Need help with a 2 - 2.5+ct cushion

[Gustovier]

All,

I'm looking for a square cushion(LW ratio 1- 1.05), in the 2ct - 2.5ct range. Since I'm paying for the 2ct premium I want the best spread possible and not have the ct weight in parts in the depth/girdle etc, where it can't be appreciated. I've really like diamonds with 7.2+ in both width and length.

I would also like love to have color F but would go to color G. I am able to really easily see the yellow in I and somewhat in H color diamonds. For Clarity i can go as low as SI2 if it's eye clean, but ideally is1 or above. I'm not trying to spend over 18500 for the diamond and ideally would like to be in 14-17 range.

I've seen some bargains out there in the high color range with very strong florescence but one thing I've learned with diamonds is that they are priced what they are priced for a reason. I have yet to see strong fluorescence in person but I know it can make the diamond look milky.

My lady would really like the most sparkle she can get, although will be setting it in a Hallow with a thin band with diamonds about 3/4th so that should also add a lot to the sparkle of the piece.

 

[chrono]

I'm am doubtful your budget will accommodate a well cut 2 ct G SI1 stone. As an example, see the link below:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05236267?click_id=320484595

I found many other stones that fit your budget but the cut was atrocious. It is entirely possible that the very experienced and helpful regulars on RT may find you a nice cushion within your budget.

 

[noscrusir]

Going to be hard to find a well-cute G+, SI1+ in your price range (wouldn't even consider SI2). Here's a possibility but I'm not sure that it'd be eye-clean.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2,01-Carat-G-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-SE8PGF

You'll have to ask the gemologist to see if it's eye clean. If so, it's a decent (not great) option. Like you, I'm color sensitive and prefer D-F (G if it's well cut) but you'll have to pay for it. You can find plenty of lower color stones that are well cut and I'd ask vendors with a good reputation for finding great cushions like Brilliantly Engaged or GOG.

 

[ariel144]

Found some on JA

My fav. is the 2.01 F SI1 cushion brilliant....so hard to find these! Note the small table which produces the high crown for the beautiful pillowy effect of a lovely cushion.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-428047

This H faces up the largest and is also a cushion brilliant...very nice VS1 stone...lovely faceting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-383137

2.01 G SI1...also a cushion brilliant
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-380614

If you find a large slightly elongated cushion you can set it East/West which gives more finger coverage and IMO a more squared effect when set.

Note...even though the D is an SI2 it looks just as close to maybe being eye clean as some of the SI1's and the price is really nice.

I would have the gemologist pick out these 4 and see which 3 are the best performing to the naked eye and get the ASETS on those 3.

My search results..surprisingly you have a lot of nice choices in your budget...usually only find a bunch of mushy cushions (gray mush under the table and modified cushions instead of cushion brilliants):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/?CaratFrom=1.82&CaratTo=2.79&Color=D,E,F,G,H&PriceFrom=200&PriceTo=22400&Sort=Price%20asc,%20DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&advancedParameter=pn&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&DiamondID=371431,369763,365945,68646,371429,316633,356286,351464,349647,258753,354415,233415,380614,352925,428047,368580,329971,348689,383137,246312&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=70.4&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=62.3

 

[Gustovier]

Thanks for the feedback guys. My budget is closer to the 2.0 - 2.15 CT range which I'm fine with. But besides that I'm curious as to why you guys think that my budget would be too low for the other things I'm asking? What would be an appropriate budget for a good diamond in 2 - 2.15 CT and spread I'm going after?

One thing to keep in mind is that lower clarity really does not bother me at all unless its eye clean. Because nobody is walking around with a loupe I did at a jewler see a 2.12 ct E color GIA #1179512997 it's an SI2, for a great price, as it has an inclusion right there on the table but unless you look through the loupe you won't know its there, and I'm ok with that, and my lady would too (I believe...because she'll never do this high degree of research I'm doing now...lol)


Any more diamond suggestions out there?