How does this cushion cut diamond look?

[piratecaptain]

First, thanks to everyone who commented on the last diamond (without a picture) that I asked about. I have found another diamond at a local jeweler that I like (and that has a picture!). Any opinions on this diamond? 2.09 Carat, D, SI2. I don't have all of the specs on it yet, but it's $10,200. Waiting to hear back on the certification. Don't know if you guys can give an opinion on it with just the picture and this little bit of info, but, if you can, that would be great. Again, thanks to everyone in the last thread.

 

[ame]

First, thanks to everyone who commented on the last diamond (without a picture) that I asked about. I have found another diamond at a local jeweler that I like (and that has a picture!). Any opinions on this diamond? 2.09 Carat, D, SI2. I don't have all of the specs on it yet, but it's $10,200. Waiting to hear back on the certification. Don't know if you guys can give an opinion on it with just the picture and this little bit of info, but, if you can, that would be great. Again, thanks to everyone in the last thread.

I don't care for it AT ALL. It does not look well cut, kind of..choppy. I thought at first it was just the photo resolution, but it's more likely it's just a weirdly cut crushed ice style stone..?

 

[piratecaptain]

First, thanks to everyone who commented on the last diamond (without a picture) that I asked about. I have found another diamond at a local jeweler that I like (and that has a picture!). Any opinions on this diamond? 2.09 Carat, D, SI2. I don't have all of the specs on it yet, but it's $10,200. Waiting to hear back on the certification. Don't know if you guys can give an opinion on it with just the picture and this little bit of info, but, if you can, that would be great. Again, thanks to everyone in the last thread.

I don't care for it AT ALL. It does not look well cut, kind of..choppy. I thought at first it was just the photo resolution, but it's more likely it's just a weirdly cut crushed ice style stone..?

I think it is a crushed ice stone. I actually got the other specs from the jeweler, and the information is as follows:

Table: 65%
Total Depth: 68.3%
Crown Height: 13%
Pavilion Height: 53%
Medium Facet

Does that make a difference to anyone?

 

[Gypsy]

It's an EGL stone right?

I can honestly say that the faceting is not to my personal taste. However that's irrelevant if it is to yours and your lady's taste. My question is... what does you lady prefer and what did she ask for?

 

[piratecaptain]

It's an EGL stone right?

I can honestly say that the faceting is not to my personal taste. However that's irrelevant if it is to yours and your lady's taste. My question is... what does you lady prefer and what did she ask for?

Yep. It's an EGL. Definitely not a "D" in color, but it looks good. The lady doesn't have a preference. She's seen this and the "regular" cushion cuts, and likes them all. She just asked for a cushion cut that's clear to the naked eye, fairly white (nothing below an H on whatever scale you want to use), and greater than 2 carats.

 

[Gypsy]

It's an EGL stone right?

I can honestly say that the faceting is not to my personal taste. However that's irrelevant if it is to yours and your lady's taste. My question is... what does you lady prefer and what did she ask for?

Yep. It's an EGL. Definitely not a "D" in color, but it looks good. The lady doesn't have a preference. She's seen this and the "regular" cushion cuts, and likes them all. She just asked for a cushion cut that's clear to the naked eye, fairly white (nothing below an H on whatever scale you want to use), and greater than 2 carats.

I'd buy an ASET for 50 bucks or go to an independent appraiser that has one and check the light performance, if it was me. With diamonds the whole point is that they are supposed to return light and return light well. There's no point in buying a poor performer at any price for me. So I would check the light performance. If it checks out and you like the cushion and she likes the cushion. Then that's all that matters.

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y Buy an ASET
http://www.lexusindia.in/products/gb-aset-scope.aspx How to use it.


EDIT TO ADD:
But if you do have a good local appraiser SINCE the stone is an EGL stone. That's probably the route I would recommend. Take the unset stone there, make an appointment and see what the appraiser says. https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers Find an appraiser. Call for appointment and ask if they can provide ASET.

 

[piratecaptain]

EDIT TO ADD:
But if you do have a good local appraiser SINCE the stone is an EGL stone. That's probably the route I would recommend. Take the unset stone there, make an appointment and see what the appraiser says. https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers Find an appraiser. Call for appointment and ask if they can provide ASET.

