shape
carat
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clarity

Identifying Specifics

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Hey folks,

I've decided to careen into the realm of manhood and by a diamond for my girl. I've managed to snag a few photos off her phone of what I think are cushion diamonds. Are you folks able to identify what type of cushions these are? I think they're modern, but am unsure of the facet arrangement (crushed ice/brilliant/brilliant modified/H&A).

Thanks a lot!

img_0678_1.jpg img_0680.jpg
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Good job.

Definitely modern cushions (though not very well cut ones), and we can help you find beautiful versions of that.

What is your budget?
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Thanks for the reply!

I'm in Canada ($1.00 USD=$1.30 CAD) and my budget is $7-10k USD but I'm somewhat flexible if the right rock were to appear. I've been pretty overwhelmed with the online warnings of "Don't trust the numbers" with cushions, so I'm leaning toward paying the premium for a H&A cut for some peace of mind. Here are a couple I've been thinking about:

BN

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD03923929

GOG
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-..._hearts--GIA-F-VVS2-diamond-stock-14333-cert-
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-..._hearts-I-GIA-F-VS1-diamond-stock-14321-cert-
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-..._modern-I-GIA-G-VS2-diamond-stock-14271-cert-

BGD
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../1.006-h-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556019
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../1.141-e-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556007
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.024-e-vvs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066027020

I'm planning to propose in Iceland, and have about a month before we depart. Am I cutting it too close timing wise for a loose diamond shipped to Canada plus ring customization?

Thanks again!
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
27,198
Are you planning on having it set local(Canada) or having the vendor that you get the stone from do it?
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
tyty333|1466360982|4045711 said:
Are you planning on having it set local(Canada) or having the vendor that you get the stone from do it?

I think I'm going to have it set local.
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Gypsy|1466321057|4045601 said:
Good job.

Definitely modern cushions (though not very well cut ones), and we can help you find beautiful versions of that.

What is your budget?

I should also add that despite my posting a pile of links, I am as aimless and enthusiastic as a puppy at an off leash park, trying to decide which pooch (diamond) to play with (buy). I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing. The only thing I'm reasonably sure of is that I need to get a cushion cut, and a pave setting. I'm not dead set on the H&A, I just don't have the technical prowess to spot a dud like you folks do. Would anyone recommend the August vintage cushions at GOG?
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
Many of us absolutely ADORE August Vintage Cushions and think they are vastly more beautiful than modern cushions. The downside is, your girlfriend has likely never seen one and you don't know whether she'd love them as well. But as Gypsy said, we can help you choose a great cushion no matter the style!

Regardless of what you do, I highly recommend having the diamond vendor set the stone, depending on the vendor. That way risk is on the vendor if there is an damage to the stone during setting and it comes to you ready to insure the day you get it. That is usually a much faster way to get a ring, too.

The links to the GOG diamonds are not working for me. I think the site is down at the moment. The BN diamond looks good. I have a problem with BGs diamonds because they use alternative measurements (diagonal) and there is no way to compare the size to other cushions. I do think staying in the G VS range is a good idea because that can maybe get you more size. I wouldn't do D-F VVS.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
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27,198
tyty333|1466360982|4045711 said:
Are you planning on having it set local(Canada) or having the vendor that you get the stone from do it?

You are running out of time. What type settings are you looking at and what kind of customization? Are you putting it in a halo?

Those 2 pictures you posted are fairly large cushions so you might want to go with the biggest you get in your budget. I cant
look at the GOG stones right now (site is down) or I would try to make a recommendation.
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Thanks so much for the replies and advice folks. I'm currently at work but will post more details later today. I don't think I'm going to put a halo on it, like tyty said, I'm running out of time, and I imagine a halo adds some time to the processing of a ring. I also like the simplicity when the halo is omitted.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
27,198
There is another solution to the setting that sometime we suggest when time is tight. Put it in a cheap* temporary setting then
you can decide together what type of setting she would like.

Cheap setting...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

GOG is back up....so this is my line of thinking...I tend to go middle of the road color and lower clarity as long as eye-clean.

For the cushion H&A This is probably my favorite...Its up in color and also high in clarity priced at $6770
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.00-brellia_cushion_hearts-I-GIA-F-VS1-diamond-stock-14321-cert-
There were no pictures of the GOG F/VVS2 so I threw that option out. You could call GOG and see if they can get pictures for you.
The BN stone is G/VS1 and priced at $7584. Just seems overpriced to me.
If you are looking for a deal, the BGD H/Si1 would be a good choice (make sure eye-clean.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.006-h-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556019#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
The other 2 BGD stones just seem to expensive for what you get especially the 1.02 for $15k. At least the 1.14 gets you a little
more size for your money.

For non-h&a cushions...
Ok, so I like this one a little better than that 1.41 at GOG that you picked out. This one is less than $100 more and has better
light return (if you dont plan on going with a cushion H&A). Ask if eye-clean to your standards...6 inches etc.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.50-platinum_select_modern-I-GIA-H-SI1-diamond-stock-14079-cert-5157614229

I'm going to look around some more and see if I can find any more cushion H&As (or regular nice cushions).
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
I think you guys are right and adding some size makes sense. 1.25 - 1.50 will probably work great. I think it's really sound advice to sacrifice some colour (lack of?) and clarity.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.410-g-vs2-cushion-diamond-gia-1217051836
Think it's worth me requesting ASET/more info?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-...S-G-VS1-diamond-stock-14078-cert-104063820003

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-...GIA-H-SI1-diamond-stock-14079-cert-5157614229
tyty's suggestion, which is stunning.


