Need advice on this cushion...

[stonewell]

Hello all!

I currently have a cushion on reserve and would appreciate the talented folks here to comment before I pull the trigger. I've always loved the AVCs from GoG and other vendors, if this passes and gets the thumbs up from all of you, then I can score one at a price I can reasonably justify with my husband.

Here are the stats:

Weight: 1.11ct
Color: E
Clarity: VS2
Measurements: 6.89x5.76x3.69mm

ASET Image and GIA Cert:





I remember another PS'er sharing the plot diagrams that follow this cut style are beautiful. I'm really concerned about the ASET - especially the big, black facets. However the photos and videos I've seen are gorgeous! What's the verdict? Shall I pull the trigger or keep searching?

 

[ringo865]

Have you seen this stone? A video even? I'm not an expert, but would be concerned about those huge black facets.

 

[stonewell]

Have you seen this stone? A video even? I'm not an expert, but would be concerned about those huge black facets.

That's what I've been thinking too! I have seen both photos and a video. However, it was only under limited lighting conditions. The diamond is in NYC and I'm in LA, so I'd have to order the diamond to check it out under different lighting situations. Fortunately, I can return the stone within 21 days if I don't absolutely love it.

Here are some screenshots I took of it - sorry in advance if these don't post well. I can say it doesn't do it justice, imho

 

[stonewell]

I was hoping for more feedback, if anything, to help validate my impulse buy.

Well, my curiosity got the better of me. I went ahead and had the diamond sent to me. I figured I just had to see it in person to confirm one way or the other. Since I was reassured that I had the ability to return it (and I found out I actually have 30 days!) then there was really no risk.

I should receive it tomorrow or Saturday, at the latest. Fingers crossed it's all that I'm hoping it will be!

 

[ac117]

It looks pretty but you'll have to decide whether the bow-tie bothers you or not. Those black facets will all be off at the same time or on at the same time. I can't wait to see what you think! How would you set it?

 

[stonewell]

It looks pretty but you'll have to decide whether the bow-tie bothers you or not. Those black facets will all be off at the same time or on at the same time. I can't wait to see what you think! How would you set it?

Agreed... I can't wait either! I got confirmation the shipment went out, so I should receive it tomorrow.

As for settings, there are several I've drooled over here and would love to have. I'm a halo fan and think it may be most appropriate for this diamond since partially thin girdles are noted in the cert. I've loved Erica's designs and have these in mind:

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/the-bella-halo-setting/

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/stephanie-halo-setting/

Also, I've become a huge fan of CVB and hope these can be possible options if she can adapt them for a rectangular stone:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/485446093/the-cvb-suzanne-cluster-style-halo?ref=shop_home_active_15

https://www.etsy.com/listing/287380...ian-inspired-rose-cut?ref=shop_home_active_27

That said, I might not be able to start the setting project until early Summer. I just got done with my anniversary gift from my wonderful husband and that ring is due to arrive tomorrow too. Talk about crazy - 2 diamonds in less than a month! But I can't wait... It was inspired by all the threads about warmer diamonds, so when I saw a decent 1.71ct., M color with great stats (including 1.4 on the HCA) and an awesome price, I decided to snap it up. I put it on a temp setting until I decide it's permanent home.

 

[stonewell]

So the diamond arrived...

It's such a chunky monkey! lol I tried to take some photos and videos under different lighting - let me know what you all think. Warning... this is pic heavy!

Indoor indirect natural light:


Outdoor indirect light - those huge facets were mirrors picking up different colors:




Direct sunlight


I tried capturing the black facets face-on and this kept happening...







This was the best one I could capture:



Not the best photos, I know. I'll try uploading a couple brief videos. I know the black background makes it difficult to distinguish, but I was terrified to touch the diamond for fear of dropping and losing it.

I'd love to see your feedback. Please let me know what y'all think.

 

[stonewell]

Haven't posted videos on here before, so I'm not sure how this will turn out. I took a chance and moved the diamond to get a better image of it.

Note to self - Take the video horizontally next time!

 

[tyty333]

So what do you think of it? It certainly has a lot of fire! Its definitely a chunky monkey!

 

[stonewell]

Yes, tyty333 it does have a lot of fire. Personally, I love it. But I've rarely met a diamond I don't love.

I just posted a thread in the other board on my new ring, so I think I'm only conflicted with the thought that I'm being overindulgent. That's why I'm hoping to hear from all of you... convince me why I should keep it. Please! lol

 

[ac117]

It looks really pretty it's hard to see the bow tie in your pics...do you notice it in person? Maybe not outside, but you should rest the diamond between your fingers and evaluate it in different lighting conditions in your house to see how often you notice it.

Love your setting choices, too!

 

[flyingpig]

I like the overall pastel blue color tone. The facets are chunky and eye catching. I like.

But, I just wish the maltese cross and the contrast pattern were more defined with less leakage going north-south.

 

[stonewell]

Hi ac117! Yes I have seen the bow tie, but I have to hold it at a very particular place to see it. The slightest move and it's gone. Most of the time, it's picking up and reflecting the background color. I have been afraid to handle it too much - I honestly don't know how folks in the trade manage these delicate things when they're loose!

Nonetheless, I took your advice and caught some shots of it. It took a lot of photos not to catch a different color. lol

Indoor lighting


Indoor natural light


Outdoor shaded natural light


I know the conventional wisdom is to avoid this effect. So, I'm going to sleep on it, and plan to take it to my local jeweler tomorrow to get his opinion too.

 

[ac117]

Ahh yes I want to love it but I think once you put it in halo, you might notice it even more I think it's smart to get another opinion and while you're there maybe you could rest it in some halo settings to see how it could potentially look.

 

[stonewell]

Ahh yes I want to love it but I think once you put it in halo, you might notice it even more I think it's smart to get another opinion and while you're there maybe you could rest it in some halo settings to see how it could potentially look.

Thanks, this was the advice I was looking for. I'll definitely check it out further in some different settings and lighting while I'm there.

 

[ac117]

Keep us posted!!!

 

[stonewell]

I like the overall pastel blue color tone. The facets are chunky and eye catching. I like.

But, I just wish the maltese cross and the contrast pattern were more defined with less leakage going north-south.

Thanks for your feedback! I definitely do see what you noted... I'm going to try to not let my impulse get the better of me and let it just sit for a bit. If I don't feel as passionate about it after seeing my jeweler or after a couple weeks, back she goes and the search will continue.