Help deciding on 1.75 - 2ct cushion cut engagement ring

[mike111]

Hi, I am 24yo and looking to purchase an engagement ring very soon. She is looking for an Edwardian/antique style ring, see examples:
http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/engagement_rings/antique_350ct_edwardian_diamond_platinum_engagement_ring.html
http://www.faycullen.com/Engagement-Rings/8524/

I was working with a custom jeweler Bock and Co. but recently decided purchasing online (BN or WF) will give me a better price for the stone and I can get the setting done later.

I have narrowed down to Cushion Cut, 1.5 ct at minimum. H or I (possibly J?) color, SI1 or better, very good cut.
Looking to spend around $11,000 - $12,000. The Bock jeweler quoted me $11,800 for a 2ct cushion cut VS1 but it was L color and I decided that was too yellow. Online I believe has better selection.

Here are some options:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-2681624.htm
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02102659

Any input is appreciated! I am looking to stay around 11k regardless, so my dilemma is between going smaller size (1.5ct) and better quality vs going bigger size (2ct).

Thank you

 

[mike111]

Here is the setting style:
http://www.faycullen.com/Engagement-Rings/8776/

Would a cushion cut be ideal for this style ring? I am very fond of the style myself and would be spending an additional 2k or so on a setting.

She is also open to radiant or oval but I find oval to be more expensive.

 

[slg47]

I would look for an antique style cushion for that ring. unfortunately, neither cushion you linked seems to be an antique style.

 

[tyty333]

You really cant buy cushions without pictures due to the varied faceting patterns (while some are beautiful, there are many not
so pretty ones out there). An antique stone would be beautiful in a setting like those you have posted.

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com

Edit ...this one looks lovely but out of the budget
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1889&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=37
Here is a J that is close to budget
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1537&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=36
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1752&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=38

A lot of older stones come in lower colors.

EDIT - again...doh, I just noticed you said cushion even though those settings were for rounds...here are some cushions...
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=542&SHAPE=C&PAGE=6 This is the only pretty one I could find at OWD and its
a K color

 

[mike111]

Thanks! Tell you what, due to the style of setting should I just get a 1.5ct round that is higher quality? I think cushion could complicate things like the previous posters mentioned.

And would it be wiser to buy the entire ring online or do the stone/setting separate?

 

[moosemom]

Are you looking to spend 11-12K for the whole ring or just the center stone?

 

[E B]

Hi Mike,

One of these might fit the bill, and the vendor can provide a photo (and/or a video, too, I believe):

http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/1-53-h-vs1-cushion-diamond.html
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/1-73-i-vs1-antique-cushion-diamond.html

Depending on the level of detail, his settings can go quite a bit above $2k, but he does exquisite work. Here's an example of a beautiful antique-style solitaire:

http://www.artofplatinum.com/vault/...&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

[mike111]

up to $15k on the entire ring

 

[mike111]

E B - those diamonds look great. I like the 1.73 ct I VS1, is it GIA certified? I don't see it on the site?

 

[E B]

E B - those diamonds look great. I like the 1.73 ct I VS1, is it GIA certified? I don't see it on the site?

Apparently it's AGS certified (under the 'additional information' tab), which is fine. Leon/Perry have sourced some beautiful antique-style cushions for members here, so I think they're worth checking out.

 

[E B]

I could be wrong, but this actually might be a video of the 1.73 I/VS1 I linked to. The specs match, but check with Leon/Perry to be sure.

http://www.youtube.com/user/artofplatinum#p/u/11/-GuPFhn6oyw

 

[mike111]

I am going to pull the trigger on the 1.73. Appreciate the help everyone

 

[tyty333]

I am going to pull the trigger on the 1.73. Appreciate the help everyone

Wow! You dont waste time do you! Post some pics when you get it all put together...or let us know if you want any opinions
on the setting you go with. Congrats!