Help me pick my 2-2.5 ct Cushion.... video

[ladybelle]

I was provided this video from gog and am hoping you guys can help me pick the best of the three for a halo setting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZIQ3HpagT4

I will also look at diamonds from Victor Canera amongst others, but those I am less familiar with. And would love finding one.
2ct to 2.5 ct range, g-i color, vs1-si1 none-faint fluo range.

Also, what are your thoughts on square vs more rectangular cuts. I definitely don't like round as I felt they made my size 9 fingers look stubby. Do you think squared cushions will be ok or will a more rectangular one look better.

 

[ladybelle]

no one? Are all three terrible? I m hoping identifying a winner can help me compare it against other diamonds easier.

 

[elle_chris]

All three are stunning.

I think it comes down to size or color now.

The one one the left, the smallest one looks a lot whiter to me at the start of the video. Maybe it's just the placement, but if not, I'm more sensitive to color than size so I would go with that one.
For me, "G" is the sweet spot for color/size balance.
Most here wouldn't though, and would probably choose the largest.

Like I said, you really can't go wrong with any of them so it comes down to personal preference.

eta: I also prefer a square cushion over rectangular.

 

[eirwen]

They're all gorgeous but I personally prefer the rectangular ones

 

[woofmama]

All three are stunning. If budget allows I would choose the largest which appears to be the third. As to the shape, in my opinion a rectangular cushion will elongate the finger, but If the rectangular isn't the biggest, I would still choose the biggest
You should 100% fine going down to I color, these stones face up bright.

 

[heididdl]

Th are all stunning but I have no idea cut, color etc.

 

[ladybelle]

Thank you, I too am reaching for a g color, but since I have large fingers, I don't want it too small either. sigh... I'm hoping that against my darker skin, it wouldnt look too warm.

here are the aset images

 

[fritzi]

I prefer the first one for sparkle and fire and the third for size. I would probably not choose the second one. Good luck!

 

[Niel]

Thank you, I too am reaching for a g color, but since I have large fingers, I don't want it too small either. sigh... I'm hoping that against my darker skin, it wouldnt look too warm.

here are the aset images

I wouldn't ve concerned about your skin tone, if anything, lower colors are super flattering on darker skin tones vs pale skin tones.

But also the colors you're looking at aren't too low

 

[Diamondbug]

I think the I color would pop next to your skin tone and AVC stones faces up very bright. I also prefer the rectangular because it would elongate your fingers..... though I would never guess your finger size is a 9 The square stone would be more like a round on your finger. But they are all beautiful and gorgeous. It is great to have wonderful stones to choose from.

 

[arkieb1]

I'd pick this first;

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/h33m5z

And YES these stones are as good as if not better than AVCs.

You also need to work out what type of Cushion your eye prefers, as you can see the first GOG stone is a different more rustic cut to the other two in the video. And you should probably also work out if you can live with an I coloured diamond or if you really have your heart set on a higher colour.

 

[elle_chris]

**Quote edited by moderator for content**

I've seen antique cushions and cushion brilliants, but not side by side. I don't know enough about cushions to know if I've ever seen a cushion "modified" brilliant?
But between the two I have seen, I prefer the faceting of the antique cushion.

 

[apacherose]

I am thrilled for you, what a lovely choice you get to make!

I (tongue in cheek) want to tell you NOT to pick the 'G', I have been drooling over her for months. So, anyways, picking for me, I'd take the 'G'- BUT I love that more classic 'old-miner' feel and large culet she has.

I think if, as you said, you really want an AVC, though, you should get an AVC- the other two have that 'AVC' look to them- more sophisticated, maybe refined, perhaps is the word I want? Not sure.

Is the 'H' the one in the middle? I'd pick that one for you. Nice high color, great size, and the elongated shape does look gorgeous and elegant on the finger, and, between the two AVC's, I prefer the facets on the one in the middle. So, presuming the middle is the 'H' and the largest is the 'I', I'd take the 'H'.

Please let us know what you decide- how exciting!

