Cushion Diamond Buying Advice

[APbody1224]

Hi All,

I need help selecting a cushion diamond in the one carat range. I plan to have the diamond set in a micro-pave halo setting. I have seen a few cushions from a local gemologist but I almost feel more comfortable choosing a cushion from Good Old Gold or Engagements Rings Direct. Both websites offer detailed images (ASET, DiamXRay, microscopic) that legitimize the cut of the diamond. My local gemologist is providing me the GIA Report and letting me view the diamond under microscope. I am no diamond expert so using the microscope doesn't offer me much. My jeweler's price range is pretty similar or slightly higher considering the 4Cs they're offering.

I would love to get anyone's opinion who has bought a diamond for GOG or ERD. I really love GOG's cushettes. I listed the diamonds below that are in the ideal price range I would like to spend. Any advice would be much appreciated.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4270/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4258/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4907/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7138/

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/DiamondCushionDetails.aspx?Item=33

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I strongly favor the August Vintage cushions at GOG. I have a round stone from them, and am 100% pleased. However, now that they have the AV stones, I really wish I could have one of those!!! I love the old style cushions, and the AVC's are cut to have great light performance and symmetry. You might want to call and see what they have coming in since they might have something else for you to consider.

 

[ecf8503]

I really like that AVC you listed! By far the best optics. But you said you like the Cushettes - they definitely have a different faceting pattern than the AVC's, so it really is a matter of preference. That said, I have an AVC and I love it, and I have nothing but applause for GOG!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I presently have the good fortune of having an AVC in my hot little hands and recommend it unequivocally to anyone.

But here is a video comparing an AVC to a Cushette to help you decide.

ETA: I also spoke to Jon about that AVC and he said it is 100% eye clean. Moroever, the price was just lowered as far as I can tell, from about $6200 I think. It is a great deal IMO.

 

[slg47]

I would definitely watch the video of AVC compared to Cushette...they are very different looks! That is not to say one is 'better' than the other but you may find you like one look much better.

Do you want a more square or more rectangular cushion?

 

[APbody1224]

Thanks for all the advice. I like the more rectangular cushions. I like the look of the rectangular diamond in the pave halo setting.

It sounds like everyone agrees on the AVC. Would .92 carat look too small in the pave halo setting? Most of the cushion pave halo pictures I see on the website are much more than 1 carat. I don't mind sacrificing diamond size for quality but I want to make sure everyone's first thought isn't how small the diamond looks.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7138/

 

[ecf8503]

I think that cushion will look fabulous in a halo! Halo's add finger coverage anyway. Be proud of the center stone - it's for you, not anyone else, right???

 

[slg47]

Thanks for all the advice. I like the more rectangular cushions. I like the look of the rectangular diamond in the pave halo setting.

It sounds like everyone agrees on the AVC. Would .92 carat look too small in the pave halo setting? Most of the cushion pave halo pictures I see on the website are much more than 1 carat. I don't mind sacrificing diamond size for quality but I want to make sure everyone's first thought isn't how small the diamond looks.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7138/

no it will definitely not look too small in the halo setting. However if you prefer the optics of the cushette that is what you should get. Here are some videos that compare.


http://vimeo.com/11539863
http://vimeo.com/6835376

 

[Eskiez]

I love the August Vintage cushion and think it would look perfect in a halo! But as others have mentioned, they are very different from the cushettes you suggested. Do you have a preference in optics/type of light return?