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Hopelessly Divided Btwn Two Chunky Cushions

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Diamondz1

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Feb 18, 2015
Messages
142
Hi All - firstly, thanks to everyone on this forum! Through the advice and information here, I've managed to find two stones that I love, but I'm struggling to decide between them. Any thoughts would be *much* appreciated.

Stone 1:
Old Mine Brilliant
2.02ct, G-VS2
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluorescence: None
Price: unknown - the dealer quoted the completed ring (stone + setting) b/c I expressed an interest in his settings as well. He then indicated that he wasn't inclined to provide a price for the stone alone. The price for the full ring IS within budget.
ASET: N/A

Stone 2:
Old Mine Brilliant
2.01, G-VS2
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
*Crown angles greater than 40 degrees
Price: within budget
ASET: looks good to me

I think I'm leaning towards stone #1, but have these concerns:
-lack of transparency on price and a bit of attitude from the dealer
---My guesswork on the price of labor/setting suggests that stone 1 MAY cost ~15% more than stone 2, is it justified?
-No ASET - not a deal-breaker but:
---Does stone 2 it seem like it has some light leakage? I feel like I can see straight through to the paper tray below but, I don't know if that means anything...?

*Photos: these are my own shots captured with my phone. Stone 1 was shot in the early evening with little daylight. Stone 2 was shot in broad daylight with a window behind me.

What do you guys think?

stone_20.jpg

stone_21.jpg
 
Nice looking cushions--I am unable to provide feedback as to the cut worthiness & attributes for each stone, but I will say this: the mere fact that the vender would not provide a separate price for option 1 is a huge glaring danger sign. He is denying transparency. :eek: :errrr: Hmmmm...you see where I'm going? I'd rather do business with someone who operates with honesty & integrity.

Second, for a stone that size, you are spending a considerable amount--I'd purchase from someone who can & will provide an ASET. For peace of mind at the very least! Hope it all works out. :wavey:
 
I actually prefer number 2 based off pics and your issues with the first vendor.
 
Thank you both! This is helping - I feel like stone 2 is the more appropriate option, I'm just trying to talk myself fully into it.

As for the vendor of stone 1, he's well reputed on pricescope so I trust that nothing terribly shady is going on. It's just been a difficult few interactions. Perhaps I should ask him plainly for the price and see where things go...
 
Please give the diameter dimensions of both stones. That can make a huge difference if one appears much smaller than the other. Cushions are generally deep and face up small anyway, so you want to be sure you are getting one that doesn't face up too small.

Are these both newly cut cushions or antiques?
 
Niel|1424271868|3834320 said:
I actually prefer number 2 based off pics and your issues with the first vendor.
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In agreement with the above.
 
Good point! Here are the certs, if helpful:

lm_omb_cert.jpg

gog_omb_cert.jpg
 
The first one is larger. But I am concerned about who the vendor might be. I have a hunch, and if I am correct, he is not someone I would even consider using. Plenty of bad reports. So maybe you should reveal who that vendor is (or maybe first letter of first name)?
 
The regulars can guess who the vendors are very accurately by the file names of the GIA reports.
 
Chrono - correct. I think you guys have the idea. Both vendors are respected but one is more polarizing in terms of customer service. My experience has not been overtly negative by any means. But, it also hasn't been completely comfortable. So, that's put a strain on making a decision. I've been trying to leave my biases aside but that's nearly impossible.
 
Diamondz1|1424274882|3834360 said:
Chrono - correct. I think you guys have the idea. Both vendors are respected but one is more polarizing in terms of customer service. My experience has not been overtly negative by any means. But, it also hasn't been completely comfortable. So, that's put a strain on making a decision. I've been trying to leave my biases aside but that's nearly impossible.
Click to expand...

(Oh wow, Chrono! I didn't even look at that!)

I am going to say that one of the vendors is very respected, and that would be GOG. The other has had issues with ring quality as well as extreme customer service issues.

My opinion is to keep the GOG stone on your short list, and scour all the other sources for antique cushions such as OWD, Brilliantly Engaged, Love Affair Diamonds, and Jewels by Grace.
 
Diamondseeker - yes, that stone is very pretty! I actually saw it and it's lovely but a bit more elongated than I'd like. Chris at ERD has been great and I haven't given up hope that the right stone will come from him. At the moment he's doubtful that there's anything in the pipeline for me but, we'll see.

I've checked with OWD and ERD but thanks for the recommendations on Love Affair Diamonds and Jewels by Grace - I will definitely look into them!

This has been SO helpful, you guys have no idea. I'm officially crossing Stone 1 off my list. Done and done!
 
You are definitely on the right track! Oh, you may want to look at Victor Canera's antique cushions if you haven't already.
 
Victor's antique cushions are gorgeous but, along with the AVCs, slightly out of budget : )
 
Diamondz1|1424277027|3834376 said:
Victor's antique cushions are gorgeous but, along with the AVCs, slightly out of budget : )
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Which is?
 
Sorry - both victor's antique cushions and good old gold's august vintages are basically out of my budget. Making it work might be possible but it would be a stretch.
 
Diamondz1|1424277465|3834381 said:
Sorry - both victor's antique cushions and good old gold's august vintages are basically out of my budget. Making it work might be possible but it would be a stretch.
Click to expand...
No I meant what is your budget?
 
Looks like you might move on but just want to add that stone #1 is a beauty-- with specs not so easy to replicate if you're looking for a mine cut in this size. Gorgeous stone, really.
 
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