Echoing Arkieb- I do think the Victor Canera cushions are beautiful Just a helpful tip - when comparing cushions, remember to look at dimensions, not carat weight.

 

[ladybelle]

I am thrilled for you, what a lovely choice you get to make!
Is the 'H' the one in the middle? I'd pick that one for you. Nice high color, great size, and the elongated shape does look gorgeous and elegant on the finger, and, between the two AVC's, I prefer the facets on the one in the middle. So, presuming the middle is the 'H' and the largest is the 'I', I'd take the 'H'.

Echoing Arkieb- I do think the Victor Canera cushions are beautiful Just a helpful tip - when comparing cushions, remember to look at dimensions, not carat weight.

Thanks for the tip, I had not been paying much attention to that. So I am wondering whats a decent depth then, since I'm guessing if two have same carats but diff l/w, then the depth must be different.

You also need to work out what type of Cushion your eye prefers, as you can see the first GOG stone is a different more rustic cut to the other two in the video. And you should probably also work out if you can live with an I coloured diamond or if you really have your heart set on a higher colour.

Thanks for the link, the only thing that slightly bothers me about this stone, is that blue spot on the bottom, on the photo, it looks kind of dark, does that mean that it wont light up. Its also cheaper for same carat.

However, from the video, the first one, lights up really nice if the colored sparkles in the dark light, but it seems ok in the rest of the light... but the third one has those really bright white/greenish flashes in the other type of lighting.
However, I dont know what to make of these things.

 

[arkieb1]

I am thrilled for you, what a lovely choice you get to make!
Is the 'H' the one in the middle? I'd pick that one for you. Nice high color, great size, and the elongated shape does look gorgeous and elegant on the finger, and, between the two AVC's, I prefer the facets on the one in the middle. So, presuming the middle is the 'H' and the largest is the 'I', I'd take the 'H'.

Echoing Arkieb- I do think the Victor Canera cushions are beautiful Just a helpful tip - when comparing cushions, remember to look at dimensions, not carat weight.

Thanks for the tip, I had not been paying much attention to that. So I am wondering whats a decent depth then, since I'm guessing if two have same carats but diff l/w, then the depth must be different.

You also need to work out what type of Cushion your eye prefers, as you can see the first GOG stone is a different more rustic cut to the other two in the video. And you should probably also work out if you can live with an I coloured diamond or if you really have your heart set on a higher colour.

Thanks for the link, the only thing that slightly bothers me about this stone, is that blue spot on the bottom, on the photo, it looks kind of dark, does that mean that it wont light up. Its also cheaper for same carat.

However, from the video, the first one, lights up really nice if the colored sparkles in the dark light, but it seems ok in the rest of the light... but the third one has those really bright white/greenish flashes in the other type of lighting.
However, I dont know what to make of these things.

Did you read Charmy's comments yesterday? If you want the pastel flashes go for the G at Victors with the longer ratio of his stones. The reason I keep suggesting this is it's going to be a better colour and a lower price than the H at GOG when you throw in the discount he will give you and the halo you have your heart set on. I can only reiterate it's going to be as nice if not nicer than any of the stones at GOG.

As to the GOG stones, Apacherose hit the nail on the head, the difference is in the cut pattern - we know they all have a decent cut and great fire, the G at GOG is more OMC looking or real Antique Cushion looking, it's big chunky & more rustic looking, see the ASET and the actual videos the big black hole in the middle that's the culet it is a big see through hole effectively in the centre of the stone face up - real OECS and cushions have them, people either love them, hate them or are somewhere in the middle (is this the dark blue spot you are referring to?). The other two stones are as Apacherose describes more refined, more sophisticated versions of Antique cushions if you like. I've owned a small AVC they are sleek, elegant to look at in real life.

All 4 stones have top fire these 3 and Victor's it's a matter of sorting out your own preferences as to which one you pick.

 

[ladybelle]

Thank you Arkieb1,
I def got her comment, and I do love the pastel colors of his diamonds. We are definitely considering this one, as well as these, what are your thoughts on these?
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/jycxvr
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/devplt

My bf should have or will be contacting him soon. This is the blue spot I was talking about on the vc cushion. Is this a bad thing that its dark there and has a big chunk of blue.

