Cushion Cut Newbie - Advice

[xganx]

Hello everyone. I''m interested in purchasing a cushion cut diamond (modern, not antique). I''ve been trying to read up on cushions, but I think I''m just making myself cross-eyed. The online inventory of companies don''t help either. I am a college student with limited funds so my budget for a loose diamond is $2,800 max (is this feasible for what I''m looking for?). I would appreciate your expertise in helping me narrow down my choices.

Carat: 0.8 to 1.00
Cut: ideal/excellent/premium (I want the stone to sparkle...)
Color: D-I
Clarity: VVS2 to SI1 (as long as it''s eye-clean)
Certification: Prefer GIA
L/W Ratio: Prefer square over rectangular

So far, I''ve been looking at online retailers such as GOG and ERD. ERD seems to have a lot of choices.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/19/2009 2:48:11 PM
Author:xganx
Hello everyone. I'm interested in purchasing a cushion cut diamond (modern, not antique). I've been trying to read up on cushions, but I think I'm just making myself cross-eyed. The online inventory of companies don't help either. I am a college student with limited funds so my budget for a loose diamond is $2,800 max (is this feasible for what I'm looking for?). I would appreciate your expertise in helping me narrow down my choices.

Carat: 0.8 to 1.00
Cut: ideal/excellent/premium (I want the stone to sparkle...)
Color: D-I
Clarity: VVS2 to SI1 (as long as it's eye-clean)
Certification: Prefer GIA
L/W Ratio: Prefer square over rectangular

So far, I've been looking at online retailers such as GOG and ERD. ERD seems to have a lot of choices.

Thank you for your help.

Welcome!

You are definitely heading in the right direction, what I would do is to contact Jon at GOG or Mark at ERD, tell them what you are looking for and see what they can come up with, even if they don't have a stone which suits you they might know of one or have something in the pipeline.

I would suggest looking at the video section of GOG on cushions so you can see some of the various types, also see if you can view some in person as cushions can vary a lot in how they look and perform. Also concerning cut, these labels such as Ideal, premium etc are no guarantee of a well cut stone, learn what you like and let an expert vendor assist you.

 

[xganx]

Thank you for the response. I have contacted ERD and GOG. Sarah from GOG gave me a sheet of prospective diamonds, but they are from other companies since GOG doesn''t have anything similar in their inventory. GOG is asking me to put a $50 deposit down to show that I am a serious buyer and to cover costs of shipping the diamond to GOG for examination. Is this customary? Here is the list provided to me. If anyone can help me narrow down my choices, I would appreciate it. Actual prices are not listed, but there is a section for $/Ct (if this is accurately stated, then I can calculate the cost). All are GIA certified. Thanks.

Cushion #1
Size: 0.80
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2912
%Disc: 4%
Depth / Table: 69 / 64
Girdle: STK-VTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Very good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.40x5.32x3.67
Ratio: 1.02:1.00

Cushion #2
Size: 0.82
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
$/Ct: 3003
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 68.6 / 58
Girdle: M-XTK
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.37x5.25x3.60
Ratio: 1.02:1.00

Cushion #3
Size: 0.90
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2636
%Disc: -32%
Depth / Table: 67.7 / 64
Girdle: TN-TK
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: SB
Measurements: 5.75x5.48x3.71
Ratio: 1.05:1.00

Cushion #4
Size: 0.90
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2683
%Disc: -38%
Depth / Table: 74.7 / 63
Girdle: Med to ET
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.55x5.29x3.95
Ratio: 1.05:1.00

Cushion #5
Size: 0.90
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2717
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 51.5 / 62
Girdle: XTN-STK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Very good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 6.21x6.18x3.18
Ratio: 1.00:1.00


Cushion #6
Size: 0.91
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2665
%Disc: -35%
Depth / Table: 76.6 / 66
Girdle: VTK-XTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.24x5.09x3.9
Ratio: 1.03:1.00

Cushion #7
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2717
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 67.0 / 60
Girdle: TN
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.63x5.45x3.65
Ratio: 1.03:1.00

