Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions please.

[codydog]

Hello,
Newbie here.
Looking to buy an e-ring this week. Cut is most important as is brilliance and fire.
I'll request some ASET image based upon suggestions.

Here are some details.

1. What is the total amount you want to spend on the ring? 6-8k on the diamond. Setting is below.
2. What is more important to you – the diamond or the setting? Diamond. I saw this halo on another thread and really like it
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-falling-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49997
3. What type of cushion do you want (refer to step 1 above)? Cushion Brilliant I think. Not crushed Ice
4. What are the cut parameters you want? Square over rectangular
Color: Recommend G/H unless she doesn’t care if it is warmer - Agree G/H and up
Clarity: Recommend VS1/2 or eyeclean SI1 - Agreed. Especially eyeclean
Carat How important is size to her or you just want to work within budget. Looking for .9 - 1.24 depending on price
L/W Ratio: Square or Rectangle - Square
5. Do you want a ready made setting or a custom made one? Ready made is fine.
6. If custom made, do you want it all fully hand made (more expensive but more refined) or CAD/CAST? N/A
7. Are you willing to go to the second hand market? Probably not. More comfortable from reputable first hand vendor.
Fluorescence : None

Please let me know if there are any questions I didn't answer.
Thanks everyone.

 

[Madison2]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Hello,
I would highly recommend Good old Gold for the beautiful cushions they have. Call or email Jonathan, he is excellent at picking non crushed ice cushions. They have some beautiful cushions he can pick for you.
Good luck

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Your carat range is oddly specific. Is there a reason (other than price) that you don't want to go above 1.24ct? If you're worried about the diamond looking "too big" (not a common concern here on PS, but not unheard of either!), then you should specify a linear dimension in mm that you don't want to exceed (e.g. 6.5x6.5mm).

The good news is that it appears you have a healthy budget. In fact with your "default" parameters, the PS Diamond Search turns up only ~250 cushions in the $6k-$8k range, but ~1700 cushions in the $2k-$6k range.

Thus: Do you want to keep your search parameters the same, but lower your budget? Or would you prefer to hit your target budget of $6k-$8k , but go more extravagant on one or more of the parameters (e.g., get a larger diamond, or one that is in the true "colorless" range, or has VVS clarity)?

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Here's a 1.50-ct cushion from JA in your budget that seems pretty nice:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-598071

This one looks like a sparkler as well, at 1.40ct:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597177

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Hello,
I would highly recommend Good old Gold for the beautiful cushions they have. Call or email Jonathan, he is excellent at picking non crushed ice cushions. They have some beautiful cushions he can pick for you.
Good luck

Is GoodOld Gold as reputable as say James Allen or WhiteFlash for as good of a price?

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Your carat range is oddly specific. Is there a reason (other than price) that you don't want to go above 1.24ct? If you're worried about the diamond looking "too big" (not a common concern here on PS, but not unheard of either!), then you should specify a linear dimension in mm that you don't want to exceed (e.g. 6.5x6.5mm).

Price is one reason I don't want to go too big but I also just don't think its totally necessary to go above that size.

The good news is that it appears you have a healthy budget. In fact with your "default" parameters, the PS Diamond Search turns up only ~250 cushions in the $6k-$8k range, but ~1700 cushions in the $2k-$6k range.

Thus: Do you want to keep your search parameters the same, but lower your budget? Or would you prefer to hit your target budget of $6k-$8k , but go more extravagant on one or more of the parameters (e.g., get a larger diamond, or one that is in the true "colorless" range, or has VVS clarity)?

I'd probably rather lower my budget a little to a max of 7k. I just don't think anything over 1.2-1.3 is necessary. What do you think?

 

[telephone89]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Here's a 1.50-ct cushion from JA in your budget that seems pretty nice:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-598071

This one looks like a sparkler as well, at 1.40ct:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597177

 

[telephone89]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Your carat range is oddly specific. Is there a reason (other than price) that you don't want to go above 1.24ct? If you're worried about the diamond looking "too big" (not a common concern here on PS, but not unheard of either!), then you should specify a linear dimension in mm that you don't want to exceed (e.g. 6.5x6.5mm).

Price is one reason I don't want to go too big but I also just don't think its totally necessary to go above that size.

The good news is that it appears you have a healthy budget. In fact with your "default" parameters, the PS Diamond Search turns up only ~250 cushions in the $6k-$8k range, but ~1700 cushions in the $2k-$6k range.

