Help compare diamond specs for Emerald and Cushion cut

blueeyedgirl · Nov 13, 2012

Hi everyone! I'm looking for an Emerald or Cushion cut diamond for an e-ring. Color doesn't really matter. I just want to to be sparkly and a good enough cut that I won't feel disappointed! I've been looking at James Allen's pictures for days, and I'd love your "professional" opinions to help me decide!

The Emerald cuts I'm looking at are:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1497377.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1420659.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

AND

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...ld-Diamond-1459377.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

The Cushion cuts are:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...on-Diamond-1525771.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

AND

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...on-Diamond-1518828.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

My problem is that some of the pictures on JA's website are better than others and I can't tell if the sparkliness is just good lighting/photography skills or better diamonds. I've been emailing with a girl from James Allen, but the diamonds she suggested are out of the price range that I mentioned to her, which is a bit frustrating.

Which are your favorites, or do you have others you think are better? And do you think lighting and photo skills are a valid thing to have to factor into the pics? I'm planning on requesting ASETs, but I need to narrow down to my final favorites first.

chrono · Nov 13, 2012

I share your frustration. The SAs at JA are of absolutely no help when it comes down to narrowing the choices. I'm no pro but am going through this myself so hopefully won't steer you too far off course. One thing I will question you right now is colour sensitivity. Js will show colour / warmth in ECs. Are you all right with that?

What I did is write down all the specs on a spreadsheet for comparison because sometimes a deep cut EC or something with a thick girdle ends up looking smaller than a less expensive less ct weight EC, if the optics are comparable. What are the stats you are comfortable with? Budget of $1500 thereabouts? What about stone ratio? I noticed two "traditional" ratios and one that is more squarish.

blueeyedgirl · Nov 13, 2012

Hi Chrono!

Warmth is of no issue to me. I can't seem to understand the need for white diamonds! lol I like them white and any other color under the sun. I usually like Emerald cuts that are a bit longer and less square, but honestly, I find most shapes pretty. The only diamond shape I don't usually love is round! I'd like to keep the diamond under $1900 at most, and under that would be ideal.

chrono · Nov 13, 2012

I was considering this EC at one point and it was a strong thumbs up from Karl, the resident step cut expert. I highly suggest looking for ECs with similar patterning for a good chance of top performing EC that can go on for ASET testing. He said to avoid stones that have a lot of dark lines because it shows too much obstruction (will not be a bright sparkly EC).
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1528353.asp

I looked around and am just not seeing anything nice. It either has cut issues or they are overly deep. It bothers me to have to settle for a 70% depth stone and thick girdles where I'm paying for weight I cannot see.