Find me the "best" stone

[jft1215]

Before I even post this I want to ask if it''s either against the rules or frowned upon. Don''t hesiate to let me know!

If I give the criteria of a diamond that I''m looking for (as detailed as I can) can I pose a request for fellow PS''ers to find me a stone that they feel is the best value and quality?

 

[belle]

you can certainly do that. there are many helpful and resourceful people here. let''s see what you want!

 

[jft1215]

Thanks Belle. I figured it would be ok but don''t want to step on toes

My criteria is as follows (let me know if I need more information):

Shape: Cushion
Weight: 1.5+
Color-F
Clarity:no more than VS1
Depth, Table, Girdle, etc.: Now this is where I need help. I want something that shines and will look great in a platinum halo setting.
Budget: $8,000 (this may be a stretch but that''s why this is a challenge

I appreciate everyone''s help and look forward to what anyone/everyone comes up with!

 

[Kaleigh]

Ok, lets get to work guys!!!!

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 6/30/2005 7:48:40 PM
Author: kaleigh
Ok, lets get to work guys!!!!

Well....though I don''t really know a thing about these guys...I''m typically up to a challenge. There''s only one cushion between 1 - 2 carats on the search by cut database, at 1.09 carats, a D SI2, at $4760, from WF. Other than that, given the objective of finding one at 1.5 carats or more, I just see one below $8K, and it''s this one.

I''d like to see another thread about how to set up criteria for appraisers -- partnering with them -- to come up with a go/no go decision in advance of their even seeing the stone, especially with non-rounds, on the basis of light performance, but I''m struggling with the phrasing, and so maybe someone else would like to do it. Presumably, jft1215 might need just this sort of information, should he want to consider this, or most any other items -- blind.

Apart from meeting the other characteristics you''ve described, I otherwise can''t comment on cut, and you probably would like to have that info the most. Without coming up with some meaningful criteria...(except of course, do you like the way it looks?), I wish you well in pursuing whichever option you like!

Best,

 

[jft1215]

Thanks for the leads Ira. I''m going to take a closer look at them in a few.

And you bring up a great point! Is there a thread or can one be started about basics we need to know with non-round stones that we can use to filter out stones that are of inferior proportions. I think that is what you were saying. It sure would help non-experts like myself tremendously!

 

[phoenixgirl]

I would take "no more than VS1 clarity" to mean that you want something like VS1-SI2??? Or do you mean VS1+? There are some 1.5 F SIs around 8k.

 

[jft1215]

Sorry Phoenix. I guess I meant VS!+. Dang novices!

(I mean me)

 

[g-man]

Your budget is a little tight. You may want to consider G but get a great cut. You probably need to spend $10k-$11k. Shoot for depth in the mid 60s and table in the mid-high 50s and you are probably safe. If you buy online try to view the stone first.
Good luck.
P.S. I like BlueNile and Dirtcheap.

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Maybe I missed this...what shape are we looking for????

 

[jft1215]

I''m looking for a cushion.

I understand the budget is tight but I''m trying to see if there''s a good stone in that range. If I must I can loosen up the belt a little bit

 

[onedrop]

Just my .02 but if you went down a bit in clarity, even as low as SI1 you may be able to get a quality stone within your budget.

 

[MaybeDayze]

Forgive me if I repeat something someone has already said!
With cushions it's not recommended to go below VS2 clarity. It's quite an open cut.
I know that some people do buy them, and I've seen some lovely ones on Pscope in the SI1 range.
If you were to go for a lower clarity, you should see it in person before buying, via independent appraiser.
I don't think you're going to be able to find something 1.5+ in the D-F range, with a good clarity, and cut for $8K. With your budget, I'd look in the G - VS1/2 range, and get a great cut, depth mid 60s, table mid 50s.
A good cut is going to be brighter, whiter, flashier in general than just your average D - VVS1.

Watch out for the girdle with cushions, they can hold a lot of spread/size. It's just kind of indicative of the cut. Try to stay in the medium girdle range. Cushions have become EXTREMELY difficult to find lately.

One more thing, the facet pattern of cushions tends to differ. They don't all look the same the same, like a round does.

Take a look at some old fashioned "chunky faceted" cushions, and some more brillant modern ones.
I suggest taking your honey browsing to find out what her preference is.
It's tough search for cushions these days - No one stocks them in house!