Cushion Dilemma: 1.5ishct H-VS1 vs. 1.03ct D-IF on Platinum Setting

[tr0janman]

I'm so glad to discover this community. Everyone is so helpful and I'm happy to join!

As every future diamond ring purchaser likely desires, I really want to impress my girlfriend with a real show stopper cushion for under $8K for the rock. After having done much more research than I had anticipated, I have entered the abyss and have not emerged with a clear mind.

I'm dead set on having the platinum setting below. I've been looking at D-H clarity and I'm a bit afraid that an H would show too much yellow so I'm having this dilemma, but of course, an H would allow me to purchase a much larger, more wow, 1.5ct diamond that she can brag about

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/rings...num&groupBy=Shapes&shape=Cushion#ring=4R-465R

All of these diamonds are ideal cuts, have a depth under 68%, a table under 65%, no fluorescence, and the polish and symmetry are considered excellent. I'm debating between the following and also open to suggestions.

1.03ct D-IF - $6810 (I bought this for now):
Dimensions: 6.26 x 5.75 (1.07)
I think is a pretty good deal it seems. To me this kind of looks like an in between chunky and crushed ice sort of look if I'm not mistaken.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C103-721457170

1.50 H-VS1 - $7740
Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.61, Girdle: M-ST


https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C150-24932Z959

1.54 H-VVS2 - $8156
Dimensions: 7.02 x 6.69 (1.05) Girdle: ST-T
No ASET unfortunately.

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.54-ct-H-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond/D41477716

1.5 H-VVS1 - $8040
Dimensions: 6.88 x 6.42 (1.07)
No ASET also

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C150-01Z082092

I'd love any feedback, opinions, and open to suggestion!

 

[OoohShiny]

Welcome to the forum, and good work on your research so far

Just to check a couple of things...:

Is this a complete surprise or has your intended indicated they want a cushion?

If the latter, have they assessed a range of diamond colours in person to determine a. if they can detect tint in an H, and b. if it bothers them?

Also, if they have said they want a cushion, have they indicated whether they have a preference for 'crushed ice' cuts or stronger faceting patterns? (And modern or vintage cuts?)

 

[Morenita21]

I'm so glad to discover this community. Everyone is so helpful and I'm happy to join!

As every future diamond ring purchaser likely desires, I really want to impress my girlfriend with a real show stopper cushion for under $8K for the rock. After having done much more research than I had anticipated, I have entered the abyss and have not emerged with a clear mind.

I'm dead set on having the platinum setting below. I've been looking at D-H clarity and I'm a bit afraid that an H would show too much yellow so I'm having this dilemma, but of course, an H would allow me to purchase a much larger, more wow, 1.5ct diamond that she can brag about

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/rings...num&groupBy=Shapes&shape=Cushion#ring=4R-465R

All of these diamonds are ideal cuts, have a depth under 68%, a table under 65%, no fluorescence, and the polish and symmetry are considered excellent. I'm debating between the following and also open to suggestions.

1.03ct D-IF - $6810 (I bought this for now):
Dimensions: 6.26 x 5.75 (1.07)
I think is a pretty good deal it seems. To me this kind of looks like an in between chunky and crushed ice sort of look if I'm not mistaken.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C103-721457170

1.50 H-VS1 - $7740
Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.61, Girdle: M-ST


https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C150-24932Z959

1.54 H-VVS2 - $8156
Dimensions: 7.02 x 6.69 (1.05) Girdle: ST-T
No ASET unfortunately.

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.54-ct-H-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond/D41477716

1.5 H-VVS1 - $8040
Dimensions: 6.88 x 6.42 (1.07)
No ASET also

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C150-01Z082092

I'd love any feedback, opinions, and open to suggestion!

It depends on your partners preference. Some people are more color sensitive than others. I have an H color stone and it faces up white. Also, I have olive skin so I like to stick in the G/H range. I is too warm for me. With that being said, I prefer to compromise on color and get a larger stone. In certain cuts you can also compromise on clarity as long as it is 100% eye clean. For instance, my stone is SI1 but 100% eye clean. This allowed me to get a larger stone by compromising on these two things. No one is going to grab a 10x magnifying loop and look at my ring so as long as it is 100% eye clean I could care less. What concerned me the most is going with the best cut and making sure it was sourced properly (Canadian Diamond). Those two things were the most important to me. The stones above are beautiful but I do think if she is willing to compromise a bit, you could get more bang for your buck.
Good luck!

 

[tr0janman]

@OoohShiny Thanks so much. It's definitely one of the most interesting research I've ever embarked upon.

