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Cushion Replacement

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alli_esq

alli_esq

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Messages
909
Well, folks, I''m here to bite the bullet. I was a fool and didn''t have my engagement ring sized when I lost 20 pounds, and here I am--ringless. It was insured, but I will never have the ring that meant so much to me.
38.gif
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I am waiting for the insurance money to come in, but in the meantime, I want to spend the time to find a diamond that really speaks to me. I would love to get a diamond before my wedding, which is only just over 4 weeks from now, but it is most important to me to find one that is really great.

My old stats were:
Shape: Round-Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 7.19x6.17x3.83
1.33c
H
SI1
Pol/Sym: Good/Good
Fluor: None
Depth: 62.1
Table: 67

My fiance does not know anything about diamonds, and didn''t really search before he found the one he gave me almost a year and a half ago--but I loved the stone so much. The only things that I would really change are: (1) I want a cushion brilliant, NOT a modified brilliant and (2) I think I''d like better polish/symmetry. I am looking for a rectangular stone, though I really do not want to lose size, and I would really love an eye clean stone--or close to it.

I went to the store where my fiance bought my first ring, and they showed me two diamonds, but I wasn''t thrilled with either, and I''m not sure they were great prices. I have been looking online, but I thought that maybe some of the experts on here might be able to help me find something. I am looking to spend under $6,000 for diamond and setting (the setting I want is a trellis, x-prong, similar to a Lucida setting).

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance for helping me get through this loss
7.gif
 
Date: 10/20/2009 7:19:08 PM
Author:alli_esq
Well, folks, I''m here to bite the bullet. I was a fool and didn''t have my engagement ring sized when I lost 20 pounds, and here I am--ringless. It was insured, but I will never have the ring that meant so much to me.
38.gif
15.gif


I am waiting for the insurance money to come in, but in the meantime, I want to spend the time to find a diamond that really speaks to me. I would love to get a diamond before my wedding, which is only just over 4 weeks from now, but it is most important to me to find one that is really great.

My old stats were:
Shape: Round-Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 7.19x6.17x3.83
1.33c
H
SI1
Pol/Sym: Good/Good
Fluor: None
Depth: 62.1
Table: 67

My fiance does not know anything about diamonds, and didn''t really search before he found the one he gave me almost a year and a half ago--but I loved the stone so much. The only things that I would really change are: (1) I want a cushion brilliant, NOT a modified brilliant and (2) I think I''d like better polish/symmetry. I am looking for a rectangular stone, though I really do not want to lose size, and I would really love an eye clean stone--or close to it.

I went to the store where my fiance bought my first ring, and they showed me two diamonds, but I wasn''t thrilled with either, and I''m not sure they were great prices. I have been looking online, but I thought that maybe some of the experts on here might be able to help me find something. I am looking to spend under $6,000 for diamond and setting (the setting I want is a trellis, x-prong, similar to a Lucida setting).

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance for helping me get through this loss
7.gif
Click to expand...
It sounds like you have a decent idea of what you would like this guide will help you further in your search. You still have to decide which type of Cushion Brilliant suits you but the other parts of your specs seem clear.

_________________________________________________________
ChunkyCushionLover''s Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds

Step 1


Tell us in the forum 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), They often return smaller and less dramatic flashes.
a) 4 main (several varieties)
b) 8 main (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922
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) (My finace owns this in her ER)
c) 8 main antique or old mine brilliant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g708wEVYmJ4
d) 8 main old mine cut http://www.vimeo.com/5310842
iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://www.vimeo.com/2120109
iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

Step 2

1) 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

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven''t had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.


Step 3


Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.


Step 4


If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourtie stones to a PS listed appraisor http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor.
For such an expensive purchase $100 in shipping and $100 in appraisor time seems worth it for piece of mind.

Happy Hunting,


CCL
 
Date: 10/20/2009 7:19:08 PM
Author:alli_esq
Well, folks, I'm here to bite the bullet. I was a fool and didn't have my engagement ring sized when I lost 20 pounds, and here I am--ringless. It was insured, but I will never have the ring that meant so much to me.
38.gif
15.gif


I am waiting for the insurance money to come in, but in the meantime, I want to spend the time to find a diamond that really speaks to me. I would love to get a diamond before my wedding, which is only just over 4 weeks from now, but it is most important to me to find one that is really great.

My old stats were:
Shape: Round-Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 7.19x6.17x3.83
1.33c
H
SI1
Pol/Sym: Good/Good
Fluor: None
Depth: 62.1
Table: 67

My fiance does not know anything about diamonds, and didn't really search before he found the one he gave me almost a year and a half ago--but I loved the stone so much. The only things that I would really change are: (1) I want a cushion brilliant, NOT a modified brilliant and (2) I think I'd like better polish/symmetry. I am looking for a rectangular stone, though I really do not want to lose size, and I would really love an eye clean stone--or close to it.

