Need advice about a cushion cut

[paradiseiseverywhere]

Hi everyone! I am new to the diamond world and I would love some additional perspectives about the stone I am considering for my engagement ring. The jeweler I am working with ordered two stones for me to choose between, and I am leaning toward one over the other, but I'm also a bit uncertain and wondering whether to keep looking.

I am happy with the size, color, and clarity of the stone. The main thing I am concerned about is the faceting pattern--I am really drawn to cushion cuts with an even, symmetrical-looking pattern. I know that I don't want a crushed ice cushion and I think the term for the kind I want is "cushion brilliant." The two stones that the jeweler showed me do appear to be that cushion brilliant style (I think).

However, I notice that the pattern doesn't appear totally even or symmetrical--there are some larger patches that appear to return less light. Also, from what I understand, cushion cuts do not usually receive official cut grades because they are fancy shapes--but the stone that I am possibly interested in says that the overall cut is "Very Good" on its certificate, with a symmetry rating of "Good." I've heard that prioritizing cut over the other C's will have the biggest effect on the stone's performance, and it sounds like if this were a round brilliant stone, a less than Excellent cut could be the reason for uneven light return. Could the same be true for this cushion?

I don't have any professional photos or videos, only the ones I took in the store, but I'd love your thoughts about the stone from what you can see. (The diamond I am considering is the one on the right in the comparison photo.) Am I being overly picky? If I bump up the cut grade to "Excellent," is this likely to avoid the concern of uneven areas?

Also, I mentioned this to the jeweler and they said that within my budget (up to ~4000 for the stone), going up in cut grade wouldn't really be possible. However, the stone that I am considering with the "Very Good" rating is priced at only 2200 and I seem to find plenty of "Excellent" cut cushions online from other vendors within my price range, so I'm finding this a bit hard to wrap my head around.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Honestly, it's hard to judge the diamond in question without seeing at least some video. I looked up the cert and see that it is graded as Good for both Optical Symmetry and Physical Symmetry. That may be the issue you're seeing. With your budget you should be able to find a cushion of that size and color with excellent in all 5 areas. It is definitely more challenging to find the 8 main type (or H and A type), which you are looking for. Online shopping will give you access to many more stones to choose from. @Rockdiamond from Diamonds by Lauren or @Rhino at Distinctive Gem could definitely help you find a well cut cushion and provide the setting as well. Both places are popular and well reviewed by buyers of both natural and lab grown diamonds.

 

[kb1gra]

Of course it's possible to go up in cut grade for $2200.

Here is a very nice 8-main (sort of, this is an H&A arrangement) for $2029, and it's bigger than the one you have here. https://www.ritani.com/products/1-59-carat-g-cut-h-color-vs2-clarity-igi-488154895-sku-d-6mwvjsgxsf

Adiamor has it for $1827 so ask Ritani to price match if you like their settings https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.59-ct-H-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond/D48210885

Here's a lovely 4-main H/VS1 for significantly less https://www.ritani.com/products/1-50-carat-g-cut-h-color-vs1-clarity-igi-450025481-sku-d-3s47ddci6h

Ritani is the cheapest on that one.

Ritani also has 5% off lab diamonds with code LAB5.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Also, from what I understand, cushion cuts do not usually receive official cut grades because they are fancy shapes--but the stone that I am possibly interested in says that the overall cut is "Very Good" on its certificate, with a symmetry rating of "Good."

HI- Welcome to Pricescope!
The first part of your statement( in bold) is 100% true, and for many reasons.
But the second part is what gets uninitiated people confused...and it's done on purpose.
I am loath to criticize a jeweler for things they say but......you were misled. Saying you could not get a "better cut grade" unless you spent more is basically showing they don't understand cut, and are ( at least sounding like) they are gouging in terms of price.
In terms of the specifics....." stones correctly categorized as "Cushion Brilliant" can take many different forms, and appearances.
For example- there are cushion diamonds cut to "mimic" the look of a Round Brillant ( referred t as an "8 main")
There are also Cushion Brilliant diamonds cut to look more like antique diamonds....
Do you know which you like better?

 

[paradiseiseverywhere]

Thank you everyone for your input! This is really helpful.

Regarding the stone the jeweler has provided, I do have some video that I took on my phone, but I can't seem to attach video here (and as I understand I'm not supposed to link to Imgur). Is there another way to post it?

Regarding other cushion cut options, I have seen videos of stones that I love that are both 8-main and 4-main! I think I prefer those over the antique style. But now I feel torn between finding another stone that looks good online, but that I can't see in person, versus going with the stone that I can at least see in person, and that I like decently enough. It's also really important to me to be able to try the ring itself on to make sure I like it. The setting I've tried on and loved is this: https://www.sarahojewelry.com/antique-square-moissanite-with-side-stones-ring.html
(I know it says moissanite but they said they can make it custom for me with a diamond).
I imagine this is something I could ask another jeweler to create fairly easily if I decided to buy a stone from somewhere else?

 

[mwilliamanderson]

You can post a video on youtube then place the link here.

The setting you like is similar to one I found on Brilliant Earth (below). I worry about having only three prongs on the side stones on the one you like.

Here is a similar stone and setting for comparison purposes. It is definitely a cost saving move to buy online. Most of us here have done it for that reason and for acess to a vast inventory of diamonds. Of course, you have to decide for yourself if you’d be comfortable doing it.

18K White Gold Selene Diamond Ring (1/10 ct. tw.)

Classic simplicity defines this delicate setting, which features a thin precious metal band that gently tapers towards a diamond accent on each side of the center gem (1/10 total carat weight).

www.brilliantearth.com

https://www.brilliantearth.com/lab-diamonds-search/view_detail/11837514/

 

[paradiseiseverywhere]

Here are the videos--sorry the quality isn't great, I'm not sure if this is helpful at all.

That BE setting does look a lot like the one I'm interested in! And the stone looks lovely too. I'm definitely going to consider that option, thank you.

 

[mwilliamanderson]

I have watched the videos a couple times and I’m not sure I can comment in any meaningful way. Without magnification, it’s difficult to see the facets in action. Light return seems okay in a general way, though some areas seem to stay dark persistently. Sorry I can’t offer more than that.

Ultimately, if you have seen it in person and like it, that’s what matters. Good luck with your decision. Please come back and show us what you end up buying!

 

[paradiseiseverywhere]

Hi everyone, just checking back in to say thank you again for your input! I did wind up buying a different stone online and I am glad that I did—the light return on the new stone appears much more symmetrical to me and it’s what I was looking for!