need help finding a cushion!

[b.anna]

hi everyone,

i love this forum because it gives me so much insight on finding a good deal on a diamond, and everyone here seems very knowledgable and resourceful!

with that said... i am looking for a cushion cut diamond but dont know where to begin. i''ve done a preliminary search on pricescope, and found a few im interested in, but am very divided on which one to pick or which few to pick and ask for images, etc.

the cushions that i''ve been looking at have been in the 1.5-1.57ct range, K-M color, and VS1 - SI1 clarity. their prices don''t deviate much from each other, but i''d like to get the best for my budget - around $3500 for the stone.

for those cushion lovers/experts, could you please help? i''m basically ignoring all their cut grades since cushions are very unpredictable, but i''m wondering if their table and depth percentages need to be paid attention to? also, to keep within my budget, i don''t mind going all the way down to the K-M color range since i''ve heard that if you find one with fluorescence, you can kind of mask the more yellowish tint in them (if this is wrong, someone please correct me!)

from my search i''ve found five that i''d seriously consider purchasing, so any feedback would be much appreciated! thanks in advance

Stone 1: from Abazias Diamonds
Carat Weight - 1.53
Measurements - 6.98 x 6.39 x 4.23
Color - L
Clarity - VS2
Depth - 66.2
Table - 59
Symmetry - VG
Polish - VG
Girdle - TN-VTK
Culet - NO
Fluorescence - F
Cut Grade - N/A
Certificate - GIA

Stone 2: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.57
Measurements: 6.43 x 6.23 x 4.38
Ratio: 1.03
Color: M
Clarity: VS1
Depth Percentage: 70.30
Table Percentage: 61.00
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Very Thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 3: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.50
Measurements: 6.83 x 6.33 x 4.19
Ratio: 1.08
Color: L
Clarity: SI1
Depth Percentage: 66.20
Table Percentage: 59.00
Girdle: Thick to Extra Thick
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Faint
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 4: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.53
Measurements: 6.98x6.39x4.23
Ratio: 1.09
Color: L
Clarity: VS2
Depth Percentage: 66.20
Table Percentage: 59.00
Girdle: Thin to Very Thick
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Faint
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 5: from Abazias Diamonds
Carat Weight - 1.54
Measurements - 7.11 x 6.45 x 4.32
Color - L
Clarity - VS2
Depth - 67%
Table - 65%
Symmetry - ex
Polish - ex
Girdle - tn-tk
Culet - NO
Fluorescence - ft
Cut Grade - N/A
Certificate - GIA

 

[bowral1]

Yes table and depth do matter. While there are no exact magical numbers for cushions or other fancy cuts you can find ranges that the cushion should fall in. As everyone says you can judge a cushion based on numbers. Ask for maybe a video or ASET images perhaps?
Melissa

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 7/23/2009 3:59:10 PM
Author:b.anna
hi everyone,

i love this forum because it gives me so much insight on finding a good deal on a diamond, and everyone here seems very knowledgable and resourceful!

with that said... i am looking for a cushion cut diamond but dont know where to begin. i've done a preliminary search on pricescope, and found a few im interested in, but am very divided on which one to pick or which few to pick and ask for images, etc.

the cushions that i've been looking at have been in the 1.5-1.57ct range, K-M color, and VS1 - SI1 clarity. their prices don't deviate much from each other, but i'd like to get the best for my budget - around $3500 for the stone.

for those cushion lovers/experts, could you please help? i'm basically ignoring all their cut grades since cushions are very unpredictable, but i'm wondering if their table and depth percentages need to be paid attention to? also, to keep within my budget, i don't mind going all the way down to the K-M color range since i've heard that if you find one with fluorescence, you can kind of mask the more yellowish tint in them (if this is wrong, someone please correct me!)

from my search i've found five that i'd seriously consider purchasing, so any feedback would be much appreciated! thanks in advance

Stone 1: from Abazias Diamonds
Carat Weight - 1.53
Measurements - 6.98 x 6.39 x 4.23
Color - L
Clarity - VS2
Depth - 66.2
Table - 59
Symmetry - VG
Polish - VG
Girdle - TN-VTK
Culet - NO
Fluorescence - F
Cut Grade - N/A
Certificate - GIA

