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Cushion experts please help!!!

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dani13

dani13

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2004
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HI all!!! I have some exciting news- my little brother (who is not so little anymore, lol) just told me a few weeks ago that he wants to propose to his gf.... And of course, he wants me to help him pick out the ring!! Actually, looks like Im going to be in charge of picking out the ring myself, since he is living down south right now for job training. So here I am - turning to my lovely friends/fellow PS-ers for help!!!

The only information I got from him was "she wants a cushion cut diamond." That was it!!! I guess not all of us can be diamond crazy people!!!! So, bottom line is, he showed her a few pics and she seemed to like a stone just like CD''s, a more modern looking cushion:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/erd-and-leon-a-match-made-in-heaven.85741/

Since Im cushion clueless, can you guys give me some suggestions for some gorgeous stones? The specs we are looking for are probably no lower than H/VS2, and ideally something in the 1.5-1.8 range. I already have a call in to Mark but have not heard back from him yet.

HELP!!!!

Thanks in advance!!!!
 
union diamond often has beautiful cushions of this sort. As does Diamond Source of Virginia.
 
Thank you bgray! Im a little but nervous about buying a diamond online though, site unseen. Dont think I know enough about cushions to do that!
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Date: 12/2/2009 10:49:14 AM
Author: Dani
Thank you bgray! Im a little but nervous about buying a diamond online though, site unseen. Dont think I know enough about cushions to do that!
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i have bought several cushions and emerald cuts all online. I have used Whiteflash repeatedly, James Allen, and Union. Would you like some recs?
 
hi dani!!!! i am here to help! think about this james allen:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1237402.asp

and also consider looking at what else they have. i love james allen because they provide real images of their cushions which is a great starting point.

whiteflash also has some cushions in stock. i''m not sure what your brother''s budget it, but the james allen one is a great price.

a picture of the james allen cushion is below. best of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jamesallencushion157VS2.JPG
 
Union Diamond:
1.51 H VS2 63.2% 59% GIA tn-vtk no vg vg no 6.9-6.66-4.21 $5657 $8542*
 
Date: 12/2/2009 10:52:17 AM
Author: bgray
Date: 12/2/2009 10:49:14 AM

Author: Dani

Thank you bgray! Im a little but nervous about buying a diamond online though, site unseen. Dont think I know enough about cushions to do that!
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Click to expand...


i have bought several cushions and emerald cuts all online. I have used Whiteflash repeatedly, James Allen, and Union. Would you like some recs?
Click to expand...

Yes please!!!! Give em to me!!!
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Thank you sweet pea!!! Its so hard, bc I have no idea how color/clarity sensitive my bro's gf is. So ideally I would like to stay above H/VS2. I think that's a safe spot. Also I think we are trying to get something a little bigger than 1.5.

Budget for his stone is @ 10K.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 10:56:57 AM
Author: Dani


Thank you sweet pea!!! Its so hard, bc I have no idea how color/clarity sensitive my bro's gf is. So ideally I would like to stay above H/VS2. I think that's a safe spot. Also I think we are trying to get something a little bigger than 1.5.

Budget for his stone is @ 10K.
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Dani, check out Jon's new vintage cushions at www.goodoldgold.com

Also Brian Gavin has his new signature modern cushions, www.briangavin.com

Also get your brother to watch this video- Consumers guide to buying a cushion cut diamond.
 
oooo gotcha!!!

OK, first off, i would never ever ever buy a cushion without seeing it first. there is nothing standard about a cushion, and no matter what vendors tell you, only you/your brother can judge if a cushion is the right one. that said, it''s not bad to go through an online vendor, as they''re very good about providing images, ASETs, etc. As a result, looking for a cushion takes work, but it''s totally worth it because when you find the right one you just know.

