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Looking for Cushion Brilliant - Is it worth it

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biz79

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
9
Hi there,

First off, this is a great forum with tons of good info. My sister sent me a thread from here a couple weeks ago and since then I've been trying to read up here and learn as much as possible.

So I want to propose to my GF and one night, she showed me the Tiffany Novo ring hinting that she really liked it - subtle right? She worked at Tiffany's a long time ago so she knows what she wants. Later that night, I emailed my self the URL so I would always remember.

Anyways, I've been working with a couple different stores to find me cushion brilliant diamond so I can recreate the ring, however, it seems they're pretty hard to find. 8 mains seem even rarer. I've been on the hunt now about 3 weekends now, finding excuses to get away from her to go look at rocks. Not that easy as some of my excuses are pretty lame (ie. need to have lunch with my mom but you can't go cause our reservation is only for 2 hah).

The best diamond I've seen so far is a 4 main cushion modified brilliant, which has larger flashes compared to the crushed ice look of some modifieds. I think it looks great in person, but hey, what do i know?

Anyways, I've had the store hold onto this diamond for me but they'll need to send it back soon if I don't want it. I haven't seen a side by side of a 8 main cushion unmodified (or even modified) brilliant diamond yet, so I'm not entirely sure what to do.

Any advice would be great. The other store is solely looking for cushion unmodified brilliants, and the owner said he can get a hold of a few in the next couple weeks. Is it worth waiting and potentially losing this stone? Should I try to see an 8 main cushion unmodified before settling on a 4main modified? Do you think I should forget the surprise and bring my GF into the process?

Thanks in advance.

Here's the stats:
1.5carat
f color,vs2
6.62 x 6.62 x 4.61
Depth 69.6, Tab 59
Polish Excellent, Sym Very good
GIA Cert: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eynpdyr4fl7ehsp/20140508_121613.jpg
Pic with setting: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xi1ohhpazv3v8nd/2014042695144400.jpg
Cell phone vid of diamond (sorry if it's shaky, and lower your volume before viewing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDQAZn3Xmeg&feature=youtu.be
 
I think you should bring your lady in on the process and you should chose a stone together. But then again, I always think that.

But... first, what is your budget and where are you located? I've found some nice stones recently.

This stone in particular would look amazing in a Novo setting. http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4943328-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS1-clarity.aspx All you would have to do is ask if the Fluorescence is safe in that stone (most probably is, its rare that stones are over blue). It is a four main but it would be a fabulous Novo style center stone. And the ASET is very strong. Plus the price is fantastic

And then you can have it set in this setting http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/novela-platinum-5372p Which is one of the best Tiffany Novo inspired by settings out there.

And then you are done.


$2,550 for the setting.
$7,572.47 for the stone
_____
$10,122.47

Plus maybe a 100 setting fee from BGD for the outside stone.

So.... REALLY great price for a gorgeous and top quality ring.
 
OK. So I can't tell anything except that the stone in the video you looked at has potential.

Are you near one of our appraisers? They could inspect the diamond and let you know if it's got potential. Plus you'd get an ASET to confirm performance. I think it's not worth risking this stone since it's got potential.

Or you can buy an ASET yourself. Maybe? They are only 50 dollars and you could learn to use it (very easy). And that way if you keep looking at stones you would have it to use.
 
Gypsy|1399589315|3668660 said:
I think you should bring your lady in on the process and you should chose a stone together. But then again, I always think that.

But... first, what is your budget and where are you located? I've found some nice stones recently.

This stone in particular would look amazing in a Novo setting. http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4943328-1.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS1-clarity.aspx All you would have to do is ask if the Fluorescence is safe in that stone (most probably is, its rare that stones are over blue). It is a four main but it would be a fabulous Novo style center stone. And the ASET is very strong. Plus the price is fantastic

And then you can have it set in this setting http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/novela-platinum-5372p Which is one of the best Tiffany Novo inspired by settings out there.

And then you are done.