Stone 2: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.57
Measurements: 6.43 x 6.23 x 4.38
Ratio: 1.03
Color: M
Clarity: VS1
Depth Percentage: 70.30
Table Percentage: 61.00
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Very Thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 3: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.50
Measurements: 6.83 x 6.33 x 4.19
Ratio: 1.08
Color: L
Clarity: SI1
Depth Percentage: 66.20
Table Percentage: 59.00
Girdle: Thick to Extra Thick
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Faint
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 4: from ID Jewelers
Carat: 1.53
Measurements: 6.98x6.39x4.23
Ratio: 1.09
Color: L
Clarity: VS2
Depth Percentage: 66.20
Table Percentage: 59.00
Girdle: Thin to Very Thick
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Faint
Culet: None
Report: GIA

Stone 5: from Abazias Diamonds
Carat Weight - 1.54
Measurements - 7.11 x 6.45 x 4.32
Color - L
Clarity - VS2
Depth - 67%
Table - 65%
Symmetry - ex
Polish - ex
Girdle - tn-tk
Culet - NO
Fluorescence - ft
Cut Grade - N/A
Certificate - GIA

1) Abazias is a drop shipper all you will get is the certificate and low prices no way to know much more than that from them. But you should ask them for a copy of the certificate of any stones you are considering.
2) The numbers posted left out the TYPE of cushion these are and this is the most important thing when evaluating cushions.
3) If you like chunky faceted cushions than I would ask to see the certs on 1 3 and 5, you don't want tables larger than 60% or Depths greater than 69% in general. Big table % usually means a low crown height and poor brilliance and fire.
4) I wouldn't pick most cushions deeper than 69% depth they are usually poorly cut and you get a smaller faceup size than stones which are a bit shallower.

First I would go to Vimeo.com and type in rhino cushion and look at his videos and decide what kind of cushion you like.

i) chunky faceted (4 main or 8 main) cushion brilliant (sometimes called antique cushion brilliant)
ii) smaller facets (bad ones called crushed ice) modified cushion brilliant
iii) square cushion hearts and arrows
iv) modern cushion brilliant (8 mains but thinner)
v) old mine cut cushion / old mine brilliant

You should also know how rectangular or square you want the stone to be.
Once you can tell us more on your preferences post again your selections.

Since you are looking for lower colour stones you might consider an old mine cut cushion or antique cushion take a look at the ones on OldWorldDiamonds.com, Adam has pictures of a lot of the stones and he will find you a nice bright one if you ask him.

I can suggest other vendors and probabaly search for you once you tell me exactly the look you are going for.

Good-luck,

CCL

 

[Lorelei]

Hi b-anna

Images are essential in order to be able to properly judge a cushion for performance and beauty, in particular ASET and photographs. If you are unfamiliar with ASET this page explains what to look for.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Abazias and ID jewellers do not to the best of my knowledge have most of their diamonds in house, these are most likely what are known as virtual stones, owned by the suppliers and up for sale with multiple vendors, so no way of knowing much about these just from the numbers.

If you are particularly interested in these you could ask the vendors to call these in, what I would suggest is to watch some of these videos

http://www.goodoldgold.com/Diamond_Videos/

to see exactly what you like in a cushion. No way to tell without images the faceting and appearance/ optics of any of the above from a few numbers. Also with the girdle variances if you pursue any of these, check that the very thick parts don't encompass large amounts of the girdles, a pro can evaluate any you might be seriously interested in. Also depth does not always relate to face up size, although you want to avoid ones which are obviously very deep, cushions and fancy shapes can hold weight in other ways not always related to the one deepest point/depth measurement - judge each as a whole.

 

[b.anna]

thanks for all the feedback so far! i really appreciate the help

i''ve scrapped the diamonds i found, and agree with CCL that ordering from drop shipper is probably not a good idea, and went to excel and bluenile to find a cushion. their prices are also competetive, and i made a note to be more mindful about depth and table.

i''ve found these, which are slightly higher in color, and the GIA certs look good in terms of clarity, but i will have to see the images. i also like these because i don''t want to exceed a ratio of 1.10 (i like the more square look for cushions). the tables still seem high on these, but i''m hoping the images will help me pick one from this set.

the images will also help on the type of cushion i like (in response to CCL) - i took a look at some other threads regarding the different kinds of cushions, and am open to any except the cushion modified brilliant that GOG describes as:

Crown:
8 bezels
8 stars
16 upper girdles
1 table
Pavilion:
4 mains
24 misc pavilion facets
Total facets: 61

i''ve already requested IS and ASETs from Excel and got a response within 10min! they will send what they can get monday or tuesday and i will promptly post them here as well.

