Help for the ignorant!

[Dmike]

I am looking to buy an engagement ring...and the more i read, the more i am confused. My Fiancee-to-be has helped buy suggesting styles, and i''ve narrowed it down to something akin to the Tiffany Novo

here''s where it gets tricky (for me)

what are the key qualities for a cushion cut? i think one that is closer to square is more appealing, am i off the mark? what parameters would make it the most brilliant?

How important to the untrained eye is the difference between VVS2 (which are very hard to find) and VS1? a brick and mortar jeweler told me that there is little difference other than price...true? or just trying to make a sale?

i am in chicago and people keep telling me go to the diamond district, which feels shady, yet more secure than online...

i won''t say that money is no object, but i am willing to pay for quality within reason

thanks in advance for any help

 

[dockman3]

Hi there and welcome to Pricescope! I really don''t know much about cushions, but I do know about clarity. There is no visible difference to the naked eye between FL and VS2. Everything inbetween will look exactly the same to the naked eye, in my opinon. When you get into the SI clarities, its possible, and I stress possible, that you might see something with your naked eye. I have an SI2 diamond and actually can''t see anything from the top, but I can see the inclusion from the side of my stone. I would definitely stick to VS2 and be willing to look at SI1 and even SI2 if one comes along. They can be a great deal and give you the most bang for your buck.

 

[Dmike]

thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

dmike, some PSers have purchased stunning cushions from vendors such as Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com , Mark has a great eye for cushions, if you contact him and tell him what you are looking for, he may be able to find you some suitable cushions, this would make the whole process much easier, as cushions can''t be judged by the numbers. Mark is in the diamond district, he has an excellent rep here, and has access to many diamonds due to his location and contacts. Alternatively, Jon at www.goodoldgold.com has also sold some lovely cushions, he is based in Long Island.
Cushions can vary greatly in appearance and shape, so this is a matter of personal preference as to what you like best, and that is why it is so important to be able to view detailed photos of the stone to be able to get an idea of how it looks and how well it is likely to perform ( sparkle). The jeweller you spoke to is actually correct, there is unlikely to be any visible difference between VVS and VS to the naked eye, or even some SI clarities if eyeclean, it is cut quality which gives a diamond it''s beauty, so it is important to concentrate on that.

 

[customcushion]

In terms of square vs rectangular cushions, it''s all in terms of what you prefer.

Our cushion has a l/w ration of 1.15, which some say is in the ''classic ratio'' sweet spot for a Cushion, but the cushions I see in most Novo''s (which is a *stunning* ring) are more square. I actually recently saw a more rectangular Novo set E/W, and it was lovely.

If you love the square look, go for it.

Re: diamond district feeling ''shady,'' it''s been my experience that there are shady AND trustworthy dealers in every medium - online, diamond district, maul etc. It''s best to find someone with a great rep (as Lorelei alluded to) or who you have a trustworthy relationship with.

 

[Dmike]

thank you both CustomCushion & Lorelei!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/19/2008 2:07:36 PM
Author: Dmike
thank you both CustomCushion & Lorelei!

You are most welcome!

 

[customcushion]

glad to help !