I went to the store where my fiance bought my first ring, and they showed me two diamonds, but I wasn't thrilled with either, and I'm not sure they were great prices. I have been looking online, but I thought that maybe some of the experts on here might be able to help me find something. I am looking to spend under $6,000 for diamond and setting (the setting I want is a trellis, x-prong, similar to a Lucida setting).

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance for helping me get through this loss
7.gif
Click to expand...
Hi Alli

So sorry to hear what happened.....What I would do especially as you are on a time crunch, contact these vendors -

www.goodoldgold.com

www.engagementringsdirect.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.briangavindiamonds.com

tell them what you are looking for and see what they can find. You know what you want and this would probably be more effective than searching yourself, see what they can come up with.
 
Thank you for the tips!!!

Okay, so I have done some searching, and the stone that I have found that is the closest to what I''m looking for bears the following GIA specs:

Cushion Brilliant
1.41c
H color
VS2
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluor: Faint

There appear to be a couple of feathers on the side of the stone, but not near the middle.

The table is 57%
Depth is 69%

I am being quoted $5,739...

What do you all think?? I am not sure what "ideal proportions" are for cushions, or if there even is such a thing, given the fact that each cushion appears to be so different...

Please be honest with me--I have been doing so much searching and this appears on paper to be the closest to what I want, but I want the most beautiful stone I can afford!

Thank you so much in advance!
 
Date: 10/22/2009 12:59:45 PM
Author: alli_esq
Thank you for the tips!!!

Okay, so I have done some searching, and the stone that I have found that is the closest to what I''m looking for bears the following GIA specs:

Cushion Brilliant
1.41c
H color
VS2
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluor: Faint

There appear to be a couple of feathers on the side of the stone, but not near the middle.

The table is 57%
Depth is 69%

I am being quoted $5,739...

What do you all think?? I am not sure what ''ideal proportions'' are for cushions, or if there even is such a thing, given the fact that each cushion appears to be so different...

Please be honest with me--I have been doing so much searching and this appears on paper to be the closest to what I want, but I want the most beautiful stone I can afford!

Thank you so much in advance!
Click to expand...
You can''t judge cushions by the numbers and we don''t know what type of Cushion Brilliant this is by what you have posted. Ask the vendor for a photograph and an ASET and post them in this thread and we can help you further. Who sourced this stone for you?
 
Date: 10/22/2009 1:31:17 PM
Author: EBree
I know next to nothing about cushions so I''ll leave this to the cushion experts to analyze, but I thought it might be worth mentioning:

Whiteflash Premium Select Cushion 1.20 ct H, VS2
Click to expand...
Well thats not a cushion I would suggest it may look good in strong spot lighting but won''t return light very well in a variety of other scenarios. The ASET has much too much green on the outside and edges of the stone and too much leakage in the idealscope images.
 
CCL: Thank you so much for the idea--I am going to get a photograph of the diamond tomorrow morning and then I will post it to have you take a look at it! The vendor said he will do his best with the handheld device for an ASET image, which I''ll also post. The jeweler is a pricescope vendor--Union. Mark T. from ERD is also helping me to find some options. Thank you so much for your help!!!

Ebree: thank you for looking out
1.gif
you are so nice to try and help!
 
Date: 10/22/2009 12:59:45 PM
Author: alli_esq
Thank you for the tips!!!

Okay, so I have done some searching, and the stone that I have found that is the closest to what I''m looking for bears the following GIA specs:

Cushion Brilliant
1.41c
H color
VS2
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluor: Faint

There appear to be a couple of feathers on the side of the stone, but not near the middle.

The table is 57%
Depth is 69%

I am being quoted $5,739...

What do you all think?? I am not sure what ''ideal proportions'' are for cushions, or if there even is such a thing, given the fact that each cushion appears to be so different...

Please be honest with me--I have been doing so much searching and this appears on paper to be the closest to what I want, but I want the most beautiful stone I can afford!

Thank you so much in advance!
Click to expand...
You are most welcome!

You absolutely need a detailed photo of this cushion and an ASET image too, otherwise we would only be guessing. If you have made some progress in getting these, post them when you have the images then we can go from there.
 
Well, it seems that they can''t get an ASET image to me...can any of you help with just the pics of the diamond??

In the hopes that you can, here we go...

DSCN8759.JPG
 
2

DSCN8762.JPG
 
3

DSCN8763.JPG
 
4

DSCN8764.JPG
 
5

DSCN8767.JPG
 
last one! Thank you so much, everyone!