Cushion #1:
Carat : 1.28
Clarity : VVS2
Color : M
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements: 6.54 x 6.49 x 3.81
Depth: 58.7%
Table: 63%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: F

Cushion #2:
Carat : 1.24
Clarity : VS2
Color : L
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements: 6.84 x 6.27 x 4.09
Depth: 65.2
Table: 65%
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: M

Cushion #3:
Carat : 1.21
Clarity : VS2
Color : J
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Certificate Number: 16388842
Measurements: 6.53 x 6.22 x 4.03
Depth: 64.8
Table: 62%
Girdle: Very Thin to thick
Culet: None
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: N

Cushion #4:
Carat weight: 1.23
Cut: Very Good
Color: J
Clarity: IF
Depth %: 64.4%
Table %: 62%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to very thick, faceted
Culet: Very small
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.43 x 6.40 x 4.12 mm


any feedback from PSers would be invaluable (as many of us already know

)

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 7/24/2009 1:13:20 PM
Author: b.anna

thanks for all the feedback so far! i really appreciate the help

i''ve scrapped the diamonds i found, and agree with CCL that ordering from drop shipper is probably not a good idea, and went to excel and bluenile to find a cushion. their prices are also competetive, and i made a note to be more mindful about depth and table.

i''ve found these, which are slightly higher in color, and the GIA certs look good in terms of clarity, but i will have to see the images. i also like these because i don''t want to exceed a ratio of 1.10 (i like the more square look for cushions). the tables still seem high on these, but i''m hoping the images will help me pick one from this set.
any feedback from PSers would be invaluable (as many of us already know

)

Blue Nile is a drop shipper, as well. With Excel, ask Judah to look those four over for you and send the images for the three he feels are the best--he will give you an honest evaluation.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 1:19:11 PM
Author: jet2ks

Date: 7/24/2009 1:13:20 PM
Author: b.anna



thanks for all the feedback so far! i really appreciate the help

i've scrapped the diamonds i found, and agree with CCL that ordering from drop shipper is probably not a good idea, and went to excel and bluenile to find a cushion. their prices are also competetive, and i made a note to be more mindful about depth and table.

i've found these, which are slightly higher in color, and the GIA certs look good in terms of clarity, but i will have to see the images. i also like these because i don't want to exceed a ratio of 1.10 (i like the more square look for cushions). the tables still seem high on these, but i'm hoping the images will help me pick one from this set.
any feedback from PSers would be invaluable (as many of us already know

)

Blue Nile is a drop shipper, as well. With Excel, ask Judah to look those four over for you and send the images for the three he feels are the best--he will give you an honest evaluation.

Ditto Jet, also ask Judah to check the very thin areas of any of the above diamonds to check they are not a durability issue potentially ( rare but best to check) and conversely that the very thick parts of the girdles aren't taking up large portions of the girdles. Be interested to see the images when you have them!

 

[Rock_of_Love]

First, you *at least* need pics of cushions. Also, you need to decide what "type" you like...do you like more modern style a la Tiffany Novo? More antique, chunky style a la GOG signature? Do you want square or rectangular?

Then, if you want to weed through the GIA certs w/o pics (Blue Nile won''t give you pics), put in your desired specs to narrow down "potentials," read this thread that talks about pavillion facet patterns, or spend some time with Rhino''s videos on vimeo (which you''ve done a bit of). Then, when you are looking at all these certs, see if the cert says "Cushion Brilliant" or "Cushion Modified Brilliant" - then look at the pavillion facet pattern. After finding a few "potentials" with the facet pattern and dimensions you desire, have someone that can take pics for you call them in. Any vendor can do this, but of course I would recommend a cushion expert like GOG!!

But, again, it is REALLY REALLY difficult to tell anything about a cushion based on specs alone. So, I REALLY REALLY reccommend contacting a vendor like GOG to help you in your search.

