Help finding cushion cut 2 ct

[superk02]

Hello Pricescope
I am looking for advice on a LGD Cushion cut. Here are the specs I am targeting:

1.8-2 ct
Square Cushion Brilliant cut over the Cushion Modified Brilliant (e.g., crushed ice)
Color: D, E, F
VVS2 or better
Ratio: 1-1.1

I have also considered table, depth, and girdle but I'm not sure what are good targets. Here is what i have been using:
Table: 61-63%
Depth: 62-67%
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick

Other considerations/questions
-I noticed there are online stores that sell loose diamonds for considerably cheaper than other stores. However, these vendors tend to have limited options for settings. If its possible to find a good diamond at a good price from an online store that can also set the stone that would be ideal.
-Related, since cost varies a lot between stores i have some flexibility here. Ideally, i would like to buy the stone for <$1000 but would be ok going higher for quality.

Finally, here are a few stones i found. Would be curious to know if they are good choices (prices might not be the best from the listed seller)
A) GIA 1505282731: https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/32446214/?sid=21546139
B) GIA 7501861725: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/23148807?cur=&a_aid=PS
C) IGI LG647422394: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.88-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-24344636
D) IGI LG649418258: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1....-Cut-Cushion-Diamond/D63586914?rfr=pricescope

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and help

 

[molecule]

I like all your picks other than the last.
My favorite cushions have chunky, defined facets like:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-23927327

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.94-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-22824612

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.94-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-22824612

The 1.81 is my personal favorite

 

[tyty333]

All the stones you've picked except A have too much darkness in them (facing straight up). You want some darkness for
scintilation but, IMO these have too much. I do like A, though.

Yes, most vendors do sell settings. When you narrow down your stone, look at the settings and see what they have. Hopefully,
something that will fit your needs.

 

[superk02]

@molecule Thank you for the feedback. A few follow-up questions
1. Are the chunky, defined facets something more common in Cushion Modified Brilliant cuts vs Cushion Brilliant cuts?
2. Do you know if the 1.81 stone can be found for a cheaper price?

@tytyali Thank you for the feedback. I also have a few follow-up questions
1. Can you help me understand what you mean by darkness. I am afraid i am not sure what this is or how to see it myself in the videos provided by the various vendors. It sounds like the darkness correlates with scintillation -> so do you mean that these stones will sparkle too much?
2. Do you have any recommended stones that have a more appealing level of darkness?

Thanks again for your help!

 

[superk02]

Also, given that some stones are made from CVD while others from HPHT, are there specific types of artifacts to look out for in the stone's videos/images?

thanks!

 

[superk02]

Here is another stone that Im looking for feedback on:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[molecule]

Here is another stone that Im looking for feedback on:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

IMO, it's a no.
The center facets don't appear to turn off and on well.
Loosegrowndiamond has well priced options. I will try to pick out some after work.

 

[molecule]

Ritani has lovely settings, with somewhat higher diamond prices:

1.80 Carat Cushion Lab Grown Diamond E Color VVS2 Clarity Very Good Cut | Ritani

1.8 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond VG Cut E Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG621438361

www.ritani.com

1.82 Carat Cushion Lab Grown Diamond E Color VVS2 Clarity Very Good Cut | Ritani

1.82 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond VG Cut E Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG631463186

www.ritani.com

1.91 Carat Cushion Lab Grown Diamond D Color VVS2 Clarity Very Good Cut | Ritani

1.91 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond VG Cut D Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG635414731

www.ritani.com

1.83 Carat Cushion Lab Grown Diamond D Color VVS2 Clarity Very Good Cut | Ritani

1.83 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond VG Cut D Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG626400105

www.ritani.com

I love Frank Darlings settings:
https://frankdarling.com/engagement-rings/cushion-cut-engagement-rings/ but their diamonds are priced higher:

diamond-6700012851EG | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

diamond-6700019471EG | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

 

[molecule]

At Debebians, with lovely settings:
Stock 40450

 

[superk02]

@molecule Thanks for the suggestions. I like many of them and will look into them further!
Out of curiosity, i noticed all the stones you suggested are created by HPHT. Do you find that produces nicer looking diamonds compared to CVD?
I also noticed most of these are very good cut. Is there a big difference between VG and Excellent/Ideal? Is it worth paying more for the higher grade cut?
Finally, most of these have girdles with M to Thick. I was initially looking for Very Thin to Slightly Thick. Any feedback about how to prioritize girdle?

thank you!

 

[molecule]

@molecule Thanks for the suggestions. I like many of them and will look into them further!
Out of curiosity, i noticed all the stones you suggested are created by HPHT. Do you find that produces nicer looking diamonds compared to CVD?
I also noticed most of these are very good cut. Is there a big difference between VG and Excellent/Ideal? Is it worth paying more for the higher grade cut?
Finally, most of these have girdles with M to Thick. I was initially looking for Very Thin to Slightly Thick. Any feedback about how to prioritize girdle?

thank you!

