Help with Cushion Cut 1.5+ct

[rscanlin]

I am begginning the process of making my hopefully soon to be fiance's engagement ring, and with some help from her friend have decided on a cushion cut center stone in either a halo or paved setting(white gold/Platinum). I wan't something above 1.5ct but trying to keep the center stone cost below $7k. I am looking for a diamond that is square and from some research it seems to say to go with a minimum of an H color, but I have been looking as low as I with Fluorescence: None.

Very new to this process and any advice would be necessary when looking at a cushion cut to get the most for my money.

Here are the 2 I have been looking at.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6552550...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6548398...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[chrono]

Both are sample pictures. I would shop for cushions where the vendor provides pictures of the actual stone and from there, I can decide whether it is worth getting a video and ASET of the cushion. Unfortunately, cushions can NOT be shopped by numbers alone.

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king. With fancies though (anything other than a round brilliant), that is a little complicated. But no other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut.

There really is no other way to determine if you have a good cushions is to see images of the stones, and then you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.

That's what an ASET image does. http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance Please read.
And ASET shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return That is why you won't see us recommending vendors like Blue Nile, as they do not provide images or ASET images for their diamonds. James Allen and Good Old Gold do this. So do Brian Gavin and Whiteflash and High Performance Diamonds.

Or you can get an AGS0 cushions, but those are rare, and usually branded. . GIA does not grade their princesses for performance. Only AGS does. And any lab other than GIA or AGS is not worth considering at all.

 

[Gypsy]

Buy this: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-317640 I've already seen the ASET for it. It's a fantastic and amazing stone. Seriously.

 

[Gypsy]

Alternately, there is this one: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6464648-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-J-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

 

[gv7]

That James Allen stone is awesome! I wouldn't buy a cushion without at least seeing close up photos, they can be so different.

 

[rscanlin]

Thanks for the help. I really like the one from james allen, I believe that one is my pick, but going to look a couple more days. I appreciate the insight and the find.

Gypsy, is the ASET for the james allen stone that superior to the other one. I am going to request the ASET, but thought I could get a preview from your opinion while I wait

 

[telephone89]

At least put the stone on hold if you like it. Lurkers have more than once snapped up a recommended stone before the OP had a chance to buy it...

 

[Gypsy]

A) put J on hold immediately. No cost, no obligation.
B) I'd say the ASETs are about equal between the two stones. But the faceting on the James Allen stone is out of this world gorgeous. Seriously. 8 main cushions are much harder to find than 4 mains. And they are more expensive to cut because there is more waste.

I've been saving that one for MONTHS waiting for the right poster to come and ask for a 1.5 carat at 7k budget.

If I had the money, it would have been mine months ago.

 

[ariel144]

Buy this: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-317640 I've already seen the ASET for it. It's a fantastic and amazing stone. Seriously.

Awesome find! 8 main Cushion brilliants...like a needle in a haystack.

Why do the cutters cut so many mushy cushions? I just don't get it! It's like they don't take pride in their work...just another day on the cutting wheel. Oh well, makes the good ones even more exciting when you find them eh?

 

[rscanlin]

Today is the last day of the hold I have on the 8 cushion from james allen, just wanted to check in to see if anyone has any other stones out there they have found before I finalize my order?

It's a great looking stone, especially after getting the ASET images, but is at the top of my price range, especially since I haven't added in my halo setting yet. The other stone listed by Gypsy from B2C is already gone, but didn't know if anyone had any other gems hidden away.

Also, do you think its worth having the setting done with James Allen, or is it better to go to a local jeweler in town so I can see the stone with actual settings instead of looking at ones online?

 

[rscanlin]

Well I pulled the trigger and purchased the James Allen Cushion cut.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-317640

Here is the ASET if anyone was interested


Now I have to pick out a halo setting at a local jeweler, but will be sure to put up final pictures when its complete.

Thanks again Gypsy!