I worked with whiteflash before, and they''re very nice. GOG is also very popular for people searching for cushions. to be honest, mark is THE best person to work. sometimes he seems a little straight-to-business esp on his emails, but when you meet and talk with him, he''s great! i would keep trying with him, he has like 40 clients he''s working with now or something crazy like that. but definitely search some out on your own and keep trying to get in touch with mark.

the whole color sensitivitiy is definitely tough! also important reason to see the cushions for yourself. they tend to show more color/warmth since they are more open stones. personally though, the J looks fine to me and i never thought i''d consider a J. im a LOT more color insensitive than i thought :)

you WILL find the right cushion, just give you and your brother time :)
 
Sweet pea- I LOVE Mark- we worked with him in '05 when we bought my e-ring He helped us find a fantastic EC, and I plan on working with him again over and over.....But I know he is super busy now, so its been hard to be in contact with him...

Lorelei- thank you so much! I have seen that video and sent it to my brother....Honestly he just keeps saying he has no clue what he is looking at, so he is leaving it 100% up to me!!! Im flattered, but its alot of pressure!!!

How does it work when you work with an online vendor? You buy the stone and have it sent to an appraiser and look at it then? Its just hard b/c I feel like you have nothing to compare it to unless you order several different stones! That's why I kind of prefer to work with someone locally- either Mark or possibly GOG, because I can check out all the stones IRL and see what best appeals to my eye.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 11:28:26 AM
Author: Dani


How does it work when you work with an online vendor? You buy the stone and have it sent to an appraiser and look at it then? Its just hard b/c I feel like you have nothing to compare it to unless you order several different stones! That''s why I kind of prefer to work with someone locally- either Mark or possibly GOG, because I can check out all the stones IRL and see what best appeals to my eye.
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I''d pay a visit to both of those companies and see the diamond IRL since you are lucky enough to live near them. Tell them your specs, see what they have and then trust their recommendations (and your eyes
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That''s what Im going to go, dreamer. I have calls in to both Mark and Jon- lets see what they come up with. I have a few days off next wk, so surely I will pay a visit to one (or both) of them!!!!
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I am really really picky with my cushions. I ended up getting a modern cushion from Mark and an August Vintage from GOG. I recommend both vendors.

I love the perfectly cut chunky cushions from GOG.
 
Thanks Charmy!!! The problem is that I dont know if the gf prefers a more modern cushion or a more chunky cushion. My bro showed her a picture of CDinNYC's ring (I posted a link at the beginning of this thread to her ring) and she loved it. So Im thinking probably a more modern one is her speed. She is a very trendy/expensive taste kind of gal (dont want to sound judgemental, but you know what I mean- I like her very much and we have similar taste)-, so I think this type of stone would fit her the best. I *THINK* I know what she likes, but this is alot of pressure!!!
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Date: 12/2/2009 11:28:26 AM
Author: Dani
Sweet pea- I LOVE Mark- we worked with him in '05 when we bought my e-ring He helped us find a fantastic EC, and I plan on working with him again over and over.....But I know he is super busy now, so its been hard to be in contact with him...

Lorelei- thank you so much! I have seen that video and sent it to my brother....Honestly he just keeps saying he has no clue what he is looking at, so he is leaving it 100% up to me!!! Im flattered, but its alot of pressure!!!

How does it work when you work with an online vendor? You buy the stone and have it sent to an appraiser and look at it then? Its just hard b/c I feel like you have nothing to compare it to unless you order several different stones! That's why I kind of prefer to work with someone locally- either Mark or possibly GOG, because I can check out all the stones IRL and see what best appeals to my eye.
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No problem Dani, looks like a modern cushion is what he likes from the link - what is his budget?
 
Do you think she would be happier with a name brand?
 
Lorelei- his budget for the stone @ 10K.


Charmy- Name brand for the setting? I dont think so. I think she just wants something GORGEOUS!!!!! Im thinking either Leon or Mark for the setting. Probably something like a v-cut pave band or something.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 12:10:26 PM
Author: Dani
Lorelei- his budget for the stone @ 10K.


Charmy- Name brand for the setting? I dont think so. I think she just wants something GORGEOUS!!!!! Im thinking either Leon or Mark for the setting. Probably something like a v-cut pave band or something.
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Ok, thanks Dani. Too late to edit but I typed in a link incorrectly, try www.briangavindiamonds.com and inquire about their signature cushion cuts, they have new modern cushions which might suit your brother nicely, give Lesley a call and see what they have.
 
