Need assistance with a purchase ... 2ct Cushion

[glflame]

I''ve been shopping around (online and in the heart of the diamond district on 47th street in NYC) and I think I''ve found a few decent deals, but would like someone else''s input. Every dealer I spoke with promises the "best deal out there" so sometimes it gets to be overwhelming. I have only spoke with dealers that I was recommended to by friends, but still a little wary because of the high priced item I wish to get.

I located the following 2 stones which I am considering purchasing (both GIA certified; both reviewed under a lens and more or less satisfied with the inclusions not being in the center of the stone). Please let me know if these specs are good and the price is "right" (each stone is $15.5k).

2.12ct cushion cut
G - SI1
Excellent / Very Good
No Fluorescence
8.10 x 7.28 x 4.85
59% table, 69% depth

2.11ct cushion cut
G - SI1
Excellent / Very Good
No Fluorescence
7.96 x 4.96 x 4.70
59% table, 67.5% depth

One thing I have not been able to look at or get my hands on is a current Rapaport Report (I believe cushions fall into the Princess cut catergory for pricing).

I have also seen a couple 2.00ct stones for approximately $500-800 cheaper with similar attributes (one level higher in color and clarity). I''d like to know if this extra $ is worth the value (based on avg Rapaport prices) or if I should stick to a ~2.00ct for around $14.7k-$15k.

I will also be getting a micro pave setting, which i was quoted ~$1.8k (stones slighty better quality than the center stone on a plantinum setting).

Overall the total price is in the range of $16k-$17.3k (lower end for the 2.0ct, higher for the 2.1ct).

I greatly appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi gl

Its very difficult to advise without images, also where have you looked in the DD? It is a potential minefield for the rookie buyer so I would be very cautious. It depends on you and how much you want to delve into this, some really like to learn the nuts and bolts of diamond cut and all the aspects and really research the purchase, others prefer to buy just with their eyes - they see a diamond they love and thats it, so it depends on which group you fall into.

Before you pull the trigger, I would contact these vendors and make an appointment -

www.engagementringsdirect.com and also www.exceldiamonds.com Both vendors have an excellent rep here. If you don't mind a trip to Long Island,

www.goodoldgold.com sell some fantastic cushions, you would need an appointment also.

As to the stones you are considering have you looked at and compared many cushions? Are these the types you like? These shapes can vary tremendously in type and appearance so do make absolutely sure of what you want before you commit. Here are some videos you might like which show you the different types of cushion available.

Cushion Comparison Video Here and if you scroll through there are many more from Jon at GOG which will show you the different types of cushion available and the differences in faceting and the effects.

Also this thread is extremely useful and shows the different types of cushions available. If you want some interesting reading from a PSer who has thoroughly researched cushions and asked lots of questions and learned a great deal about these shapes, do a search for Cehrabehra and look up her topics.

You have a considerable budget so it would be well worth spending some time researching this so you get a beautiful stone at the end of it.

 

[glflame]

I''ve researched the Cushion cut for about a month and have seem close to 20 stones. I like the dimensions of the stones I mentioned above (more rectangular than squarish).

Does anyone have a Rap sheet to compare these prices to the current selling prices? Thanks.

G

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/21/2009 11:43:14 AM
Author: glflame
I've researched the Cushion cut for about a month and have seem close to 20 stones. I like the dimensions of the stones I mentioned above (more rectangular than squarish).

Does anyone have a Rap sheet to compare these prices to the current selling prices? Thanks.

G

You might find this article useful and more on Rapaport here.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 10/21/2009 10:50:45 AM
Author:glflame
I've been shopping around (online and in the heart of the diamond district on 47th street in NYC) and I think I've found a few decent deals, but would like someone else's input. Every dealer I spoke with promises the 'best deal out there' so sometimes it gets to be overwhelming. I have only spoke with dealers that I was recommended to by friends, but still a little wary because of the high priced item I wish to get.

