Hi all, looking for 1.5 carat cushion.

[MrSnoopy]

Hi all,

I was a member here a while ago and forgot my log in information so I created a new account. You guys helped me with great advice buying my round brilliant diamond. I consider myself well informed.

My brother in law is looking for 1.5 carat cushion, and ultimately a Tiffany soleste style halo setting. Budget is 12-13k for the diamond and the setting. I did a quick search and think he can get a great quality diamond for 10k.

When I was shopping for Round brilliant, my goal was a GIA, as colorless as possible, Ex,Ex,Ex with no fluorescence, and good clarity. I got an E, triple X, and Si1. The inclusion was a white little guy and it was minimal.

I know nothing about cushions. Do cushions have a cut grade? on the search engine here some cushions didnt have a cut grading?
I think it's reasonable to find him a 1.5, F, Si1, Ex polish, Ex symmerty with 0 fluorescence for 10k-ish. May take some work. I don't know how much a setting will cost but I did a little research and figure about 2500ish. Are square or rectangular ones more popular?

Any other things we should look for?
Thanks!!

 

[UberClaire]

Hi all,

I was a member here a while ago and forgot my log in information so I created a new account. You guys helped me with great advice buying my round brilliant diamond. I consider myself well informed.

My brother in law is looking for 1.5 carat cushion, and ultimately a Tiffany soleste style halo setting. Budget is 12-13k for the diamond and the setting. I did a quick search and think he can get a great quality diamond for 10k.

When I was shopping for Round brilliant, my goal was a GIA, as colorless as possible, Ex,Ex,Ex with no fluorescence, and good clarity. I got an E, triple X, and Si1. The inclusion was a white little guy and it was minimal.

I know nothing about cushions. Do cushions have a cut grade? on the search engine here some cushions didnt have a cut grading?
I think it's reasonable to find him a 1.5, F, Si1, Ex polish, Ex symmerty with 0 fluorescence for 10k-ish. May take some work. I don't know how much a setting will cost but I did a little research and figure about 2500ish. Are square or rectangular ones more popular?

Any other things we should look for?
Thanks!!

Cushions don't have cut grades (and if they do, you can't trust them). You can't judge fancy shapes by the numbers, you need to judge them based on facet pattern and light return (ASET). If you're interested in learning more, the Good Old Gold YouTube channel has a lot of good instructional videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan

You can definitely find a great non-branded cushion, but I really like the branded cuts because you know that you're getting a great cut diamond. With a cushion, you need to decide if you like antique or modern style cushions. Personally, with cushions, I would go with Good Old Gold. They carry several branded cuts (including their own line of vintage-style cushions with premium light return). You can see all the cuts here: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondSearch.php

Here are two modern (unbranded) cushions in budget: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9995/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11262/

Here are two vintage cushions: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10814/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10806/

 

[UberClaire]

I don't know nearly as much about modern cushions as some other posters here, but this is a nice looking on at James Allen. You can ask for three ASET images from James Allen to check out light performance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-223129

 

[arkieb1]

Great suggestions you need to show him pics of modern cushions and the more chunky cut Vintage style cushions and figure out which one they prefer and get back to us, unless you already know they want a modern style cushion.

 

[UrsTx]

I really like the second modern cushion that UberClaire posted. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11262/ Nice 1:1 ratio and appears to have very little of the crushed iced look.

 

[luvsdmb]

Here is the August Vintage Cushion from Good Old Gold. I love them!!

 

[UrsTx]

James Allen has a double halo setting for <$2000 - I just don't know if they sell the setting without you buying a center from them. Of course they have great center stones available too that fit those parameters.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17845?gclid=CIy-1_3Tg7oCFS1p7AodggMA8g

 

[thediamondshopper]

I have recently had the pleasure of seeing a few Hearts and Arrows cut cushions and the light return is absolutely mind blowing for a cushion. They are few and far between, I think GOG carries them and possibly BG and WF. They are on the expensive side for cushions, im sure because they are lower yield but IMO well worth it.