First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advice?

[OMG_AMG]

why hello there,

First off, I have been lurking around for quite some time now, and have just finally decided to register! *handclap*

Anyhoos, here's a little bit about myself: I'm turning 30 this year and I figured its about time to propose to the gf (most of her girlfriends are already engaged/married and she's getting anxious haha <-- oops, she doesn't see the humor )

I have been doing my fair share of research online and offline, and I have tried to learn as much as possible so that I don't come across as a total noob when shopping for diamonds.

I went ring browsing with the gf and she fell in love with the Tiffany Novo (surprise surprise), but unfortunately, the sticker price was just absolutely ridiculous: I was looking at 1.5C - 2.0C rings in a decent color & clarity and they were all around $40K - $46K! JEEBUS. (i'm located in CA if geographic location makes a difference)

After that, I went on my own and found a pretty popular local jeweler and had the fortunate opportunity to run into the nicest and best no-pressure salesman you'll ever meet! I explained to him that I wanted a diamond somewhere between 1.5C - 2.0C with a setting that looks similar to the Tiffany Novo setting. He said to me, no problem, let's see what we have.

After spending some time with him, I finally narrowed it down to a cushion cut diamond with the following specs:

Shape & Cutting Style: Cushion Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 6.88 x 6.83 x 4.68 mm (which puts it at around a 1.01 ratio)
Carat Weight: 1.80
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS1
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Table %: 58.00
Depth %: 68.59
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick

The asking price is approximately $20K...I am close to pulling the trigger, but I wanted to check in with you guys here to see whether or not this is a good deal, and also if there are any other nuances about the diamond that I should be aware of...

How does the table and depth play into the light brilliance of a diamond? I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for in terms of table % and depth %. Also, I am under the impression that a medium girdle is a good thing? The girdle helps keep the diamond in place on the setting so you don't necessarily want a super thin or super thick girdle, correct? Hopefully you experts can chime in!

Based on the specs, the diamond doesn't seem to have any inclusions and just seems like a great deal all around...(even if diamond prices are a bit elevated at the moment) I'm thinking with the setting + tax, I can probably walk away approximately $23K-$24K poorer.

Sorry for the long post, but please do let me know your thoughts! Thanks in advance!!

 

[Christina...]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

Welcome to PS!!

First, it's impossible to evaluate a cushion, or any fancy shaped stone for that matter based on the numbers alone. They really require an ASET image to determine it's light performance, and it's unlikely that your BM vendor will have access to this. So, if you are set on shopping with this particular vendor I would suggest purchasing your own ASET so that you can evaluate many different stones yourself. you can find one here..http://www.ideal-scope.com/?Ref=pricescope...

You don't really need to go with a VVS1 clarity stone to ensure that the diamond is clean either. In fact you can typically go as low as a VS2 (many SI1's ) and the stone will look identical to a FL stone with the naked eye. Clarity is graded face up under 10x magnification, you will never see your stone this way unless you have your own loupe ( many of us here do) and will be looking this closely at it.

You could also save a lot by dropping the color to a G. When the ring is set it's unlikely that you will see the difference between an F and a G, unless of course you are super color sensitive. A G combined with a nice clarity and great cut is super white and bright. Color is based on rarity not beauty and is graded under special lighting, upside down, against a white background, through the pavilion (side of the stone), it's in this environment that color becomes more easily discerned. Once the stone is face up and light is allowed to enter the stone color is much harder to determine. It's not unusual for even graders to have differing opinions on color.

Your correct about the girdle. This is an area where weight is often hidden by the cutter to reach a special ct wight and price increase. A diamond with a very thick to extremely thick girdle will face up smaller than one with a thin- slightly thick one. GIA reports the girdle by it's thinnest and thickest points, so it's possible to see a stone listed as medium to v thick, but when the girdle is observed only a very tiny portion is actually v thick, or vice versa so it's important to have a gemologist evaluate this as well. Very thin girdles are more at risk of chipping especially in cuts that have points like a princess or pear for example.

If you are interested ERD is a trusted online vendor that many of us here have used and they have a very nice Novo replica, you may want to check them out. http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/ They can offer you all the additional images ASET, magnified etc that can help you select a really stunning diamond.Online vendors tend to be less expensive because they don't have the same overhead as BM stores. They also tend to have much better return, upgrade, trade in and buy back programs which a very important to some people if they want to upgrade their stone at some point in the future.


