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Cushion diamond - which one to pick?

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Singstone

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
18
4A8D76E9-DC45-4797-BBB4-2E4E4B112A74.jpeg
Hi all,
Seeking your expertise in helping me make the best decision based on my parameters..

My objective is shallow- biggest size within budget... However, I also don’t want a “bad” stone either, but I’m obviously no Diamond connoisseur and accepting that I will not have the highest quality. Hence I set my paramaters as:
Clarity: SV2 or better
Cut: very good or better
Color: G or better
Carat: as much as I can get for approx. USD 2,500. Currently I get a maximum of 0.9 at some of the common online retailers (Blue Nile, James Allen, Brilliant Earth).
I understand fluorescence is supposed to be a total no no, or is “faint” something I should consider since my other parameters are already indicating that I will not have the perfect stone- i.e. i might be missing out on better stones because I put fluorescence to none? Maybe you can recommend which parameters are a must to set a certain way and where I should be more forgiving to get a decent stone in my budget (USD ~2,500) and desired size (0.8 ct and above).

The main question I’m struggling is: when I see inclusions in the very enlarged 360 view online, are those visible with the naked eye?
I.e. I’m eyeing the stone at link 1/ attached picture, but worried the inclusions would be visible and bother me.
Out of the below 4 stones, which one would you rate the best stone- or are they all duds?

1. https://www.bluenile.com/sg/diamond...TIONS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

2. https://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/view_detail/5438780/

3. https://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/view_detail/5504726/

4. https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3617083

Any advice is much appreciated, thanks in advance!
 
Singstone said:
4A8D76E9-DC45-4797-BBB4-2E4E4B112A74.jpeg
Hi all,
Seeking your expertise in helping me make the best decision based on my parameters..

My objective is shallow- biggest size within budget... However, I also don’t want a “bad” stone either, but I’m obviously no Diamond connoisseur and accepting that I will not have the highest quality. Hence I set my paramaters as:
Clarity: SV2 or better In a stone this size I would shout for eye clean and the best performer in budget
Cut: very good or better The cut is THE most important factor as thaw this stone will look, a well cut stone is going to reflect more light and appear larger, brighter and can hide small imperfections in clarity
Color: G or better Color is a personal preference and only the intended can decide where there tolerance is, but I think you can safely explore H's and even some I's without color being an issue
Carat: as much as I can get for approx. USD 2,500. Currently I get a maximum of 0.9 at some of the common online retailers (Blue Nile, James Allen, Brilliant Earth).
I understand fluorescence is supposed to be a total no no, or is “faint” something I should consider since my other parameters are already indicating that I will not have the perfect stone- i.e. i might be missing out on better stones because I put fluorescence to none? Fluorescence can lower the upfront cost of a stone allowing your budget to go farther, but it can also impact resale value, so that is a balance that only you can decided. That being said most fluorescence will not impact the performance of the diamond and some jewelers even have lines that feature stones with high fluorescence as drawing point. Maybe you can recommend which parameters are a must to set a certain way and where I should be more forgiving to get a decent stone in my budget (USD ~2,500) and desired size (0.8 ct and above).

The main question I’m struggling is: when I see inclusions in the very enlarged 360 view online, are those visible with the naked eye?
I.e. I’m eyeing the stone at link 1/ attached picture, but worried the inclusions would be visible and bother me.
Out of the below 4 stones, which one would you rate the best stone- or are they all duds?

1. https://www.bluenile.com/sg/diamond...TIONS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab Not well cut, you want to look for crisp definition of the facets. Crushed ice type diamond cut

2. https://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/view_detail/5438780/ This is a crushed ice performer, meaning it will not have the large flashes are typically seen, but more tiny pinpoint type flashes.

3. https://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/view_detail/5504726/ Has a lot of light leakage and is not a great cut - it has a thick girdle and it will face up smaller than an equal carat size stone with a better cut. Of the 4 listed this would be the best in my opinion, but I believe that you can find better.

