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cushion diamond advice

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mtb357281

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 8, 2013
Messages
7
Hey all,

I found a diamond that I think my gf will love but I am a little unsure of a few points. I am considering this cushion diamond from james allen.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-26433

I called and had it put on hold for me while I try to decide. For reference it is priced at about 4300 which is near the top of my budget.

things that drew me to it:
-the size and square shape are what I was looking for
-good clarity which I think will be important for such a large table
-seems to have less of a crushed ice look compared to many I saw, though if I could afford it I would probably choose a more chunky look
-has fluorescence which the gf has commented about liking before

things that concern me
-the research I have done seems to say that you can only judge a cushion cut in person (maybe someone here can prove that wrong for me)
-the depth at 60% seems to be less than is typical... this gives it larger dimensions but is there a downside?


Just hoping for some more expert opinions on whether this is a good option for the price given that she really likes cushion cut diamonds and given my budget constraints. also for reference this is the ring I will put it in: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...-wide-shoulder-pave-engagement-ring-item-8148

Thanks in advance for the advice!
 
Not loving that cushion. It's showing obstruction from head on. And it's not a pretty flat crown. Large table coupled with shallow depth is giving it some performance issues.

Please read this thread regarding cushions. Also, please read links about cushions. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-pick-a-cushion.194993/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-pick-a-cushion.194993/[/URL]


All of that said. There isn't a lot at a carat in your price range on JA that is any better. And the few that were... well, Matt (the guy from the post above) has put them on hold already.

Unfortunately, my best recommendation is to spend less on the setting and more on the diamond. Unless of course she has said she adores that particular setting and wants only that one. Are you set on platinum for the metal? Cause that is adding 1000 to that setting. Also that setting is going to be hard to wear a flush fit wedding band next to. This one, which is similar would be a better choice if she wants flush bands (although it doesn't help the price much): http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-encrusted-engagement-ring-item-8103

This one is lovely: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-single-row-pave-cascading-engagement-ring-item-22546


If we can forgo the platinum then you can investigate one of these two:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.99-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-217770 Has what could be a very slight bowtie but has nice spread, is bright and has great color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.23-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-258461 Also has what could be a slight bowtie, but it is an antique style that does NOT have a maltese cross.
 
This one has the same facet patten as the one you originally posted, and it is a bit deep, but it is better performing than the G was. So... since you liked that faceting and it is in budget I thought I'd post it. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-26163

This one maybe worth a second look: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-154028

None of them have me jumping for joy. But some of them could be decent performers worth a look.
 
Thanks for the information. You definitely have me thinking about trading platinum for a more expensive diamond. I think she really liked that setting though im sure she would be happy with anything I gave her. I just want to try to get her the best that I possibly can within my budget. I am really starting to like that 1.23 carat I VS1 that you showed.
 
Also, I am planning to not do a separate wedding ring so the curved shape of the ring is not an issue. She wanted something with some design in the metal and we both really liked that particular one.
 
Compare measurements when you are looking at cushions. Not carat weight.

As for platinum versus white gold. When you are on a tight budget that's one of the easiest things to give on, unless there is a metal allergy.
 
There are a few others with that same kind of cut but more square on JA, like the original one you posted. It seems like this cut is prone to leakage and mushiness under the table, so I would only request 1 of this style to ASET, make it your favorite one.
 
mtb357281|1384020592|3553442 said:
Well, I have been looking more and more and I like this one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.07-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-26182

Though it is not square like I had thought I would want.... it seems the more I look the more confused I get
Click to expand...


Same facet pattern as that. But a brighter stone. And it costs less too. I'd chose this one over that one. ANd I agree with Julie, I would only do one of these facet patterns. And this one would be my recommendation: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-26163
 
mtb357281|1384098172|3553813 said:
Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like a well cut diamond. I also had this one reserved http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.93-carat-h-color-if-clarity-sku-259356

between this one and the one you just showed me which would you select? they are exactly the same price.
Click to expand...


I would put them both on hold. Plus chose a third of the ones I selected for you.

Then ask for an ASET and a gemologist's review. This is free and will take three days. Once you have the gemologist's recommendation of which stone is the better performer and the ASET (post here). Then we can have all the information we need to chose the diamond.

RIght now, there's not enough information.
 
mtb, what exactly are you looking for? IMO these diamonds are ok if you know you are giving up cut quality for something else, but if you post the ASETs here later, you're going to get a lot of people panning the images and saying you should start over and focus on cut.
 
Gypsy - thanks for all the advice and suggestions

Julie - what I am looking for is a diamond for an engagement ring that my SO will be happy with for as long as she wears it.

when we went and looked at rings the points that are important to here is for it to not look yellow which is why I am looking in the near colorless range.

She also thought it was important for her to not be able to see any inclusions so I want it at least eye clean and probably a little better than that because I think she would look at it with my 10x hand lens (I am a geologist but know little about gemstones).

The cut is the aspect that I feel is hardest to judge online and it seems much less defined for cushion cuts than for others. I want it to sparkle and light up nicely and i want it to have a few medium to large reflections too. I have watched some really good videos on cushion cut from GOG and I can definitely tell a difference in the cuts that he shows there but I find it difficult to translate that to online photos.

I also like stones that are about 1 carat. I feel like this is a substantial enough size to not look too cheap but also not look too big and ostentatious for the relatively conservative life I lead.

The last factor is cost. I feel that the stones I have been looking at are in a range that is reasonable. I guess I don't know what is typical though

This site has been a big help for me in trying to get the most that I can for my budget. A lot of knowledge and knowledgeable people here
 
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