Lots of luck!!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 7/24/2009 1:13:20 PM
Author: b.anna


thanks for all the feedback so far! i really appreciate the help

i've scrapped the diamonds i found, and agree with CCL that ordering from drop shipper is probably not a good idea, and went to excel and bluenile to find a cushion. their prices are also competetive, and i made a note to be more mindful about depth and table.

i've found these, which are slightly higher in color, and the GIA certs look good in terms of clarity, but i will have to see the images. i also like these because i don't want to exceed a ratio of 1.10 (i like the more square look for cushions). the tables still seem high on these, but i'm hoping the images will help me pick one from this set.

the images will also help on the type of cushion i like (in response to CCL) - i took a look at some other threads regarding the different kinds of cushions, and am open to any except the cushion modified brilliant that GOG describes as:

Crown:
8 bezels
8 stars
16 upper girdles
1 table
Pavilion:
4 mains
24 misc pavilion facets
Total facets: 61

i've already requested IS and ASETs from Excel and got a response within 10min! they will send what they can get monday or tuesday and i will promptly post them here as well.

Cushion #1:
Carat : 1.28
Clarity : VVS2
Color : M
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements: 6.54 x 6.49 x 3.81
Depth: 58.7%
Table: 63%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: F

Cushion #2:
Carat : 1.24
Clarity : VS2
Color : L
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements: 6.84 x 6.27 x 4.09
Depth: 65.2
Table: 65%
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: M

Cushion #3:
Carat : 1.21
Clarity : VS2
Color : J
GIA SPECIFICATIONS
Certificate Number: 16388842
Measurements: 6.53 x 6.22 x 4.03
Depth: 64.8
Table: 62%
Girdle: Very Thin to thick
Culet: None
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: N

Cushion #4:
Carat weight: 1.23
Cut: Very Good
Color: J
Clarity: IF
Depth %: 64.4%
Table %: 62%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to very thick, faceted
Culet: Very small
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.43 x 6.40 x 4.12 mm


any feedback from PSers would be invaluable (as many of us already know

)

Anna,

From what I gather:

Budget: $3500
Clarity: Si1+ (has to be eyeclean) (I am not sure if there was a reason why you chose higher clarity stones in the second set of choices if there is let me know)
Type: Cushion Brilliant 4 Main or 8 Main Chunky or Modern (just no Modified Cushion Brilliant)
Size: 1.2 Ct and Up
Colour: M+
Fluorescence: You are hoping for Med to Strong but will settle for Faint or None (Keep in mind medium, faint or none may not appreciably make the diamond faceup whiter)
LW Ratio: 1 - 1.1 but you prefer more square so maybe 1 - 1.05 would be preferred?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think we still have to nail down your preferences before your search can begin. You didn't list if any of those stones listed above were actual Cushion Brilliants.

1) http://vimeo.com/3288695 Watch this video or better yet go to a store and look at the lowest colour diamonds they have and not in the realy bright lights in the store like under a table or by the windows would be better. It sounds like you want a white diamond and colorless or as close to it as you can get. You need to know if the warmth of a JKLM is going to bother you or not. Keep in mind well cut round diamonds faceup whiter than cushions so the effects of colour are magnified in cushion cuts. You really should see in real life some of these diamonds in this colour range.

2) Will an Eye Clean SI2 or SI1(assuming Judah or another vendor can look at the stone and tell you) You will again sacrifice size for higher clarity.

3) Have you actually seen any cushions even the modified brilliant type in real life? I strongly suggest you go to a few local places to look at them. The pictures and even video won't do these diamonds justice.

4) Your initial choices were much bigger than these new ones but it seems you are willing to go down to 6.24mm width. If thats the case you can even get an I colored stone in a cushion brilliant which is very square and stay within your budget.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You should still go ahead with the pictures and ASET and I'll help you once you post them.
If I had to guess from the numbers I'd say the last two should be better than the first two. But I suspect one or all of these are modified cushion brilliants.
I don't want to influence your decision too much before you nail down those preferences but I do have some other choices for you based on your specs once you nail down your preferences or if these stones don't work out.

Regards,

CCL

 

[Rock_of_Love]

CCL...great job summing it up!! I tried, but not as successful!!

Definitely ditton to #3...go see some in person to really figure out what you like. There is quite a big difference IMO between chunky/antique-style and modern.

 

[bowral1]

B Anna I worked with Excell on my cushion diamond and i love it!