 

[arkieb1]

Hi Ladybelle,

Maybe you should ask Victor yourself or ask him for a video of the stone. His photos and all images for that matter are way way less style than other vendors images. What I mean by this is they show up every single inclusion and darker and lighter contrast areas (as opposed to other vendors who have images that seem to hide or minimise them in all of but in particular SI or lower stones) and his stones are much much nicer IRL. In these type of stones generally I think small patches of blue give a contrast and it is fine provided there is not a huge area with lots of blue.

In this particularly stone I'm going to hazard a guess and say look at a video and judge or ask for more pics, because it could be just that the stone is tipped on a slight angle, so it wasn't 100% straight on when the pics and ASET was taken and if you tip it back slightly the other way that blue in the ASET will disappear or even show up on the other side if the vendor is not careful. The fact the stone has all Ideal grades is making me think its a fault of the imaging/pics not the stone, but when in doubt ask for more images - that is the best way to tell.

 

[iota15]

I prefer the first one for sparkle and fire and the third for size. I would probably not choose the second one. Good luck!

Same here.

 

[iota15]

I also thought Victor has refused to take August Vintage or GOG stones for his settings, as he has a branded cushion line as well.

If you're dead set on Victor doing the setting, you may want to look into this.

 

[arkieb1]

I also thought Victor has refused to take August Vintage or GOG stones for his settings, as he has a branded cushion line as well.

If you're dead set on Victor doing the setting, you may want to look into this.

That is why I am also suggesting Victors stones - if you want that particular setting then purchasing a stone from him makes sense. As originally stated you and your b/f need to work out what your colour preferences are that is probably the first step, work out what you can and can't live with get images from all of the vendors and then start eliminating stones based on what you see, what you like and of course budget. None of the stones you have picked are going to be bad stones they will all be amazing in any sort of halo.

 

[ladybelle]

Thank you for your advice. I guess I can then blindly trust that I will get a good stone. We realized about the inability of avc and vc when my bf made the trip to gog, and it has thrown everything around, as I already knew what I wanted. I am leaning more towards a vc diamond in emilya... but if I cant get the stats i want from him, I will have to look elsewhere and possibly go with steven kirsch as advised on my other thread. This is such a huge investment, and an even bigger step and commitment, that I just want to get the best possible. I will speak to bf tomorrow and see if he was able to get ahold of vc.

 

[arkieb1]

Thank you for your advice. I guess I can then blindly trust that I will get a good stone. We realized about the inability of avc and vc when my bf made the trip to gog, and it has thrown everything around, as I already knew what I wanted. I am leaning more towards a vc diamond in emilya... but if I cant get the stats i want from him, I will have to look elsewhere and possibly go with steven kirsch as advised on my other thread. This is such a huge investment, and an even bigger step and commitment, that I just want to get the best possible. I will speak to bf tomorrow and see if he was able to get ahold of vc.

All of the stones will be beautiful, sometimes it is honestly just about availability - what I mean by this is what one vendor has in stock at the time over another that fits into your own selection criteria. Find out the full price and list of what you can purchase stones + setting options, and sort through them given your colour preferences and budget. I am sure anything you have made will be stunning!!!!

 

[apacherose]

So, I agree with Arkieb that logically, if Victor has the stone and setting you want, it makes sense to go that way.

Since this is pricescope and believe the vendors read this, I just want to put it out there that as a consumer it completely offends me that Victor Canera will not set an AVC.

VC has lovely diamonds, and he offers a discount if you get the setting by him, that is plenty enough of an incentive to buy from him. Excluding a person because of the diamond they choose is nasty and should be beneath such a well regarded vendor.

In all, it makes sense to really look at the diamonds and choose the one you like best- look at the dimensions (think square footage of diamond real estate) and do not worry about the depth- amongst the cushions you are looking at they all have great light performance. Facet patterns, color, clarity, size, shape... take your time and fall in love- this is a wonderful and exciting journey for you and your boyfriend. Best of luck to you.

