Cushion less in Chicago

[CushionlessinChicago]

Hi everyone!

We are having the hardest time trying to find a cushion that we love here in Chicago. We have been searching for quite a while and have had people all over the country keeping an eye out for us. However, we think that we have come to the realization that we need someone with the stock on hand to really be able to make a deciscion that we feel comfortable with. Does anyone know of anyone in the Chicago area or someone outside of the Chicago area that could send us diamonds to look at. It would be great if we could find someone that has the stock and expertise in Cushions that can help us, specifically 3-4 cushions of various sizes and quality that we could look at all at the same time. We are looking for between 2.25-3 karats with more of a square shape and our budget is roughly $20,000 for the diamond. As far as finding the on site variety that we are looking for, would the most likely solution be a trip to NYC? We really dont have a lot of time to travel between work and moving right now so it would be great to find someone who can get us the stones to look at locally.

One last question. What is the biggest diamond that we could get and still maintain a good quality stone in terms of engagement standards for our price range?

Thank you all in advance for your quick and helpful responses!

CushionlessinChicago

 

[valeria101]

Date: 3/20/2005 10:462 PM
Author:CushionlessinChicago

We are looking for between 2.25-3 karats with more of a square (cushion) shape and our budget is roughly $20,000 for the diamond

What is the biggest diamond that we could get and still maintain a good quality stone in terms of engagement standards for our price range?

Hi!

I am affraid I can''t help with Chicago refs at all

Finding the price refference should be relatively easy using the database on top of this page.

My search turned up G-H / SI1 (GIA graded) cushions around 2.5 carats in your price range. IMO, these grades do not represent any quality compromise: SI1 has god chances to be completely eye clean (even more so once the stone is mounted) and G/H should be colorless for everyone but a diamond grader looking at your ring.

You may or may not agree with this opinion of course. But it is worth looking at such a stone for refference, I think.

''Hope you will find Pricescope useful

 

[Regular Guy]

Hey Chicago,

Agree with what Ana says, and here's one sample of many to consider. (edited to add: I've read here than square shapes may be less forgiving for clarity, so it's possible you'll want to focus more on VS options, but check me on this.) It's taken from the "quick search" database. Although cushions are not maintained, that I can see, in the "search by cut" database, you could do well to ask your Pricescope vendor of choice if they don't have in stock, preselected, this option for them to recommend as well.

Best,

 

[bar01]

I have met with Issac at Dimend in Chicago. His stuff seems top notch and he is a great guy to talk with. You will get personal service. Just don't expect prices quite as good (for equal quality) as from listed PS e-vendors.

Also spent some time with C.D. Peacock in Northbrook. Also quality stuff, nice folks, but for the money I would work with Issac first for diamonds if you pefer a local source.

 

[CushionlessinChicago]

Thanks for all of the replies!

We have primarily been working with dealers who can offer us 20% below RAP. Do you know whether Dimend, CD Peacock, or East Queen Importers could do the same?

 

[Angel7]

Chicago-click here for a thread on jewlers in chicago.

Being from Chicago myself, have you tried Jewler''s Row on Wabash in the loop? Have u thought about online shopping as well?

If you type in Chicago in the search bar you will find many threads on this subject.

Good Luck!

 

[bar01]

Date: 3/21/2005 11:26:17 AM
Author: CushionlessinChicago
Thanks for all of the replies!

We have primarily been working with dealers who can offer us 20% below RAP....

Check this PS page out in detail. Get your price range from the search engine.

Honestly I think you will have your best pricing through this method using the listed E-vendors, then locally.

 

[CushionlessinChicago]

We have a really good idea of our price range and what we can get for that price. The problem that we have been having is getting all the stones on site so that we can look at them all at once. We would like to look at 3-4 cushion squares with 2-3 radiants and maybe a couple of round brillants to see the spread difference. We are looking for knowledgeable, non pushy people here in Chicago that can really help us visually figure out what we want, with vast expertise and high quality stock. While the retailers are great, they cant give the same price that the "wholesalers" and private wholesalers have been able to offer.

Thanks again for all of everyones advice and continued help throughout this exciting time!

CushionlessinChicago

 

[Regular Guy]

Chicago,

Two thoughts for resources:

1) This one on Pricescope
2) PGS is a well regarded grading/appraising resource in Chicago, that apparently also not everyone is in love with. Towards developing a relationship with them, if for no other reason, you might ask them where you can do some profitable local shopping; not sure if this would go anywhere, of course. Likewise, for the resource that is listed here for the Chicago area as an appraiser, you can check with him, too, following the same strategy.

and btw, we''re visiting Chicago this summer...anything we shouldn''t miss?

 

[CushionlessinChicago]

...And, you should definitely check out some of the summer festivals/concerts, which go on every weekend during the summer in Chicago. Another one of my favorites is the Wendella architectural boat cruise (river and lake), which you can pick up by the Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue.

Thanks for the info!

 

[bar01]

Date: 3/22/2005 10:17:39 AM
Author: crankydave
and btw, we''re visiting Chicago this summer...anything we shouldn''t miss?

Where to start...

Pick a museum, any museum. Museum of Science and Industry is easily and entire day adventure. I love it! Go see ''Sue'' at the Field Museum. Shedd Aquarium.

Baseball fan? A day at Wrigley Field is a good one.

Shopping? Michigan Ave. Water Tower Place. Perhaps a carriage ride.

The new Millenium Park worth a visit.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire. Weekends during the summer, right on the IL/WI border in Bristol, is OUTSTANDING! It''s about an hour north of the Chicago area. One of the largest in the US.

Dave

Don''t forget the food! Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Gino''s), Chicago Style Hot Dogs (Portillos). Taste of Chicago runs in the summer. Also Music - Buddy Guys for blues music. Lots of great hotels too. What a City !
I think the architectural boat tour, Millennium Park and the Museums are the top picks.

 

[bopitaddict]

Date: 3/22/2005 9:59:24 AM
Author: Regular Guy
Chicago,

and btw, we''re visiting Chicago this summer...anything we shouldn''t miss?

don''t forget to go up 30 minutes north of the city and visit the botanical gardens. if you like plants, flowers, trees, and landscaping, it''s totally beautiful in the summer time and you can go at your own pace.

on a side note, as a heads up, in my experience with them, PDG didn''t take appointments, it was more of a walk-in type of deal... or maybe i misheard the receptionist... and drucker was backed up a few weeks, so you might wanna set an appointment early...