 

[b.anna]

Date: 7/24/2009 3:42:10 PM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover
Anna,


From what I gather:


Budget: $3500

Clarity: Si1+ (has to be eyeclean) (I am not sure if there was a reason why you chose higher clarity stones in the second set of choices if there is let me know)

Type: Cushion Brilliant 4 Main or 8 Main Chunky or Modern (just no Modified Cushion Brilliant)

Size: 1.2 Ct and Up

Colour: M+

Fluorescence: You are hoping for Med to Strong but will settle for Faint or None (Keep in mind medium, faint or none may not appreciably make the diamond faceup whiter)

LW Ratio: 1 - 1.1 but you prefer more square so maybe 1 - 1.05 would be preferred?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I think we still have to nail down your preferences before your search can begin. You didn''t list if any of those stones listed above were actual Cushion Brilliants.


1) http://vimeo.com/3288695 Watch this video or better yet go to a store and look at the lowest colour diamonds they have and not in the realy bright lights in the store like under a table or by the windows would be better. It sounds like you want a white diamond and colorless or as close to it as you can get. You need to know if the warmth of a JKLM is going to bother you or not. Keep in mind well cut round diamonds faceup whiter than cushions so the effects of colour are magnified in cushion cuts. You really should see in real life some of these diamonds in this colour range.


2) Will an Eye Clean SI2 or SI1(assuming Judah or another vendor can look at the stone and tell you) You will again sacrifice size for higher clarity.


3) Have you actually seen any cushions even the modified brilliant type in real life? I strongly suggest you go to a few local places to look at them. The pictures and even video won''t do these diamonds justice.


4) Your initial choices were much bigger than these new ones but it seems you are willing to go down to 6.24mm width. If thats the case you can even get an I colored stone in a cushion brilliant which is very square and stay within your budget.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You should still go ahead with the pictures and ASET and I''ll help you once you post them.

If I had to guess from the numbers I''d say the last two should be better than the first two. But I suspect one or all of these are modified cushion brilliants.

I don''t want to influence your decision too much before you nail down those preferences but I do have some other choices for you based on your specs once you nail down your preferences or if these stones don''t work out.


Regards,


CCL

hi CCL:

thanks so much for summarizing what i couldn''t myself - i completely apologize if i didn''t seem to give any directions!

Budget: $3500 ==> this i bumped up to around 4000 but it''d be nice to stay under 3700 (if i found a stone that blew the rest away i''d spend the 4000)

Clarity: Si1+ (has to be eyeclean) (I am not sure if there was a reason why you chose higher clarity stones in the second set of choices if there is let me know)
==> absolutely! i don''t mind going down in clarity as long as it''s completely eyeclean (something i learned and acquired from ps)

Type: Cushion Brilliant 4 Main or 8 Main Chunky or Modern (just no Modified Cushion Brilliant)
==> i saw some videos from GOG and i''m really indecisive about it which is what i hope the pictures from Barry at Excel will help me with. the videos of the cushions i saw on vimeo basically summarized to me that you could have a modern cut that doesn''t look like crushed ice that can perform great, but also have the more antique looking cushions that look sort of modern and have great light return. what i am not looking for is something that has a lot of facets, i think i would like a cushion with a larger table with great light return (if that''s possible)

Size: 1.2 Ct and Up
==> correct, a stone that has proportions of around 6.3mm

Colour: M+
==> correct, though ideally something around a J, but with fluorescence a lower color would be acceptable

Fluorescence: You are hoping for Med to Strong but will settle for Faint or None (Keep in mind medium, faint or none may not appreciably make the diamond faceup whiter)
==> yes, this relates to color. if i go below a J, i would like faint, medium, or strong fluorescence

LW Ratio: 1 - 1.1 but you prefer more square so maybe 1 - 1.05 would be preferred?
==> yes, definitely more square

Barry at excel diamonds will be sending me images and workup of the stones monday afternoon, i am very excited!

in response to your questions, i have seen cushions in real life im just very divided on what kind i would really prefer - sounds like there is a ton of variability on them regardless of how they are classified, so seeing the stones on a video or in person if possible is best, and i will try to work this out with barry.

i hope this clarifies more on what i''m looking for, i''m looking forward to seeing what barry has to show me after the weekend.

thank you so much for all your help!!!

b.anna

 

[b.anna]

ETA to above:

When I say I don''t want anything with too many facets, I''m really referring to the older, more antique cuts. some have pointed out that OMC cushions or brilliants may be also an option, but i have OMCs in my engagement ring and i''m not a huge fan of the large culet, the small table, and large number of table facets.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 7/26/2009 10:22:36 AM
Author: b.anna
ETA to above:

When I say I don't want anything with too many facets, I'm really referring to the older, more antique cuts. some have pointed out that OMC cushions or brilliants may be also an option, but i have OMCs in my engagement ring and i'm not a huge fan of the large culet, the small table, and large number of table facets.

