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Elongated Cushion Diamond Advice - $12k Budget

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Long time lurker needing help... I've decided on an elongated cushion with a split shank halo. Cut is priority followed by carat (>1.2). Color I or better and eye clean. Budget is about $12k including the ring.

Here is an example setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...t-band-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-4949

Here are three of my favorites at JA that I am considering to request ASETs.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-22311
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-1834953
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-2042044

Comments and recommendations are greatly appreciated!!!

-ECS
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
The last stone is beautiful. If that inclusion on the table isn't eye visible and isn't impeding performance it's a nice find.

The other ones are not good stones. I'll see what I can find. Don't get ASETs on the first two, it's a waste.

I do want to say that... I would advise you not get the setting from JA. If you have the time I would advise you to work with DK for a custom setting like the below. Plan about 3500 for the setting.

old_mine_cut_halo_1.jpg

img_12758.jpg

img_12759.jpg
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
40,225

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Thank you Gypsy. I was hoping to get your advice.

The ring is for my SO. We've shopped together and that cut and style is what she likes most. She has long fingers, and I think the cut and split shank also fit her well. I would like to keep it a surprise, so I can't get detailed feedback on the design, but I have a good idea on her style. Below is a picture of a ring that she tried on and really liked. It looked good but besides the size, I wasn't crazy on the diamond.

I like the JA #404 and #414. With current info #414 is my favorite of the ones you found. I'll request ASETs of those two and #044. Images to follow.

I'll also look up some designs by David Klass. Any other design pointers from the community appreciated!


img_0050.png
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Okay so that picture is one she tried on and liked?

It's VERY elongated.

Are you sure she preferred cushions? How did she feel about emerald cuts?

I think you are on the right track.
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
We started looking at emerald cuts first after seeing some at Tiffanys and then we were drawn to the elongated cushions. So, we put some consideration there and I think we are set on a cushion. The dimensions don't have to be that elongated; hopefully the setting can add to that type of appearance.

The picture is a 1.5 L/W and about 9 mm by 6 mm. The depth was 46% and the overall cut was mediocre.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
It looks like a similar to a Daussi cushion, if not an actual Daussi. They are cut very shallow which compromises their performance but gives them great spread.

I think you are good with a cushion if you have considered emeralds then, great. You have done all the research you need to.
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
592
i love that last stone you posted that Gypsy reccomended, but it is NOT elongated. I also prefer elongated cushions but ended up with something much more square for a variety of reasons. I love love love my ring but every now and then I am like- ugh i wish it was longer!!! You cannot really fake it with a halo setting either, it may actually make it look more square.

What you posted is 100% a Daussi cushion. it is a crapshoot on if you get a good one, but i have seen some beautiful performing ones. They are priced higher though.

So- If she is ok with more square then that stone above is lovely. looks like it was sold already, did you purchase? If you want elongated, you may need to hunt a bit more.

Good luck! :wavey:
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
592
just saw this one, a bit more chunky and "slightly" more elongated. To me, you need to be at least 1.20 ratio to have that elongated look. This is 1.11. I know nothing about ASET's etc but if you like this Gypsy can tell you more

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2096232

Here is a true elongated cushion, this one is antique style but looks a bit mushy in the middle...this is 1.25. This is just to show you what a real elongated stone looks like

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.59-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-1016295

edit: here is an example of a 1.25 ratio cushion in a halo. Nicely elongated but not over the top
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/colorless-diamond-212ct-e-si1-cushion-cut-gia-strong-blue-fluorescence-r5017
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Here are the ASETs for 404 and 414. 404 looks better to me. Is it an excellent keeper?

Also my SO and I did some browsing at a jewelry store. A slightly elongated cushion is just fine.

404


img_0119_0.jpg

414

img_0120.jpg

Thoughts?
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Hi Dolly!. I got an email that those are reserved for me for a short time... Thank you for finding the others and your thoughts on elongated. Definitely made me confirm which dimensions are suitable with SO. The place we went had several HD rings to compare. Brilliance was more important to the very elongated shape.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
They are equally great. Seriously. Go for the larger, not heavier, one.
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Hi gypsy. I'm confused. The larger one is the heavier one in this case. Which one do you think will deliver the most bang for buck? Also 414 has a lot of black return in the center. Isn't that bad?

Thanks again!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
In this case the larger one is the heavier one. In same cases, that isn't the case. So I always advise to look to dimensions not weight.

As for the black. Not at all. Black is pretty much the same as blue.

I would go for the bigger stone most likely. What is the color difference?
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
E for the 1.2 and I for the 1.4. The l/w of the 1.2 is more desirable for me. :think:
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
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Bump... Gypsy and/or others, how does the ASET for 195 compare to the other two?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
About the same as 404. And it has the ratio closest to what your lady wants.

414 is the best by a hair.

But I think in you case the elongated ratio of 195 is probably the best fit.
 

ecshimmering

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
10
Update...

I contacted Mark Turnowski at Brilliantly Engaged. He independently selected the same diamond that Gypsy recommended (195 referenced above). So, I purchased that diamond through him. Diamond link:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-586195

I selected the "Carrie" design setting in platinum also from Brilliantly Engaged. Selecting CAD was a simpler, lower risk option, and it came in well under my max budget. The split shank style and halo setting were the design features she preferred. The only feature that I was a little uncertain on was the double-edge halo as I was originally thinking an angled single row halo, but after receiving the ring, I am very happy with the design. Setting link:

http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/carrie-bpid-1243-45.html

I'll take some more pictures and post them in "show me the bling" at a later date. I had a great experience working with Mark at BE and will also post that process with the pictures.

Picture of actual ring:

be_carrie.jpg

:appl:
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Apr 28, 2014
Messages
4,057
Looks like it came out beautifully! Can't wait to see the SMTB thread with more pics! :appl:
 
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