Thus: Do you want to keep your search parameters the same, but lower your budget? Or would you prefer to hit your target budget of $6k-$8k , but go more extravagant on one or more of the parameters (e.g., get a larger diamond, or one that is in the true "colorless" range, or has VVS clarity)?

I'd probably rather lower my budget a little to a max of 7k. I just don't think anything over 1.2-1.3 is necessary. What do you think?

Folks on here generally like big stones. 'Necessary' is probably not the best word haha. Cushions face up smaller than rounds - so a 1.5 cushion will face up aprox 1 ct round. So good advise from drk14 to go of mm size rather than ct weight. What is the finger size of the intended? You can look up diamdb.com and enter in the mm size and finger size and see an actual comparison. Keep in mind the setting you choose will also add some finger coverage. But it should give you an idea. Maybe you honestly think a 1.5 ct is too big, and that's fine!

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Is GoodOld Gold as reputable as say James Allen or WhiteFlash for as good of a price?

Good Old Gold (GOG) is definitely reputable, and one of the commonly recommended vendors on PS. All else being equal, they will be a tad more expensive due to the degree of personal attention involved in hand-selecting stones for you, and producing videos/images/etc. to help you make a decision.

 

[telephone89]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Why does pricescope hate d i a m d b so much?! Seriously its really annoying. This site is legitimately good for prospective shoppers, I really don't understand why PS hates them so much. In case this gets blocked out...

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Why does pricescope hate d i a m d b so much?! Seriously its really annoying. This site is legitimately good for prospective shoppers, I really don't understand why PS hates them so much. In case this gets blocked out...

I'll probably go with JA since I liked the setting there. I want to stay closer to 8k total for the complete ring and I think going smaller I'll be able to do that.

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

Which of these is best?
I know there is a good difference in sizes between each. I'd rather not have the crushed ice look.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-601712

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.40-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597177

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-598157

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

Thanks Travelgal.

Since the diamond you posted has medium fluorescence isn't that a negative quality?

 

[tyty333]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

This is my favorite so far. Med fluor will not bother a stone. VSF may make a stone look blue or white outside in sunlight and
in very few cases can make a stone look oily/hazy. Lots of PSers have stones with med flur on up becasue we like to see it
under a black light. It's very cool.

 

[chrono]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

There is a significant $/ct jump at the 1.5 ct mark so to maximize your budget, I'd stay under that. However, shop by mm size, not carat weight because a 1.2 ct cushion could well look larger than a 1.4 ct cushion due to the cut.

 

[bws]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

There is a significant $/ct jump at the 1.5 ct mark so to maximize your budget, I'd stay under that. However, shop by mm size, not carat weight because a 1.2 ct cushion could well look larger than a 1.4 ct cushion due to the cut.

Thanks Chrono. I'd prefer around 1.2 or under even. I want the most bang for the buck.

Do you have any suggestions from whats been posted or any links that haven't been posted yet?

 

[bws]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

This is my favorite so far. Med fluor will not bother a stone. VSF may make a stone look blue or white outside in sunlight and
in very few cases can make a stone look oily/hazy. Lots of PSers have stones with med flur on up becasue we like to see it
under a black light. It's very cool.

I requested an ASET image on this one but they told me its not available. Would you buy a diamond without seeing an ASET?

 

[tyty333]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I love this faceting pattern...it may be a little smaller than you are looking for though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.13-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-540068

 

[tyty333]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

This is my favorite so far. Med fluor will not bother a stone. VSF may make a stone look blue or white outside in sunlight and
in very few cases can make a stone look oily/hazy. Lots of PSers have stones with med flur on up becasue we like to see it
under a black light. It's very cool.

I requested an ASET image on this one but they told me its not available. Would you buy a diamond without seeing an ASET?

Normally I would say no I would not buy a cushion without an aset. This one does look very good though. See what other PSers
think. So, JA wont bring it in unless you buy it?

 

[bws]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I am not a huge fan of what JamesAllen currently has available for cushions. II would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

This is my favorite so far. Med fluor will not bother a stone. VSF may make a stone look blue or white outside in sunlight and
in very few cases can make a stone look oily/hazy. Lots of PSers have stones with med flur on up becasue we like to see it
under a black light. It's very cool.

I requested an ASET image on this one but they told me its not available. Would you buy a diamond without seeing an ASET?

Normally I would say no I would not buy a cushion without an aset. This one does look very good though. See what other PSers
think. So, JA wont bring it in unless you buy it?

