Need expert opinion on Cushion Modified Brillant

[kenny_e77]

Hi,

I have recently purchased a Cushion Modified Brillant cut diamond. I''ve looked at several websites to educate myself on purchasing a quality diamond, but now need your expert opinions. I know traditional Round Brillant cuts have a range for ideal depth and table percentages, but was unsuccessful finding what this range is for Cushion Modified Brillant cut diamonds. Though reading the many items posted on tis forum, I have a general idea, but would still like to solicit your feedback. Could you tell me if this is a well cut and proportioned diamond? The GIA report stats the following:

Cushion Modified Brillant
6.42 x 5.93 x 4.17 mm
1.21 carat
Depth: 70.3%
Table: 59%
Girdle: Slightly thick, Very thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Clarity: VS2
Color: G
No Flourescence

Another thing I noticed was the pavillon view on the GIA report didn''t resemble other ones I''ve seen on the internet for this type of cut diamond. (i.e. 8 pavillion mains and 16 lower girdles) I know there are usually 3 different types of pvillions for this cut, but the one i purchased appears to have many more pavillion mains and lower girdles. Is this where the "Modified" part of the description comes into play? I was told this diamond included 81 total facets. Aside from having more facets than your average diamond, I''m not sure what this means in terms of quality or value. Based on this information, is this a good diamond?

Any feedback regarding this is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kind regards,
Ken

 

[jaz464]

I cannot comment on the extra facets but the diamond looks very deep to me. Also, with the girdle, I think that the diamond would appear smaller than it is.

 

[kenny_e77]

Thanks for your feedback. I purchased the diamond for $6K. Does this price reflect the deep cut and thick girdle or do you think I overpaid?

 

[moremoremore]

Kenny- did it look like this? Although I re-read your post and I'm thinking not. Doesn't matter. Was just curious.

 

[moremoremore]

It does seem a bit small for its weight maybe... But you have to ask if the price is really good...and is it a beauty?

 

[kenny_e77]

Can a high rating in symmetry and polish (as this diamond has) make a deeply cut diamond better? I feared light would escape due to the high depth, but could "Very Good" symmetry counter this effect?

I had a feeling it was on the deeper side after reading similar questions on this forum. I had hoped this type of cut diamond would still be okay if other areas were graded good. The other concern was the way the pavillion looked cause I haven''t seen any others cut this way.

To me the diamond looked like it had alot of fire and scintillation, but of course I''m just a novice and don''t have the trained eye as many of the experts on this forum have. The lighting in the room could have given it greater brillance as well, but the average person wouldn''t be able to tell the difference I guess. My girlfriend has very small hands too (3 3/4 ring size) so the smaller look of the diamond might not be too bad. I just hope I didn''t buy a low quality diamond at a higher price than it''s worth.

Thanks again for any feedback anyone can give me. I''ll try to get the GIA report up here so I can show you the pavillion.

Kind regards,
Ken

 

[moremoremore]

Kenny- I don't know enough to know the answers...but it certainly seems as though the vg/ex combo is at the very least, some sign of a potentially well cut stone. And despite from maybe being a teeny deep (which doesn't really mean anything negative at all) it looks like it a potentially good depth and table combo..impossible to know more from depth and table but could be a beauty. I think your eyes have confirmed that.

I think this is far from a poorly cut stone! Congrats!

 

[kenny_e77]

I''m glad there was something positive about the diamond. Thanks so much for your feedback.

Old Miner...If you happen to read this, can you please comment as well? Thanks!

 

[Kaleigh]

Kenny,
Can you post a pic of it???

 

[kenny_e77]

I need to have my friend fax me a copy of the GIA report. I purchased it in NYC this past weekend, but live in Boston. The setting is being made back in NYC so I left it with my friend so he can bring the diamond in once the setting is finished. I try to have a pix of it uploaded here ASAP as I know it will help with the pavillion concern I mentioned.

 

[rockaholic]

Hi Kenny,

I also have a modified brilliant cushion... Yes, it is very different from any other cushion cuts that I''ve seen, and I personally love it! The extra facets on the bottom, I think, give it some extra sparkliness... I can''t comment on the price as I am not a professional, but based on the numbers, the stone looks great! I wouldn''t be too worried about the depth, my stone also is on the deep side, but this is because they use the shorter length to figure out the depth ratio. If you take the average of the two lengths, which I think is a fairer way of calculating the depth, you will notice that your stone is not THAT deep.... Plus, I''ve read somewhere that princesses and cushions should be slighly deeper than rounds because of the way they are cut and how light travels inside... (sorry, not a pro, so don''t know the jargon)

I''ve posted a picture of my diamond about two weeks ago, it''s under the thread "finally.... my cushion" so feel free to check it out! Hope this is helpful and good luck with your setting!!

~rockaholic~

 

[kenny_e77]

Thanks for your feedback Rockaholic. I definitely feel better knowing it could still be a good diamond even with a higher than ideal depth. What do you know about the gridle size for these type of cut diamonds? It thinner or medium more ideal than a thicker one? I know I''m probably going to have the perception of a smaller stone due to this, but hopefully a 3 3/4 ring size will make it look a little bigger.

I saw your cushion. Looks amazing! I can''t wait to see the pix of it when you get it back with the setting. Should be within this week or so, huh? I didn''t think there was anyone with a smaller ring size than my GF, but with your 3 ring size that ring is going to look both remarkable and enourmous.

Thanks again Rock!

Regards,
Ken

 

[moremoremore]

There is no ideal set of numbers for a cushion and there is no ideal girdle...look on the bright side. I''d rather have thick than very thin any day...

And you should pm oldminer... I''m sure he''ll help you with some questions!

 

[jaz464]

I second that

 

[kenny_e77]

Thanks for all your help. I''ll be sure to upload the pix when I get it.

Regards,
Ken

 

[Maya Moonstone]

Hi Kenny

It sounds as if you have seen the cushion. If the cushion is in your comfort range with regards to color, clarity and price AND you liked what you saw with your own two eyes - go for it!

I recently bought a cushion and after seeing a few stones, my opinion is that the best way to choose a cushion is to see it in person. I bought an excellent stone, in my comfort range, and with an excellent cut and great numbers, but returned it just did not "speak" to me.

Fortunately I found another stone from another trusted vendor and even without looking at the GIA certificate and the numbers, loved it!

Good luck! Trust your eyes!

Maya

 

[rockaholic]

Hi Kenny!

Thanks for the compliment... Ring is not ready yet, hopefully it will be ready in a week or two, I will post pics as soon as I get it!

I agree with moremoremore, thick is better than thin for the girdle. As long as the stone looks good, that''s the most important. Bear in mind though that cushions tend to look smaller than RBs, so your stone may not look as big as a RB with an equivalent weight... but I''m sure your GF will love it since it will be different from (probably most) of her friend''s rings! That''s one of the reasons why I love the cushion!

Keep all of us here on PS updated on your ring!

~rockaholic~

 

[kenny_e77]

Thanks for your feedback. I liked what I saw, but I''m really just a rookie at seeing a good vs. bad stone. When I get it back, I''ll post it for all to see and give me a true evaluation.