Anna,

Good-luck with the pictures today from Barry.

Take a look at my thread I just presented a square cushion hearts and arrows and a GOG signature cushion to my Fiance and have a poll going about which one the Pricescopers would choose.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/

If you don't want a large culet or any culet than you should get a modern cushion brilliant. These would either be a 4 main or 8 thin main. Pictures are only good for one thing and that is looking at facets and cut style. Pictures say very little about optics.

Some stones with good potential in order of my preference:

1) http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vvs2-clarity_LD01410419?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report (If you like the look of stone #1 in my thread you will love this one. I bet this is from the same cutter). Take a look at the videos on square cushion hearts and arrowson vimeo this stone should be similar. If its the vendor I think these are superbly cut stones. They only work with I and above colours, high clarity and precision cutting.

2) http://www.whiteflash.com/cushion/Cushion-cut-diamond-2100897.htm# (4 main cushion brilliant, be sure to have someone check to make sure the girldle is only thick in places like the corners and not all the way around).

3) http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-vs1-clarity_LD01276901?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report (Another 4 main cushion brilliant, attractive stone although slightly smaller than you might have liked.)

I think Judah or Barry at Excel (i don't know much about them) could probably pull these in for you, just make sure he tells you before hand how much better his price will be than BNe and you might want to ask a couple of vendors for prices as these are virtual stones and you can shop in many places. I would expect most PS vendors to be competitive and at least a few hundred cheaper than BN for these. BN being the large juggernaut it is doesn't allow other sites to list the stones it has on its search engine but they are still available to other vendors.

You can also call mark at ERD as well he knows more about stone 1) than virtually anyone and has a relationship with that vendor/cutter. He can pull these in or suggest alternatives and his prices are going to be among the best here. I would also fully trust his eyes for choosing cushions but you might still want to ask for a picture and an ASET from any vendor you choose to work with.

I look forward to seeing the posted pictures and ASETS.

Good-luck,

CCL

 

[b.anna]

thank you so much CCL for all your help! the stones you linked look great, but the first one i think sold, the second one is out of my budget (

) and the third is a little small for what im looking for....

barry emailed me with with links to the stones i requested, but i''m not sure if i''m allowed to post the links. i can''t save the pictures because he sent them to me via a website image, and i can only save it as an html application (have no idea what this means...) any suggestions??? i''d be happy to post the links here, but i just want to make sure i don''t get in trouble for it.

 

[jet2ks]

You are fine posting links to the actual diamonds on the vendor''s website. Make sure that any you are interested in are on hold for you before posting so they don''t get poached by a lurker.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 7/27/2009 6:06:53 PM
Author: b.anna
thank you so much CCL for all your help! the stones you linked look great, but the first one i think sold, the second one is out of my budget (

) and the third is a little small for what im looking for....

barry emailed me with with links to the stones i requested, but i''m not sure if i''m allowed to post the links. i can''t save the pictures because he sent them to me via a website image, and i can only save it as an html application (have no idea what this means...) any suggestions??? i''d be happy to post the links here, but i just want to make sure i don''t get in trouble for it.

So sorry that 1) is sold, make sure you double check that and I don''t mean with bluenile have someonelse call the vendor.
Stone 2) should come in at under $4000 remember that the price should be further discounted from what is posted on WF.

You can go ahead and post the links, PS just doesn''t want 3rd party website links as they can go down. Most vendors keep even the sold inventory on their webpages for future reference so this is fine.

 

[b.anna]

ok great i''ve contacted mark at ERD and he should be calling me back today, and Barry at excel has been great (he returned an email at 11:20pm last night

)

here are the links to the stones. i will be visiting their location in new york city in august to see these stones (i am still very divided), and he will be holding the stones for me. i''d like to know what everyone thinks - barry and judah have given me their recommendations, but i''d like to know what everyone thinks too

thanks a bunch!!

#1) 1.51 K/VS1
1.51 K/VS1

#2) 1.24 L/VS2
1.24 L/VS2

#3) 1.52 L/VS1
1.52 L/VS1

#4) 1.21 J/VS1
1.21 J/VS1

#5) 1.28 M/VVS2
1.28 M/VVS2

 

[jet2ks]

Viewing them in person will be very helpful, you will be able to pick the one that speaks to you.

