Cushion Diamond Decision, I need some help!

[Madison2]

Hello All,
I need your help again; Here is my story.
Two weeks ago I posted two cushion aset images and asked for help in determining which diamond would be the better performer. Although both asets were above average and nice diamonds, I chose the smaller cushion because of the facet pattern and personality. I must admit I loved the size of the larger diamond which was a 2.83 cushion but in terms of performance the smaller diamond 2.30 H VVS2 was the winner! I purchased this diamond just last week, the PS Vendor I am working with understands my dilema in wanting to go up in size for my upgrade. He has agreed and put in writing that I can return my diamond for a larger diamond if we can find one so that is why I have not set the diamond in a setting yet.

So fast forward to this week, I found another 8 main cushion which is a little larger and I went to look at the diamond in person. At first I got excited, it sparkled under the lights and really looked beautiful! Then the vendor provided aset image and now I am torn. I am not sure now, if I should exchange the smaller cushion 2.30 H VVS2 for the larger cushion 2.55 I VS1?
I don't think the aset is very good on the larger stone. Can the experts chime in and confirm? Is this diamond going to perform? or is it going to be flat in normal lighting conditions? I am no expert, but I think the larger one is not going to perform as well as the smaller one.

For those of you who dont know my story: I am looking for a cushion that will face up large. I have been looking at dimensions on spread. Ideally I would like to go larger for the upgrade 2.50 to 2.90 maybe 3.00 if it is within my budget. I am a little color sensitive so I don't know about a J. I am looking at GIA G-H-I colors.
Diamond only budget is: 22K

First pic is the aset on my diamond:
2.30 H VVS2, 7.44 x 7.44 x 5.19, table 63, depth 69.7 Excellent, VG (Ratio is 1.00)
Second Pic is the aset on 2.55 I VS1 cushion 8.25 X 7.78 X 5.33 table 65, depth 68.5, Excellent, VG (Ratio 1.06)

I am torn, do I keep what I have because it is a great diamond and I kind of fell into this stone, it was found rather quickly. Or should I continue to search for larger better performing diamond?
Here is the aset on my 2.30 H VVS2:

 

[Madison2]

Can someone who knows how to read asset image tell me if the second image of the 2.55 diamond is a good performer?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Gypsy]

This stone:



Has way too much leakage.

SO if this is the new stone. Pass.

 

[Madison2]

This stone:



Has way too much leakage.

SO if this is the new stone. Pass.

Thanks Gypsy for confirming what I thought was not a good choice. I know you have a excellent eye for picking cushions so if in your browsing you come across a cushion you think is worth me looking at, please let me know. As always, I appreciate your input and help with my journey for the right size cushion diamond.

 

[Tarrotka]

Madison2, this is not a good diamond. Way too much leakage everywhere. The smaller one is a very nice stone. What's your finger size?

 

[Madison2]

Madison2, this is not a good diamond. Way too much leakage everywhere. The smaller one is a very nice stone. What's your finger size?

Thank you Tarrotka for your input! I appreicate it!

My finger size is 7.50, I just figured since I was upgrading I should get a little larger diamond then 2.30. I originally had a 1.71 for many years I am upgrading for my anniversary in October. I have been searching for larger cushions within budget and still cannot find anything as pretty as my original choice of my 2.30 VVS2 cushion diamond with the great aset image.

P.S. Just goes to show you cannot think that just because the diamond is an 8 main cushion diamond it will be a good diamond to purchase. Take a look at the light leakage on that puppy!

 

[Tarrotka]

Madison2, this is not a good diamond. Way too much leakage everywhere. The smaller one is a very nice stone. What's your finger size?

Thank you Tarrotka for your input! I appreicate it!

My finger size is 7.50, I just figured since I was upgrading I should get a little larger diamond then 2.30. I originally had a 1.71 for many years I am upgrading for my anniversary in October. I have been searching for larger cushions within budget and still cannot find anything as pretty as my original choice of my 2.30 VVS2 cushion diamond with the great aset image.