ETA I forgot to ask if this stone was graded by GIA?

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

thanks for the very informative reply Christina!

I will have to stop by the store again and ask to see if they have access to an ASET image...from my understanding of ASET images, any pink/red areas are a win and green areas indicate areas of light leakage?

I understand that there is a price difference between a F color and a G color, but I don't think the price difference is too substantial...since this is a one time deal, I don't mind putting in a little bit more money for my own peace of mind (I saw a H or an I at Tiffany's and to my surprise, the diamond was pretty yellow compared to the other G's and F's!)

As far as clarity goes, I MIGHT go a little lower (maybe VS1) only if it'll help me save a significant amount of money...you are right that with the naked eye, you won't really be able to tell the difference between a VVS1 and a VS1

As far as online vendors go, I honestly don't feel very comfortable about them as I don't get to physically see and hold the diamond in my own hands before purchasing. I will most likely stick with a local store, and take advantage of their great customer service and free cleanings

Oh, in case I forgot to mention it, the diamond that I am looking at is GIA certified. The specs in my original post were pulled from the GIA certificate.

Also, does anyone have any input on the table % and the depth % for cushion cuts? For the said diamond in question, I understand that a table % of 58 is pretty decent, but the depth % seems a little steep to me at 68.6. Should I be worried about the depth % being high?

thanks!

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

ok, I guess I went a little ahead of myself in my original post

I spent some more time researching and I was really impressed with the square cushion cut hearts and arrows!

Through my research I have found that cushion cut diamonds with 8 thin main plot structures most closely resemble that of the Novo

In addition, Jonathan's videos (from GOG) really made the square cushion cut H&A diamonds look gooooood

Basically what I'm trying to achieve here is to replicate the TIffany Novo as closely as possible...but from my understanding GOG is one of the few places that can even source you a square H&A diamond

Are there any other vendors that you guys would recommend that also sell cushion cut H&A diamonds? or perhaps a modern cushion cut w/ 8 thin main?

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

The Tiffany Novo is not necessarily a H&A cushion. I've seen pictures of it with all different kinds of cushions, except antique.

The only Brellia at this time in your desired ct weight is like 30K. You would have to ask if they will soon have more.

This one seems to throw colors very nicely: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-G-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-128591

Don't know how you feel about I color, but this is just ENORMOUS http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond_details/104062000001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
This ring, I think is set with that style of cushion: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-tiffany-novo-ring-for-my-girlfriend.158802/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-tiffany-novo-ring-for-my-girlfriend.158802/[/URL] and the buyer write up his buying experience (not being able to see difference in I color except side-by-side with D-F or at an angle, comparing different aspects of light performance, doing a taste test where everyone picked a lower color because they liked the cut)

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

here are some other options:

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS1-clarity-sku-36105
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-178355
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-140287
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.51-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-174847 (love the size on this!!!!).

JA offers PS members a 1-5% discounts on diamonds, so if you're interested in these, put up to 3 on hold, find out what discount they're offering on these stones and ask for an aset image. Also, yes I dropped to a VS2 because even on a fancy cut VS2 are still eye clean. I wouldn't suggest SI1 for fancies because even those can be not eye clean...anyways, I don't think you should pay for something a hair cleaner when you're not going to see the inclusions as all.

one more:

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.63-carat-F-color-VS2-clarity-sku-125276

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

The Tiffany Novo is not necessarily a H&A cushion. I've seen pictures of it with all different kinds of cushions, except antique.

The only Brellia at this time in your desired ct weight is like 30K. You would have to ask if they will soon have more.

