Looking for a cushion cut engagement diamond

[honggil]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have been looking around the forum on people's input/advise/expert knowledge on cushion cuts. You guys all know so much and I would appreciate any assistance on helping me find the perfect diamond for my girlfriend.

There's so much to know about cushion cut diamonds, and I've read a lot about the different types of cushion cuts. I must admit, it's a little overwhelming with all the knowledge out there. Initially, my girlfriend really liked emerald cut diamonds, but she mentioned she really liked the cushion cut too recently after asking her many times. We even went ring shopping and she tried one on and I saw her eyes gleaming lol! I'm looking to get a cushion cut diamond because I feel and believe that it has more sparkle to it. I saw trojanwr21's Tiffany Novo engagement ring and I was blown away! Most importantly, the engagement ring is for my girlfriend and knowing her, I'm sure she'll love a cushion cut too!

I'm a bit concerned because I'm residing in Canada and to not be able to see the diamonds in person kind of sucks. I've read the forum, and, yes, we can rely on ASET, photos etc, but the most important thing is to actually see the diamond in person. I'm contemplating if I should just go to a local jeweller because of this reason. At the same time, I know there's a great community here to help that I can ask for advice and knowledge as well as reputable online vendors.

Here are the specs of the diamond I'm hoping to find or within this range:
Cwt: 1.3 to 1.5 cwt (hoping for around 1.5)
Style: Cushion cut
Cut: Excellent
Color: F to G
Clarity: SI to VS1

I've browsed through all sorts of different vendors like WF, BN, BG, JA, but most recently I've looked into ERD and GoG because of the recommendations of posters that were involved in cushion cut diamond threads. Does anyone have any particular vendor they would recommend? I've read Mark @ ERD is great.

So to all pricescope members, to get started, would it be best for me to post several links of diamonds I'm interested in? Would I also require the ASET images?

I need to read up more on the different types of cushion cuts as I've read about ice crush, modern cushion cut, cushion brilliant, modified cushion brilliant etc. To be honest, it's quite overwhelming so I will do more research and understand more on the different cuts.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[JulieN]

Sure, post pictures. If you post links or pictures that identify the vendor, trades people cannot comment on them.

 

[honggil]

So I finally got some pictures of diamonds over the past couple of days after speaking to both Mark at ERD and David at GoG (Jon's son).

Hope I can get your advices and expertise on the following diamonds:

1 GoG diamond 1.27 g si2 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321/
I think there are some inclusions on her photos so I'm not sure about this one.

2 GoG diamond 1.13 g si1 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11858/
A little on the small side but it has great optics

3 GoG diamond 1.55 i vs2 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12297/
This is a modern cut. I like this one but I am not sure about the color I.

4 ERD diamond 1.27 E vs2 antique cut
http://imgur.com/BcsanE9
Mark said that this diamond has better optics than the modern cut below. This has a 1.09 ratio

5 ERD diamond 1.31 F vs2 modern cut
http://imgur.com/y887Rhm

What are your thoughts and advice?

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

I REALLY like this one, but I'm afraid it's too roundish: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321

Do you want a Nuvo type setting?

 

[Gypsy]

GOG can source anything you want. You aren't constricted to their current stock. They will hunt down modern cushions of any size/color/clarity you want with great performance, do the analysis for you and even post a video comparing stones for you.

I suggest you call them.

 

[honggil]

Hi Gypsy,

Thanks for posting.

I personally like the shape of this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321... To me, it looks pillowy.

Yes, I would like a Novo type setting. I am concerned with that diamond because if you look at the photos there seems to be inclusions, which David did mention about but he said the inclusions are hard to find. What are your thoughts?

I may call them to see if they can source a diamond and find a good one for me. I'm definitely more interested in antique cuts than modern cuts.

 

[Gypsy]

Ok so with cushion cuts you compare spread (dimensions) not carat weight. That will tell you which stones face up bigger.


I wanted to see what was available for you from other vendors. And I found a couple nice stone that would look fantastic in a Novo type setting.
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5136382-1.32-carat-Cushion-diamond-F-color-VS1-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5082226-1.41-carat-Cushion-diamond-F-color-SI1-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5106337-1.40-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

You would want to get the setting at a different vendor. Or perhaps even one local to you.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Gypsy,

Thanks for posting.

I personally like the shape of this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321... To me, it looks pillowy.

Yes, I would like a Novo type setting. I am concerned with that diamond because if you look at the photos there seems to be inclusions, which David did mention about but he said the inclusions are hard to find. What are your thoughts?

David has it in hand. So he has a lot more to go on than we do. Did he say it is eyeclean? And from what distance, if so?
Well the primary inclusions are twinning wisps, which are very hard to see, and bode well. Also it could just be my impression, but I ge the feeling that picture is purposely posted to make the inclusions stand out more than they would in real life.

My thoughts are that I'd want a very good video of the stone.

But I REALLY like the faceting of it. It's beautiful, it's got nice spread.

I would want to see the video and then if it looks good there, I would want it sent to me so I could see it before setting. They have a good return policy. And if you like it you can get it set locally.