I located the following 2 stones which I am considering purchasing (both GIA certified; both reviewed under a lens and more or less satisfied with the inclusions not being in the center of the stone). Please let me know if these specs are good and the price is 'right' (each stone is $15.5k).

2.12ct cushion cut
G - SI1
Excellent / Very Good
No Fluorescence
8.10 x 7.28 x 4.85
59% table, 69% depth

2.11ct cushion cut
G - SI1
Excellent / Very Good
No Fluorescence
7.96 x 4.96 x 4.70
59% table, 67.5% depth

One thing I have not been able to look at or get my hands on is a current Rapaport Report (I believe cushions fall into the Princess cut catergory for pricing).

I have also seen a couple 2.00ct stones for approximately $500-800 cheaper with similar attributes (one level higher in color and clarity). I'd like to know if this extra $ is worth the value (based on avg Rapaport prices) or if I should stick to a ~2.00ct for around $14.7k-$15k.

I will also be getting a micro pave setting, which i was quoted ~$1.8k (stones slighty better quality than the center stone on a plantinum setting).

Overall the total price is in the range of $16k-$17.3k (lower end for the 2.0ct, higher for the 2.1ct).

I greatly appreciate any input. Thanks.

I wouldn't be using Rappoport for Cushions and usually mentioning that to any dealer just lets them know you are inexperienced. If you want a fair ballpark idea of what those stones should cost check on bluenile.com search or use the Pricescope search with the same Cut, Carat Weight, Clarity and Color .

But more importantly there are a few steps you should take before making your final selection:
___________________________________________________________________________

ChunkyCushionLover's Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds
Step 1 (Type of Cut)

Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)

i) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 Pictures and commentary here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)

ii) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left) (My finace owns this in her ER)
c) 8 main antique or old mine brilliant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g708wEVYmJ4
d) 8 main old mine cut http://www.vimeo.com/5310842

iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://www.vimeo.com/2120109
iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922
A helpful thread to see the plots and pictures of different types of cushions can be seen here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/ (keep in mind pictures aren't as useful as videos and can only be used reliably to understand facet structure not light performance)

Step 2 (Choose the 4 Cs)
1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven't had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Example:
Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eyeclean from 6 feet away looking faceup)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio = 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cushion Brilliant (Modern) either 4 main or 8 main

Than we can help you narrow things down considerably.

Step 3 (View and Post ASET Image and Photograph and/or see in person)

Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) and photographs of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.

Step 4 (View a side by side comparison at a vendor or appraisor for final selection)

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourtie stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor. For such an expensive purchase $100 in shipping and $100 in appraisor time seems well worth it to make the most informed choice possible.

Happy Hunting,

CCL

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/21/2009 11:43:14 AM
Author: glflame
I've researched the Cushion cut for about a month and have seem close to 20 stones. I like the dimensions of the stones I mentioned above (more rectangular than squarish).

Does anyone have a Rap sheet to compare these prices to the current selling prices? Thanks.

G

Also just to check, the diamonds you have shortlisted appeal to you the most out of the ones you have seen? If so then thats fine if you are sure of what you want, I would add to check very carefully that the diamonds are eyeclean - the positioning of the inclusions doesn't matter so much as long as they are a) not a durability issue ( rare in SI1) and b) the stone is eyeclean to your standards. Also check the cushions out away from the store lights if at all possible, look to make sure the stones don't go ' dead' once away from any bright store lighting and that you like how they look in plain daylight. If you are absolutely sure of what you want and either of these fit the bill then thats the main thing if you would rather purchase from the DD in this way rather than online etc and are happy with the level of info offered on your selections - and you don't want to do any further research, I would advise with a purchase of this magnitude to make certain you have a return policy and to get an independant appraisal during this time. As well as giving you all kinds of useful information on your purchase, the appraiser can give you an opinion on the price you paid etc.

Here is the appraiser listing, there are some in the NYC area such as David Wolf.