P.S. Just goes to show you cannot think that just because the diamond is an 8 main cushion diamond it will be a good diamond to purchase. Take a look at the light leakage on that puppy!

I understand, Madison2. I think you need to go down for the clarity if you want a bigger diamond. Does this 2.30 VVS2 stone look too small for you?

 

[Gypsy]

Possibility:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5307465-2.74-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean it looks like a lovely stone. And it gives you a huge size boost.

 

[CareBear]

Madison, the diamond you purchased will be hard to beat performance wise. It also has a very unique pavilion which you won't find in many cushions. But it does not face up large for a 2.3 due to the almost 70% depth.

 

[Madison2]

Madison2, this is not a good diamond. Way too much leakage everywhere. The smaller one is a very nice stone. What's your finger size?

Thank you Tarrotka for your input! I appreicate it!

My finger size is 7.50, I just figured since I was upgrading I should get a little larger diamond then 2.30. I originally had a 1.71 for many years I am upgrading for my anniversary in October. I have been searching for larger cushions within budget and still cannot find anything as pretty as my original choice of my 2.30 VVS2 cushion diamond with the great aset image.

P.S. Just goes to show you cannot think that just because the diamond is an 8 main cushion diamond it will be a good diamond to purchase. Take a look at the light leakage on that puppy!

I understand, Madison2. I think you need to go down for the clarity if you want a bigger diamond. Does this 2.30 VVS2 stone look too small for you?

Tarrotka,
The 2.30 VVS2 is absolutely gorgeous and well proportioned. I have not seen a stone perform so well in cushions until I saw this one. That is why I grabbed it also the facet pattern is not common so when I came across it, I put it on hold and then when I couldn't find anything else that was as spectacular, I purchased it. Since the PS Vendor is so understanding, he told me if a larger diamond should come in with good ratios and performance, we can exchange the diamond which is why I have not set it yet.
So to answer your question does it look too small on my finger, No but I figured since my dear sweet husband is giving me a chance to upgrade he thought I was going for at least a carat more than what I originally have which is 1.71. Once I tried on some larger diamonds in the 2.70 range, I really liked them on my finger but they were not up to my expectation as far as performance wise. So I think I rather have a well performing brilliant diamond then a large diamond does not perform well.

 

[Madison2]

Possibility:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5307465-2.74-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx If eyeclean it looks like a lovely stone. And it gives you a huge size boost.

I saw the inclusion on the table and wasn't thrilled with this diamond. Gypsy, thanks so much for looking out for me! I appreciate it!
I am giving myself another 2 weeks and if I can't find anything that is like the 2.30 in performance then I will just keep the 2.30 and start deciding on settings. I kind of feel I rather have a beautiful well performing diamond in the 2.30 size then a larger diamond that will not reflect the light and is a dud. So I passed on the cushion brilliant with the light leakage. I want to be able to look at my finger everyday and love the fire and brilliance and facet pattern that my diamond has. The 2.30 H VVS2 does that its just I am thinking if hubby says go up at least a carat more than what I have 1.71 for an upgrade, that is why I was searching for larger diamond. I don't want to upgrade again after this so I figured why not get larger now that I have the opportunity to do so.

Thanks again for your help in searching cushions!

 

[Madison2]

Madison, the diamond you purchased will be hard to beat performance wise. It also has a very unique pavilion which you won't find in many cushions. But it does not face up large for a 2.3 due to the almost 70% depth.

Thanks CareBear for your thoughts!
The 2.30 is a beautiful diamond and what I loved is the facet pattern on this cushion. Very rare and if faces up very white and shows fire and brilliance. I had thought the same thing about the depth but gemologist says the diamond is perfect and is a gem in the rough he believes I was very lucky to find this diamond with the fire and brilliance and is well cut. He says keep it or I will be sorry later on so I am going to keep it if I don't find anything that compares to it in the next two weeks.
I rather have a beautiful diamond then a large diamond with no fire and brilliance.