Cushion #8
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: VS1
$/Ct: 2730
%Disc: -35%
Depth / Table: 72.6 / 60
Girdle: STK to ET
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.47x5.43x3.94
Ratio: 1.01:1.00

Cushion #9
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2789
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 72.2 / 64
Girdle: STK-VTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Excellent / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.47x5.47x3.95
Ratio: 1.00:1.00

Cushion #10
Size: 0.92
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2569
%Disc: -32%
Depth / Table: 68.3 / 62
Girdle: STK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Good / Good
Flourescence: MB
Measurements: 5.57x5.49x3.75
Ratio: 1.01:1.00

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/21/2009 5:07:12 PM
Author: xganx
Thank you for the response. I have contacted ERD and GOG. Sarah from GOG gave me a sheet of prospective diamonds, but they are from other companies since GOG doesn''t have anything similar in their inventory. GOG is asking me to put a $50 deposit down to show that I am a serious buyer and to cover costs of shipping the diamond to GOG for examination. Is this customary? Here is the list provided to me. If anyone can help me narrow down my choices, I would appreciate it. Actual prices are not listed, but there is a section for $/Ct (if this is accurately stated, then I can calculate the cost). All are GIA certified. Thanks.

Cushion #1
Size: 0.80
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2912
%Disc: 4%
Depth / Table: 69 / 64
Girdle: STK-VTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Very good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.40x5.32x3.67
Ratio: 1.02:1.00

Cushion #2
Size: 0.82
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
$/Ct: 3003
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 68.6 / 58
Girdle: M-XTK
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.37x5.25x3.60
Ratio: 1.02:1.00

Cushion #3
Size: 0.90
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2636
%Disc: -32%
Depth / Table: 67.7 / 64
Girdle: TN-TK
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: SB
Measurements: 5.75x5.48x3.71
Ratio: 1.05:1.00

Cushion #4
Size: 0.90
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2683
%Disc: -38%
Depth / Table: 74.7 / 63
Girdle: Med to ET
Culet: N
Polish/Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.55x5.29x3.95
Ratio: 1.05:1.00

Cushion #5
Size: 0.90
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2717
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 51.5 / 62
Girdle: XTN-STK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Very good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 6.21x6.18x3.18
Ratio: 1.00:1.00


Cushion #6
Size: 0.91
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2665
%Disc: -35%
Depth / Table: 76.6 / 66
Girdle: VTK-XTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.24x5.09x3.9
Ratio: 1.03:1.00

Cushion #7
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2717
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 67.0 / 60
Girdle: TN
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.63x5.45x3.65
Ratio: 1.03:1.00

Cushion #8
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: VS1
$/Ct: 2730
%Disc: -35%
Depth / Table: 72.6 / 60
Girdle: STK to ET
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Very good / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.47x5.43x3.94
Ratio: 1.01:1.00

Cushion #9
Size: 0.91
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
$/Ct: 2789
%Disc: -29%
Depth / Table: 72.2 / 64
Girdle: STK-VTK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Excellent / Good
Flourescence: N
Measurements: 5.47x5.47x3.95
Ratio: 1.00:1.00

Cushion #10
Size: 0.92
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
$/Ct: 2569
%Disc: -32%
Depth / Table: 68.3 / 62
Girdle: STK
Culet: N
Polish / Symmetry: Good / Good
Flourescence: MB
Measurements: 5.57x5.49x3.75
Ratio: 1.01:1.00

Before you consider the numbers of stones you have to decide which type of look you would like.
You have a preference for very square stones but there is still a very important factor which is whether you want a Modern (4 main or 8 main) or an antique cushion. All of these varieties come in square shapes. The problem with Cushion''s is that its like looking for a needle in a haystack finding you a good one from the numbers. I would suggest you decide on one type of cushion and then have Jon at GOG or mark at ERD find it for you from within their inventories. This way you won''t have to pay any shipping fee to call in virtual stones.

See the following videos http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 (This one is important because if it says modified cushion brilliant on the certificate it you need to know what kind of look it might have).

