Help on these 8 main Cushion Plots

[Nate456]

Hi,

I've been a lurker on these forums for awhile and am now starting my search for the right Modern Brilliant Cushion Cut diamond. Am very interested in the 8 main cushions and have seen some of the diamonds in other posts. I've come across some 8 main plots that that I haven't seen before recently on this forum. What do you think of these diamonds?

Diamond 1 - 1.51 G VS1 - 8 Main



Diamond 2 - 1.50 G VS1 - 8 main with star pattern in middle



Diamond 3- 1.13 E VVS3=2 - 8 main (looks like 4 main arrows)



Thanks for any help on this!

 

[pandabee]

Based on these pictures alone, I prefer the first one. Do you have any ASETs for these stones?

 

[JulieN]

I would call the third one antique style.

Need gemologist's opinion.

 

[maccers]

I prefer first and third because of the larger mains. Third is definitely antique style as it has a culet and show Kozibe which is awesome IMO.

 

[Christina...]

FIrst and third for me as well.

 

[OMG_AMG]

i like #1 as well

there are several varieties of the 8 main cushion diamonds with the most desirable being the one shown below (most desirable is debatable, but nevertheless rare these days):



I have searched high and low for an 8 main thin cushion, but unfortunately they are very rare to find in the market these days...and here is why:

There was a plentiful selection of these 8 main thin cushion cuts about 6 years ago, but as the price of rough increased, a number of cutters gave up on this cut as it came primarily from rough material that was similar to the round diamond and round diamonds sell far more readily than cushions no matter how well cut they are...thus the cut by these cutters were discontinued.

Over the years some cutters tried to reestablish this cut but failed. There are a lot of cutters that don't want to lose the extra weight necessary to create this cut. However, there are 1 or 2 cutters out there that are still experimenting with this cut, and this is probably why you still see some 8 main thin cushions (or their variations) pop up for sale from time to time.

^ In case you are questioning this info, it is quite accurate as I got it directly from Mark over at ERD, whom to say the least, is THE cushion king.

I'm actually about to give up on searching for an 8 main thin cushion and pay the premium for a Brellia (square cushion hearts & arrows).

BTW, #2 seems like a James Allen exclusive cut, but I have yet to see an ASET image of how they function in terms of light performance.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Nate456]

Thanks for everyone's input. Out of the 3, I do like #1 best as well. I'll see if I can get the ASET diagram and post it here. Is anyone familiar with the Birk's Amorique diamond? Am not sure what type of cut that is.

 

[Gypsy]

Third one is the one I prefer.

But I would let a gemologist and the ASET narrow the selection.

 

[JulieN]

From what I can see of the Amorique, it is probably something like the first two.

This is quoted from Birks site: At the heart of this captivating contemporary design is a star-shaped pattern of facets expertly cut into the bottom of the crystal to maximize each diamond’s effect and luminous radiance.

 

[stargurl78]

I like the first stone the best.

 

[04diamond<3]

I absolutely love the unique pattern of the third one. If it were between the other two, I'd pick which ever had the biggest spread.

 

[Nate456]

Updated with ASETs

diamond 1: 1.5ct G VS1


diamond 2: 1.5ct G VS1


diamond 3: 1.13ct E VVS2:


Let me know what you think

 

[JulieN]

Re: Updated with ASETs

"Let me know what you think"

I prefer to hear what their reviewer said about them.

 

[babs23r]

#3 is the one I would pick, no question!!!!!
Actually, on second thought, #1 is starting to look good to me....

 

[OMG_AMG]

i like #1!!

#3 is cool too, but I think I'd pick #1

 

[04diamond<3]

Number 1 and 3 are still gorgeous, but if this were for me, I'd go with the bigger one, so number 1!!

 

[Christina...]

I'm still all about number 3!

 

[Dee*Jay]

I'm having a hard time getting beyond the X in #3 to really "see" it... That being said, I prefer #1 and think I would even if the photo of #3 was more balanced.

 

[ariel144]

# 3 for sure...best ASET and love the Kozibe effect of the antique chunky faceted cushion. It is lovely. See how the red goes all the way to the edges of the stone? It will most likely be the best performer as well because there is less leakage. Great find.