Based on photos and ASET, I like the K, followed by the J.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/28/2009 7:41:06 PM
Author: jet2ks

Viewing them in person will be very helpful, you will be able to pick the one that speaks to you.

Based on photos and ASET, I like the K, followed by the J.

Ditto, I prefer the same ones as Jet also

 

[beechezz]

I''m no expert, but the K is the one that spoke to me.

 

[b.anna]

thaanks everyone!! unfortunately, i basically had to scrap my search. but the good news was that i did meet with judah at excel, and he showed me four stones that barry had found for me. i fell in love with two of them. they are very square, and have a more modern look to them (rather than the more antiquey chunky look). judah was amazing to work with, and he was so so so so patient.

one of the stones is a 1.49 L/VS1 which is beautiful, but it seems much too warm for me (there is no fluorescence in this stone). the second one is a 1.5 J/VS2 which is really the one that i love love love, but the price tag is much much higher (around $5000). my question is that for those who worked with excel, do they do any price negotiations??? part of me wants to go with the L which is considerable cheaper, around $3700, and give myself time to fall in love with its warmth, but at the same time, the J stone really spoke to me and does appear very white for its color grade, even when it put it against an E colored RB i have.

alternatively, mark at ERD has found me two stones, both J/VS2 which are $3500 but are smaller than i''d like (1.21 carats). he sent me images and GIA certs, but after meeting judah and looking at these cushions, i really don''t feel good about buying a cushion without seeing it in person. arranging this with mark is difficult since his office is not open during the summer.

at this point im not sure what to do... judah at excel was great, very knowledgable and friendly. but also has the more expensive stone and may not have extensive knowledge/expertise in cushion cut diamonds as mark. mark is notorious for his knowledge about cushions, and has found absolutely beautiful cushion stones for his clients, but it would be difficult for me to arrange to see these stones in person and the ones he is pushing for me to consider are smaller than what i wanted. and overall, is it bad to be talking to multiple vendors??? i feel a little guilty trying to be open minded about different vendors and their styles of dealing with clients

any thoughts???

 

[stone-cold11]

Definitely no harm in going to several vendors for shopping.

Good luck in what you decide.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/19/2009 3:29:45 PM
Author: b.anna
thaanks everyone!! unfortunately, i basically had to scrap my search. but the good news was that i did meet with judah at excel, and he showed me four stones that barry had found for me. i fell in love with two of them. they are very square, and have a more modern look to them (rather than the more antiquey chunky look). judah was amazing to work with, and he was so so so so patient.

one of the stones is a 1.49 L/VS1 which is beautiful, but it seems much too warm for me (there is no fluorescence in this stone). the second one is a 1.5 J/VS2 which is really the one that i love love love, but the price tag is much much higher (around $5000). my question is that for those who worked with excel, do they do any price negotiations??? part of me wants to go with the L which is considerable cheaper, around $3700, and give myself time to fall in love with its warmth, but at the same time, the J stone really spoke to me and does appear very white for its color grade, even when it put it against an E colored RB i have.

alternatively, mark at ERD has found me two stones, both J/VS2 which are $3500 but are smaller than i''d like (1.21 carats). he sent me images and GIA certs, but after meeting judah and looking at these cushions, i really don''t feel good about buying a cushion without seeing it in person. arranging this with mark is difficult since his office is not open during the summer.

at this point im not sure what to do... judah at excel was great, very knowledgable and friendly. but also has the more expensive stone and may not have extensive knowledge/expertise in cushion cut diamonds as mark. mark is notorious for his knowledge about cushions, and has found absolutely beautiful cushion stones for his clients, but it would be difficult for me to arrange to see these stones in person and the ones he is pushing for me to consider are smaller than what i wanted. and overall, is it bad to be talking to multiple vendors??? i feel a little guilty trying to be open minded about different vendors and their styles of dealing with clients

any thoughts???

Tell Mark that you are having trouble meeting with him he will find a way most likely. Alternatively he can send the stone(s) to an appraisor especially someone local in NYC like David Wolf but that should not be necessary. Also you really should make it clear to both vendors what you want and the maximum price. Tell judah you are considering competitors stones as well and maybe he will give you a discount, but I really think you should see the stones ERD has chosen for you as well. Carat weight weight is not proportional to face up size so you should compare the length and width of the stones in determining their sizes relative to one another.