4. https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3617083 NO - it's a dud

Any advice is much appreciated, thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
 
Hang tight. Folks will post some to investigate.
 
THank you! I think I should probably not gave asked to get the best out of the 4 as they all don’t seem great, but rather to ask for recommendations for better options than what I picked ;)2

When I look for cushion cuts on James Allen, there is not rating for the cut. But when I use that filter, it will eliminate stones but I cannot tell if the cut is any good. Does that mean it’s better not to buy a cushion from there or can the filter elimination be trusted? (Ie if i select ideal, it will be ideal cut stones?)
Ie this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/0.91-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4877944

Or this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1117099

Thank you!!
 
Last edited:
Singstone said:
THank you! I think I should probably not gave asked to get the best out of the 4 as they all don’t seem great, but rather to ask for recommendations for better options than what I picked ;)2

When I look for cushion cuts on James Allen, there is not rating for the cut. But when I use that filter, it will eliminate stones but I cannot tell if the cut is any good. Does that mean it’s better not to buy a cushion from there or can the filter elimination be trusted? (Ie if i select ideal, it will be ideal cut stones?)
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
The cut grade is not the same for fancy shapes and your primary focus should be on how the stone performs. I can try and look later and I am sure that some of our experts here will help you find a great stone in your budget.

Tagging: @ac117, @tyty333 are great with cushions
 
Thank you so, much, that would be much appreciated!!
 
That is beautiful, thank you!
 
That is beautiful, thank you!
 
That is beautiful, thank you!
 
Octo2005 said:
The cut grade is not the same for fancy shapes and your primary focus should be on how the stone performs. I can try and look later and I am sure that some of our experts here will help you find a great stone in your budget.

Tagging: @ac117, @tyty333 are great with cushions
Click to expand...

^. THIS!!
 
Yes I can see the difference in cut. Now i almost wish i was blissfully unaware of all the options and things to consider, making a good choice seems to get harder and harder! Thank you!
 
Oooh, that stone that Rockysalamander found is fantastic! :love:

Not nearly the same size, but if color is an absolute priority, this is has the largest spread around your budget, OP. Love the small table and puffy, higher crown. The clarity is overkill, but it is what it is

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.83-carat-f-color-if-clarity-sku-4610555

This may have a bit too much contrast, but I think still worthy of consideration. Would have to see how the ASET looks

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.86-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3526996

If you’re wanting a more square stone, this may be a possibility

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.81-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4575305

A bit more over your budget, but this would be my choice for a square ratio

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.83-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3412759
 
Octo2005 said:
https://www.augustvintageinc.com/co...si1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74100392 - A bit under your target weight and a hair over budget, but similar in size to the James Allen Stone that @rockysalamander found for you. AVC's are a different flavor of cushion - similar to an antique cushion but cut for ideal light performance. (I can't believe this is graded si1, do I need glasses because I am not seeing anything that would give me pause about being eye-clean?)
Click to expand...
It's not just you - that looks VVS or better to my eyes!
 
Singstone said:
I think I should probably not gave asked to get the best out of the 4 as they all don’t seem great, but rather to ask for recommendations for better options than what I picked ;)2

Thank you!!
Click to expand...
I like when the poster posts. It helps us see what you like and at what level of "diamond diva" you are entering our community.

Don't forget to put your top 3 choices on hold and request an ASET from JA. For me, that would be these three of the modern cushions.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.83-carat-f-color-if-clarity-sku-4610555
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.86-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3526996
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4078836

The AVC is lovely. This antique cushion is over budget, but such a pretty facet pattern and great spread that I wanted to show it to you. The I color does not bother me in antique cuts. Eye clean at 6".:love: I adore antique diamonds and this is so lovely.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/97ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-i-sl2
 
THANKs a lot all of you for your advice and great options you found!