This stone fits your budget http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6291/ if you like this look you will find it difficult to match the optics under the table in any other antique cushions see here for the optics http://www.vimeo.com/6072381.

http://www.vimeo.com/6010981 For a comparison of modern cushions to the antique style.

Do a search on vimeo.com for Rhino cushion for many more videos if the above ones weren''t enough.

 

[xganx]

Thank you for the response and links. Feeling a little less cross-eyed now...and that stone you showed looks really good. Hmmm...

 

[CharmyPoo]

The diamond that CCL showed you is an antique look stone and not modern like what you are looking for.

Purchasing a cushion diamond is not a simple task as there are so many variations in the looks. You can''t simply plug in the numbers and pick one from the batch. The easiest way to do this is to go to a trusted vendor like GOG or ERD. Tell them your exact specifications and see what they come back with. I believe you have already headed down this path.

My preferences are for antique chunky stones (like what GOG has in their signature line) or a modern 8 main stone (ERD can get their hands on this) or a square H&A (GoG). Personally, I do not like cushion modified brillants although GOG does have educational videos out there demystifying this - I still don''t like them I am also not a huge fan of 4 main cushion brillants. I am a picky one and what I like doesn''t really matter or determine what your gf will want. I guess my point is that it takes a while before you figure out exactly what your preferences are.

 

[xganx]

After researching more and watching those videos, I prefer antique cushion cuts and similar...I think it will suit my girlfriend better anyway stylewise. She appreciates art deco styles and whatnot. Plus, she would kill me if I ended up getting her a cushion that looked like crushed ice.

I'm actually going to call GOG tomorrow about that old mine cushion that CCL linked. I never looked at the old mine cushions when I was previously searching on their website because I foolishly thought I was going to purchase a modern cut.

Would anyone like to add comments about this diamond? Thank you again to CCL.

Shape: Old Mine Cushion
Carat Weight: 0.83ct
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Lab Report: GIA
Width: 5.62mm
Length: 5.63mm
Depth: 3.68mm
Table Percentage: 49.92%
Depth Percentage: 65.42%
Crown ∠: 34.50°
Pavilion ∠: 40.75°

*Edit: Pictures didn't post the first time...added below

 

[CharmyPoo]

You can't go wrong with any of the diamonds in his signature OMC line. I am getting one myself - it is coming back from GIA next week. I also own an 8 main modern cushion from ERD. They are both beautiful in their own way. I will warn you though .. some of my friends outside of PS actually like the modern loko better and find the antique look strange.

My only concern is that someone snatches it up from underneath you. There are a lot of lurkers on here that might snatch it up. They are closed on Sunday but it won't stop someone from reserving the diamond online. Perhaps you can email Jon directly .. he might be checking email.

 

[xganx]

Ok, I''m having a difficult time posting the pictures. I just placed that diamond on hold because I was thinking that also...if I decide not to go with it, they''ll just refund the deposit, right? I''m calling Jon tomorrow about it.

Thanks for the warning. Did they elaborate on why they thought it was strange? To each their own, I guess...I''m sure she''ll have some kind of spiel for those who don''t appreciate it haha.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 8/23/2009 2:43:57 PM
Author: xganx
Ok, I'm having a difficult time posting the pictures. I just placed that diamond on hold because I was thinking that also...if I decide not to go with it, they'll just refund the deposit, right? I'm calling Jon tomorrow about it.

Thanks for the warning. Did they elaborate on why they thought it was strange? To each their own, I guess...I'm sure she'll have some kind of spiel for those who don't appreciate it haha.

Jon is a really great guy and I am sure he will work with you. I know he has worked with many PSers to make their dreams come true. My experience with him to date has been excellent. He is very caring and wants us to be happy. He is also a smart man who does business right - his policies are well written and clear and as far as I know - he stands behind them. I have not seen their policies change on the fly like some other companies.

My friends weren't use to the chunky flashes as what they typically see are the smaller flashes. Also, the antique cushions don't have the arrows that they are used to seeing. As you said .. to each their own. My mom is a great diamond critque but she hasn't seen a whole lot of antique stones. I personally can't wait to hear what she has to say once I get my hands on my new stone.

