Help, looking at a cushion 1carat from Mark at EGD

[crash overide]

After all of the great reviews from Mark I decided to give him a call. I told him that I'm looking for a cushion 1 carat with halo band, preferably platinum with around a 5k budget. He has been great and done what I've asked, called me, sent images as well as video. Some of my questions are, does his normally give you ASET images or GIA reports prior to purchasing? Here is the link to the video he sent me

http://www.youtube.com/user/xristoserd2011?feature=mhee
1.01 Carat GIA I-VS2 "Cut Beyond" Ideal Cushion Brilliant Diamond by ERD.1.01 Carat GIA I-VS2 "Cut Beyond" Ideal Cushion Brilliant Diamond
The diamond itself is absolutely gorgeous. My question is can I go down in color without loosing much quality to the eye? Basically this diamond with band may be out of my price range and wondering if I could get in my price range without loosing quality to the eye?

 

[JulieN]

They will send you an ASET if you ask, but I'm not sure if they really believe in ASET, since their pictures are kind of weird looking. Anyway, doesn't hurt to ask if it's something that will help make up your mind.

The SI clarity range is a good place to start.

 

[crash overide]

Here is the ASET from Mark

 

[Gypsy]

I don't like darkfield ASETs but that one looks pretty fabulous.

The video I was linked to was labeled a 2 carat X factor stone. Not a one carat "cut beyond" -- are you sure that's the right link?

 

[crash overide]

For some reason the link changed, here is the link, also what is a dark field ASET, is the black what would normally be white?

http://www.youtube.com/user/xristoserd2011?feature=mhee#p/u/7/NE6Gwaw1QXY

 

[crash overide]

Also I guess it's considered an OLD MINE, I'm not really sure on if I look the Antique look vs Modern or which has better light performance

 

[Gypsy]

Also I guess it's considered an OLD MINE, I'm not really sure on if I look the Antique look vs Modern or which has better light performance

They have different optics, but can have equally good light performance. Light performance isn't dependent on the style of faceting, but on the quality of the cutting. If you have two top quality cushions: one an antique style and the other a modern you will get completely different optics-- one will have slower flashes of larger light and the other will have faster flashes of smaller light. But the AMOUNT of light will be the same. It's just how it presents itself that is going to be different.

I personally love the "Cut Beyond" because there are more facets than most antique cushions and avoids the strong maltese cross. But it still has broad facets and an open culet. If there is one cushion that, IMO, that is a good compromise between antique and modern it's the ERD cushion.

 

[crash overide]

What's your opinion on the diamond that he's shown me?

 

[Gypsy]

I personally love the "Cut Beyond" because there are more facets than most antique cushions and avoids the strong maltese cross. But it still has broad facets and an open culet. If there is one cushion that, IMO, that is a good compromise between antique and modern it's the ERD cushion.

That is a pretty confusing statement.
Most of the diamonds labelled "A Cut Beyond" on ERD's are the vintage faceted diamonds with the usual 57 +1(culet) facets.

I think you meant in the list the few that look like this http://www.engagementringsdirect.co...cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-67559.html with AGS reports.

It still doesn't appear to have more facets but has 8 evenly sized mains with shorter lower girdles so it is a cross between modern and vintage faceting.

You are right. That was confusing, and inaccurate. My bad. I meant what you said above, but obviously didn't say it right. Thanks for the correction, I appreciate it.

 

[crash overide]

$3,700 $6,700 with Halo band plat

 

[CharmyPoo]

I think it is a nice diamond but like you said you have to figure out if you like modern versus antique. Have you had a chance to look at any in person?

 

[Gypsy]

$3,700 $6,700 with Halo band plat

That's really good, honestly. I think the cushion is enough of a balance between antique and modern that as long as you like cushions, you should be pretty safe. If you want extra security and aren't local to NYC buy it then ask Mark to send the diamond to you, unset to see. Then you can see what you think of it. If you want to keep it, send it back and Mark can set it for you.