$2,550 for the setting.
$7,572.47 for the stone
_____
$10,122.47

Plus maybe a 100 setting fee from BGD for the outside stone.

So.... REALLY great price for a gorgeous and top quality ring.
Click to expand...


I'm not versed in fancy diamonds, but that seems like a steal. Gypsy knows what shes talking about, so it looks like your shopping just got super easy and stress free! Go for it!
 
I have to ask you one thing. So she worked at Tiffany and hinted that she likes the Novo. Have you had a direct discussion about copying a Tiffany ring as opposed to having an actual Tiffany ring? Because if that is not clear, I think she might be extremely disappointed to receive an imitation.
 
Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice. I live in San Francisco and my top end would be 15 after setting. Hahaa yeah, I just used my cell phone camera to see if I could recreate some of the videos I've seen on the forums - It didn't quite work out as I had hoped.

We've talked about Tiffany's before and she knows that they're priced higher because of the name, yet the source is generally the same. I think as long as it's GIA certified, it will be okay.

After seeing a few stones, I prefer the diamond to be more colorless. In terms of modified and unmodified cushion brilliants, is it worth waiting to see an unmodified cushion to compare?

Thanks!
I
 
I live in the bay area who are you working with out here? Have you been to Joe Escobar in Campbell?

I really do think that a G is something you should consider though. You really can't tell a G from an F. I understand that H is too much of a stretch, but seriously G is something I would advise you to be open to!
 
Cool! I haven't ventured outside of SF yet. Any other stores in SF i should check out?

I'm working with Derco in the gift center (a few friends have recommended them) and a wholesaler (family friend's friend).
 
Couple choices for you with great ASETs:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5044480-1.72-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VVS1-clarity.aspx Diamond is huge. Great spread at nearly 7mm. It is a modified four main but WOW is it a knock out, look at that ASET
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5044727-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx Also great spread, and a great ASET.

Both are fantastic choices. And again, there's the BGD Novela setting. I've actually had managers at Tiffany admire my pieces from BGD. Several times. And my appraiser (Neil Beaty, pretty much the best there is) always praises the workanship of my BGD pieces. So... really do recommend you get a setting by them, if you are open to it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/novela-platinum-5372p
 
biz79|1399592785|3668690 said:
Cool! I haven't ventured outside of SF yet. Any other stores in SF i should check out?

I'm working with Derco in the gift center (a few friends have recommended them) and a wholesaler (family friend's friend).
Click to expand...


Actually in San Fransisco? Eric Trabert 2420 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115


But Joe Escobar in Campbell is where most (there are a ton of us in the Bay Area) Pricescopers shop and really the only place I would advise to actually take out your wallet at for the type of ring you want (there are other jewelers for other styles).
 
Thanks Gypsy!

Looks like there's quite a bit of selection out there so if i miss out on this diamond, maybe that's okay.

I'll need to do more research about these recommendations. GF just got home so I probably can't respond until tomorrow. Any other advice is welcome.
 
Highly suggest you get a Blue Nile Signature H&A Cushion. Then have someone make the setting ... what's your budget?
 
Hi there,

Sorry I've been busy with work and reading other threads, and completely forgot about my own thread. I passed on the previous diamond and the sales person @ Derco finally found me this 8 main cushion brilliant. I don't have an ASET (nor does the store), but it looks great in person. I think I want to get it but I'm hoping it performs well. If I do buy it, I have 10 days to return it for cash although they have a lifetime exchange policy.

Should I find an appraiser ASAP that can give me an ASET image or am I just being paranoid? Honestly, I think all diamonds are pretty hah.

This contender is 1.52ct, F color, VVS2, Table 58%, Depth 67.1%
Here's the GIA: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hcnae7gefckfs00/GIA2151520158.pdf

@Charmypoo - I'll definitely look into the Blue nile signature H&A's. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks!
 
The cut quality of cushion brilliants varies just as much as round brilliants. Just because it is a cushion brilliant is no guarantee of quality.
 
So the best way to tell about cut quality is from an ASET?
 