GOG's signature OMCs are really bright and beautiful. My boyfriend who doesn't really understand all the appeal thought they were beautiful too. I was actually surprised that he liked the OMCs better and completely stood by me in my decision to change the diamond for the third time. He was always more of a modern cushion guy.

 

[xganx]

Pictures...cushion lovers, thoughts?

 

[xganx]

Sorry, I don''t know how to reply with more than 1 picture per post.

 

[xganx]

Pic #3

 

[xganx]

Pic #4

 

[xganx]

Pic #5

 

[ecf8503]

Looks great!

 

[Lorelei]

Beautiful cushion!!

 

[xganx]

My only concern is the fact that the girdle is extremely thin to medium (faceted). Do I need to runaway from this cushion because of it?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/24/2009 4:43:39 PM
Author: xganx
My only concern is the fact that the girdle is extremely thin to medium (faceted). Do I need to runaway from this cushion because of it?

No, in a diamond of that calibre from an expert vendor it should be fine, just check with Jon concerning the ex thin parts but I think you will find there won''t be a problem.

 

[xganx]

Date: 8/24/2009 4:45:42 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/24/2009 4:43:39 PM

Author: xganx

My only concern is the fact that the girdle is extremely thin to medium (faceted). Do I need to runaway from this cushion because of it?

No, in a diamond of that calibre from an expert vendor it should be fine, just check with Jon concerning the ex thin parts but I think you will find there won''t be a problem.

That is comforting to know. Thank you for your help. I''m getting antsy waiting to talk to him tomorrow about this diamond when their office is open. There is another diamond that caught my eye on his website too. I didn''t put that diamond on hold, so I don''t want to discuss details quite yet...I asked him if he could make a video to compare the two, so we will see!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/24/2009 5:16:53 PM
Author: xganx

Date: 8/24/2009 4:45:42 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/24/2009 4:43:39 PM

Author: xganx

My only concern is the fact that the girdle is extremely thin to medium (faceted). Do I need to runaway from this cushion because of it?

No, in a diamond of that calibre from an expert vendor it should be fine, just check with Jon concerning the ex thin parts but I think you will find there won't be a problem.

That is comforting to know. Thank you for your help. I'm getting antsy waiting to talk to him tomorrow about this diamond when their office is open. There is another diamond that caught my eye on his website too. I didn't put that diamond on hold, so I don't want to discuss details quite yet...I asked him if he could make a video to compare the two, so we will see!

Glad to help! Jon will be totally straight with you and I doubt the girdle is of concern but he will put your mind at rest. I understand being worried about poaching, it happens and with these diamonds in particular they are flying off the shelves! Hopefully he will be able to do a video for you to help you choose.

 

[Engagement Ring Expert]

With cushion diamonds, proportions are critical, as is life. First, with regard to proportion, pay special attention to the width and length millimeter measurements. Generally, a cushion should be relatively square, with near equal length and width measurements. If it''s substantially off, you might end up with a rectangular cushion, in which case the setting will look markedly different. With regard to life, the cut and brilliance of the center diamond is something that cannot be identified by a certificate. You really need to see a few because you may have two cushions of equal specifications but one has more life, they are all unique from nature in that sense. Just as every man or woman has different features, diamonds are similar. I would stay within the G-H color range if GIA or AGS cert, E-F-G if EGL, that range is the best bang for your buck and in that price range, D-E will be a waste of money, as you need as much size as you can reasonably afford. Also, don''t worry too much about going into the VS clarity range with that budget. A nice SI 1 or even SI 2 with a clean table will be more than adequate if cut properly. With much larger diamonds, clarity can have a more visible impact, but you really need a loupe to see most inclusions in diamonds under 1.00 ct.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/23/2009 2:43:57 PM
Author: xganx
Ok, I''m having a difficult time posting the pictures. I just placed that diamond on hold because I was thinking that also...if I decide not to go with it, they''ll just refund the deposit, right? I''m calling Jon tomorrow about it.

