If you love many cuts, how did you choose between them?

[LALove]

I'm having the hardest time deciding which cut to pick for my upgrade (e-ring).

I want to get it right as this will most likely be my last major diamond purchase or upgrade for a very long time. (Now that we have a DS and plan on at least one more within a year, are moving from a condo to a home with a bigger mortgage, saving for private school tuition, funding the start up of 2 new companies etc etc my financial responsibilities/priorities are changing and my "fun/diamond" money will now be funneled into different areas.)

I'm torn between a round brilliant, oval, cushion, and marquise (set E-W). I love each cut equally. The only decision I've made for sure is that I want the biggest stone possible and a great cut. I'm willing to look at a lot of color ranges as I'm not color sensitive at all and thankfully I don't have "mind clean" issues- as long as it's eye clean I'm fine with that.

Right now, since I honestly love each one, I'm inclined to go for the least expensive cut which would take RB off the list but I don't want that to be my only deciding factor and even if it was, cushions that are of a comparable size to ovals and marquise are in the same price range it seems so I'd still have 3 cuts on the list...

My question is: How did you decide which cut to get??

 

[tyty333]

Honestly, your best bet is to go try on as many as possible. I know this isnt easy since a lot of places may not carry too many
fancy shaped stones. Another option is to go find some "nice" costume jewelry close to the size that you want and wear
some of the different shapes for a while. The cuts have such different personality that maybe one shape will start standing
out for you.

Have you considered that ovals and marquise face up larger then cushion cuts? This may help you to eliminate cushions if
you are trying to get the most size out of your budget.

Also, look at a lot of the pictues of the different shapes on the SMTB threads and see if there is any one shape that starts
to speak to you.

I think thats all I got for you....hope some of these ideas help.

 

[Circe]

I'm kind of an indiscriminate shopper: I set my budget, and then I go out and see what's out theret, and choose the most beautiful thing available.

TyTy's totally right about face-up value, though: it wasn't until I was shopping for my pear that I started shopping by diameter instead of carat weight. I totally got lucky with my round ....

If I were you, I really would try to get to a B&M to try things on and see which shape flatters your hand as well as pleasing your eye, and go from there. What's your total budget? I'm sure all the dealhounds here will be happy to help you look ....

 

[natascha]

I used to be in your position, except that I did not want a round. I really think, as the other posters, that you have to try them out. I really love marquise cuts and had always thought that that was what I was going to choose, but when I tried them on they did not suit me (I have short and a bit chubby fingers). That left me with cushions and ovals,from there I just found the one that made my heart sing( a very fat ovalish OMC).

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I tried them on to see what looked best on. Actually, I picked a princess cut and it took a week of wearing it before I decided it wasn't me nor did it sparkle enough for me (wasn't the best cut) and I exchanged it for a round. SO glad I made that decision. Round looks best on my hand AND the cut of the stone I swapped for is amazing. I truely lucked out as my DH & I looked at stones long before pricescope.

Oh, and to add, I've been intriqued by other shapes since becoming a PS member and have tried on many and again it comes down to look, and most still do not look good on my fingers/hands. After many years, my fingers have become less forgiving when it comes to emerald/princess cut stones.

 

[LALove]

Honestly, your best bet is to go try on as many as possible. I know this isnt easy since a lot of places may not carry too many
fancy shaped stones. Another option is to go find some "nice" costume jewelry close to the size that you want and wear
some of the different shapes for a while. The cuts have such different personality that maybe one shape will start standing
out for you.

Have you considered that ovals and marquise face up larger then cushion cuts? This may help you to eliminate cushions if
you are trying to get the most size out of your budget.

Also, look at a lot of the pictues of the different shapes on the SMTB threads and see if there is any one shape that starts
to speak to you.

I think thats all I got for you....hope some of these ideas help.