Sadly, there isn't an independent appraiser within 100 miles of my location (or the location of the jewelry store) according to that link. I'm sure that there are some around, but I guess I'll just have to ferret them out.

 

[Gypsy]

EDIT TO ADD:
But if you do have a good local appraiser SINCE the stone is an EGL stone. That's probably the route I would recommend. Take the unset stone there, make an appointment and see what the appraiser says. https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers Find an appraiser. Call for appointment and ask if they can provide ASET.

Sadly, there isn't an independent appraiser within 100 miles of my location (or the location of the jewelry store) according to that link. I'm sure that there are some around, but I guess I'll just have to ferret them out.

Where are you? You can start a new thread asking for a good jewelry store recommendation (not the one you are buying from) then ask that store if they know of any independent appraisers. Or... you can just buy an ASET scope.

 

[PS34one]

Hi!
I'm reading your threads and it reminds me that everyone has a priority when they shop for a diamond. In a perfect scenario, I think we would all get the size we want, with the clarity and color we desire, a spectacular cut, and a GIA or AGS cert. And of course it would be in our budget and below market value. The relaity is, most of us don't have unlimited funds, and so something has to give somewhere. Maybe it means compromising on owning the "dream" diamond (for the time being!), or it is going to be one of the areas mentioned above.

I think its obvious you want to get your future fiance what is important to her which seems to be mostly Size and Shape?
You seem most concerned about quality and your budget. Practical, and smart. Unfortunately, like I said something is going to have to give.

Based on the information you provided, I think the two stones you are comparing are pretty much "Apples to Apples". Trying to compair a stones to a GIA, AGS well porportiond cushion cut is like compairing "Apples to Oranges". (I think you know that) Anyway, You have recieved some wonderfull tips in both threads about getting acurate information on the cut preformance, clarity, and color of these two stones. Then you could compair them against each other if you like them both.
In a nut shell, I would say these are compairably priced retail stones for the average (at very best) quality and cut that they are. You could continue to keep shopping your local jewelers based on the criteria of 2.00ct Cushion Cut, SI, Near Colorless, and my guess is you will continually find compairable stones with EGL certs. Because thats whats availabe in that price range. That tells me its not a great deal. Just "Apples to Apples". You are paying for the size and not the quality. Is this your priority?

If the answere is YES, then great! You have all the information you need to make an informed desicion about these stones avaible to you. But if quality is where your priority lies, then something else have to give. And that will either be your budget (not a good choice for a couple starting out if you ask me) or the size. It sounds like your fiance-to-be is involved in the process... possibley if she understood your desire to get her a diamond that had a nice balance of quality and size she would be willing to take a look at some stones in the budget that were a bit smaller in Carat weight but had more bling-bling just becauase of the other factors! Her priority might change.....If this is an option start from scratch with a new mindset and compair only GIA/AGS "Oranges to Oranges" if you know what I mean!

Also, have you looked into mountings? A nice mounting should be considered in the budget as well, and depending on the style she might even choose one that would make the diamond look larger. I hope some or any of this helps you. You have a generous budget and I cant wait to see the ring you put together! It will be beautiful and Im sure she will love it.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Have you considered a smaller weight, well cut cushion in a halo setting? In the correct proportions, a halo enhances a stone in such a way as not to overshadow it but to definitely add some heft to the whole look. Do a search here for cushion halos - there have been some real beauties.

To again echo some of the other posters, finding a well cut 2 ct. cushion for 10k is not realistic. If size and price are your main criteria, then you will certainly find many of the same types of stones that you are now considering. If you've ever seen some of the really well cut stones, I don't think you'd be satisfied for the long haul with the types of stones you are finding now.

Brick and mortar jewelers don't always have a large selection of stones - particularly in fancy shapes such as cushions. They stock what they can sell and with diamond prices rising in today's market, often times the cut quality is not all that it can be. They depend on your lack of knowledge to sell you a less than stellar stone. Don't settle for that - at least not until you've had the chance to see all options available to you. You might be willing to either up your budget or cut down on size a bit to get that really special diamond.