Looks like you want

Colour: J and up
Size: 1.21+
Cut: Modern Cushion Brilliant (4 main or 8 main?)
Price: Under 5000

I just did a quick search for modern cushion brilliant in the J color range for you the perfectly square type, either vendor could probably pull in this 4 main for you as well.
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-vs2-clarity_LD01128092?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report

Don''t be worried about speaking to more than one vendor, I even got impatient and had two vedors try to pull in the same stone for me once so this is more common than you think.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I had no idea Mark''s store was closed in the summer. I remember visiting him a few times last summer when we purchased a cushion from him.

 

[b.anna]

Date: 8/19/2009 10:42:26 PM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover

Date: 8/19/2009 3:29:45 PM
Author: b.anna
thaanks everyone!! unfortunately, i basically had to scrap my search. but the good news was that i did meet with judah at excel, and he showed me four stones that barry had found for me. i fell in love with two of them. they are very square, and have a more modern look to them (rather than the more antiquey chunky look). judah was amazing to work with, and he was so so so so patient.

one of the stones is a 1.49 L/VS1 which is beautiful, but it seems much too warm for me (there is no fluorescence in this stone). the second one is a 1.5 J/VS2 which is really the one that i love love love, but the price tag is much much higher (around $5000). my question is that for those who worked with excel, do they do any price negotiations??? part of me wants to go with the L which is considerable cheaper, around $3700, and give myself time to fall in love with its warmth, but at the same time, the J stone really spoke to me and does appear very white for its color grade, even when it put it against an E colored RB i have.

alternatively, mark at ERD has found me two stones, both J/VS2 which are $3500 but are smaller than i''d like (1.21 carats). he sent me images and GIA certs, but after meeting judah and looking at these cushions, i really don''t feel good about buying a cushion without seeing it in person. arranging this with mark is difficult since his office is not open during the summer.

at this point im not sure what to do... judah at excel was great, very knowledgable and friendly. but also has the more expensive stone and may not have extensive knowledge/expertise in cushion cut diamonds as mark. mark is notorious for his knowledge about cushions, and has found absolutely beautiful cushion stones for his clients, but it would be difficult for me to arrange to see these stones in person and the ones he is pushing for me to consider are smaller than what i wanted. and overall, is it bad to be talking to multiple vendors??? i feel a little guilty trying to be open minded about different vendors and their styles of dealing with clients

any thoughts???

Tell Mark that you are having trouble meeting with him he will find a way most likely. Alternatively he can send the stone(s) to an appraisor especially someone local in NYC like David Wolf but that should not be necessary. Also you really should make it clear to both vendors what you want and the maximum price. Tell judah you are considering competitors stones as well and maybe he will give you a discount, but I really think you should see the stones ERD has chosen for you as well. Carat weight weight is not proportional to face up size so you should compare the length and width of the stones in determining their sizes relative to one another.

Looks like you want

Colour: J and up
Size: 1.21+
Cut: Modern Cushion Brilliant (4 main or 8 main?)
Price: Under 5000

I just did a quick search for modern cushion brilliant in the J color range for you the perfectly square type, either vendor could probably pull in this 4 main for you as well.
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-vs2-clarity_LD01128092?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report

Don''t be worried about speaking to more than one vendor, I even got impatient and had two vedors try to pull in the same stone for me once so this is more common than you think.

yep that sounds right the stones mark wants to show me also came with GIA certs which he attached via email. the stone judah showed me is 6.75 x 6.52 (1.5 ct) whereas the two stones mark found are 6.30 x 5.92 and 6.39 x 6.05 (both 1.21ct)

I also found a stone through JA that is 6.62 x 6.27 J/VS2 (1.45 ct) that has great proportions. Right now I am waiting on the IS and this stone is about $600 less than the one judah showed me.

the ones that i''ve seen so far are 4 main which i like a lot. i''m not too particular about the facet structure, as long as i like what i see and i can avoid the crushed ice look as much as possible (even some of the 4 main stones had a crushed ice look, so i don''t really go by pavilion structure anymore).

and thanks for the advice about looking at multiple vendors - i feel MUCH better about that. and for some reason mark told me his office in NY wasnt opened. i had mentioned that i''d be in the city but he said he wouldn''t be able to meet me. so no idea there