Thanks tyty! I think I've actually been on SMTB too much as one day I'm *positive* I want an oval and then I see a gorgeous round so I waiver- then I want a round and see an amazing marquise set E-W which is neat because it's not popular around here and I waiver again. LOL

I love each shape the same but for different reasons. Cushions seem really romantic to me, rounds classic, marquise different and unique etc.

I know cushions face up small -- but there are a few out there (DDCHA's for example) that face up really nice for their weight- I think hers was slightly over 2 carats and was about 8x8mm = pretty great spread for a cushion. But that doesn't seem to be common.. Also, they're cheaper than RBs so I could go up in size.

That ovals and marquise face up larger is one thing that draws me to them.

I have been to a few B&M stores but I've found that the selection of *well* cut fancies is really low-- especially in the 2.5+ carat range. It's hard to compare a poorly cut oval to a well cut RB or a 1.5 carat marquise to a 2.5 carat RB.. Purchasing some cheap fakes in the sizes I'm looking for is not a bad idea..

Thanks!!!

 

[LALove]

I'm kind of an indiscriminate shopper: I set my budget, and then I go out and see what's out theret, and choose the most beautiful thing available.

TyTy's totally right about face-up value, though: it wasn't until I was shopping for my pear that I started shopping by diameter instead of carat weight. I totally got lucky with my round ....

If I were you, I really would try to get to a B&M to try things on and see which shape flatters your hand as well as pleasing your eye, and go from there. What's your total budget? I'm sure all the dealhounds here will be happy to help you look ....

Hi Circe Thanks for replying!

I've been searching by face up size ever since I noticed the huge difference with fancies of the same weight. The problem is I did look at these 4 cuts in person (not the best cut stones but at least got an idea of the shape) and I love each one.

My budget is anywhere from $15k (which I can spend now) up to $25k as an absolute max (which will take more time to get to) but I'd prefer to stay on the low end. To spend $25 it'd have to be one killer stone. Since my color/clarity preferences range from D-J (maybe K/L even) and VS2-SI2 I think I can get around 2.5 and great cut with that budget.

 

[LALove]

I used to be in your position, except that I did not want a round. I really think, as the other posters, that you have to try them out. I really love marquise cuts and had always thought that that was what I was going to choose, but when I tried them on they did not suit me (I have short and a bit chubby fingers). That left me with cushions and ovals,from there I just found the one that made my heart sing( a very fat ovalish OMC).

Oooh I'd love to see your OMC! Is it posted?

Hmm... you just made me realize that I've only seen smaller marquise in person (1.5 carats) and I'm looking for 2.5ish carats -- if I set that size E-W *with* a halo may not work... (too long). I think I can cross that off my list as I'd only want to set it E-W. Thanks!

 

[LALove]

I tried them on to see what looked best on. Actually, I picked a princess cut and it took a week of wearing it before I decided it wasn't me nor did it sparkle enough for me (wasn't the best cut) and I exchanged it for a round. SO glad I made that decision. Round looks best on my hand AND the cut of the stone I swapped for is amazing. I truely lucked out as my DH & I looked at stones long before pricescope.

Oh, and to add, I've been intriqued by other shapes since becoming a PS member and have tried on many and again it comes down to look, and most still do not look good on my fingers/hands. After many years, my fingers have become less forgiving when it comes to emerald/princess cut stones.

Thanks MC! I thought all 4 of those cuts looked nice on my hand but I didn't try them in the size I'm looking for. I guess I really just need to either get some fakes in the sizes I'm looking at (I don't wear CZs so not even sure where to get them- QVC maybe..) or go to more B&M shops. I haven't tried on a marquise or cushion in the size I want so it wasn't a good comparison to a RB (since the RB was the size I want- about 9mm- and the fancies that I was shown were MUCH smaller).

 

[dani13]

Hi LA,

If you definitely want a halo, I would totally go with a cushion....I *LOVE ddcha's ring...it's one of my favorites on PS!!!

 

[LALove]

Hi LA,

If you definitely want a halo, I would totally go with a cushion....I *LOVE ddcha's ring...it's one of my favorites on PS!!!