 

[piratecaptain]

Thanks for the post PS34. I actually have included the setting in the budget. She's picked out a couple of settings (Sylvie and Bez Ambar in particular) that she likes, and most jewelers I've talked to can do them for between $1500-2000. With the setting included, the budget is $12,500. While I understand that these aren't the greatest diamonds in the world, I don't really expect them to be (as you alluded to). She's actually happy with and likes both of the diamonds I've mentioned in my two threads. We've seen the $10,500 diamond (2.02, F, SI2) in person and will be checking out the other in the next few days. With this diamond in particular, my goal was just to see what others' opinions are and whether $10,200 would be a complete rip-off for a diamond that looks like this one does. Your post was very informative though. Thanks!

 

[piratecaptain]

Have you considered a smaller weight, well cut cushion in a halo setting? In the correct proportions, a halo enhances a stone in such a way as not to overshadow it but to definitely add some heft to the whole look. Do a search here for cushion halos - there have been some real beauties.

To again echo some of the other posters, finding a well cut 2 ct. cushion for 10k is not realistic. If size and price are your main criteria, then you will certainly find many of the same types of stones that you are now considering. If you've ever seen some of the really well cut stones, I don't think you'd be satisfied for the long haul with the types of stones you are finding now.

Brick and mortar jewelers don't always have a large selection of stones - particularly in fancy shapes such as cushions. They stock what they can sell and with diamond prices rising in today's market, often times the cut quality is not all that it can be. They depend on your lack of knowledge to sell you a less than stellar stone. Don't settle for that - at least not until you've had the chance to see all options available to you. You might be willing to either up your budget or cut down on size a bit to get that really special diamond.

We have considered smaller ones, but, honestly, she seems to prefer a slightly lower quality 2 carat as opposed to a 1.5-1.75 that's just amazing. I'm fine with that myself, and one thing that alleviates it a bit is that the jewelry store I'm dealing with gives a lifetime upgrade with no minimum increase in the price. Thus, if I get a 2.02 for $10,500, I can always drop down to an amazing 1.75 for $10,600 (or any amount over $10,500) for example. I realize, however, that she's never going to want to drop the size of her diamond once she has a large one. The two diamonds I've mentioned are at two different jewelers, but they both have the same policy about upgrades (and refunds).

As for what's in stock, I've actually had both stores bring things in for me because they didn't have anything in stock that matched my criteria (unsurprisingly). I've been looking for around 6 months, and I've been to about 25-30 different stores throughout my state, requesting that they all bring in stones for me to look at. I don't think they're necessarily trying to sell me a subpar stone without me knowing it because I actually realize that I'm not getting a 3 carat GIA diamond that's a D, IF, and we've all discussed the limits of my budget and size/clarity/color requests. I realize that I'm not getting the highest quality in the world, which I'm sure most people consider a bad idea. I'm still not set on one diamond, and, if I do decide to buy either one of the diamonds I've mentioned, I'm just putting a fully refundable deposit down on them right now. I've actually got 4-5 more months before I'm in the "need" stage of looking for an engagement ring.

 

[mrssalvo]

You really have to look at the spread of a cushion over the carat weight. A 2 carat that is cut too deep can have a spread of a 1.5 well cut one and the 1.5 will most likely be a better performer. Just be sure you are comparing apples to apples

 

[PS34one]

OK! Sounds like you know what your priority is.
I really like that you can trade up with out a set amount increase, because you can do that at anytime even if you decide later that you want a better clarity, cert. whatever.

Since you have realistic expectations about the quality you are sacrificeing for the size, just compair what you have to work with and choose the one that you both like best. (Like the Last post..keep in mind a deep stone can be cut just for weight and weigh 2.00ct but look like a 1.50ct! So sneaky..) Use the tips you have here to make the best informed decision you can, since you cant rely on a certiface from a laboratory like EGL that does not grade to the industry gemological standards. If you cant or decide not to get an ASET or an Independent Appraisal by a C.G.A. do all the next best things you can do.