This one seems to throw colors very nicely: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-G-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-128591

Don't know how you feel about I color, but this is just ENORMOUS http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond_details/104062000001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
This ring, I think is set with that style of cushion: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-tiffany-novo-ring-for-my-girlfriend.158802/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-tiffany-novo-ring-for-my-girlfriend.158802/[/URL] and the buyer write up his buying experience (not being able to see difference in I color except side-by-side with D-F or at an angle, comparing different aspects of light performance, doing a taste test where everyone picked a lower color because they liked the cut)

thanks for the links Julia! I checked out the first link (1.52C, G, VVS2) and that diamond does indeed seem to throw out color very nicely...I noticed that the cut is similiar to the Novo cut, but has a few extra facet slices in the center...the specs seem nice, but for $22K, I do wish the carat size was slightly bigger...I'm also worried that a 1.52C will seem a little small (from my understanding, cushion cuts face up a little smaller than round cuts) My gf has a 4.5 finger size, so do you think a 1.52C is reasonable?

as for the second link (2.01C, I, VS2), the plot is the kind of cushion cut that i am looking for, but I am a little wary about the "I" color...the I color might actually be okay, but I'd have to look at the diamond in person. Also, with this particular diamond, I feel that the ASET image shows mediocre optical performance at best when compared to similar diamonds with the same facet plot (8 main thin)

I am currently searching online as well reaching out to my local store that I am dealing with to see if they have any diamonds with similiar facet plots as the 2 above diamonds


[quote="04diamond
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS1-clarity-sku-36105
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-178355
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-140287
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.51-carat-G-color-VS2-clarity-sku-174847 (love the size on this!!!!).

JA offers PS members a 1-5% discounts on diamonds, so if you're interested in these, put up to 3 on hold, find out what discount they're offering on these stones and ask for an aset image. Also, yes I dropped to a VS2 because even on a fancy cut VS2 are still eye clean. I wouldn't suggest SI1 for fancies because even those can be not eye clean...anyways, I don't think you should pay for something a hair cleaner when you're not going to see the inclusions as all.

one more:

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.63-carat-F-color-VS2-clarity-sku-125276[/quote]

thanks for the links, but after comparing all of the different varieties of cushion cut diamonds available, I think I prefer the facet plots that have the 8 main thin facets (cushion brilliant) [refer to pic below]



some of the diamonds in your last few links have the "crushed ice" look which I'm not a super fan of

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

oh yeah, forgot to attach a plot of the Novo:



^ I am looking for a diamond that has a similar facet plot as the Novo (so either a modern cushion 8 main [thin] or a square cushion H&A)

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

I don't know of anyone on PS who has a BGD Select cushion... but I know Brian wouldn't consider putting his name on something that isn't nice. His Signature cushions are a different type of cushion, but they show even more green than the Select cushions in ASET (Signature is a higher grade)... of course ASET is exactly ONE representation: face up, with the colors mapped to light coming from specific angles (which represents the viewer standing a certain distance from the diamond, with one lighting environment.) Change the lighting environment, tilt, viewer distance, and your diamond will look different. You can see it in that Tiffany Novo thread I linked you to... it looks different in every picture. There are benefits to having a standardized tool like the ASET which provides a sort of controlled environment, but it has limitations.

If you are interested in any BGD cushions, I'm sure they will be very happy to talk to you about them, and they also make great Novo settings.

Ugh, sorry, trying the link againhttp://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond_details/104062000001
At 7.65 mm, it is seriously huge... BGD cuts them shallow but with good crown height.

I really don't mean this to be a BGD commercial, but outside of the Brellias, the BGD Select that will look most like the plot of the Novo you posted... it is easier to find the X style 4 main modified cushion brlliant. I suppose you could always ask one of NY vendors to find you one. GOG makes videos which are very helpful.

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

I don't know of anyone on PS who has a BGD Select cushion... but I know Brian wouldn't consider putting his name on something that isn't nice. His Signature cushions are a different type of cushion, but they show even more green than the Select cushions in ASET (Signature is a higher grade)... of course ASET is exactly ONE representation: face up, with the colors mapped to light coming from specific angles (which represents the viewer standing a certain distance from the diamond, with one lighting environment.) Change the lighting environment, tilt, viewer distance, and your diamond will look different. You can see it in that Tiffany Novo thread I linked you to... it looks different in every picture. There are benefits to having a standardized tool like the ASET which provides a sort of controlled environment, but it has limitations.

If you are interested in any BGD cushions, I'm sure they will be very happy to talk to you about them, and they also make great Novo settings.

Ugh, sorry, trying the link againhttp://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond_details/104062000001
At 7.65 mm, it is seriously huge... BGD cuts them shallow but with good crown height.