 

[honggil]

Hi Gypsy,

Thanks for posting.

I personally like the shape of this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321..... To me, it looks pillowy.

Yes, I would like a Novo type setting. I am concerned with that diamond because if you look at the photos there seems to be inclusions, which David did mention about but he said the inclusions are hard to find. What are your thoughts?

David has it in hand. So he has a lot more to go on than we do. Did he say it is eyeclean? And from what distance, if so?
Well the primary inclusions are twinning wisps, which are very hard to see, and bode well. Also it could just be my impression, but I ge the feeling that picture is purposely posted to make the inclusions stand out more than they would in real life.

My thoughts are that I'd want a very good video of the stone.

But I REALLY like the faceting of it. It's beautiful, it's got nice spread.

I would want to see the video and then if it looks good there, I would want it sent to me so I could see it before setting. They have a good return policy. And if you like it you can get it set locally.

Great Gypsy. Thank you for the useful information and knowledge.

I also really like that particular diamond based on what I can see so far. As I mentioned, my only concern were the inclusions I could see.

So I will take your advice and ask David the questions you posted and also if he can provide me with a nice video of the diamond.

For Novo type settings, what vendors would your recommend? How come not GoG?

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

GOG is GREAT for a Novo setting.

I'd buy one from them. Either custom or from one of the designers they carry.

But with an SI2 with borderline clarity I would want to see the stone before setting personally. And since you live in Canada I thought it would be easier to set it locally than to see it, then send it back for setting. KWIM?
Are you perchance in one of the parts of Canada that is close to the US border? If so there might be something you can arrange with GOG to send the stone to an appraiser in a town you can drive to and see the diamond.

I just don't know how the taxes work with returns overseas and whether if it wasn't eyeclean for you and you had to return it, if you'd get your taxes back right away or if there is some delay.

 

[honggil]

Thanks Gypsy!

I'm still waiting for a reply from David on that diamond as it was the weekend. Mark said that he doesn't have Aset images because his machine broke down. I only have those two photos from Mark but would like further information. What should I do? See it in person?

I'm from Toronto so it's not far from New York. I will have to ask David what the best way is so that I can see the diamond in person.

 

[Gypsy]

If you aren't far, GO TO NY!

Buying in person is best. Plus you can just walk it home!

 

[Lorelei]

If you aren't far, GO TO NY!

Buying in person is best. Plus you can just walk it home!

Definitely, how incredibly fortunate!

 

[honggil]

Thanks both of you. Good advice

I'll head down to NY in July/August.

Cheers!

 

[honggil]

Hi all,

I'm back with some new developments on my search for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I have been in contact with a local diamond vendor, and have narrowed down to a couple of options:

1) Cut: Old Mine Cushion
Carat: 1.1
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Dimensions: 6.02 x 5.78

GIA report: http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=2151996661&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

2) Cut: Cushion Modified Brilliant
Carat: 1.3
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Dimensions: 6.35 x 6.13

AGS report: http://www.agslab.com/reportTypes/gdqrnc.php?StoneID=104070771002&Weight=1.3&D=1

3) Cut: Modern Vintage Cushion
Carat: 1.35
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Dimensions: 6.57 x 6.48
AGS report: http://www.agslab.com/reportTypes/pldqr.php?StoneID=104063718003&Weight=1.35&D=1

4) Cut: Cushion Brilliant
Carat: 1.1
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Dimensions: 5.99 x 5.94
GIA report: http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=1162171053&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547


5) Cut:
Carat: 1.05
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Dimensions: 6.15 x 6.13
GIA report: http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=2151972258&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

I'm still waiting for the photos for diamonds 3 to 5, but I have attached diamonds 1 and 2 above.

Do I need better quality images than the above, as well as ASET images? I'm planning on asking the vendor to bring in 2 or 3 diamonds to see in person.

I'm also planning a trip to New York this mid-late August, to visit vendors like GoG and Mark @ ERD.

Mark suggested me an antique diamond as seen below:
It is a 1.27 E VS2 but the length to width ratio is 1.09, and I am looking for a square cushion cut because I think it looks better and I am looking to set it in a Tiffany Novo style setting. Any thoughts?

I think I should ask Mark to look for other antique cut diamonds with a ratio of less than 1.04. Somehow, the 1.09 ratio doesn't sit well with me.

I am talking with David from GoG, and searching for a diamond before I head down to New York so I know there are a couple of diamonds ready for me to see.

As Gypsy mentioned, I really like this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321/ but it is pending purchase, so I emailed John to see the availability of this or to look for a diamond similar to this.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated !!

Thank you!!

 

[Gypsy]

I love the cushion from Mark. It's lovely and slightly elongated cushions that are set north south are incredibly flattering on the hand.

That said, I also like stone #2. Yes, I would need an ASET of it.

Also, Stone three pics and ASET would be nice.

Those are the top three in my opinion.


