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Cushion stone recommendation

Pliny

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Dec 21, 2016
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Hello PS!

As a nervous first timer, I’ve been trolling the forums for a month and I’ve come to see that this is definitely one of the most helpful communities I’ve ever seen. I was hoping to put myself out there to get help looking for a cushion stone. I want to get a stone online and get it set locally. That way my GF and I can go through the experience of choosing a setting together (I’ll get a simple solitaire setting for the proposal). I also think it may be a cost advantage to buy a stone online.

That being said, I’m hoping to get help for a cushion shape, 1-1.5 carat, DEF (cultural reasons), cut is important, and eye clean stone. My budget is around 5k. For the right stone, I can push the budget up to 6k.

I’ve been looking at this particular stone for a while. Unfortunately, my opportunity has passed because I was too indecisive. I don’t think the fluorescence would have bothered me, but the thickness seemed to be an issue, hence my hesitation. But now that it’s sold -- I’m hoping to find something similar. It was just about the right budget ($5,300) and size too. Anything comparable you recommend?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.07-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-923746
 

Pliny

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To add more information, I noticed that Blue Nile, Brian Gavin, and Enchanged Diamonds are three sellers that offer signature cushion cuts. What does PS think of going with these places? I think DEF and Excellent cuts are high on my list of specs.
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
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Top of your stretch budget, this is one of those cushions that is cut like a round brilliant but in a square shape like the signature blue nile cuts. You can see there is a bit of a premium on this stone because of the cut, but not as much as on the BN stones,
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-1923876

This one is similar to the one you originally liked but i think a bit stronger in terms of cut.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-888036

are you open to slightly elongated? This one is deeper than I usually like but since its elongated has a good size for the carat weight. Nice facets.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-modified-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1924251


andddd....

Throwing this out even though its not a modern cut, if you are open to a more "chunky" antique style this could be a great find and its a really good size- may be worth inquiring about if this type of cut interests you.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.11-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1013598

Lots to choose from, nothing in the specs you want close to 1.5 but a few of these have a really great face up size. Will check enchanted also.

I can't speak to Brian Gavins signature, maybe someone else can chime in there. Enchanted heirloom cuts are not branded stones, its just how they denote certain cushions. Not the same as BG or BN. Also, there are no signature heart and arrow cushions on Blue nile with the specs you want under 6K. You would have to dip below a carat. The first stone i posted is the closest to this cut but without the brand name.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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dolly has posted some nice stones for you to check out...you can request 3 asets from James Allen (stones have to be local to NY
area)...so if you are intereseted in any of those stones, request asets and post pictures.

Edit...not square and maybe not the facet pattern you're looking for but looks like a real sparklier (big too)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.08-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2310736

Nice...why when I look for squares I find nice rectangular cushions and when I look for rectangular cushions all I find
are nice squares???
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1135990

Edit...enchanted diamonds...you might as well check them out too
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C103-7276Z8137?? nice aset

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C102-175967Z40?? nice center, little leakage around edge of table
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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Thank you dollyanjuli for considering the cut and helping me compare to the BN stones. With your advice I now see what I should look for when I compare JA and BN stones. I fell in love with the signature cuts at BN and BG. However, BN choices are too small and BG stones are really expensive ($7.5k for 1 ct). So I really appreciate the first link you posted because I notice the cuts in the JA stone are very pretty. I’m going to ask JA for an ASET. Will you help me analyze it if I post it?

My GF pinned round stones and symmetrical cushion stones, so I have a feeling I should look for l/w ratio close to 1, but I do agree the antique chucky stone looks like a great find!
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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Thank you tyty333 for looking for me too! I really like the 1.06 one because it has a ratio closer to 1 and is nice carat size. I'm going to ask for the ASET of this one as well.The enchanted website drew me in because they also have signature cuts and their selection seems to be much bigger. And huge plus is that they are right at my budget range.
 

Pliny

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Dec 21, 2016
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Last night, I emailed BG regarding two stones (SI1) that they had in stock that were within my DEF and cut specs, but not price range. I asked if they were eye clean—from about 6-12 inches, all angles, and under normal light -- and he responded yes. However, this is stretching my budge way and beyond. I know I am paying for the super ideal cut with that price tag. But I really like the pictures of the brilliance and heart shapes. I understand BG came from White Flash and they are really reputable too. Does anyone have any opinions on whether the BG stones could be worth it? I feel like I am falling for marketing "heart" terms? BG stones do look really brilliant!
 

Pliny

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Dec 21, 2016
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Bummer. No ASET available for either stones.