I went to a store today to look at stines in real life as well as watched some educational videos and honestly I cannot see the differences unless it is under spotlight or idealscope etc. Just normal light with naked eye they pretty much look the same to me. :confused:
The ladybat the store did not seem all that competent helpng me find the best stone, she just focused on the GIA report but I was hoping she could take me beyond it.
Anyhow, I identified that
1. I’m perfectly happy to go to H for color
2. Totally fine with VS 2 or even SI 1 for clarity if the inclusions are white
3. I was definitively much more drawn to a very square stone opposed to rectangular
4. I was really drawn to bigger then 0.8ct (i looked at a 1.02ct and quite liked it, but I’m afraid i don’t want to go there in terms of budget (max is USD 2,800)
5. I need to avoid the “slushy” crushed ice look but I have no clue how to identify this from an online 360 image or even ASET - any advice?

Also, I need a retailer that ships internationally and would take the stone back if I decided it is not what I hoped for when I see it as I’m living in singapore. I’ve been looking at JA but which one seems to be the best international retailer you would recommend?

Regarding the ASET image: If I were to like the stone I saw at the retailer in person but they don’t have the ASET, is it possible to request it from somewhere else based on the GIA number or does the retailer that has the stone need to create and supply it?

What do you think about these 2 options:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1117099

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3466676


Thanks so much to all of you for your help!
 
If you are in Singapore, you should check out Jann Paul:
http://www.jannpaul.com/

They are not a PS-recommended vendor and don't post on here, but they do carry super-ideal diamonds and understand about cut quality. They have various videos on YouTube, IIRC.

They may well be expensive because they seem to focus on the highest quality available, and they may go on a lot about how good their stones are :lol: but I think it would make sense for you to at least check them out :)

They may only sell the Brellia cut in Cushion shapes:
http://www.jannpaul.com/super-ideal-cushion-cut-diamonds-engagement-rings/
but they do have excellent light performance, I think because they are basically a modified round!
 
Glad to hear you went to view some stones in person, @Singstone. It’s the best way, imho, to truly gauge if what we think we want/need is the case.

If your jeweler can’t provide an ASET, I would suggest getting one to take in when viewing stones. My take is, considering this is such an important purchase, it’s worth the investment. It’s also fun to play with and view your stone whenever the mood strikes. :mrgreen2: You can get one from here

https://ideal-scope.com/product/aset-scope/

The two stones you listed above have more undefined facets surrounding the table area for my tastes. Could be the manner the video was taken, but I think it’ll show on the ASET. I would pass.

I still like the two square ratio stones I posted above - even at a lower carats weight, they’re relatively close to the dimensions of the ones you listed. So, those would still be my recommendation.
 
rockysalamander said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4078836
Click to expand...

Took a look and I really like the .91 H VS1 posted above. The only other stone I like that's gets to the .9 mark is this one but I'd choose the H VS1 for less $ than this one UNLESS you prefer a square shape, which this has and of course only if they confirm there aren't any transparency issues since it does seem like a clean SI2: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-3138599
 
OoohShiny said:
If you are in Singapore, you should check out Jann Paul:
http://www.jannpaul.com/

They are not a PS-recommended vendor and don't post on here, but they do carry super-ideal diamonds and understand about cut quality. They have various videos on YouTube, IIRC.

They may well be expensive because they seem to focus on the highest quality available, and they may go on a lot about how good their stones are :lol: but I think it would make sense for you to at least check them out :)

They may only sell the Brellia cut in Cushion shapes:
http://www.jannpaul.com/super-ideal-cushion-cut-diamonds-engagement-rings/
but they do have excellent light performance, I think because they are basically a modified round!
Click to expand...

Definitely try Jann Paul, they speak Pricescope's language and will understand the importance of cut quality.
 
You might want to start a new thread asking for advise re: purchasing from Singapore. It will get more attention that way. Have you factored in any taxes/fees associated with importing? Just something to keep in mind to help stay on budget.
 