Thanks Lorelei. I will give them a call. How does the process work if I am interested in one of their stones? Do they send it to an appraiser for me to look at?
 
Date: 12/2/2009 12:28:42 PM
Author: Dani
Thanks Lorelei. I will give them a call. How does the process work if I am interested in one of their stones? Do they send it to an appraiser for me to look at?
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They would send you images such as photos, ASET, Idealscope and Sarin then they could either send it to you or your brother set or unset for your approval, or it could be sent to a conveniently located appraiser for you to view there.
 
Thank you!!!! I hope it doesnt take a long time to find a great stone!!!
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Date: 12/2/2009 12:10:26 PM
Author: Dani
Lorelei- his budget for the stone @ 10K.


Charmy- Name brand for the setting? I dont think so. I think she just wants something GORGEOUS!!!!! Im thinking either Leon or Mark for the setting. Probably something like a v-cut pave band or something.
Click to expand...
Dani,

You have two of the best vendors for Cushions, Mark at ERD (in Manhatten) and GOG in Long Island, to see stones in person IRL without having to pay for an appraisor and shipping these are your best bet. You can''t easily judge cushions by the numbers so you will need a photograph + ASET of any of your choices to tell anything about light performance and I would get those and post them here before shipping any stones or viewing IRL.

Any other vendor you will have to work initially with images (Picture + ASET) and then have your top few choices sent to an appraisor for you to choose. If in New York David Wolf http://www.justappraisers.com/ is a well respected appraisor on here and amongst many in the NY State and Vermont. We went to one of his students in Vermont and were satisfied with the work done, although David would be better.

CDNinNYC''s stone is a 4 main cushion brilliant, LW=1.13 (Rectangular) but what is attractive about that ring is the setting not necessarily the centre stone, there isn''t a single picture where I can even clearly see the facets. I think what is most attractive about it is Leon''s delicate pave work and claws. The stone is probably quite beautiful as well it was selected by Mark and has favourable numbers (tall crown) for a 4 main cushion brilliant but no way to rate its performance from those pictures.

Good job staying in the safer range H and VS2 that way you can stay eye clean with most stones and if she is a bit color sensitive the warmth won''t bother her.
Below is a guide I put together for buying cushions and understanding the types of cushions and their facet structures.

The problem is unless you are around 1ct in 4 cushion brilliants there just aren''t that many that would jump out to me as being fantastic, only GOG and WF have asets posted onliine on these cushions, other offer ASET images upon request so I really can''t reccomend anything for sure in your spec range without additional information.
_____________________________________
ChunkyCushionLover''s Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds

Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)


Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)


i) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 Pictures and commentary here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)
ii) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left)
c) 8 main old mine cushion http://www.vimeo.com/5310842
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bgd-cushion-let-me-know-what-you-think.128493/

iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://www.vimeo.com/2120109
iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

A helpful thread to see the plots and pictures of different types of cushions can be seen here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/ (keep in mind pictures aren''t as useful as videos and can only be used reliably to understand facet structure not light performance)


If you want to learn about cushions a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843.


Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:


i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com
---------------------------------------------------------

Based on your specs:

Color - H+
Clarity- VS2+(I would go down to eye clean SI1 but only after being checked to your standardsl)
Size - 1.5Ct+(Length= 6.7mm minnimum)
Length/Width Ratio = 1 - 1.15
Cut - 4 main cushion brilliant

If you contact the above vendors(or any other) and give them the above info and tell them to find you a stone and take a picture and ASET to post here we can help you narrow it down even more. I would say the Length/Width Ratio could be 1 - 1.15, I wouldn''t exclude the perfectly square stones as that would eliminate most choices and often these have the best light performance and symmetry. The BGD signature cushion is an 8 main but might be something you could consider as well if he has one in your spec range.