She loves to point out that she isn't married yet and has hinted multiple times that she wants a cushion. Still TBD on the H tint. I'm quite positive that she does not like the crushed ice cuts, and would prefer a bit more of a faceted pattern. I think she's open to both modern and vintage cuts (vintage cuts are incredibly difficult to find).

I think mostly, I'm looking for a vote of confidence whether the 1.03 D-IF is worth it over a 1.5 H VVS1-VS2. I know she would appreciate how rare a D and an IF is, but that 1.03

 

[tr0janman]

@Morenita21 Awesome feedback! So helpful! My girlfriend is Asian and has very fair skin. I am starting to feel that a larger stone is definitely looking like the best way to go rather than getting the awesome stats of a D-IF.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Have you looked at August Vintage? E.g.

https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...vs2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74182911

 

[tyty333]

The D/IF looks like its returning light well.
The 1.5 H/VS1 looks surprising dark to me even though the aset looked ok to me. I would exclude this stone.
I think the 1.54 is going to have a lot of leakage but without an aset cant be sure.
The 1.5 H/VVS1 looks like it could be a nice stone but again, without an aset and better video just cant tell.

For what its worth, I would not take a 1 carat D/IF over a 1.5 H/?. If you want something that is impressive...for most* people that usually comes
from size not from knowing that your stone is internally flawless.

 

[Morenita21]

@Morenita21 Awesome feedback! So helpful! My girlfriend is Asian and has very fair skin. I am starting to feel that a larger stone is definitely looking like the best way to go rather than getting the awesome stats of a D-IF.

Another thing to consider is her finger size. If she has dainty, tiny fingers then the diamond will look bigger. I’m a US size 7 so finger coverage is important to me ie bigger diamond. Also, when I first got engaged I didn’t care about what size the stone was as my husband and I were getting married and buying a house. I mainly cared that it was a round brilliant in the ring style I liked.
She can always upgrade the stone later if that’s important to you both.

 

[Matilda]

I agree with others that I would much prefer a 1.5 H VS over the D/IF. Without magnification a VS1 will look like an IF , as both will be eye clean, as mentioned above an SI1 can also be great for this reason. A D colour has very little difference to E/F colour but a big price difference, especially to H. H colour, many people see as white and others can see a SLIGHT tint yellow. This tint is more obvious when an H is next to a D for example.

I think ASETS for cushion cut diamonds are much more useful than a vendor's label of excellent/good/etc. GIA/AGS do not give a cut grade to cushions. The 'Ideal' parameters of table/depth are not always accurate; so a cushion may have perfect table/depth but not be sparkly or its table/depth may not be perfect on paper but very sparkly in real life.

 

[foxinsox]

@Morenita21 Awesome feedback! So helpful! My girlfriend is Asian and has very fair skin. I am starting to feel that a larger stone is definitely looking like the best way to go rather than getting the awesome stats of a D-IF.

In many Asian countries and cultures, D-IF would be the pinnacle as colourlessness and purity is prized over size. Would her family and friends be critical of a stone that wasn’t as pure as possible? I personally would prefer size over colour/clarity if the cut quality is the same but what do you think she would prefer? What do her friends and family wear? How are you looking to set it? What does she do for a job? Does she use her hands a lot? That will also play into how big you want to go.

 

[rockysalamander]

True Antique
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose...-1-57ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-si1

Newly cut antique style.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...si1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74186428

I'd rather spread than hgh color and clarity, but I'm posting this to show you another antique cut in high color/clarity. Its will outperform the D/IF -- but it is very different.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-4270-0049a

Really pretty h&A, but may not suit for style/faceting.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.141-e-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556007

 

[tr0janman]

The D/IF looks like its returning light well.
The 1.5 H/VS1 looks surprising dark to me even though the aset looked ok to me. I would exclude this stone.
I think the 1.54 is going to have a lot of leakage but without an aset cant be sure.
The 1.5 H/VVS1 looks like it could be a nice stone but again, without an aset and better video just cant tell.

For what its worth, I would not take a 1 carat D/IF over a 1.5 H/?. If you want something that is impressive...for most* people that usually comes
from size not from knowing that your stone is internally flawless.

Yeah the D/IF looks amazing, I've already bought it, but I'm really thinking that I will return it because I think I'd prefer to get her a larger one. I've been leaning towards the 1.5 H/VS1 and potentially the 1.5 VVS1, but it would be much easier if I had the ASET for the VVS1.

 

[tr0janman]

I agree with others that I would much prefer a 1.5 H VS over the D/IF. Without magnification a VS1 will look like an IF , as both will be eye clean, as mentioned above an SI1 can also be great for this reason. A D colour has very little difference to E/F colour but a big price difference, especially to H. H colour, many people see as white and others can see a SLIGHT tint yellow. This tint is more obvious when an H is next to a D for example.

