Cushion cut question - pls help, thanks!

[cp1986]

First, I just want to thank everyone for all the great feedback and advice on these boards as it has been very helpful to a novice like me.

I have a question about cushion cuts. Throughout the threads on this site, I''ve seen various posters state that they have a cushion cut stone with a "cut grade/rating" of Excellent, Very Good, etc. But I thought that only Round stones had actual grades for the "cut" of the stone so I am confused by some of these posts. I''ve seen actual GIA reports for cushion cut stones and none of them have a rating for the cut (unlike round stones). Am I missing something?

My apologies if this question is basic, thanks again!

 

[pixley]

I think those ratings refer to the Polish and Symmetry grades on GIA reports. Polish and symmetry top grades for GIA are "Excellent", then "Very Good", then "Good", then "Fair".

Some sites use these grades (and perhaps factor in table and depth and girdle percentages, but I''m not sure) to further assign overall cut grades to their cushions.

If you do a search for Mark Turnowski at Engagement Rings Direct (ERD) or Jon at Good Old Gold, you''ll find that they are two vendors who have a fantastic track record for their knowledge of cushions and they''ve sourced many beautiful cushions for PSrs.

 

[Indira-London]

Pixley is right - any grades for cushion on GIA or other reports refers to the Polish/Symmetry (or Finish) rather than cut proportions.

There are no cut quality or cut proportion grades for cushion cut diamonds.
Hence, the best way to judge a cushion cut diamond is to see it.

Each cushion cut diamond is a UNIQUE shape from oblong with soft or "rounded corners" to squarish with soft or rounded corners whereas all round brilliant diamonds when well-cut should be round.

The AGS has the only system capable of grading fancy shapes for CUT QUALITY as their grading takes into account light performance rather than diamond proportions. Whilst AGS grading is possible for a number of fancy shapes - this does not yet include cushion cut.

Just to illustrate the variations possible in shape - I am posting some pictures of different SHAPES of cushion diamonds - the idea of the pictures is to make it easier for you to understand why its best to see the cushion in person to pick out which shape appeals best to you.

I am starting off with a rare perfect square cushion

 

[Indira-London]

Here is a three cushion diamond ring where all three are slightly off-square/slightly oblong

 

[Indira-London]

Here is an oblong cushion. Overall I have posted just three pictures and each show a different shape. If I continued and posted 10 cushion pictures - each cushion would be a a slightly different shape.

I hope the pictures help.

 

[Lorelei]

Those are great pics Indira, and I know they will be helpful, thank you for posting them!

 

[Indira-London]

You''re welcome.
I think with diamonds, pictures are more powerful than words - of course if I could give free actual samples of diamonds that would be even more helpful!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2008 8:32:37 AM
Author: Indira-London
You''re welcome.
I think with diamonds, pictures are more powerful than words - of course if I could give free actual samples of diamonds that would be even more helpful!

Hahaha!! * scoots to Indira''s side..*

 

[customcushion]

Date: 7/16/2008 5:03:43 PM
I''ve seen actual GIA reports for cushion cut stones and none of them have a rating for the cut (unlike round stones)

My Cushion Brilliant has no cut noted on the GIA cert (As you correctly note, GIA doesn''t comment on cut of a cushion), but the independant appraisal noted the cut was ''excellent,'' so I am comfortable saying that it is an Excellent cut, in addition to just being a plain old awesome diamond.

 

[cp1986]

Thanks everyone or the helpful replies and photos!