Do you have a picture?
 
I would definitely recommend getting an ASET image before deciding on a cushion...as others have mentioned, an 8 main cushion brilliant does not guarantee good performance

Btw, are you working with John S. at Derco? he is a super nice guy and not pushy at all...he initially helped me, but in the end, I managed to find an 8 main by myself :)

If you really want to replicate the Novo, an 8 main cushion brilliant + the Novela setting from BGD is the way to go. However, a 4 main cushion (easier to find) will look pretty good in the Novela setting as well. Good Old Gold also sells square hearts and arrows (Brellia) if you're interested in that too.

Also, something else to keep in mind, if you purchase from a vendor outside of California, you will save on tax (e.g. Whiteflash, BGD, JamesAllen, etc.)

Good luck!
 
Everyone at Dercos is really nice. But let me just say that if you want the most bang for your buck, consider out of state to save a ton on tax. With an ASET you will be able to tell which are performers. So there isn't any disadvantage to not seeing the stone. And as another poster said, GOG and BGD sells H&A cushions and how can you beat that. So you end up spending more of the money on the stone, versus taxes. Just look up videos on GOG Brelia and you can see how gorgeous the H&A cushions are. Let us know what you think. And I can't tell anything from the pictures you posted. Sorry.
 
I've been to Derco and been underwhelmed by everything but their self confidence. With fancies especially, I didn't see anything I would have considered purchasing or recommending for purchase.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I know the pics weren't that useful but they were the only ones i had so i posted them hoping that I might be wrong. I guess not. I would also ship out of state to avoid sales tax as well, which is a great tip in general for anyone in CA.

Yeah, I understand where you guys are coming from. Buying online will give me the best bang for my buck (i'm generally pretty open to shopping online), but I guess I still like being able to go to store and see these things in person, especially for this amount. Something I guess I have to get over.

I've checked out some of the recommended sites like GOG, ERD, Blue nile, Brian Gavin, etc. before as well. Do you generally check everyday to see if inventory changes? What's the process usually like when buying from these sites? Do you contact someone directly there for recommendations?
 
Have you gone to Joe Escobar? They have lovely stuff. And they are in Campbell.
 
Hey Gypsy,

No I haven't been to Joe Escobar's shop in Campbell yet. I've checked out their website though and it didn't seem like they had very many loose cushions. Do you think they would have more in-store not listed on their website?

@JulieN - Thanks for posting those. I saw those results as well, but am looking for something more in the middle ~1.25ct-1.5ct or around ~13k.

This is going to sound like a weird question, but do i have the right understanding for the benefit of a well cut diamond? From videos and posts, it sounds like they perform better in most lighting conditions because light reflects back better? Is this the same as the stone having more fire?
 
biz79|1400653906|3677268 said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I know the pics weren't that useful but they were the only ones i had so i posted them hoping that I might be wrong. I guess not. I would also ship out of state to avoid sales tax as well, which is a great tip in general for anyone in CA.

Yeah, I understand where you guys are coming from. Buying online will give me the best bang for my buck (i'm generally pretty open to shopping online), but I guess I still like being able to go to store and see these things in person, especially for this amount. Something I guess I have to get over.

I've checked out some of the recommended sites like GOG, ERD, Blue nile, Brian Gavin, etc. before as well. Do you generally check everyday to see if inventory changes? What's the process usually like when buying from these sites? Do you contact someone directly there for recommendations?
Click to expand...

I have called GOG and BGD directly, and the people there are really nice and helpful. They will help you search for stones that are not in the inventory they list on the website. It's a very personal and individualized process. They just use the internet to show you pictures and send you information. I don't feel like I'm buying some random stone off the web. They will give you their opinion on each stone, answer specific questions about the cut, inclusions, color, etc. because they have access to it and can see and evaluate it. Take a step of faith, step out of your comfort zone and just call them. They won't hurt you. ;)

And I personally would never ship out of state to avoid sales tax. Not the right thing for me to do, legality issues aside.
 
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