusions at all on a VS1. But if I were you, I'd at least go to G or H color and VS2 to try and get a little more size. These are around 5mm which is smaller than a round half carat diamond.

 

[kliffie]

Thanks for the reply diamondseeker. I initially was going to buy a 0.7 carat diamond with VS2 - SI1 and H or I color. Then I second guessed myself and thought maybe a smaller size with better color and clarity would be better for the money. I have a $2,000 budget for the diamond but I'd prefer not to use the entire $2,000, if possible.

Here are 2 diamonds I was debating on at first.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280645.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281104.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

What do you think about each diamond? I plan on getting a halo setting (sorry if I got the name wrong) from Ben Bridge to go with it. It'll look something like the attached image.

Thanks!

 

[slg47]

Hi, I'm new to diamond shopping and don't really know whats good or bad on the market. I have a GIA 4Cs chart but when I look at the diamonds on PriceScope, I'm just not sure which is best. I know I'd probably want a smaller size (around 0.6 Carat) with F-H color grade. I'd prefer a VS1 or VS2 clarity and excellent cut grade. I've listed 3 diamonds below with the same color and clarity grade. Which one do you think is best? The first one is a cushion brilliant while the last 2 are cushion modified brilliant. I know the modified is cut differently but does it really make much of a difference in appearance and quality?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280368.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280392.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

I would request ASET images for those and ask gemologist to evaluate.

http://www.adiamor.com/D-12819622.htm

Also, should I be worried about the clarity characteristics listed for each diamond such as cloud, flowers, pinpoint, needle, etc on a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade?

no. but you can always ask JA if the diamond is eye-clean. JA also carries halo settings, it might save you some money to get the stone and setting in the same place.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

Thank You!