 

[tyty333]

I prefer the first one for sparkle and fire and the third for size. I would probably not choose the second one. Good luck!

Same here.

Same for me. The first has the most sparkle but with that being said I would probably go with the not so shabby 3rd stone for
size!

 

[dawnxcui]

definitely a rectangular cushion.

 

[arkieb1]

So, I agree with Arkieb that logically, if Victor has the stone and setting you want, it makes sense to go that way.

Since this is pricescope and believe the vendors read this, I just want to put it out there that as a consumer it completely offends me that Victor Canera will not set an AVC.

VC has lovely diamonds, and he offers a discount if you get the setting by him, that is plenty enough of an incentive to buy from him. Excluding a person because of the diamond they choose is nasty and should be beneath such a well regarded vendor.

In all, it makes sense to really look at the diamonds and choose the one you like best- look at the dimensions (think square footage of diamond real estate) and do not worry about the depth- amongst the cushions you are looking at they all have great light performance. Facet patterns, color, clarity, size, shape... take your time and fall in love- this is a wonderful and exciting journey for you and your boyfriend. Best of luck to you.

Apacherose - I'm not sure it's a simple as that. Leon started it when he refused to take stones from GOG a long time ago, and I think it has gone from there, a lot of water under the bridge and disagreements amongst vendors and various policies - particularly when they stock their own stones, many will not make settings when the stones come from their direct competitors. People like James Meyer (who makes stunning settings) will only make a setting for a stone within his own inventory, this means there are no options for Ideal cuts, AVRs or anything of the sort and a lot of the actual diamonds he sells are overpriced for what they are, but on the flip side of that the calibre of Jim's work speaks for itself.

 

[apacherose]

Apacherose - I'm not sure it's a simple as that..

Right, I hear you- really. FWIW James Meyer's policy seems more consistent and less discriminatory.

 

[ladybelle]

yea it is pretty disappointing. But I'm hoping you guys will guide us right.

My current dream is to find a 2.2 g, vs2/si1, ideal cut, rectangular cushion ~$30k. But I'm sure this may be impossible.


What's interesting is that many don't like stone 2, and it is almost 6k more expensive then the 3rd, with the only differences on paper is its smaller, has a "2 very good polish" vs the third which has "1 excellent", and a h instead of i. So not sure why it's so much more expensive, oh well.

 

[apacherose]

yea it is pretty disappointing. But I'm hoping you guys will guide us right.

My current dream is to find a 2.2 g, vs2/si1, ideal cut, rectangular cushion ~$30k. But I'm sure this may be impossible.


What's interesting is that many don't like stone 2, and it is almost 6k more expensive then the 3rd, with the only differences on paper is its smaller, has a "2 very good polish" vs the third which has "1 excellent", and a h instead of i. So not sure why it's so much more expensive, oh well.

heyyyyy... I picked #2 for you. Ask GOG about color, there are variations within color grades, what do you have in the H and I you are looking at? Who are you working with? You said you want G. H is pretty darn close, in fact, a determination within one grade of variance is the standard for appraisers and labs to be within one another acceptably. G and I? There will be a difference. I is still considered by many to be plenty white in these antique style cuts, but, it is not gonna be a G.

So, I went and looked at specs and I gotta agree with Arkieb on this choice:
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/h33m5z

It is right at your 'dream specs'- it is 7.78 X 7.18, a G, a lovely shape, color, size, and the right price, with the advantage of even getting you a discount on the setting you want.

The H at GOG is comparable, size-wise- 7.84 X 7.09- and comes in at 2K more. Try putting these cushions in on the 'diamond database' compare website- this H might look a tad bigger with the edge on length- but you can put in the dimensions, and your finger size and color and everything.

 

[Niel]

im afraid this one might have a bit of an obstruction issue, but every so often their ASETS can suprise you, and its just the camera reflection.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.53-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-278416

these might have some issues with some mushiness in the center, but you got 3 to get asets on.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.27-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-246286

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.48-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-363589