Does your Jeweler have a Microscope? I hope they do. Ask them to show you the diamonds under 10x magnification. (FYI PLEASE DONT DO THIS WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND) She does not need to see the stone this close!! And you dont want her to think it has to many "FLAWS". Just let her see it pretty and sparkly. And if you have not done this yourself already dont freak out. The inclusions will seem much worse, but you can get a better idea of whats really setting the clarity of the stone. Keep in mind, you are buying size here. Then when you have a more acurate picture of what the stone really looks like compair them, but take it with a grain of salt, dont be to hard on them. Evaluate them by what you still see with the naked eye and how they look to you.

Remember that color (all value and rareity aside) is a big compairason thing. Does the color of the stone bother you when you look at on its own? How about when you hold it up to a white gold or platinum mounting? Does it look more yellow? Will this bother you or her? How does it look next to possible side stones that may a higher color or clarity that will be in the setting?

Can the Jeweler step outside with you so you can see them in normal lighting conditions? No Sun? Sunlight? Does it look different, do you see things you did not notice before?

I think these stones are what you would expect to pay for a somewhat low quality 2.00ct. Its not the deal of the century. (Sorry!)

You have been looking a long time.... maybe you have done all of these things and more. Also the people on this forum can find amazing stones. If they find something to suggest you should take a serious look at it.

Sincerest Good luck!!

 

[Gypsy]

Great posts PS34one. I really enjoyed how polite and informative your posts were.

 

[piratecaptain]

Great posts PS34one. I really enjoyed how polite and informative your posts were.

Agreed. Thank you PS34! You've been really helpful. I've actually done a good portion what you suggest. While I don't have the ASET scope, I have been looking at them under the loupe. One thing that bothered me slightly about the other diamond for $10,500 was that I was able to see a bit of graining on it pre-loupe, but the inclusions were actually very mild -- two very small black spots that are hidden in the corners and not very noticeable (which I think will especially be the case in the settings she likes). For this diamond, as I mentioned, I haven't seen it in person but will do so this weekend. All I've seen is the picture I've given you all and the certificate accompanying it. Thanks for all of the suggestions! If anyone has anything additional, I'm all ears.

 

[PS34one]

Gypsy- (Humble) Thank You!

PirateCaptain- Also Thank You, Im so glad that something I said was helpful. Are you going to look at the stone today?
I was thinking just a couple other things....

I would keep in mind than a Loupe is not a replacement for an ASET. A Loupe, as you know is for viewing clarity, and an ASET is for viewing Light Performance. So if you dont have the ASET, its going to be really difficult to know which one of these stones is perfoming the best. Its mentioned many times here on Price Scope there are no magic porportion numbers for cusions and we have already establised that these stones are probably going to be low cut grades anyway. So for the cut, just try to do your best (I guess) without the ASET to look that the outline and the facets of the stone are symetrical, see if the table or culet is all wonky and off center or somthing, and use the tips I gave you above about looking it in differnt light sources to see which one gives you the best sparkel and even contrast. Contrast is the balance of light and dark, white light return and the dark portions that create pattern. You want this in a diamond because without it, your eye has nothing interesting to look at, or to draw it to the sparkle and cant distinguish whats going on. Too much white or too much dark is bad, or big uneven patches of either.

Also, since Im mentioning it.....I dont like the way this stone looks becuase there is no contrast. And the pattern is uneven. See the big white spot up in the top right? (Maybe thats an inclusion like a big feather or something, dont know) "Crushed Ice?" I wonder if Sales People have tried using this term like its a selling point... Becuse I have never known it to be considerd a good thing. In fact quite the opposite. I think it makes it look more included. A stone with a I2, I3 clarity starts to look like crushed Ice. Maybe dirty Ice. See what you think in person. Maybe its not as bad as the photo.

And for the Loupe viewing, it is difficult to get an accurate idea of what you seeing with a loupe (even if you know HOW to use one)
unless you are very trained at what you are looking for. They are normaly 10X magnication as well, but a Microscope will be much easier for you to evalute to stone at 10x magnification. If its availabe in the store. Try not to be tempted to blow it more up than 10x! hahahah! Poor wittle diamonds they get treated so unfairly sometimes...