I really like the brilliant cut style of this cushion offered by dollyanjuli: of https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-1923876

I really like this one posted by tyty333 as well: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1135990

With out and ASET, can anyone help me examine this stone further into detail based on the video and dimensions listed? I think traditional advice was to look for table and depth under 70%. But I don't really know what that means. The second one is under 70% for both table and depth.
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
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Hi! Can you post the stones from Brian Gavin? And also post several of the rings from your GFs Pinterest. What you are describing is not a typical (even well cut) cushion. Hearts and arrow style cushions are not the norm, and honestly are like rounds that are square. They look very different then "well cut" traditional cushions. The first JA stone I posted is the only example of this cut in Your budget I found.

Also, all cushions face up small with the exception of those that are slightly elongated. A one carat cushion and a one carat round are going to look VERY different in size. Not sure if you or your intended have seen a comparison in person but don't be shocked when you open up the box a beautiful 1 carat hearts and arrows cushion and are a stone the size of a .75 round.

Post her pins. Maybe we can come up with a creative solution. It's obvious that specs are very important which is good to know- but is she also expecting a certain size? Are you open to a halo to help increase the size appearance?
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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Hi Dolly!

Brian Gavin Hearts and Arrows Cushion examples-
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-e-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556022
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.018-e-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556008

Girlfriend's Pinterest examples-

Sorry for the quality. I took a picture of a picture on her phone when she wasn't looking.

https://goo.gl/photos/Ljs6HFxV8HGREFBx9

I think I may abandon the hearts and arrows if it prevents getting a good face up cushion that is 1 carat. I think I started to fall for the marketing when I searched for retailers that specialize in ideal cut cushions. Maybe I should focus on cushions that are rectangular so they can help with the face up part.

Speaking with you, I think that a cushion that appears .75 is too small. But if it's the nature of cushions, I may have to reconsider getting a round. She pinned round stones. So I don't think she's opposed to it. I just know she really likes cushions. No, we haven't gone shopping together or spoke openly about rings. She has dropped hints, but I think she would like to be surprised. She pinned larger stones but I know she doesn't expect it. I'm the one who wants a 1 carat for her. I made the girl wait this long, she deserves it :)

Sorry for rambling, what I'm saying is that I would like a cushion that doesn't appear smaller (don't we all). I'll open up to rectangular and settings that could accentuate a cushion.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Ok, so after looking at your GF's pin page, I would go as big as possible. 3 of those cushions are not
square. They are more rectangular.

How big are your GF's fingers?
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I'm going to say that I think this one will have nice light return (since we cant get an aset). All the facets under the table are
clearly delineated and you can see the "mirror" effect of the facets turning on/off. No mush under the table IMO.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1135990

The 1.01 is probably going to look nice also...sure wish it was AGS graded so we knew the light return was Ideal or not.

If you went with a round looks like you would be in the .9ish range (about 6.15ish mm) since you need to stay at DEF/VS.
Eye-clean SI will probably get you up to a carat...thats about 6.45mm.

I guess my opinion on cushion vs round is that if you know that she would really love a cushion then get her a cushion.

Here is a relative size difference of those 2 cushions you have been looking at. 1.06 on left and 1.01 on right. Size 5 1/2 finger,
2mm shank on ring.



Here is the size diff between the biggere cushion and a 1 carat round

cushion_size_diff.png

cushion_vs_round.png
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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Thank you tyty! This is an amazing chart and really puts the stone into perspective. She has slender fingers and I can't provide exact measurement right now. I greatly appreciate your additional feed back in the in the 1.06. I'm going to evaluate l the stones. I think we may eventually have a winner from one of these links listed by you and dolly. For now I requested a hold.
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
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Pliny, I am going to make a recommendation- get that elongated stone tyty suggested and put it in a halo. It will look just like one of her pins and it will have a REALLY good face up size. Elongated stones on long thin fingers are so elegant and flattering and always look bigger- and the halo will amp it up. It is a lovely cut.

Since you have that 1.06 on hold I can't see the price, but how much can you spend on the setting? There are a few affordable benches that can make you a nice custom halo for around 2500. However, if you can't spend that much James Allen does have some nicer settings that will be fit to your stone (Don't get their cheaper ones, they have big gaps between the stones)

i think some past folks have purchased this one and it was good quality for the price:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

This setting + that stone = BIG look for the price, it will be totally in line with her pins, and you are getting top color and clarity. Based on her board she likes a pretty wide range of stuff so you are going to be in good shape with this.
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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I want to say thanks again to dolly and tyty. You two have given such solid advice and I am grateful. My buddy is lurking with me and he's is saying that you guys rock!

The 1.06 stone is $5800. I was thinking about $1500-2000 for the setting. Since my GF pinned three distinct styles -- halo, baguette, and pave-- would you be able to suggest cushion-friendly settings that I can mull over?

I initially thought my GF would like simple/classic designs and I didn't think she'd pin a halo, but she has 2/6 pins as such.

I'm thinking of three distinct settings:

1 - A solitaire with pave
2 - A solitaire with baguette and no pave.
3 - I do really like the halo with the pave setting you suggested.

