Cushion help!

[sahmama]

I am looking to remake my ering (original stones lost/fractured). It was orig. a 1.5 I VS1 princess (6.33 x 6.4 with two .65 tw H SI2 half moons.

I have decided to go with a cushion for a center this time, but want a fairly square one.

I''m working with two local jewelers and having a hard time. They seem to not "get" what I want, and only bring in one stone at a time.

Store one has:

Cushion
1.50
IGI cert
I
VS1
7.12x6.44x4.45 (1.11 ratio)
$8550

Don''t know all the %, but I have seen this stone and it''s VERY nice. But I really don''t care for this store AT ALL--very pretentious and snooty.

Store two has:

Cushion
1.50
GIA cert
H
VS2
6.89x6.05 (1.14 ratio)
$9300

Going to see this one tomorrow, but already thinking it must be deep and will look too small, compared to the stone from store one. I like this store better, but they are small, and I sense they are impatient with me...they brought in a round stone for me to look at at my request, then I changed my mind and decided to remake this ring and I think they think I''m a bit of a flake. The owner is a GG, but clearly lacking (told me a 60/60 RB is "the best" and "that''s what makes it an ideal cut" sigh).

What should I be looking for in cushion stats? I prefer VS2 or better, and will go no lower than I color. I have a budget for the center stone of $8500 but could go to $9K for the right one. Really don''t want to do this online, as I have a setting already. Is it unreasonable to ask a jeweler to bring in 2-4 stones at once for me to look at ? What does it cost them to bring in a diamond and ship it back--maybe if I offer to defray some of that expense they wouldn''t mind?

Thanks...

I''m finding a little info is a dangerous thing

 

[belle]

you may be able to do *much* better online as far as price as well as selection. don''t let already having a setting deter you!

i''m sure cushioncut, or another cushion lover will come along to help soon!!!

 

[cushioncut]

Hello,

We just came off of a very long search for a square cushion. Generally, to get a really square look, the ratio has to be around 1 to 1.05 or less. Anything greater starts to look increasingly rectangular.

We tried bringing in cushions locally at first too -- but it didn''t work out. For one thing, you can''t really pick the stones that are being brought in. And we found the jewelers would always overlook something (like shape, or ct weight, or price.)

We found bringing stones in online was a much easier process. That way you can select the stones you will see from a list of hundeds (see pricescope home page). If something looks good to you by the numbers, you can pay an online vendor a small fee to bring it in, run tests on it, and photograph it. If you like what you see, you can buy it, and have the opportunity to examine it in person... We had luck doing it this way.

Generally, we looked for depth of about 65 (give or take) and a table of 56 to 60... But it really is all a matter of preference.

I really think you''ll have an easier time with your search online. Especially since you want a square. And you''ll save money!

Good luck!

 

[reena]

i agree with the others re online selection. where do you live? maybe one of the online vendors is located near you. otherwise, can you get the stores to give you the numbers on the stones before they call them in? that way you can reject any that clearly won''t meet your specifications? for ex as cushioncut said, if you want a very square cushion the stones you posted are not going to cut it. my own stone is a 1:1.1 and it is clearly off-square (if not exactly rectangular).

 

[sahmama]

Unfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere...Huntsville, Alabama. There is NOTHING here.

I went to look at the H VS2 stone tnight and was not impressed. It was far too rectangular to use in my setting. And it looked really yellow for an H. I have seen much whiter I''s before. They tried to blame it on the lighting, and it was a GIA cert, but I just didn''t think it was a very attractive stone.

I know you get more selection and good prices at the online vendors (plus no tax--I have 8% local sales tax), but it just makes me really nervous. Plus how would I handle getting the stones set since I have the setting already?

Another reason I want to go local if possible is because this jeweler warrants that if your stone fall out or chip, they will replace them, as long as you have your ring cleaned and inspected by them every six months. Since I have already destroyed one ring and had to file a homeowners ins. claim, this warranty is looking really good to me. I really want to give them a chance but I''m feeling like I''m the only customer they ever had who wanted to see this many stones.

 

[windowshopper]

YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE--IF YOU INSURE THROUGH CHUBB THEY OFFER FULL REPLACEMENT NI MATTER WHAT AND YOU BUY YOUR STONE FROM WHOEVER YOU WANT...............THESE PEOPLE WANT YOU TO HAVE TO COME BACK TO THEM

 

[Nicrez]

The GG wasn''t WRONG, he simply was in another school of "ideal diamonds". You can head to any one of the hundreds of diamonds dealers in NYC''s Diamond District and get the SAME response. 60/60 is ideal. not on Pricescope, but out there in the diamond business, you actually have a majority who believe 60/60 looks the best.

Don''t ask me, I like cushions. Rounds do nothing for me. As a matter of fact I grade stones all day in class. Granted they are under a cart, but I honestly laugh at the differences that people think are so glaringly obvious, when they are NOT. It''s all a matter of preference.

Ok, as for cushions, I have to say that you need to look for a stone like this in a place that HAS lots of them and with people who KNOW the stone. That way maybe the gemologist on staff can help you find a good one, even if it is on-line. Issue there is finding someone you can trust. That''s up to you.

Local jewelers ALWAYS would win out for me if it has to do with fancy cuts, BUT considering that you are literally in a diamond-free zone, your jewler choices ARE limited, but your diamond choices don''t have to be. Get over your fear and venture out into the net and see what you turn up. Ask for pictures, and reports, and if possible narrow it down and get the stones sent to a local appraiser before you buy it. I hope that helps...

Cushion cuts are also OLDER style cuts, so the slight tinge gives them character and that whole old fashioned feel to me. I personally have no issues with a warmer cushion... but if you are a color snob (as I once was), then find that stone in a nice F or G and you should be golden!

Good luck!!!