If this one is available though, I love it too: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12321/

 

[honggil]

Hi Gypsy,

I'm back with ASET photos of diamond #2. The vendor received the diamond today. Hope you get to see my post soon.



Is this diamond a X-cut cushion brilliant, similar to the ERD ones or is this a cushion modified brilliant?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

Gorgeous! Seriously seriously gorgeous!

 

[honggil]

Thank you Gypsy!

I'm going to see the diamond this afternoon and will let you know how that goes. Excited to see it!

When viewing the diamond, are there any questions I should keep in mind or ask?

I'm also wondering why the AGS report is a little different from the other types of AGS reports I've seen before?

I received the video of the GoG diamond, I would like to show you but I am not supposed to share it. I wish there was a private message on PS so I could share the link. I asked David from GoG, and apparently, it is not exactly eye clean, some inclusions can be seen so he mentioned I would have to see it in person if I am ok with it, and it is also $2000 more expensive.

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you Gypsy!

I'm going to see the diamond this afternoon and will let you know how that goes. Excited to see it! Can't wait to hear what you think.

When viewing the diamond, are there any questions I should keep in mind or ask? Just see what you eyes think

I'm also wondering why the AGS report is a little different from the other types of AGS reports I've seen before?It's the digital record of the report from AGS, not the actual hard copy report that's been scanned an uploaded

I received the video of the GoG diamond, I would like to show you but I am not supposed to share it. I wish there was a private message on PS so I could share the link. I asked David from GoG, and apparently, it is not exactly eye clean, some inclusions can be seen so he mentioned I would have to see it in person if I am ok with it, and it is also $2000 more expensive. Not eyeclean plus 2k more? Is it bigger (spread, not weight)? If it's not much bigger I'd just drop it from contention. You want eyeclean and you have the options and the budget for it.

 

[honggil]

Thank you Gypsy!

I'm going to see the diamond this afternoon and will let you know how that goes. Excited to see it! Can't wait to hear what you think.

When viewing the diamond, are there any questions I should keep in mind or ask? Just see what you eyes think

I'm also wondering why the AGS report is a little different from the other types of AGS reports I've seen before?It's the digital record of the report from AGS, not the actual hard copy report that's been scanned an uploaded

I received the video of the GoG diamond, I would like to show you but I am not supposed to share it. I wish there was a private message on PS so I could share the link. I asked David from GoG, and apparently, it is not exactly eye clean, some inclusions can be seen so he mentioned I would have to see it in person if I am ok with it, and it is also $2000 more expensive. Not eyeclean plus 2k more? Is it bigger (spread, not weight)? If it's not much bigger I'd just drop it from contention. You want eyeclean and you have the options and the budget for it.

Hi Gypsy,

Again, thank you for your help so far!

I finally went to see it last Wednesday and I was very pleased with it. It's a nice size, in terms of spread, and it's beautiful.

With regards, to the GoG diamond... Yes, it is not eye clean, it's an SI2 and yes, it is also $2K more expensive. In terms of the size, it's pretty much the same spread. The GoG diamond is 6.37x6.39mm versus this one which is 6.35x6.13mm.

Here's a video There's three different lightings: daylight, office and dim candlelight. I'm going in again tomorrow to check it out in daylight in person. When I went in the first time, it was rather late and the weather was gloomy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JfJQel2o0g&feature=youtu.be

Will drop by a 1 or 2 more vendors and I'm going to decide fairly shortly

 

[honggil]

Thank you Gypsy!

I'm going to see the diamond this afternoon and will let you know how that goes. Excited to see it! Can't wait to hear what you think.

When viewing the diamond, are there any questions I should keep in mind or ask? Just see what you eyes think

I'm also wondering why the AGS report is a little different from the other types of AGS reports I've seen before?It's the digital record of the report from AGS, not the actual hard copy report that's been scanned an uploaded

I received the video of the GoG diamond, I would like to show you but I am not supposed to share it. I wish there was a private message on PS so I could share the link. I asked David from GoG, and apparently, it is not exactly eye clean, some inclusions can be seen so he mentioned I would have to see it in person if I am ok with it, and it is also $2000 more expensive. Not eyeclean plus 2k more? Is it bigger (spread, not weight)? If it's not much bigger I'd just drop it from contention. You want eyeclean and you have the options and the budget for it.

Hi Gypsy,

Again, thank you for your help so far!

I finally went to see it last Wednesday and I was very pleased with it. It's a nice size, in terms of spread, and it's beautiful.

With regards, to the GoG diamond... Yes, it is not eye clean, it's an SI2 and yes, it is also $2K more expensive. In terms of the size, it's pretty much the same spread. The GoG diamond is 6.37x6.39mm versus this one which is 6.35x6.13mm.

Here's a video There's three different lightings: daylight, office and dim candlelight. I'm going in again tomorrow to check it out in daylight in person. When I went in the first time, it was rather late and the weather was gloomy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JfJQel2o0g&feature=youtu.be

Will drop by a 1 or 2 more vendors and I'm going to decide fairly shortly

 

[Gypsy]

Great! Can't wait to see what you decide on!