Hello fellow 'scopers!
First I'd like to say what a fantastic resource PS is! There are few communities that offer their help so selflessly to members that only visit transiently. I've learned a tremendous amount, far beyond the 4 “C’s”, from the content here. The time has come and I need your help finding a stone for my girlfriend. She’s specified that likes cushions and a halo setting. I’ve really been impressed with Victor Canera’s settings so far - I tipped my hand to my partner and she was really wowed by the Emilya with Cushion Double Edge Halo. Thanks to everything I’ve learned I can’t see buying a set stone, so I’m left with the decision to either buy a loose stone from from VC (the 10% off a setting doesn’t hurt either) or pick one from another vendor and have it set. After seeing the light performance from the both modern “vintage” cuts and the Hearts and Arrows cushions from vendors like JA, GOG, and VC I’m pretty convinced they are the route to a high performance stone. Unfortunately these proprietary cuts come with additional cost the associated with any brand. Both the antique and H&A are attractive to my eye - both my partner and I agree the modified brilliants are unattractive. I’m also not a fan of a large culit under the table if it can be avoided.
One idea I had was going to a round brilliant and having it set in a cushion halo. I think the net effect would be the same and would allow me to purchase a stone with only a GIA certificate (in lieu of AGS) from a vendor like Blue Nile and be relatively assured the cut is high quality and light performance is graded.
As far as budget I’d like to be under 10K all in. My nature is to go for quality not quantity, however, I’d hate for her to be judged on size alone. Sadly we know cushions face up smaller so I may have to sacrifice my nature to buy quality in lieu of size. If specifics on color and clarity are helpful I can provide my preferences.
Time frame on this is not terribly rushed - hopefully by the end of the year.
Thanks again!
First I'd like to say what a fantastic resource PS is! There are few communities that offer their help so selflessly to members that only visit transiently. I've learned a tremendous amount, far beyond the 4 “C’s”, from the content here. The time has come and I need your help finding a stone for my girlfriend. She’s specified that likes cushions and a halo setting. I’ve really been impressed with Victor Canera’s settings so far - I tipped my hand to my partner and she was really wowed by the Emilya with Cushion Double Edge Halo. Thanks to everything I’ve learned I can’t see buying a set stone, so I’m left with the decision to either buy a loose stone from from VC (the 10% off a setting doesn’t hurt either) or pick one from another vendor and have it set. After seeing the light performance from the both modern “vintage” cuts and the Hearts and Arrows cushions from vendors like JA, GOG, and VC I’m pretty convinced they are the route to a high performance stone. Unfortunately these proprietary cuts come with additional cost the associated with any brand. Both the antique and H&A are attractive to my eye - both my partner and I agree the modified brilliants are unattractive. I’m also not a fan of a large culit under the table if it can be avoided.
One idea I had was going to a round brilliant and having it set in a cushion halo. I think the net effect would be the same and would allow me to purchase a stone with only a GIA certificate (in lieu of AGS) from a vendor like Blue Nile and be relatively assured the cut is high quality and light performance is graded.
As far as budget I’d like to be under 10K all in. My nature is to go for quality not quantity, however, I’d hate for her to be judged on size alone. Sadly we know cushions face up smaller so I may have to sacrifice my nature to buy quality in lieu of size. If specifics on color and clarity are helpful I can provide my preferences.
Time frame on this is not terribly rushed - hopefully by the end of the year.
Thanks again!