I really don't mean this to be a BGD commercial, but outside of the Brellias, the BGD Select that will look most like the plot of the Novo you posted... it is easier to find the X style 4 main modified cushion brlliant. I suppose you could always ask one of NY vendors to find you one. GOG makes videos which are very helpful.

thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. I have been doing more and more research each day, and I do realize that the ASET image is very important in judging light distribution when looking at cushions...I took a look at the BGD link above, but the ASET image has a lot of green...and from my understanding, large quantities of green signify reflected light, which is of lower quality than what a red color on an ASET image would produce (in short, large quantities of green are bad?)

I have been talking to my local jeweler and he has yet to find me a good 8 main cushion...still waiting on him to get back to me

I have also been talking to Sarah over at GOG, and she presented me with one option so far, but is willing to source in a couple more options per my request. She mentioned that the company that cuts square H & A diamonds are not currently cutting any H & A diamonds, so finding them might prove difficult.

Anyhoos, after lots of research, I have finally fine-tuned my tastes for cushions, and this is a good summary of what i am looking for:

Cut: 8 main modern cushion cut OR square cushion hearts & arrows

Carat: somewhere between 1.5C - 2.0C (but heavily leaning towards around 1.8ish - 2.0ish)

Color: would prefer H and up

Clarity: VS2 and up

Ratio: preferably between 1.00 - 1.05

Girdle: preferably medium

Fluorescence: preferably none

Polish: preferably excellent

Symmetry: preferably excellent

Table %: preferably mid 50s, okay with low 60s

Depth %: preferably low-mid 60s, okay with high 60s

Max Budget (diamond + setting): ~$30K

Sarah over at GOG recommended me this diamond, even though it is slightly over my budget...what do you guys think?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5662/

ASET image looks ok? some light leakage around the edges, but otherwise looks solid? i'm not an ASET expert so I could use some help

This diamond is a little bit over my budget range, so I will probably have Sarah source in a few other modern cushions for me to look at...unless you guys think that this diamond is a great deal...

So besides, GOG, BGD, and James Allen, are there any other go-to vendors for cushions? Now that I know what I want, I'm trying to maximize my search and get the perfect diamond with an outstanding light return!

I have barely had any sleep the past few days because I have been staying up late to search for diamonds!

Its almost feels like I'm shopping for a car!

If you see any diamonds that fall under my criteria, please don't hesitate to post them up! Much thanks in advance!

cheers

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

Apparently BGD is getting some more cushions in March. You can ask if there will be anything that fit your specs, they might know already what they're getting.

For 30K budget, I absolutely would not rely on pictures or videos, I would personally find it worth it to have several shipped out to me to inspect and then pick one, return the rest. I guess that 30K Brellia that I saw earlier sold... this one is in budget and does look good for its cut style: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

I'm sure some of the cushion experts will be along shortly to help you spend your $30K!

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

Apparently BGD is getting some more cushions in March. You can ask if there will be anything that fit your specs, they might know already what they're getting.

For 30K budget, I absolutely would not rely on pictures or videos, I would personally find it worth it to have several shipped out to me to inspect and then pick one, return the rest. I guess that 30K Brellia that I saw earlier sold... this one is in budget and does look good for its cut style: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

I'm sure some of the cushion experts will be along shortly to help you spend your $30K!

^ oooh, that James Allen diamond does look pretty good, spec-wise...will have to inquire about that one...I'm guessing James Allen doesn't provide ASET images?

cool, thanks for the heads-up, I'll also be contacting BGD...right about now

hehe, my MAX budget is $30K, but of course it'd be great if I could find something absolutely stellar for under that amount

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

Apparently BGD is getting some more cushions in March. You can ask if there will be anything that fit your specs, they might know already what they're getting.

For 30K budget, I absolutely would not rely on pictures or videos, I would personally find it worth it to have several shipped out to me to inspect and then pick one, return the rest. I guess that 30K Brellia that I saw earlier sold... this one is in budget and does look good for its cut style: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

I'm sure some of the cushion experts will be along shortly to help you spend your $30K!

^ oooh, that James Allen diamond does look pretty good, spec-wise...will have to inquire about that one...I'm guessing James Allen doesn't provide ASET images?

cool, thanks for the heads-up, I'll also be contacting BGD...right about now

hehe, my MAX budget is $30K, but of course it'd be great if I could find something absolutely stellar for under that amount

Yes they do. You just have to ask.