How do these 3 shape up? I'm honestly leaning toward the 1.28 AVC. Its not a modern cut like she had in those photos, but the more I shop the more convinced I am that she'd lose her mind over it. The idea of a more exclusive cut makes it a bit more special as well. I should note that I snagged those photos off her phone 3 years ago when we started dating, in case I'd end up requiring some direction in the future, so her tastes may well have changed! She's also under the impression that I'm 100% against diamond engagement rings so this is going to come as a surprise.

Thoughts? Anything I'm missing?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Don't get a hearts and arrows. THat's not at all the looks she wants.

We can find you fabulous cushions (we know what to look for we do it all the time) without that.

I'll look for you later today or tomorrow. Okay?

Just hold on to your pocket book.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
No to the GOG modern cushion. The AVC is a beautiful one, but you'd have to be sure she would like that look. I do personally think they are the most beautiful cushions! I pretty much agree with Gypsy that if you are looking at hearts and arrows, go with a round because it will face up larger than a H&A cushion (in other words, skip the H&A cushions). Has she given you guidance on the setting style at all?
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Gypsy|1466476518|4046173 said:
Don't get a hearts and arrows. THat's not at all the looks she wants.

We can find you fabulous cushions (we know what to look for we do it all the time) without that.

I'll look for you later today or tomorrow. Okay?

Just hold on to your pocket book.

Who are you people? How are you so kind? Why are you so nice to lost fools like myself? You folks are the hero(eines) we need, but don't deserve! Thanks so much.
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
diamondseeker2006|1466477416|4046178 said:
No to the GOG modern cushion. The AVC is a beautiful one, but you'd have to be sure she would like that look. I do personally think they are the most beautiful cushions! I pretty much agree with Gypsy that if you are looking at hearts and arrows, go with a round because it will face up larger than a H&A cushion (in other words, skip the H&A cushions). Has she given you guidance on the setting style at all?

Ok H&A cushions are out! The only guidance are the photos I posted. I think they're a pave setting, but that's as far as my knowledge goes! Any tips?
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
NeedingClarity|1466478338|4046186 said:
diamondseeker2006|1466477416|4046178 said:
No to the GOG modern cushion. The AVC is a beautiful one, but you'd have to be sure she would like that look. I do personally think they are the most beautiful cushions! I pretty much agree with Gypsy that if you are looking at hearts and arrows, go with a round because it will face up larger than a H&A cushion (in other words, skip the H&A cushions). Has she given you guidance on the setting style at all?

Ok H&A cushions are out! The only guidance are the photos I posted. I think they're a pave setting, but that's as far as my knowledge goes! Any tips?

This is our hobby so we enjoy trying to help! I wish I could buy diamonds for myself frequently, but alas I am neither a princess nor an oil baroness! :lol:

Okay, the thing is, if you go with Good Old Gold, they have a lot of settings and probably can set your stone for you. How much is your setting budget? I LOVE AVCs in halo settings, but many people do set in a non-halo with pave shank. I know Vatche is very fine quality and can probably meet your timeline unless they are closed for vacation during your time period, which is possible with July 4th week coming up. I adore Beverley K which GOG also carries, but you'll have to talk with a setting sales person to get timelines. We can help you choose a nice quality setting once you decide on the diamond and then you can see if any can be done well within your time frame.

I usually don't like to risk going with a different style cushion, but I honestly think most people would choose the AVC if they knew it existed in comparison to a typical modern cushion.
 

Diamond_Hawk

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
1,229
NeedingClarity|1466477980|4046182 said:
Who are you people? How are you so kind? Why are you so nice to lost fools like myself? You folks are the hero(eines) we need, but don't deserve! Thanks so much.


This is poetic! Perhaps someone will set it to music and it can become the theme song of PS... :boohoo: :lol: :boohoo:
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
Gypsy|1466476518|4046173 said:
Don't get a hearts and arrows. THat's not at all the looks she wants.

We can find you fabulous cushions (we know what to look for we do it all the time) without that.

I'll look for you later today or tomorrow. Okay?

Just hold on to your pocket book.

Do you think you would be able to point me at a few good ones that I should request ASETs for? Hopefully I'm not coming off as being pushy, but my schedule is a bit tight, and I can feel my grip loosening on my pocket book as we speak!

So right now here are my parameters:

Center budget: $9000-11000 (HARD ceiling at $12,000 if it was absolutely gorgeous and a steal)
Cushion (modern or AVC)
Preferred more square than rectangular
1.25-1.5c
D-G
VS2 or higher (or eye clean)

Setting
As close to the posted photos as possible for the pave. I think I'm leaning toward no halo
Going to take the earlier advice and get the vendor to do the setting

Timeline
Hard deadline in exactly 1 month
I live in Canada, so shipping is going to take time as well

Is there a thread somewhere with questions I should be asking the vendor? Besides asking for videos and if they insider it eye clean, I'm lost.

Thanks so much again for everyone's help so far
 

NeedingClarity

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
13
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