I think ASETS for cushion cut diamonds are much more useful than a vendor's label of excellent/good/etc. GIA/AGS do not give a cut grade to cushions. The 'Ideal' parameters of table/depth are not always accurate; so a cushion may have perfect table/depth but not be sparkly or its table/depth may not be perfect on paper but very sparkly in real life.

Yes! I'm aligning myself with this thought as well. Eye clean with lots of carats and an ASET. I've discovered; however, that many cushions do not even come with ASETs. Is this normal?

 

[tr0janman]

In many Asian countries and cultures, D-IF would be the pinnacle as colourlessness and purity is prized over size. Would her family and friends be critical of a stone that wasn’t as pure as possible? I personally would prefer size over colour/clarity if the cut quality is the same but what do you think she would prefer? What do her friends and family wear? How are you looking to set it? What does she do for a job? Does she use her hands a lot? That will also play into how big you want to go.

I get what you're saying. I think initially she would have wanted a D-IF because of how rare it is, but she recently went to a jewelry store by herself and couldn't even tell the difference between a G and an E; and the gemologist convinced her that a bigger G or H is better than a D-IF. Oops.

 

[tr0janman]

Yeah the D/IF looks amazing, I've already bought it, but I'm really thinking that I will return it because I think I'd prefer to get her a larger one. I've been leaning towards the 1.5 H/VS1 and potentially the 1.5 VVS1, but it would be much easier if I had the ASET for the VVS1.

I think she would love the hearts and arrows one, because it's like the best of both worlds in between a cushion and a round. She did mention she loves the classic look of a cushion but the shiny brilliance of a round is so pretty to her. Do you know any other sites that do hearts and arrow cushions?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I think she would love the hearts and arrows one, because it's like the best of both worlds in between a cushion and a round. She did mention she loves the classic look of a cushion but the shiny brilliance of a round is so pretty to her. Do you know any other sites that do hearts and arrow cushions?

Brian Gavin does them. Though there’s a price premium for his ideal cut diamonds. Most people here would argue it’s worth it though.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/signature-diamonds/cushion

 

[OoohShiny]

If she's not fussed by a G having seen them, you can definitely go lower in colour, I reckon

Don't forget to check out www.gemconcepts.net for vintage-style cuts too - Yoram and his team cut some of the August Vintage diamonds, I believe (I lose track!), but he has also been working on other old cuts that perform really well and look lovely

 

[Matilda]

I am glad she tested her colour sensitivity!! As OoohShiny said I'd look at G and a bit lower. In terms if ASET images I would contact the vendors and request them, it should be okay.
Do you know if she likes vintage cut cushions? Lots of great choices for them have been given.
Before PS I didn't know what they were (hadn't seen them in shops) and I probably would have said I didn't like them! Now I have seen so many I am in love with antique cushions!!

More in case you want to pursue antique ( although the ones listed above are great):

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/diamonds.php?ITEM=diamonds&SHAPE=C

https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamonds/

The platinum select cushion at this vendor is MODERN cut cushion.

You could also try contacting IDJewellery and asking them to have a search. This vendor is often recommended here, so should be worth a go with them!

 

[Matilda]

Unfortunately stocks seem to be a bit lower than usual after Christmas with vendors, but hopefully more options will turn up soon!

 

[Matilda]

Also, don't want to overwhelm you but I saw Brilliant Earth vendor had a number in stock, with videos, probably would have to ask for ASET. For instance:

https://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/view_detail/6841965/

https://www.brilliantearth.com/super-ideal-diamonds-search/

Second link is not loading the way I wanted. Enter cushion cut AND click on icon with "Real diamond View", should give you about 6 results for 1.2ct--1.6ct in colour and clarity grades you desire.

 

[rockysalamander]

Hearts and Arrows cushions can be found at Brian Gavin (I posted one above) and Good Old Gold. They are very rarely, but do pop up, at James Allen and other drop shippers.

I just looked at GOG has two, which are both sub 1 carat.

BGD - Here is what they have posted. You could also discuss a custom cut with them.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.141-e-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556007
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....078-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-bkags-104101952014
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.075-h-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104101952020
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....046-f-vs1-cushion-diamond-bkags-104101952013

Other cushions
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/10Z98192Z {nice ASET, a little less organized than I'd like to see, inclusion not ideal}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/647871652 {a little smaller than some of the others, but nice images.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/414713646 {need a video}

Newly cut antique style and can execute the setting you want with great skill
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/5qemcn-1.325-h-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/5qemcn-1.325-h-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104086701002-1.181-g-vvs2-ideal-antique-cushion {slightly elongate}

 

[ringo865]

If she also likes round, could you put a round in a dainty cushion shaped halo? (Rounds are much easier to pick by numbers)

eta: ... and more diameter (looks bigger) for weight (e.g., 1 ct round ~ 6.5 mm).