Thanks for the warning. Did they elaborate on why they thought it was strange? To each their own, I guess...I''m sure she''ll have some kind of spiel for those who don''t appreciate it haha.

1) The OMC diamonds in GOG''s signature series have all passed Jon''s extremely stringent criteria and you can''t go wrong with any of them. I had the pleasure of viewing one with my Fiance a few weeks ago. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/. Take a look at some closeups showing the kozibe effect "reflections of the culet".

2) If you still want to consider a modern stone the other stone that I looked at in the above thread, the one we eventually bought in your range would be this type a modern 8 main cushion brilliant. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/ here is an example.
As GOG may not have it in their inventory, you might be able to get this or similar from Mark ERD or Bob at Whiteflash.
One of the three should be able to find this look for you with Length and Width in the 5.9-6mm range in your budget and colour range. These are well suited for women who want perfectly square outline, no culet, and arrows like in a round. The antique cushions are definitely a different look.

Best of luck,
CCL

 

[xganx]

Date: 8/24/2009 11:30:50 PM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover

Date: 8/23/2009 2:43:57 PM

Author: xganx

Ok, I''m having a difficult time posting the pictures. I just placed that diamond on hold because I was thinking that also...if I decide not to go with it, they''ll just refund the deposit, right? I''m calling Jon tomorrow about it.


Thanks for the warning. Did they elaborate on why they thought it was strange? To each their own, I guess...I''m sure she''ll have some kind of spiel for those who don''t appreciate it haha.

1) The OMC diamonds in GOG''s signature series have all passed Jon''s extremely stringent criteria and you can''t go wrong with any of them. I had the pleasure of viewing one with my Fiance a few weeks ago. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/. Take a look at some closeups showing the kozibe effect ''reflections of the culet''.


2) If you still want to consider a modern stone the other stone that I looked at in the above thread, the one we eventually bought in your range would be this type a modern 8 main cushion brilliant. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/ here is an example.

As GOG may not have it in their inventory, you might be able to get this or similar from Mark ERD or Bob at Whiteflash.

One of the three should be able to find this look for you with Length and Width in the 5.9-6mm range in your budget and colour range. These are well suited for women who want perfectly square outline, no culet, and arrows like in a round. The antique cushions are definitely a different look.


Best of luck,

CCL

Linking me to your post was helpful and made me decide that I should just show my girlfriend the 2 stones that I was considering (GOG OMC vs. modern cushion). She really liked the styles of both cuts, but noticed that the OMC looked a little warm in color. Apparently she is color sensitive and prefers the icy white look. Plus, with the size that we are getting, I don''t think she wants to spare any room for a culet and all those effects that can go along with it. With that in mind, I think I am going to go for a modern 8 main in a higher color.

I emailed Mark from ERD with our specs. How long does it usually take for him to find some contenders? Again, thanks for the help in my search!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/25/2009 9:31:45 PM
Author: xganx

Date: 8/24/2009 11:30:50 PM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover

Date: 8/23/2009 2:43:57 PM

Author: xganx

Ok, I'm having a difficult time posting the pictures. I just placed that diamond on hold because I was thinking that also...if I decide not to go with it, they'll just refund the deposit, right? I'm calling Jon tomorrow about it.


Thanks for the warning. Did they elaborate on why they thought it was strange? To each their own, I guess...I'm sure she'll have some kind of spiel for those who don't appreciate it haha.

1) The OMC diamonds in GOG's signature series have all passed Jon's extremely stringent criteria and you can't go wrong with any of them. I had the pleasure of viewing one with my Fiance a few weeks ago. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/. Take a look at some closeups showing the kozibe effect 'reflections of the culet'.


2) If you still want to consider a modern stone the other stone that I looked at in the above thread, the one we eventually bought in your range would be this type a modern 8 main cushion brilliant. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/ here is an example.

As GOG may not have it in their inventory, you might be able to get this or similar from Mark ERD or Bob at Whiteflash.

One of the three should be able to find this look for you with Length and Width in the 5.9-6mm range in your budget and colour range. These are well suited for women who want perfectly square outline, no culet, and arrows like in a round. The antique cushions are definitely a different look.


