Help! My head is spinning-What should I ask -looking at cushions

[JSRNM]

Hi Everyone,
I have been reading post after post on this site, watching videos, and looking at stones online. In the next couple of days I am going to look at several Cushion cut stones at a local B&M.
What questions should I ask? What information should I request?
I know to ask for a certificate GIA or AGS.
What measurements/angles should I ask for?
What else?
Thank you so much for all your help!!!

 

[jet2ks]

Cushions are very much a personal preference because there are so many variations of shape, faceting styles, length/width ratios, etc. Do you like a square shape or more rectangular? Chunky facets or more of a crushed ice look? Pillowy or angular? You are going to figure out what look you like best--actually what the person who will be wearing the diamond would like best. Here is some good info for consideration: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ShapeTutorials/Cushion/

If you see one that really catches your eye for its design, ask to look at it in different lighting. Try to find a spot near windows for daylight, under some fluorescents to simulate office lighting, and a low light condition--holding the diamond under the counter or a table should work. Store display lighting is designed to make the diamonds look good, but that is not how people spend their days, so you want stone that doesn''t go dead in normal lighting environments.

Also look to see if there is a noticable bow-tie. This will be an area in the center of the diamond where it doesn''t reflect light and it looks just like a bow tie shape. This page shows a couple of examples: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ShapeTutorials/ShapeTips1/

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 9/24/2009 10:24:27 AM
Author:JSRNM
Hi Everyone,
I have been reading post after post on this site, watching videos, and looking at stones online. In the next couple of days I am going to look at several Cushion cut stones at a local B&M.
What questions should I ask? What information should I request?
I know to ask for a certificate GIA or AGS.
What measurements/angles should I ask for?
What else?
Thank you so much for all your help!!!

I would just ask them to show you what they have in a CUSHION BRILLIANT not modified.
If you see any you like take a look at the certificate and come back here with the facet structure you like and we can point you further.
Once you know what kind of cushion you like we can point you to a PS vendor who can help you.


I would check out the following video:

http://www.vimeo.com/6593141 once viewing this video you can click on see all and watch many of his other videos.

 

[JSRNM]

thanks for the video links. I think I have seen these but will go back and watch them again.

This all started because I tried on a 3.26 Novo at Tiffanys. (VVS1 color G if memory serves me correctly) That is what I am trying to replicate. Any ideas?

I wanted to add it does not have to be VVS1.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Mmmm, this in a Novo style setting would be amazing:

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/6381/

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 9/24/2009 3:04:46 PM
Author: JSRNM
thanks for the video links. I think I have seen these but will go back and watch them again.

This all started because I tried on a 3.26 Novo at Tiffanys. (VVS1 color G if memory serves me correctly) That is what I am trying to replicate. Any ideas?

Wow! if you can afford a 3.26 Tiffany Novo than I think you have a LOT of options. I would seriously consider shopping around locally just to see as many stones as possible but you will find the selection is better from online vendors like GOG or ERD and you should consider previewing your most likely online candidates at an appraisor's office or if you can get out to Long Island (Jon at GOG) or Manhatten (Mark at ERD) go to see comparisons of the very best choices.

The novo is very close in cut to a Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows choices (1) and (3). I posted a picture comparison here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-is-the-tiffany-ring-worth-it.123192/.

1) If you like the square outline shape but optics very similar to a round and want in my opinion a very consistent brand of stone (better and more consistent optics than the Tiffany Stones) than this is what you should consider.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5867/ Here is the closest I could find to your specs (perfect hearts and arrows symmetry and fantastic light return) and it goes for a little over $25,000. (7.11mm X 7.11mm). You can speak to Jon at GOG or Mark at ERD and they can probably call to find you bigger. These do faceup a bit small for their carat weight though. The only cushion to recieve an AGS 000 cut grading.

2) You could also consider just getting a round:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466924.htm# (Size= 8.35mm X 8.38mm) also a little over $25k and with perfect hearts and arrows and fantastic light return AGS 000.

3) If you still want a square cushion with similar optics to the Tiffany Novo but still want a cushion and flashes a little chunkier than a round but still modern you should consider this one. You can have it sent to an appraisor and compare yourself or have Jon at GOG call it in to do a comparison with a Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows and other stones.

http://img.bluenile.com/is/image/certs/?src={/4/GIA1106838918_zoom.jpeg}&fmt=swf ~$19k (7.7mm X 7.6mm)

or

http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-3-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vs2-clarity_LD01408862 $29K (8.9mm X 8.9mm)

http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 Is a comparison between a modern square cushion(not exactly the one I suggest above but similar) and the Square cushion hearts and arrows.


4) Finally I couldn't give some options for cushions without at least mentioning this amazing stone not the modern facet structure like a Novo but you may like the chunky broad flashes from its light return optimized antique style cut.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6381/

http://www.vimeo.com/6599079

At $56k it may be even out of your lofty price range but had to mention it.

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Any of these options can be set with a very close copy of the tiffany novo if that is your preference. I really can't see spending the TIffany prices when the consistency of their stones especially in the Novo type is inferior to what PS vendors offer.


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Also just to let you know the above was your options based on liking the novo style of stone which is a modern cushion brilliant. Square Cushions (Length/Width Ratio Close to 1) come in many varieties here are the major varieties:

i) Cushion Modified Brilliant (smaller flashes and often referred to negatively as the crushed ice look as many of them have small flashes and inferior light return to the Cushion Brilliants)
a) 4 main (several varieties)
b) 8 main (several varieties)
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)

ii) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5420/ featured in the video http://www.vimeo.com/4203970
b) 8 main (like the ones from bluenile above) modern.
c) 8 main antique or old mine brilliant
d) 8 main old mine cut like the one listed in choice #4.

iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows

Good-luck with your search.

Regards,

CCL

 

[JSRNM]

Diamondseeker2006=thanks, for the stone link.

CCL- Thanks for your exhaustive research. I appreciate it all.

I will let you know how the 3, I am going to see tomorrow are like. I may have to go on Sat though.