 

[tr0janman]

Are girdles between thin - slightly thick still important on a cushion?

 

[tr0janman]

I am glad she tested her colour sensitivity!! As OoohShiny said I'd look at G and a bit lower. In terms if ASET images I would contact the vendors and request them, it should be okay.
Do you know if she likes vintage cut cushions? Lots of great choices for them have been given.
Before PS I didn't know what they were (hadn't seen them in shops) and I probably would have said I didn't like them! Now I have seen so many I am in love with antique cushions!!

More in case you want to pursue antique ( although the ones listed above are great):

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/diamonds.php?ITEM=diamonds&SHAPE=C

https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamonds/

The platinum select cushion at this vendor is MODERN cut cushion.

You could also try contacting IDJewellery and asking them to have a search. This vendor is often recommended here, so should be worth a go with them!

Yes! Antiques are certainly something I can look into. I certainly would not want to overwhelm her by suggesting things too much.

 

[tr0janman]

Hearts and Arrows cushions can be found at Brian Gavin (I posted one above) and Good Old Gold. They are very rarely, but do pop up, at James Allen and other drop shippers.

I just looked at GOG has two, which are both sub 1 carat.

BGD - Here is what they have posted. You could also discuss a custom cut with them.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.141-e-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556007
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....078-g-vs1-cushion-diamond-bkags-104101952014
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.075-h-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104101952020
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....046-f-vs1-cushion-diamond-bkags-104101952013

Other cushions
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/10Z98192Z {nice ASET, a little less organized than I'd like to see, inclusion not ideal}
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/647871652 {a little smaller than some of the others, but nice images.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/414713646 {need a video}

Newly cut antique style and can execute the setting you want with great skill
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/5qemcn-1.325-h-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/5qemcn-1.325-h-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104086701002-1.181-g-vvs2-ideal-antique-cushion {slightly elongate}

What a fantastic list of suggestions. Thank you these all look so great

 

[tr0janman]

@OoohShiny @Matilda @tyty333 @rockysalamander I'm curious about your knowledge regarding girdles on a cushion. I've generally read that M-ST is where we want to be, but is this only for rounds?

Also, I'm curious if you fine people know any excellent spots near NYC for me to visit? I think I need to check out some cushions. I may even do a field trip with my girlfriend to show her all the different types of cushion styles out there.

 

[Octo2005]

@OoohShiny @Matilda @tyty333 @rockysalamander I'm curious about your knowledge regarding girdles on a cushion. I've generally read that M-ST is where we want to be, but is this only for rounds?

Also, I'm curious if you fine people know any excellent spots near NYC for me to visit? I think I need to check out some cushions. I may even do a field trip with my girlfriend to show her all the different types of cushion styles out there.

If you are close to NYC, I would definitely plan a visit to see @Rhino and look at the August Vintage Cushions!

 

[OoohShiny]

@OoohShiny @Matilda @tyty333 @rockysalamander I'm curious about your knowledge regarding girdles on a cushion. I've generally read that M-ST is where we want to be, but is this only for rounds?

Also, I'm curious if you fine people know any excellent spots near NYC for me to visit? I think I need to check out some cushions. I may even do a field trip with my girlfriend to show her all the different types of cushion styles out there.

As per my signature below, I am no expert... but IIRC one should avoid 'Very Thin' or 'knife edge' girdles because they are at risk of damage, and avoid 'Very Thick' girdles because they hide weight unnecessarily and reduce spread.

I think those rules are true for all shapes, or at least it makes sense in my head

 

[kmoro]

Just chiming in to say that I hope you consider other options or wait for new inventory .... it seems to me like your choiices should be better than simply D or H. And you can save some money if you stay just under 1.5 carat as there is a price per carat jump at that weight marker.

 

[tr0janman]

@kmoro @OoohShiny thanks for the replies! Yes, I've returned the 1.03ct D-IF without seeing it, and I'm awaiting and doing more research. There's so much amazing content out there and I see why this is such a passionate and addictive world. The appreciation of the craftsmanship and the art is second to none.

Definitely looking at BGD, August Vintage, GOG, and other sites that have nice cushion cuts.

Funny thing is, I discovered her pinterest account and I looked through her wedding folder. It was all rounds with cushion halos! But I know for sure that she doesn't want a halo anymore because of how big it feels on her small fingers.