 

[Tarrotka]

Madison2, this is not a good diamond. Way too much leakage everywhere. The smaller one is a very nice stone. What's your finger size?

Thank you Tarrotka for your input! I appreicate it!

My finger size is 7.50, I just figured since I was upgrading I should get a little larger diamond then 2.30. I originally had a 1.71 for many years I am upgrading for my anniversary in October. I have been searching for larger cushions within budget and still cannot find anything as pretty as my original choice of my 2.30 VVS2 cushion diamond with the great aset image.

P.S. Just goes to show you cannot think that just because the diamond is an 8 main cushion diamond it will be a good diamond to purchase. Take a look at the light leakage on that puppy!

I understand, Madison2. I think you need to go down for the clarity if you want a bigger diamond. Does this 2.30 VVS2 stone look too small for you?

Tarrotka,
The 2.30 VVS2 is absolutely gorgeous and well proportioned. I have not seen a stone perform so well in cushions until I saw this one. That is why I grabbed it also the facet pattern is not common so when I came across it, I put it on hold and then when I couldn't find anything else that was as spectacular, I purchased it. Since the PS Vendor is so understanding, he told me if a larger diamond should come in with good ratios and performance, we can exchange the diamond which is why I have not set it yet.
So to answer your question does it look too small on my finger, No but I figured since my dear sweet husband is giving me a chance to upgrade he thought I was going for at least a carat more than what I originally have which is 1.71. Once I tried on some larger diamonds in the 2.70 range, I really liked them on my finger but they were not up to my expectation as far as performance wise. So I think I rather have a well performing brilliant diamond then a large diamond does not perform well.

Madison, good reasoning. I would do the same exact thing. It's very difficult to find a diamond, especially in cushions, with good
symmetry and fire.

 

[Madison2]

Another Cushion Diamond I have on hold that I will be seeing in person this week. Thoughts on Aset for this 2.56 I VVS2?

I appreciate your feedback!

 

[noscrusir]

Another Cushion Diamond I have on hold that I will be seeing in person this week. Thoughts on Aset for this 2.56 I VVS2?

I appreciate your feedback!

Hi Madison,

As a potential buyer of a 4 main cushion modified, I don't really like the ASET of the newest stone you posted. Way too much leakage, especially under the table. For comparison, look at the ASET of the stone I've attached here. It's the same facet pattern but sparkles all the way out to the edge. Since you have such a high budget, I'd look for a better stone.

 

[Madison2]

Oh I see now!
Thanks for your feedback and advice!

What did you think about my original cushion 2.30 H VVs2 aset? It is far better than any others I have seen.

 

[noscrusir]

Oh I see now!
Thanks for your feedback and advice!

What did you think about my original cushion 2.30 H VVs2 aset? It is far better than any others I have seen.

The original 2.30 H VVS2 looks lovely. However, my concern is that for 2.30 carat cushion, the spread is not that great (7.44 x 7.44). The diamond I posted above is a 2.12 carat E and has a spread of 7.49 x 7.49 - larger than your stone! My best advice (as an amateur, not a pro like Gypsy) is to keep looking and don't rush into something that you're not absolutely in love with.

 

[Madison2]

Thank you noscrusir!
Heres the thing, I love my 2.30 H cushion in person and in the aset. However I was hoping to find a larger diamond with great light performance, not having much luck.

 

[Buldor]

Hi Madison, do you mind me asking which vendor is helping you to locate the Cushion please?

 

[Madison2]

Hi Madison, do you mind me asking which vendor is helping you to locate the Cushion please?

Hi Buldor,
I rather not post that info here bec a lurker highjacked a diamond that I spoke about on another thread where I provided two great asets and couldn't decide which one.
If you would like to go on the purse forum under Jewelry Box section you can send me a private message there and I can give you more details. My name at the purse forum is Lucydee.
hope that helps!

 

[Buldor]

Sure, shall do that now.