Cushion vs. Quadex - What's Better?

[FieryBrilliance]

I've begun searching for a stone for my lady who likes square cut diamonds and have done a good amount of online research but wanted to see what the wise people on Pricescope have to say.

My goal, as I'm sure is the goal of many fellas, is to get a stone that is as fiery and brilliant as possible without breaking the bank entirely. I have a budget of about $15k, give or take another 2k, and would love some guidance on my dilemma below:

I am trying to determine whether it's better to go for a cushion cut from a site like James Allen, or a Quadex from Brian Gavin Diamonds. The former enables me to buy a higher carat stone with a higher color grade for slightly less than a Quadex, but I'm intrigued by the fact that the quadex seems to be very unique and everything I've read about BGD suggests that they are an online diamond site w/ integrity and high standards.

Example:

I have been quoted $13,275 for a 1.4ct H/VVS2 Quadex from BGD, but JamesAllen provides several lovely 1.5ct+ F/G VS2 Cushions for <$13,000. My questions are:

1) Is it better for me to go with a slightly smaller Quadex stone in an H / VVS2 or a slightly larger stone with a higher color grade but VS1/2. Does it even really matter?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Gypsy]

It really depends what you want. And what your budget is.

Why don't you give us more information.

What's the look she wants?

 

[E B]

It would depend on the cut of the cushions from James Allen. I would be surprised to see that several in that carat range at JA performed like a BGD Quadex.

Here's a square cut from James Allen in your budget I would ask for an ASET of.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1481140.asp

 

[ecf8503]

Look at diameter as well - just because it is a larger carat weight weight doesn't necessarily mean it will measure or face up larger.

We can help you find some stones; but if you look at JA you have to narrow it down to only 3 and then ask for additional images to better evaluate light performance. BG already has ASET and IS images that prove it has good light performance; not to mention the symmetry on those Quadex stones is tdf!

eta - re: clarity... VVS is usually considered overkill around here, but if the rest of the stone is what you want then what a nice bonus! VS is eye clean the vast majority of the time - occasionally an eagle eyed person may be able to spot as VS inclusion, usually from the side pavillion view.

 

[farmer gal]

Here is an I from GOG

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9388/



As far as which one is better, both cuts are beautiful, but will have different optics. It is all in the eyes of the beholder.

 

[milton333]

IMO, if GFwants a square stone, I wouldn't necessarily think cushion. I'd be looking for angles, clean lines, architectural style. Cushions are more "out-of-round" to me, even the squarish ones. So quadex is where I'd be looking. Also, it's really trial and error trying to narrow down some good cushion prospects based solely upon pictures of facet patterns in order to get to a manageable number to get ASETs from JA. If she wants a cushion, it may be worth the hassle, but if not there are easier ways to find "the one."

Some other options for you:

Princess of hearts
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8063/
A bit over budget http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8367/

In the cushion camp:
Modern
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/modern-x-factor-cushion-gid-81843.html
Antique-looking
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.08-carat-i-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-77137.html

 

[FieryBrilliance]

Hi E B-

You're saying that it would surprise you to find a cushion at JA in that carat range that performed like a BGD Quadex, meaning, you think the Quadex would perform better?

THanks!
LD

 

[FieryBrilliance]

Thanks Milton! That's very helpful information and I didn't even know that GOG made stones similarly cut to the Quadex. Are Princess of Hearts & Quadex essentially the same, but BGD just named his differently?

 

[bgray]

my good friend just purchased a quadex from brian gavin and is very pleased. we looked at cushions but there are far fewer decent cushions out there and they can looked dated (per Milton--its often hard to tell what they are. i found most lumpy and unimpressive) a quadex gives that square shape with excellent performance... (quadex are NOT princess cut)