And any other suggestions is great!Thank you!
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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The more I look at the 1.06 the more I love it. The face-up area looks amazing and I think we will be happy with this one! Thank you tyty for finding it and thank you dolly for providing feed back on it!
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
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since she pinned two halos you will be safe selecting that, if you like it- and it will amp up the size which again seems pretty important to her/ you .

Solitaire with pave is pretty straight forward, if you want to save a little bit of money you can use one of the james allen ones, or you have enough of a budget to get a little bit nicer one made from a few of the PS preferred vendors like David Klass. I think the 1.06 is a really solid choice and it's going to be a nice size!
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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You're welcom Pliny...dolly is on to something with the halo suggestion. Most of the rings your GF pined are really big stones so
a halo will give you the "bigger" look.

The one dolly posted is a nice one. I would ask for small claw prongs not matter which setting you end up with.
(look at the different prongs in the rings made up...the claw prongs are pointed and look more "finished") I have claw prongs on
my setting from James Allen and they are really beautiful.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493 $1360

Here is the more modern baguette setting...I used to have my pear set in a older version of this setting and I can tell you it is very
difficult to find a wedding band that looks good with this setting and for that reason I would not pick this setting (I eventally reset
mine stone into a setting that could take a variety of wedding bands).
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7101

My other vote (if you dont go with a halo) is for a pave shank or a split shank (she has 2 settings pinned that are somewhat split
shanked)
Most of the pave settings for cushions are kind of thin or show to much metal :(
Here is a nice one but it has cathedral sides...not sure if she would like that or not.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7096

This is the nicest one IMO $1310.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-041ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1105


Split shank option, again, get claw prongs...if you look at the picture of the round on the models hand from the top down it looks like
the setting she has pinned in the lower right hand side.

split_shank.png

pave_shank.png
 

farrahlyn

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ITA with dolly about the halo. she has 2 pinned so i think it would be a safe choice. I also noticed that she has several split shanks posted and seems to like a band that tapers.

i know this is slightly above your price point for setting but its worth a look i think. you would have to ask if they could do this for a cushion. I think it's the nicest split shank halo JA offers so i thought i'd throw it out there..

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...lo-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54997
 

tyty333

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farrahlyn|1482502587|4109179 said:
ITA with dolly about the halo. she has 2 pinned so i think it would be a safe choice. I also noticed that she has several split shanks posted and seems to like a band that tapers.

i know this is slightly above your price point for setting but its worth a look i think. you would have to ask if they could do this for a cushion. I think it's the nicest split shank halo JA offers so i thought i'd throw it out there..

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...lo-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54997


I dont think that will take a cushion...but you can always ask....it would be pretty and give great finger coverage.
 

farrahlyn

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tyty333 said:
farrahlyn|1482502587|4109179 said:
ITA with dolly about the halo. she has 2 pinned so i think it would be a safe choice. I also noticed that she has several split shanks posted and seems to like a band that tapers.

i know this is slightly above your price point for setting but its worth a look i think. you would have to ask if they could do this for a cushion. I think it's the nicest split shank halo JA offers so i thought i'd throw it out there..
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...o-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54997.

I dont think that will take a cushion...but you can always ask....it would be pretty and give great finger coverage.

it would be perfect if they could do it. JA selection is just not great for split shanks.

Alternately... you could give ID Jewelry a call and ask if they can source that cushion and maybe find a setting for you.
 

Pliny

Rough_Rock
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Dec 21, 2016
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Thank you everyone! I bought the1.06 cushion stone today! Hopefully I'll get it soon so I can examine. In the meantime, I’m looking at settings.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-modified-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1924251 (thanks tyty for the find and dolly for the recommendation)

I think I have narrowed it down to the halo and a pave setting. I do like the small claw prongs. I know she pinned halo and I do agree it looks amazing, but my gut keeps telling me that she would prefer a solitaire pave. I have a feeling she likes the look of a Halo ring, but I don’t recall her every trying it on her own hand. The solitaire pave seems more classic, simple, and conservative which I think my GF would generally like. But that’s something I’ll have to mull over. I ran a poll with my lady friends and it’s about 50/50 =P
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-041ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1105

Hi Farrahlyn! I greatly appreciate you finding me a split shank halo. I asked JA and they said it’s possible to do a cushion setting, but it would be a 4-week custom job. Which really sucks because I have a target date of mid-January. And I’m glad that you pointed out that she pinned tapered bands. I overlooked that detail.
 

flyingpig

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so white so crisp :love:
 

dollyanjuli

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fantastic pick!

And you know your lady best- if you think a solitaire is the way to go, I am sure both of you will be happy. Absolutely concur that claw prongs are a must.

Whatever you decide for a setting, make sure to come back here and post when you get the completed ring! So very excited for you, congratulations! :appl: :appl:
 
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