 

[Julia_SD]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

OMG_AMG, this is going to be a gorgeous ring! And your GF is going to be WOWed no matter what. Good job doing research too, PS is the place for that...

My two cents: has the GF has tried on something with a stone near this size? It is such a substantial investment I'd hate for her to think its "too big" to wear with any frequency. I know this sounds silly, but I came back to your thread days later to make this post just to make sure you had considered the scale of her finger etc...

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

OMG_AMG, this is going to be a gorgeous ring! And your GF is going to be WOWed no matter what. Good job doing research too, PS is the place for that...

My two cents: has the GF has tried on something with a stone near this size? It is such a substantial investment I'd hate for her to think its "too big" to wear with any frequency. I know this sounds silly, but I came back to your thread days later to make this post just to make sure you had considered the scale of her finger etc...

good point, my gf has a finger size of 4.5 and when we initially tried on rings at Tiffany's, I believe she tried on a 1.56ct Novo and I remember that it was a decent size for her finger/hand

girls - is there a such a thing as too big? uncomfortable to have a 2.0ct on a 4.5 finger all the time?

Anyhoos, I currently have my local jeweler searching for some 8 main cushions for me...I also have 3 online vendors (GOG, BGD, JA) searching for some 8 main cushions for me as well

So far I have a few that I am considering:

1) from GOG:
1.57ct E VS1 Brellia Cushion Diamond



AGS Report: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8356/#script

Sarah from GOG is also looking for other suitable cushions for me in case the one above might not be available. Still waiting for her reply...


2) from JA:
2.02 Carat H-VS2 Cushion Cut Diamond


GIA Report: http://cdn4.jamesallen.com/Sets/Diamond/177148/cert.jpg

Not getting too much help from JA so far, so we'll see how it goes...


3) from BGD (pending): They are wrapping up production on some Brian Gavin Signature H&A Cushion cut diamonds in March/April...so I'll have to wait and see what they have!


4) from my local jeweler: Called me today and told me that they would have some suitable cushions for me to look at this Friday


So far from what I have seen, I really really really like #1, but I do want to keep my options open as I am mainly waiting on BGD and also my local jeweler to see what they can come up with

What do you guys think of #1? And what do you guys think would be a good price for it?

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

The Brellia is only 6.5ish mm, while the JA one is almost 7.5ish mm... it is a HUGE difference the big one is almost 32% larger.... IME, almost everyone here will lower the cut quality a little bit for such a large jump in size.

 

[Christina...]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

There is something really cool and appealing to me about the JA cushion. I've watched in turn and turn for about 10 minutes. lol I'm surprised that you aren't having much luck with them, I've typically found them quite responsive. I'm looking forward to seeing what BGD comes up with as well.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

The Brellia is only 6.5ish mm, while the JA one is almost 7.5ish mm... it is a HUGE difference the big one is almost 32% larger.... IME, almost everyone here will lower the cut quality a little bit for such a large jump in size.

Can't agree with this enough! I absolutely LOVE the patter on the JA stone!

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

There is something really cool and appealing to me about the JA cushion. I've watched in turn and turn for about 10 minutes. lol I'm surprised that you aren't having much luck with them, I've typically found them quite responsive. I'm looking forward to seeing what BGD comes up with as well.

oh, they're responsive...I just felt like they didnt try very hard to search for the diamonds that I was looking for...

Anyhoos, I requested an ASET image for the JA diamond and we'll see how it performs

It's going to take them 2-3 days to email me an ASET image, but I'll post it up as soon as I get it to get some feedback from you guys =]

 

[Jax172]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

For what it's worth I have a small BGD signature cushion - a 0.60 and it is super sparkly.

 

[chel180]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

I love Brellia cushions but its hard to justify the size and expense compared to the other options.
That JA stone looks very attractive. It'll be interesting to see the ASET.

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

just found another diamond fresh off the press:


GIA cert link here (in case pic is too small): http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03118877&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

price is very decent, but worried about the inclusions noted in the GIA cert...but other than that, specs look good

I also took the liberty of asking for an ASET image just to check it out...will post when I get one

Given the price, I'm sure others will be quick to jump on this one!