Omgosh me too! I love it! I kind of became discouraged though because I've been searching for months to find one with a large face up size and they are rare. I think I'll have to make one more trip to a b&m and compare the 3 cuts. I've already picked out my setting and it'll work with any cut since it's custom made. So at least that part is decided

 

[rosetta]

Ok la love, this may not help at all, but my criteria by importance is:

1. Size

2. Clarity

3. Colour

Cut is obviously before all of them. Then I sit down and think which shape will allow me to achieve the most important criteria first. My personal feeling is that no matter how much I love everything about a stone, if I feel it is too small then this will bug me more than any other "flaw". I would be constantly chasing an upgrade. So I make sure I have a great cut stone in my preferred mm size first, then worry about the rest later. I also don't like wearing any single piece of jewellery worth more than $20k on a daily basis, as I'm worried about the theft risk. So a 3 ct D IF round would never be on my finger.

 

[dani13]

Do you have a pic of the setting you picked out, LA? I'd love to see!!!

 

[LALove]

Thanks rosetta! That's exactly how I'd list my criteria as well, which has me leaning towards an oval. But we shall see.

Dani here it is-- It's hand made by Jean Dousset (same designer who made Eva Longoria's ring) and has approx 118 diamonds - 3 row pave on the top and the profile is very similar to the HW replicas It is perfect to me. I was originally going to go to Leon for almost this exact design but then read all the posts and customer service is way too important to me to use him- I don't want to chance having bad service. I happened to stumble upon this ring and I'm in LOVE. I contacted them and they were so nice and sent me a quote the same day and I'd bet their prices would beat Leon for a similar design. Jean also said that since they hand make this specific to each diamond, any shape will work.

 

[dani13]

Oh its beautiful!!! I can see why you're in love!!!

 

[rosetta]

la lave, do you have long fingers?

i can totally see a beautiful oval in that setting that would look so elegant on long fingers!

 

[vintagelover229]

LAlove:
Have you seen this Leon ring? I'm not sure what your budget is (or if you have a trade in policy) but this Leon cushion/oval is for sale at about 19k and is 2.46 carats in a beautiful pave setting, set east to west.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-is-uber-mege-new-e-w-oval-yellow-diamond-halo.139886/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-is-uber-mege-new-e-w-oval-yellow-diamond-halo.139886/[/URL]

Not sure if this is even close to what your looking for, but if your looking for something AMAZING, quality, and unique that one fits the bill!

ETA: Here is the link to more pictures. JBEG has a more rings, if you click on JEWELRY at the upper left hand corner, it's actually a link and will take you to all the stuff they have (some of it's not listed on their site yet).

Opps forgot to post the link!
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/246ct-LightYellow-Diamond-Leon/14435153_QZEZg#1070676614_8WCfA

 

[LALove]

la lave, do you have long fingers?

i can totally see a beautiful oval in that setting that would look so elegant on long fingers!

I don't I have short-ish fingers.. Unless I get a "chubby" oval, I don't think that cut will look right on me. But I think the chubby ones would - which I prefer on my hand. I think that setting would look awesome with an oval round or cushion.

 

[LALove]

LAlove:
Have you seen this Leon ring? I'm not sure what your budget is (or if you have a trade in policy) but this Leon cushion/oval is for sale at about 19k and is 2.46 carats in a beautiful pave setting, set east to west.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-is-uber-mege-new-e-w-oval-yellow-diamond-halo.139886/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-is-uber-mege-new-e-w-oval-yellow-diamond-halo.139886/[/URL]

Not sure if this is even close to what your looking for, but if your looking for something AMAZING, quality, and unique that one fits the bill!

ETA: Here is the link to more pictures. JBEG has a more rings, if you click on JEWELRY at the upper left hand corner, it's actually a link and will take you to all the stuff they have (some of it's not listed on their site yet).

