Help w/ a Cushion Cut - $3500

[WildFan]

Hello all. This is my first time posting here after several months of lurking and trying to soak in some of the incredible knowledge that can be found on this board. I was hoping to get some help picking out a diamond. My budget is around is around $3500 for stone and setting. Shape sought is a cushion cut, not of the "crushed ice" style. My partner has no preference as to whether it's rectangular or square. I'd like as excellent a cut as possible and for the stone to be eye clean, probably in the F-H color range. I've read carat isn't as important as dimensions for a cushion, but so far most stones that I've looked at have fallen in the .65-.8 carat range. My partner wants a very basic solitaire setting: white gold, with no side stones, inset stones, or anything like that - basically something that stays out of the way and securely holds the diamond, I guess.

Here are some links to stones I've been looking at. I'd really appreciate any feedback or additional recommendations.

1. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.667-f-vvs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104065050006
2. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.715-g-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104067042017
3. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.703-g-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104065051012
4. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.738-h-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104069728002
5. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/

One option I haven't explored, but am willing to consider, is a "used" or "antique" diamond. If that lets us get a nicer stone it's certainly worth looking into.

 

[Niel]

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04109781?keyword_search_value=LD04109781


This is my favorite style setting from BN, i think its classic, flattering for the stone and finger... and a fair price

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_20403?elem=img&track=product

 

[WildFan]

Thanks, Niel. I do like that setting. As for the stone, the numbers look nice but it'd be nice to have actual pictures. Is it possible to get images, videos, and ASET information from BN?

 

[Niel]

Thanks, Niel. I do like that setting. As for the stone, the numbers look nice but it'd be nice to have actual pictures. Is it possible to get images, videos, and ASET information from BN?

Well in general they won't provide them for stones, but their signature stones actually do come with pics and other info. Click on the gcal report toward the bottom of the screen on that stone. You'll see a pic and other info

 

[WildFan]

D'oh. Not sure how I missed that. I saw the GIA report but didn't click the GCAL. How do you think the BN diamond compares to something like this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/

or this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11566/

I like the more squared shape of the GOG stones - especially that Brellia. Is the quality of the Blue Nile signature stones on par with the GOG lines?

 

[Niel]

D'oh. Not sure how I missed that. I saw the GIA report but didn't click the GCAL. How do you think the BN diamond compares to something like this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/

or this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11566/

I like the more squared shape of the GOG stones - especially that Brellia. Is the quality of the Blue Nile signature stones on par with the GOG lines?

Their signature stones are well cut and I would pick it, myself, I particularly like the shape, its square like the briella and the Brian Gavin ones, but with more of a pillowy outline.

If you google Pricescope and BN signature cushions I'd imagine you should find some photos.