I offered to put a hold on it and they said it wasn't possible to get an ASET on it because it wasn't in their building. Is that normal? My conversation was over chat.

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I would second drk's suggestions in that order. I'd also consider this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972

Normally I would say no I would not buy a cushion without an aset. This one does look very good though. See what other PSers
think. So, JA wont bring it in unless you buy it?

FWIW, I agree that the above pick has potential.

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I offered to put a hold on it and they said it wasn't possible to get an ASET on it because it wasn't in their building. Is that normal? My conversation was over chat.

JA made some changes to their operations in late 2014, and as a result they no longer offer ASETs and gemologists' reviews for all of their diamonds, unfortunately (they will only offer such services for diamonds that were sourced from NYC). Looks like you selected a stone that is overseas.

See here for more information:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/4-diamonds-would-love-your-help-in-deciding-which-one.212503/#post-3865009#p3865009']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/4-diamonds-would-love-your-help-in-deciding-which-one.212503/#post-3865009#p3865009[/URL]

If you like that 1.30-ct diamond, you can purchase it loose and inspect it in person during the return period. Then send it back to JA, either to be set into a ring, or for a refund.

 

[bws]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I offered to put a hold on it and they said it wasn't possible to get an ASET on it because it wasn't in their building. Is that normal? My conversation was over chat.

JA made some changes to their operations in late 2014, and as a result they no longer offer ASETs and gemologists' reviews for all of their diamonds, unfortunately (they will only offer such services for diamonds that were sourced from NYC). Looks like you selected a stone that is overseas.

See here for more information:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/4-diamonds-would-love-your-help-in-deciding-which-one.212503/#post-3865009#p3865009']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/4-diamonds-would-love-your-help-in-deciding-which-one.212503/#post-3865009#p3865009[/URL]

If you like that 1.30-ct diamond, you can purchase it loose and inspect it in person during the return period. Then send it back to JA, either to be set into a ring, or for a refund.

Good info on their policies. I'm actually looking to buy in the next couple days so not sure if I have the time for that and I also feel more comfortable with the knowledge PS'ers have when looking at a diamond compared to my eyes.

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I like the 1.3 diamond. Based on what I've seen at JA, that diamond and the ones drk posted are the best. Here is one more to consider. The clarity is overkill, but the stone looks nice and it's very similar in price to the E and looks like a decent stone. You can see if they have the asset on this one if that will make you feel better.

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.26-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597863

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

You can see if they have the asset on this one if that will make you feel better.

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.26-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597863

I think this one is nice, too, but unfortunately it will most likely not have an ASET. Only the diamonds that have the JA "butterfly" logo in the corner of the video are located in NYC, and those are the only ones that they can bring in for ASET imaging.

 

[codydog]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I like quite a few diamonds without ASET's.

Would you ever buy a diamond without ASET images? I don't have time to see it first hand and wouldn't have your expert opinions either if I did.

Here are a couple

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-598157?a_aid=GrayMatter

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-597972


Or should I find a few which I can get ASET's of and choose from those?

Thanks

 

[drk14]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I'm actually looking to buy in the next couple days so not sure if I have the time for that and I also feel more comfortable with the knowledge PS'ers have when looking at a diamond compared to my eyes.

If you don't have time to go through the return process in case the stone is not as expected, and if you cannot find a good selection at JA with ASET availability, then maybe you should consider having GOG find you a diamond. They generally weed out the duds, and provide ASET, videos and commentary for their top picks.

 

[bws]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

I'm actually looking to buy in the next couple days so not sure if I have the time for that and I also feel more comfortable with the knowledge PS'ers have when looking at a diamond compared to my eyes.

If you don't have time to go through the return process in case the stone is not as expected, and if you cannot find a good selection at JA with ASET availability, then maybe you should consider having GOG find you a diamond. They generally weed out the duds, and provide ASET, videos and commentary for their top picks.

So would you ever purchase a diamond having only seen it online from a JA image?

Since I'm going to purchase the setting from JA and have limited time I'm going to stick with them either purchasing a diamond without an ASET image or narrowing my search to JA diamonds only with ASETs.

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Cushion Cut Suggestions. Gypsy and all suggestions plea

It's a personal issue. People buy diamonds blind from bluenile all the time without even a picture. People on this forum are more selective. I would buy online without an ASET, some will agree with me and some won't. This is something you have to consider what you are most comfortable with and what works best for you.