That ring is gorgeous BUT it's really small and not sizeable (well not 2+ sizes up). JBEG has some gorgeous cushions but nothing that meets what I want in face up size and I think I can get a better price from IDJ. But thank you!!

 

[rosetta]

lady, i got short fingers too, so i know exactly what you mean!

a chubby oval would work here, you could get a bit more finger coverage with an oval than a round too, no?

an oval halo is also that little bit different than a round halo. no bad thing in my opinion. the downside is a good oval is harder to find than a round....

 

[LALove]

lady, i got short fingers too, so i know exactly what you mean!

a chubby oval would work here, you could get a bit more finger coverage with an oval than a round too, no?

an oval halo is also that little bit different than a round halo. no bad thing in my opinion. the downside is a good oval is harder to find than a round....

For me, since my fingers are on the shorter side, stones that have larger mm E/W *look* larger on my hand than a stone that's skinny and long (like skinny ovals or ECs).

I agree with rounds being easier to find but ovals are less $, in many cases which is a major plus.

 

[MarkBroumand]

I'm having the hardest time deciding which cut to pick for my upgrade (e-ring).

I want to get it right as this will most likely be my last major diamond purchase or upgrade for a very long time. (Now that we have a DS and plan on at least one more within a year, are moving from a condo to a home with a bigger mortgage, saving for private school tuition, funding the start up of 2 new companies etc etc my financial responsibilities/priorities are changing and my "fun/diamond" money will now be funneled into different areas.)

I'm torn between a round brilliant, oval, cushion, and marquise (set E-W). I love each cut equally. The only decision I've made for sure is that I want the biggest stone possible and a great cut. I'm willing to look at a lot of color ranges as I'm not color sensitive at all and thankfully I don't have "mind clean" issues- as long as it's eye clean I'm fine with that.

Right now, since I honestly love each one, I'm inclined to go for the least expensive cut which would take RB off the list but I don't want that to be my only deciding factor and even if it was, cushions that are of a comparable size to ovals and marquise are in the same price range it seems so I'd still have 3 cuts on the list...

My question is: How did you decide which cut to get??

Congratulations on all the exciting life events you are going through!!!

You seem to be pretty open minded in terms of color and clarity, so focus more on cut and carat size. Obviously ovals and marquises face up bigger than the other cuts, it just may take a little bit of extra leg work in order for you to find a good performing stone.

If this is really going to be one of your last big purchases, don't be afraid to dive in head first and you will surely find something beautiful within your budget!

 

[LALove]

Thank you Mark! Once I figure out which cut to go with, I'll definitely focus on cut as the top priority and then size. If I take my time (which I am) I'm pretty confident I'll be able to find a lovely stone.

 

[antelope1]

LALove, I have the same fingers as yours and love the setting. My $0.02:

I'm just thinking that with these oblong shapes, setting the diamond EW may make your ring finger look chubbier (is this a concern for you?) but a pear would get the advantage of finger coverage (relative to carat weight) and could be set parallel to your finger. Have you seen Pheonix's pear halo?

[URL='----']----[/URL]

Is pear a shape that you would consider?

 

[LALove]

LALove, I have the same fingers as yours and love the setting. My $0.02:

I'm just thinking that with these oblong shapes, setting the diamond EW may make your ring finger look chubbier (is this a concern for you?) but a pear would get the advantage of finger coverage (relative to carat weight) and could be set parallel to your finger. Have you seen Pheonix's pear halo?

[URL='----']----[/URL]

Is pear a shape that you would consider?

Hmmm.... I didn't think of that. Boo.. I think you're right! And I don't like the long shapes set NS because they just don't look big with so much of my finger showing on the sides of the stone....

I LOVE that pear halo! But I've never considered pairs... not sure why really. Hmm... maybe I'll take off oval and marquise and probably round since I'd pay more for a lower carat unless I went with a really low color which I'm not sure I want to do. Ok this is really helpful! I'll go check out pairs and cushions again. Thanks!!