Need an opinion on a cushion diamond

[ekamin551]

I found this diamond from a jeweler. It's a 2.5ct Cushion, D Color, SI1 clarity. GIA# 6275080321

The price is within my budget around 20k and the gemologist review on rarecaret.com gave it a thumbs up, but I wanted to get the communities opinion on it.

A friend pointed out that the GIA certificate date should be fairly recent and this one is from Oct 2017, should I ask to get this re-certified

Thank you

 

[tyty333]

Unfortunately, you can not evaluate fancy cut stones (cushions) by the numbers. We need up close images (real and aset) and videos. If you
have a link to any of those items please provide.

 

[ekamin551]

Fortunately I took some pictures, and was sent one online

 

[lovedogs]

To me (And this is just me), it looks very "mushy". I prefer cushions with more clear faceting, but of course there are people who disagree and prefer the "crushed ice" look. In my mind, this one is messier than most crushed ice cushions, which is why I don't particularly like it. But others should chime in soon with opinions, since I'm not a cushion expert.

 

[elizat]

I'm with @lovedogs on this. I don't really like crushed ice cushions either, but this one looks messy/chaotic to me.

Do you want a crushed ice cushion? If you do, I think you could find one that was prettier.

The website linked has pictures of the different styles of modern cut cushions- as well as antique cushions.

https://yourdiamondteacher.com/diamond-shapes-cuts/cushion-cut-diamond-guide/

Also, people can help you more if you post your desired color range, size, and desired budget (I know you said the $20k is in budget, but what do you want to spend ideally for a range?).

 

[ekamin551]

So I am between the diamond above and this one below. Thoughts on this one? GIA # 1206090591

 

[elizat]

I'm sorry, but I truly don't care for either one personally. I think you can do better and get a nicer looking stone for the kind of money you are spending.

 

[Octo2005]

I don't think either stone will perform well. The first stone is very mushy and the second has a dark ring of leakage under the table.

 

[lovedogs]

Agreed. I don't think either are great

 

[Octo2005]

A little smaller, but also less expensive
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6710648

 

[lovedogs]

If you like the crushed ice look then I would look at diamonds by Lauren (DBL). he has incredible stones that are well cut and don't look so messy

 

[Octo2005]

Not really seeing much out there. What is your budget and desired spec? If you post what you are looking for people can search for you. Do you know what faceting pattern that your intended prefers?

This is a great resource and helped me tremendously when I was looking for my cushion! @CharmyPoo did an amazing job explaining all the different flavors of cushions.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ing-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/#post-4096061

 

[ekamin551]

I'm looking for a 2.5ct cushion/radiant in the DEF color range. Most important is the size/cut/color and can sacrifice on the clarity for being eye clean. My budget is up to 22k

I appreciate all the comments, this has been quite a journey to this point, but I will keep looking

 

[lovedogs]

No clue what setting options you have, but this ring is lovely and the stone faces up very white.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/202ct-h-radiant-diamond-ring-r5787

 

[elizat]

If you are open to a radiant, this is a bit above budget, but it will be lovely. Is the intended very color sensitive or is it for a cultural reason? If not, G should be plenty white.



There is a discount for wire as well and David, the owner, may be able to work with you on price.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/256ct-g-si1-radiant-diamond-r8008

I'll look around elsewhere too.

But if you want a cushion or radiant, David is fantastic at those fancy shapes. He's very helpful and approachable. I would contact him to see what else he may have.

 

[elizat]

No clue what setting options you have, but this ring is lovely and the stone faces up very white.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/202ct-h-radiant-diamond-ring-r5787

I was going to suggest that ring too!

 

[elizat]

Or, what about this? It is a very white G. Grace will sell the stone loose usually as well if you don't like the setting. Or, she can help you with an alternate setting if you like the stone.

https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-16ctw-radiant-cut-diamond-ring-gia-g-si2

 

[Octo2005]

Another thing to remember when looking at fancy cuts like radiants and cushions, is that there is a wide range in dimensions for any given carat weight

For example the radiant with grace is 3.16ct but only measures 8.62 x 6.72 so it is very similar in face up as the 2.56ct 8.7 x 6.89. If you are looking to hit a cetain spread or visual size, you need to be looking at the dimensions, not as much focused on the carat weight.

 

[elizat]

The Grace radiant center is 2.26. Not a bad face up for a radiant with the weight.

@Octo2005 is right too- so much variation with mm size on the fancies.

 

[ekamin551]

Thoughts on these two diamonds, first is the radiant. It has a very strong fluorescence but doesnt look hazy or milky

 

[ekamin551]

This is a cushion and has a strong fluorescence

 

[LinSF]

There's a lot of mush on the radiant, and the a lot of light loss on the cushion. Have you considered looking at BGD cushions?- those are really nice. It looks like you are seeing stones from a particular vendor, but that they are all cut sort of wonky to us PSers. Did you need to go with a particular vendor, or are you open to suggestions? I am going to third (or fourth?) the suggestion to connect with Diamonds by Lauren, they have great stones at good price points for these cuts.

 

[ekamin551]

The sets of diamonds have come from two different t vendors. In person, both diamonds had a lot of sparkle, my concern is more about fluorescence. They dont look milky at all but will that change when under the sun?

 

[lovedogs]

There's a lot of mush on the radiant, and the a lot of light loss on the cushion. Have you considered looking at BGD cushions?- those are really nice. It looks like you are seeing stones from a particular vendor, but that they are all cut sort of wonky to us PSers. Did you need to go with a particular vendor, or are you open to suggestions? I am going to third (or fourth?) the suggestion to connect with Diamonds by Lauren, they have great stones at good price points for these cuts.

This. The first one is extremely mushy and the second has a poor cut. If these were the only 2 options in the universe I would pick the first one. But you can do much better, as all of us have been explaining.

 

[lovedogs]

The sets of diamonds have come from two different t vendors. In person, both diamonds had a lot of sparkle, my concern is more about fluorescence. They dont look milky at all but will that change when under the sun?

Under Jewelers lights everything looks amazing. The second one in particular is not well cut.

 

[Ss52]

A little smaller. 2.22, but pretty.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

 

[Girl505]

Based on your pictures it looks like you are working with one of the PS vendors. Did you tell them you are looking for pricescope quality? Also, have they offered to bring anything else in for you or give you ASET and idealscope images for the diamonds selected?

 

[OoohShiny]

I would second the recommendation for Diamonds by Lauren.

Don't forget to check out Yoram's offerings on www.gemconcepts.net - he has some lovely cushions amongst his awesome offerings!