DSCN8770.JPG
 
Alli- No help with the images (best I leave that for the people that know what they are talking about) but I just wanted to let you know that I''m rooting for you from the sidelines that you find a gorgeous stone and setting before your wedding day.
 
If it is from UD Alli, ask them for an Idealscope image, I know they can do those. What do you think of it? The faceting looks a bit haphazard to me, its a pretty cushion but I would really like to see an Idealscope image if you can get one.
 
Thank you so much, Claritek!

Lorelei--you''re right, they were able to give me 2 IS and one ASET image (btw, I have to say that Tony R. at UD has been really awesome--so helpful and extremely patient with me!)

I am trying to understand how to read them, but I have no experience with this, so I could REALLY use some help from the cushion experts here to let me know how these look...I am a total novice with these.

Thank you all!

IS 1

DSCN8797.JPG
 
IS 2

DSCN8798.JPG
 
ASET image...

Thank you again!!!

DSCN8793.JPG
 
Date: 10/23/2009 3:10:54 PM
Author: alli_esq
ASET image...

Thank you again!!!
Click to expand...
ASET and Idealscope show a lot of leakage. I''ve seen better 4 main cushions.
 
Thank you so much, CCL--I wouldn''t have realized that at all...thank goodness for PS, and you!

That is disappointing...I am having trouble finding a diamond that is in my budget but that I won''t lose size, color or too much clarity on...

I am meeting with Mark T on Tuesday, and I will keep my fingers crossed that he can help me. Is it pretty much understood here that if he okays a stone, you can trust that it has the best light return you''re going to find?

Thank you all again!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 9:47:00 PM
Author: alli_esq
Thank you so much, CCL--I wouldn''t have realized that at all...thank goodness for PS, and you!

That is disappointing...I am having trouble finding a diamond that is in my budget but that I won''t lose size, color or too much clarity on...

I am meeting with Mark T on Tuesday, and I will keep my fingers crossed that he can help me. Is it pretty much understood here that if he okays a stone, you can trust that it has the best light return you''re going to find?

Thank you all again!
Click to expand...
Mark is a standup guy and a great vendor. But you really gotta narrow down what type of cushion you like so he can help you best.
From what you have posted I''d ask him about an 8 main antique cushion brilliant which is rectangular not perfectly square. He should be able to find you one with your specs under the 6k mark.
Check out the videos I posted above to make sure you like this type of look, the stone you posted here before was a modified cushion brilliant not a cushion brilliant.

I''d stick with H or I color. But if you aren''t color sensitive could go lower.
You want 1.3Ct or Above (but really 6.5mm X 6.5mm or above in size should be what you look for)
Eye Clean SI1 or above
Your budget seems to be under 6k.

I''d say tell Mark these parameters and see what he can come up with for you.
Most of the modern 4 main and 8 mains are quite square stones for symmetry reasons so you might be best sticking with an Antique Cushion Brilliant with chunky facets as those look good rectangular as well.

One fine example of an Old Mine Cushion (antique 8 main) this one would be close to your specs (although maybe more square than you prefer) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6475/.
Also if you don''t mind smaller flash in a more modern cut you might like the cushette here http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3400/ which is close to your specs as welll.

Good-Luck,
CCL

Post the pictures and ASET from Mark with a propsect if he finds you something.
 
Alli, I am hopelessly uneducated about cushions, but I just wanted to say hello and that I''m so sorry you lost your beautiful ring. That must have been heartbreaking for you! I''m so glad it was insured and that you''ll be getting a new, even prettier ring. I hope your wedding plans are coming along smoothly, and congrats on losing 20 pounds! Hope you are doing wonderfully.
 
Date: 10/23/2009 9:47:00 PM
Author: alli_esq
Thank you so much, CCL--I wouldn't have realized that at all...thank goodness for PS, and you!

That is disappointing...I am having trouble finding a diamond that is in my budget but that I won't lose size, color or too much clarity on...

I am meeting with Mark T on Tuesday, and I will keep my fingers crossed that he can help me. Is it pretty much understood here that if he okays a stone, you can trust that it has the best light return you're going to find?

Thank you all again!
Click to expand...
Alli, the images aren't great sorry to say, the ASET especially, you can do better for your special replacement! You should be in great hands with Mark, let us know how that goes. You should definitely be able to get pictures from him to post.
 
Bump in hopes of finding out how the trip to ERD went! Fingers crossed for you Alli.
 
I am so sorry about losing your ring. I hope you find a new beautiful cushion soon and before the wedding. Congratulations on the 20 pounds.
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