Cushion vs. Asscher vs. Emerald

[JCJet]

Given comparable 4 Cs, which cut performs most closely to a round brilliant (Sparkle, "fire", light leakage, etc)? Girlfriend just informed me she prefers these shapes to a round. Is it a case by case thing? I just have a hard time believing that a cut like emerald would sparkle as much as the others.

 

[Missy]

A cushion would perform most closely to a RB vs the other cuts.
They are all gorgeous though in their unique ways but I believe a cushion would provide the most sparkle etc as long as it is an ideal/excellent cut.

Good luck!
Missy

 

[bgray]

none really................a new modern cushion will have that sparkly crushed ice look that a round birrliant offers. a large chunky faceted cushion will look vastly different--and EC or Asscher NO. I have an emerald cut and love that it doesnt sparkle (too glittery for me) but flashes

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/8/2008 9:21:54 AM
Author:JCJet
Given comparable 4 Cs, which cut performs most closely to a round brilliant (Sparkle, 'fire', light leakage, etc)? Girlfriend just informed me she prefers these shapes to a round. Is it a case by case thing? I just have a hard time believing that a cut like emerald would sparkle as much as the others.

EC's and Asschers are a different ' animal ' to rounds - very beautiful in their own right but they are not so glittery and ' showy' perhaps, but extremely elegant and charming if well cut in their own unique way. A cushion might offer a bit more ' sparkle' in some cases than these shapes. What is key though is that all of these shapes can vary tremendously so you need photos and ASET images plus an expert vendor's assistance if working online to find the diamond which best suits your personal taste.

One shape your GF might consider is an oval if she doesn't want a round yet likes that sort of performance. But whatever you choose, make sure you get the best cut possible. If you want to concentrate on step cuts, storm is your man as he has a special interest in these shapes.

Cushions, check out www.engagementringsdirect.com as Mark has a superb eye for these. Also Jon at

www.goodoldgold.com has also sold some beautiful EC's and cushions.

 

[vespergirl]

I would go with a cushion - my original ering was an asscher, and while I love step cuts, I missed the sparkle of a brilliant-cut stone so I switched it for an RB.

I would also choose an "elongated" rather than "square" cushion. Because cushions are deep stones, you often lose face-up spread. An elongated cushion will look much bigger than a square cushion.

 

[neatfreak]

Cushion will be closest by far if she wants sparkle. Make sure that it''s a well cut cushion though, like those from Mark at Engagement Rings Direct or Good Old Gold. Unfortunately there are MANY poorly cut cushions out there that will leak light like no one''s business.

 

[CharmyPoo]

My cushion is actually cut similar to a round and performs like a round. Mark at ERD found it for us.

 

[lovinsparkles]

I''m with your GF - I like these cuts too and have trouble making up my mind which I like best. I agree with the others that I think the cushion would be most comparable to a round in terms of sparkle. The asschers/emeralds have a more understated look, IMO. Nice long/chunkier flashes of light, rather than tons of tiny sparkles.

I also agree about shape -- a square shaped asscher/emerald will look much smaller than a round or a more rectangular one, so keep that in mind.

Also, these are all shapes that are harder to shop for online than rounds, but a few of the vendors have good information/pictures available that can help (I''m thinking Good Old Gold and James Allen; for cushions, everyone raves about ERD). Good luck!

 

[bgray]

Date: 11/8/2008 9:21:54 AM
Author:JCJet
Given comparable 4 Cs, which cut performs most closely to a round brilliant (Sparkle, 'fire', light leakage, etc)? Girlfriend just informed me she prefers these shapes to a round. Is it a case by case thing? I just have a hard time believing that a cut like emerald would sparkle as much as the others.

honestly--if your GF says she prefers these shapes to a round then why do you feel you need one that performs like a round? if she prfers the EC, asscher or cushion--she most likley prefers how they perform which is inherent in these shapes............i have an EC. its not just the shape (rectangle) that i like its the whole look....................just trying to make sure you arent separating factors that really cant be separated. now to play devils advocate: the RADIANT, PRINCESS and MODERN CUSHIONS were created for people who did want a specific shape with that intense sparkle of a RB. Perhaps you need to know a little more about her preference for the factors beyond absolute shape (outline)

 

[Kelli]

Someone who loves emerald cuts and asschers will not need the sparkle of a round. I would say the cushion would be closest, but still not the same at all. But emerald cuts have a stunning beauty of their own IMO! I have a round and love it, but would REALLY love to have an emerald cut for my right hand someday because I love both looks. If buying a well-cut emerald cut was easier, I may have ended up with one!

 

[kittybean]

I think you need to talk to your girlfriend a little more and ask her what, particularly, she likes about the shapes she mentioned. Maybe it''s the flashes of light or understated elegance that the EC or Asscher provide, or maybe it''s the prevalence of these cuts in antique-style rings. If the former is the case, something that performs like an RB is definitely a step in the wrong direction. If the latter is the case, maybe she means that she wants an antique-style ring. Do you see why it might be important to ask WHY she wants a particular shape?

I have an emerald cut that I absolutely love, and my fiance decided on round diamonds for the setting to add some sparkle. I wouldn''t have thought of the combination, but I like it, and I get a lot compliments on it. I''m really glad he stuck to my stated preference of ECs, as I really wouldn''t want anything else for my engagement ring. Moral of the story: find out what her true preference is, find out why, and I think a lot of your questions will be answered.