Random Screen Shot. Yellow are crisp facets. Red I would spin, but probably too much mush. The rest I would not even click on for a crip cut. The yellow still might fall short on close examination. When I'm looking at them spin, you want to see the facets turn on and off with crisp lines on the edges.

upload_2018-5-4_15-4-39.png

upload_2018-5-4_15-5-53.png
upload_2018-5-4_15-7-0.png
 
Hi all,
Thank you again for your recommendations and helpful comments!
Yes, I’m planning to make an appointment with JannPaul but I do think they are a bit more expensive- however, I do understand they have a reputation for quality and we all know it doesn’t come cheap. They don’t seem to have any cushions meeting my requirements in stock as they did quote me a few (0.7 in budget or 0.8 over budget) ones and mentioned they are not in their store for viewing but would require a deposit to view. I’ll probably just have an appointment anyways to understand what they might be able to offer and how their working/ importing process is.
Overall I heard that Singapore is a more expensive place to buy diamonds and since the importing tax is 7%, it might still work out cheaper to order online. Also, cushion cut doesn’t seem too popular here, so very limited choice to see in person to compare and examine before having to pay deposits for importing which means tying myself to that vendor. :(

So if anyone still comes across any beautiful square cushions up to USD 2,700 around the 0.9 ct mark, keep them coming :D
 
Singstone said:
Hi all,
Thank you again for your recommendations and helpful comments!
Yes, I’m planning to make an appointment with JannPaul but I do think they are a bit more expensive- however, I do understand they have a reputation for quality and we all know it doesn’t come cheap. They don’t seem to have any cushions meeting my requirements in stock as they did quote me a few (0.7 in budget or 0.8 over budget) ones and mentioned they are not in their store for viewing but would require a deposit to view. I’ll probably just have an appointment anyways to understand what they might be able to offer and how their working/ importing process is.
Overall I heard that Singapore is a more expensive place to buy diamonds and since the importing tax is 7%, it might still work out cheaper to order online. Also, cushion cut doesn’t seem too popular here, so very limited choice to see in person to compare and examine before having to pay deposits for importing which means tying myself to that vendor. :(

So if anyone still comes across any beautiful square cushions up to USD 2,700 around the 0.9 ct mark, keep them coming :D
Click to expand...

With the $100 referral code, PS/Advantage discount and wire discount these should come in around $2700:
:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3412727 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-764753686)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3090221 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-3Z7925697)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070138 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-829Z96494)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.92-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070114 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...2-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-87Z042375)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4047167
 
ac117 said:
With the $100 referral code, PS/Advantage discount and wire discount these should come in around $2700:
:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3412727 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-764753686)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3090221 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-3Z7925697)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070138 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-829Z96494)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.92-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070114 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...2-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-87Z042375)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4047167
Click to expand...
Enchanted Diamonds has a pop-up offering $1000 off. Anyone filled that out and see if it applies to diamonds...I'm thinking on the setting?
 
This is an oldie but a goodie, if you have some free time, watch this video. Jon goes through all the different types of cushion available and it's a really helpful tool for cushion buyers.

 
Lorelei said:
This is an oldie but a goodie, if you have some free time, watch this video. Jon goes through all the different types of cushion available and it's a really helpful tool for cushion buyers.

Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, I watched it twice now :D
 
22933666-5CF5-4D99-AA9D-207F9C138CB8.jpeg BD468AE3-1C71-4612-80E4-85E225FDDB26.jpeg 350ACD6D-D8BD-4824-B82F-FD0C66AA5A1F.png
ac117 said:
With the $100 referral code, PS/Advantage discount and wire discount these should come in around $2700:
:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3412727 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-764753686)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3090221 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...9-Carat-H-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-3Z7925697)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070138 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-829Z96494)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.92-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4070114 (ASET: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...2-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-87Z042375)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4047167
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for putting in the effort of looking for a stone! This community is amazing!
I’m in love with the first one as it is the most square. I’m terrified of getting a stone in the slushy crushed ice look Rhino keeps referring to in his video (on the left). Can someone walk me through the ASET of the stone I like and let me know if it is possible to confirm from this image that this stone is not a slushy crushed ice one? It does look very different from the slushy stone’s ASET image in Rhino’s video, but I’m confused because there is no blue in “my” stone’s ASET image but a lot of black and these big patches of olive/ white in the wider ring around the center...?
 
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