Help with Cushion Cut Diamond

[danpak87]

Hi I'm new to the forum but have researching as much as possible though past postings/discussions. I am currently looking to purchase the following diamond from James Allen:

2.32 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 2.32 carat H color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

I have some concerns with it being an IGI certification and not GIA, but here is the IGI cert:



I've spoken to a number of different diamond inspectors from JA but they all started to sound the same with their recommendations.

What are your thoughts on this diamond? I know it's difficult to inspect especially with a cushion cut without seeing it in person but I need to decide by tonight if I should pull the plug as I currently have it on hold. Any of your thoughts would be extremely appreciated! Diamond searching has been so stressful.

Thank you!

 

[Estrella185]

I understand your stress ! I’m no expert but this diamond seems to have a lot a dead areas and too much areas of contrast in the middle. Have you requested an ASET image? I would keep looking and look for Gia certified stone. IGI stones make me weary personally.

 

[Estrella185]

Here are two stones I found if you want to take a look ...

2.20 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 2.2 carat D color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Crystal on the table but eye clean

loose diamonds, cushion cut, 2.01 carat j color vs2 clarity sku 10121562

10121562 - This Cushion Modified Cut 2.01 Carat J Color VS2 Clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Love this one

I wish you all the best on your search !

 

[flyingpig]

I will say it is average for an elongated cushion. The more elongated, the more leakage there is. This is just how it works.

2.01 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 2.01 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Here is a slightly elongated cushion with good light return. You should be able to see difference

 

[danpak87]

Thank you for your reply and recommendations!

When you say leakage what do you mean exactly?

 

[danpak87]

@flyingpig @Estrella185 what do you think of this one? Better than my original post from JA?

2.30 Carat H VS1 Cushion Natural Diamond GIA Certified Very Good Cut - D45102522

2.30 carat, Cushion, H Color, VS1 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Very Good Cut Natural Diamond, D45102522

www.adiamor.com

 

[Estrella185]

Diamond light leakage is areas in the diamond, usually the table where there is poor light return so the stone ends up looking “dead” in those areas. Less sparkle basically. The new stone you chose seems to have leakage aswell. @flyingpig has more expertise in this area and I hope others chime in aswell. The diamond suggested by @flyingpig is really pretty do you see the sharpness of the facets and how the diamond just looks more, for a lack of a better word...organized. Cushions are very hard to shop for ... I’ve gone through 2 on my third hoping I’m getting it right lol. Cushions with a “crushed ice” look or elongated have more light leakage. Do you have a specific budget and spec you’re looking for ?

 

[danpak87]

@Estrella185 My budget is difficult and may not be realistic but I'm looking for something at most $15k but bigger than 2.2CT (unfortunately by gf was adamanet on ct size).

I know with this budget v ct size, I'll need to sacrifice somewhere...

 

[Estrella185]

it’s doable but yes you will have to compromise somewhere. I think color would have to be somewhere in the I+ range to stay within budget. Although cushions don’t have official cut grades I would not skimp on cut, usually when a stone is labeled lower than “very good” it’s cut too deep and will appear smaller even if the carat weight suggests it should be bigger

 

[tyty333]

Thank you for your reply and recommendations!

When you say leakage what do you mean exactly?

So thanks to my lagggggy machine I couldnt capture the stone facing straight up. The leakage is around the edge of the table.
The facets are not distinct or well-defined in this area. You can see some at the angle I was able to catch. There will almost
always be some at this big of an angle but the original stone you posted has it facing straight up. You just want to minimize
the leakage (or mushy areas) as much as possible. You want distinct, well-defined facets that are going to return light well.

The red area would be leakage but it would be all around the edge of the table if it was facing straight on (and not quite as big as I
have outlined).