Best of luck,

CCL

Linking me to your post was helpful and made me decide that I should just show my girlfriend the 2 stones that I was considering (GOG OMC vs. modern cushion). She really liked the styles of both cuts, but noticed that the OMC looked a little warm in color. Apparently she is color sensitive and prefers the icy white look. Plus, with the size that we are getting, I don't think she wants to spare any room for a culet and all those effects that can go along with it. With that in mind, I think I am going to go for a modern 8 main in a higher color.

I emailed Mark from ERD with our specs. How long does it usually take for him to find some contenders? Again, thanks for the help in my search!

Calling mark at ERD will get you a quicker response than e-mail.

Neither the OMC nor the Modern 8 main looked anything but colourless by themselves.
I could not detect any colour faceup when viewing them alonein either stone.

The only reason I made those observations is that looking from the side in front of a white background compared to other stones I felt the GIA grading of the GOG H has soft and should have been an I, this could happen for any diamond though and I don't feel that OMCs like the GOG signature trap more colour than other cushion cuts.

Considering you are stretching your budget to try to get the largest stone possible you are still safe in choosing G-H-I coloured stones and getting an eye clean SI1 if you can. You could go for an F or G but you will have to sacrifice size to do it in order to keep within your budget.
I would suggest you go to local stores and look at H and I colored round brilliants and cushions if you can to get a feel for how color sensitive you or your GF might be and then decide.

 

[CharmyPoo]

The GOG OMC you saw may have been a lower color grading which made them appear warmer. However, in my experience, they are really well cut which made they appear brighter and in some ways whiter. I am very color sensitive and like the icy white look which is why I was targeting an E or F. I think it is important for you to compare the same color grade of both a modern and an OMC before writing off an OMC as being warmer looking.

 

[xganx]

Date: 8/25/2009 11:25:45 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
The GOG OMC you saw may have been a lower color grading which made them appear warmer. However, in my experience, they are really well cut which made they appear brighter and in some ways whiter. I am very color sensitive and like the icy white look which is why I was targeting an E or F. I think it is important for you to compare the same color grade of both a modern and an OMC before writing off an OMC as being warmer looking.

The OMC that we placed on hold was an I. GOG doesn't have any other OMCs right now with a higher color in our size range and I don't know if we can wait until one comes in. We're mainly writing off OMCs in general because of the culet and the lighting issues it may cause in that particular size stone. *Edit: Our size range is 0.8-1.00

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/25/2009 11:25:45 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
The GOG OMC you saw may have been a lower color grading which made them appear warmer. However, in my experience, they are really well cut which made they appear brighter and in some ways whiter. I am very color sensitive and like the icy white look which is why I was targeting an E or F. I think it is important for you to compare the same color grade of both a modern and an OMC before writing off an OMC as being warmer looking.

Charmy:

In my thread both the modern 8 main and antique cushion were GIA graded H. My comments were that the GOG stone had considerable colour as compared to the modern cushion and an I colored Master CZ at the appraisor's office looking face down with all three stones side by side looking at the body in front of white paper. I don't attribute this to the cut of the diamond and neither did the appraisor as he said "Looking at the body of the diamond in its facedown position from the side as is done when grading the cut has much less of an influence on the appearance of color" we just felt GIA graded this one soft and it should have been called an I color. I still don't feel this should be taken as a trend in GOG signature cushions or OMCs in general. It has been explained to me that the GIA lab in California may still be using a Colorimeter and this is less stringent on color than the Master Stones used for color grading in the GIA New York Lab.

XGANX:

From your posts you are worried about getting an I color in general and that may be a valid concern. I wouldn't classify an I color as being yellow in any way (except next to a higher color diamond) but it does show more white warmth than diamonds in the colourless range (G - D).
Faceup you will see very little difference between an H and an I but under the most strict conditions (remember we don't normally view diamonds in front of white backgrounds) this video might be helpful http://www.vimeo.com/3288695.

Good-luck with Mark.

CCL