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

This is a video with Brellias and a TOP CUT 8 main cushion: http://youtu.be/LdLVjRU3KII

This is a video with Brellias and I believe is same type as the JA ones I've been posting, though the cut/performance varies a little bit more than Brellias, which are highly consistent: http://youtu.be/fhOsLRZjsfY
Though I like 2.02 H VS2, there is really something about the 1.52 G VVS2 that draws me to it... in terms of price is is closer to the E Brellia, though still a good bit bigger at 6.92 mm, I would probably ask for an ASET on that as well.

I'm glad Blue Nile is getting a picture for you.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

just found another diamond fresh off the press:


GIA cert link here (in case pic is too small): http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03118877&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

price is very decent, but worried about the inclusions noted in the GIA cert...but other than that, specs look good

I also took the liberty of asking for an ASET image just to check it out...will post when I get one

Given the price, I'm sure others will be quick to jump on this one!

You can't (more like really shouldn't) buy a cushion without seeing a picture and BN does not offer pictures. Or asets....I'd stick with the one's your interested although I wouldn't buy a Brellia unless money isn't an object and if you want something with arrows, you can get a lot more diamond going with a round hearts and arrows stone. I think you should wait for the aset from JA....

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

This is a video with Brellias and a TOP CUT 8 main cushion: http://youtu.be/LdLVjRU3KII

This is a video with Brellias and I believe is same type as the JA ones I've been posting, though the cut/performance varies a little bit more than Brellias, which are highly consistent: http://youtu.be/fhOsLRZjsfY
Though I like 2.02 H VS2, there is really something about the 1.52 G VVS2 that draws me to it... in terms of price is is closer to the E Brellia, though still a good bit bigger at 6.92 mm, I would probably ask for an ASET on that as well.

I'm glad Blue Nile is getting a picture for you.

thanks, I also asked for an ASET image for the 1.52 G VVS2 from JA (i have 2 ASET images pending now, and they only allow me 3 total)

but i did a full comprehensive search at JA for my specs and this is what I found:

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-sku-96523

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.61-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-sku-128594

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.59-carat-H-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-90232

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-G-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-128591

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.56-carat-G-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-149916

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.65-carat-G-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-149921

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.63-carat-E-color-VVS2-clarity-sku-156043

I JUST requested ASET images for the 2 bold ones above ^ Out of this list of JA stones, which one(s) look the best to you guys?

You can't (more like really shouldn't) buy a cushion without seeing a picture and BN does not offer pictures. Or asets....I'd stick with the one's your interested although I wouldn't buy a Brellia unless money isn't an object and if you want something with arrows, you can get a lot more diamond going with a round hearts and arrows stone. I think you should wait for the aset from JA....

you are right, Blue Nile just got back to me and said they don't offer ASET pictures! looks like Blue Nile is out of the picture

 

[JulieN]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

The other VVS ones I didn't suggest because they were more expensive and I was not confident they'd look better than the 1.52 G VVS2... and if you were to spend more you might ask Jon if they can get another Brellia or an 8 main cushion (possibly cut for you!)

This is the same cut as the BGD Signature cushions, btw, unless they change the cut for the new March/April batch.

For a third one I would probably pick both H VS1s, and ask them to take an ASET picture of the one that has more red under the ASET scope.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

honestly all the other ones you're picking are the same cut as the 2.02....so why not just go with the biggest?? I guess I don't understand. They all look really similar, so wouldn't you want the biggest one? What's the hesitation?

 

[farmer gal]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

If you still have this cushion on hold it would be my choice. It is beautiful and faces up the largest.

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

 

[OMG_AMG]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

honestly all the other ones you're picking are the same cut as the 2.02....so why not just go with the biggest?? I guess I don't understand. They all look really similar, so wouldn't you want the biggest one? What's the hesitation?

Ideally the biggest diamond with the best light performance would be a no brainer, but I am worried about the light performance of a bigger diamond vs. a smaller diamond...I am under the impression that bigger diamonds tend to sacrifice on light performance.

Is that assumption incorrect? honestly I just wanted to check out the ASET images to see how they compare before making a decision

If you still have this cushion on hold it would be my choice. It is beautiful and faces up the largest.

http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-177148

yep, I'm still waiting on the ASET image...should be sent to me in 3 days or so

 

[farmer gal]

Re: First Time Buyer...About to Pull the Trigger...Any Advic

I would wait until you receive the assest images. The gemologist will also give you an opinion on light performance so that will give you some reasurrance that you are picking the best stone.