HPHT vs CVD has different pros and cons. HPHT typically has fluorescence but typically the quality of the rough is nicer. CVD is cheaper to produce now and can be rushed, producing strain in the rough.

People have different priorities in diamonds, some want super clean without any defects, some want imperfect, some like completely colorless. My priorities in picks is how well the facets reflect light. The numbers don't mean much for a non-symmetrical (round) cut, but I do prefer avoiding thin girdles due to potential hazards while setting.

Depending on how complex your setting wants are, you may want to consider picking a vendor or going custom.

 

[0-0-0]

HPHT may have phosphorescence, but fluorescence is exceedingly rare. Properly cut HPHT and CVD grown diamonds are indistinguishable to the naked eye. Avoid very thin girdles as they are more likely to chip.

In the videos we generally want to see individual facets flash on/off with the slightest amount of movement/tilt. In videos with light colored backgrounds, facets that don’t flash on/off and stay dark suggest too much obstruction.

 

[superk02]

@molecule thanks for the additional guidance.
I am curious on your opinion on this diamond:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

thanks

 

[superk02]

@0-0-0 Thanks for the additional information. I would be curious on your opinion on the linked diamond as well. thanks

 

[molecule]

@molecule thanks for the additional guidance.
I am curious on your opinion on this diamond:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

thanks

Pros: nice chunky facets - not mushy.
Cons: there's not a lot of turning off and on in the center. These facets stay dark while rotating the stone.

I would not buy it.

 

[superk02]

@molecule thanks for the feedback. Still learning how to tell if the facets are turning on/off. Its helpful to get your input to learn.

 

[molecule]

I'm having a hard time getting decent screenshots - basically, while the diamond is spinning in the video, you look to make sure that dark ring doesn't stay dark while tilted.


Have you identified a vendor or two that you would like to purchase from? Loosegrowndiamond is among the most price competitive but their setting selection is somewhat limited.

 

[superk02]

@molecule Thank you for the explanation. I think i see what you mean. In those circled spots the darkness stays static longer (when rotating the stone), making the touching facets seem like one bigger facet rather than separate facets?

In terms of vendors, i like some of the setting options and prices at Rarecarat but i will also look more into Loosegrowndiamonds, especially if they have diamonds that you think are good.

thanks

 

[superk02]

@molecule
would you say this is bad (facets not turning on/off): https://www.medialink.email/v1/admin/diamonds/160270046/non_orbit

and this is good (or at least better):

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[molecule]

If you have 100% high return 100% of the time, you end up with a mirror.
The first one will have little flashes of light reflection. It is a little mushy


The second is much better.

 

[molecule]

@molecule Thank you for the explanation. I think i see what you mean. In those circled spots the darkness stays static longer (when rotating the stone), making the touching facets seem like one bigger facet rather than separate facets?

In terms of vendors, i like some of the setting options and prices at Rarecarat but i will also look more into Loosegrowndiamonds, especially if they have diamonds that you think are good.

thanks

Let me took around a bit more this evening on rarecarat.

Make sure the setting is 1.8 mm wide for a non-paved setting or 2.0mm for pave

 

[0-0-0]

@molecule
would you say this is bad (facets not turning on/off): https://www.medialink.email/v1/admin/diamonds/160270046/non_orbit

and this is good (or at least better):

Loupe360

loupe360.com

I think those smaller virtual facets look closer to crushed ice than the others in this thread.

If 6.7 mm is big enough this would be my pick.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[superk02]

@0-0-0 Thank you for the recommendation, that looks like a great diamond. I am looking for something a bit bigger (1.8-2 ct), but i'll keep this one in mind. thanks!

 

[0-0-0]

A 2 ct with similar faceting.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[molecule]

I prefer cushions with 4 "arrows":

Some links at Rarecarat:

1.81 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, E Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.81 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. E color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2323, 66% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.90 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, F Color, IGI Certified

very good cut, 1.90 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. F color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2244, 64% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.80 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, F Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.80 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. F color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2138, 66% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.87 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, F Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.87 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. F color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2152, 65% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.76 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, F Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.76 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. F color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2107, 55% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.89 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, E Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.89 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. E color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2378, 64% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.87 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, E Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.87 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. E color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2379, 64% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

1.99 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, E Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.99 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. E color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2527, 67% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

With a different facet pattern:

1.84 Carat Lab Grown Diamond, Cushion Cut, VVS2, E Color, IGI Certified

Rare Carat Ideal cut, 1.84 carat lab-grown diamond, certified by IGI. E color and VVS2 clarity. Priced at $2345, 65% lower than our fair price estimate.

www.rarecarat.com

 

[superk02]

@0-0-0 and @molecule Thanks again for the suggested diamonds! Looking through the list! thanks