Good-Luck,
CCL
 
dani, is there anyway your brother could show his gf some chunky cushions? they are SO popular around here, that maybe she has to see them to consider them?

you won''t go wrong with any vendors through PS. they are great to work with and if you use the search function you can find reviews on all of them.

when you get some stones, post them here and we can give you feedback :D
 
Thank you so much everyone!!! Chunkycushionlover- WOW, thank you so very much for all of that info!!!! I will definitely do my research. In the meantime, I will see Mark next week and definitely let you guys know what happens.

Sweet pea- I had my brother show her a pic of some chunky cushions (BostonJeff''s and Scarlet''s) and she seemed to prefer the more modern ones. Its so hard, because I wish I had more feedback from her, but I dont even think she is sure what she likes- she probably just wants a sparkly stone!!!!! But my gut tells me she wants a cushiony-shaped diamond that performs and spakles like a round.....Just not sure how she would feel about a more vintagey, chunky stone.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 1:57:13 PM
Author: Dani
Thank you so much everyone!!! Chunkycushionlover- WOW, thank you so very much for all of that info!!!! I will definitely do my research. In the meantime, I will see Mark next week and definitely let you guys know what happens.

Sweet pea- I had my brother show her a pic of some chunky cushions (BostonJeff's and Scarlet's) and she seemed to prefer the more modern ones. Its so hard, because I wish I had more feedback from her, but I dont even think she is sure what she likes- she probably just wants a sparkly stone!!!!! But my gut tells me she wants a cushiony-shaped diamond that performs and spakles like a round.....Just not sure how she would feel about a more vintagey, chunky stone.
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The only cushion that performs like a round and gets AGS 0 light performance cut grade is the Square Cushion HA.

1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6370/ would be the closest you will find in your spec range. Definitely worth seeing in person. You will have to sacrifice color and faceup size to get this one, but the cut and light return will be fantastic.

Another option for a similar look would be this one:

2) http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01606418 its not a Square Cushion HA, but it has a modern look like a round.

Option 1: Proven AGS0 Light Return, Great Fire and Brilliance, J color (this may bother some but should faceup nice and white), (6.4mm X 6.4mm faceup size ike a 1.3Ct Cushion).
Option 2: (Good Brilliance, less Fire, G Color, VS2(likely eye clean) 6.9mm X 6.9mm.

(Caveat: My Fiance has a 1.59 H VS2 with almost identical proportions from the same cutter as choice #2, but the performance still has to be seen in person or judged by reflectors or video)

Both are perfectly square cushions, with 8 pavillion main facets, square outline with rounded corners and graded by GIA as Cushion Brilliant.

I would love to see a customer have Jon do a side by side video with these two stones as they are priced similarly and many vendors can call in choice #2 so he probably can as well.

Regards,
CCL
 
Date: 12/2/2009 1:57:13 PM
Author: Dani


But my gut tells me she wants a cushiony-shaped diamond that performs and spakles like a round.....Just not sure how she would feel about a more vintagey, chunky stone.
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Definitely check out the Jubilee if Jon at GOG still has those and the square h&a which could appeal to your brother's GF.
 
Date: 12/2/2009 3:14:26 PM
Author: Lorelei


Date: 12/2/2009 1:57:13 PM
Author: Dani


But my gut tells me she wants a cushiony-shaped diamond that performs and spakles like a round.....Just not sure how she would feel about a more vintagey, chunky stone.
Click to expand...
Definitely check out the Jubilee if Jon at GOG still has those and the square h&a which could appeal to your brother's GF.
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Interesting suggestion
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Nothing in the Jubilee inventory that fits OPs specs, but a Princess of Hearts (POH) would though (cut corners though not rounded ones but under a 4 prong setting barely different).
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5887/ ( A little over the budget and still a J but maybe worth a look)

For a great comparison of the best in optics for this shape I'd look at this video as well http://www.vimeo.com/5312836.

The POH and Jubilee and Square Cushion HA are all really deep as compared to regular cushions, they faceup really small for the same carat weight and are much more expensive for the same carat weight than any other cushion. You really have to pay for those outstanding guaranteed optics, in most cases priced even more than the same Carat Weight Hearts and Arrows Round.
 
CCL- Thanks so much again! Do you have any pics of your fiance''s stone/ring? I would love to see!!!!
 
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