Need help with a loose cushion

[dong4ce]

I am torn between this DGL certified for $4500 and this GIA certified stone at jamesallen.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1381966.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

I am fortunate as my gf wants a split shank halo setting that I would presume would make the stone look larger. She also has very small fingers between 4-4.5.

The thing about the GIA stone is I am afraid of the broken glass look some of the modified cushions have. I have tried looking at the LA jewelry district but found that prices were high compared to online prices plus the taxes kill any deal that could be had.

If anyone could help me out with the decision it'd be greatly appreciated or if you have any tips going through the LA jewelry district...

I have a budget between 5-7k for the stone and I am looking for a stone around 1.25 to 1.5 ct.

Thanks

 

[SC86]

The JA stone you posted above looks like it has a "crushed ice" look (to me). Does your gf like antique or modern cushions? There is alot of info on PS regarding what to look for in cushions (like CCL's post below)

Perhaps this might be an option for you. It is an I color, so I'm not sure if you wanted to go that low.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1383958.asp

---------------------
ChunkyCushionLover's Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds (2.0)

Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)

Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)
A great video illustrating the best in Cushion Brilliant Optics and a comparison between several varieties http://www.vimeo.com/9188543

Types of Cushions:

i) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the left)
b) 8 main thin (modern style) http://www.vimeo.com/9188543 (1st stone on the left)
c) 8 main thick (vintage style) http://www.vimeo.com/9188543 (3rd stone from the left)
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view...... ... icID=12849

ii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows
http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/image ... 7266-2.mov http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/image ... XF7266.mov also second stone from the left in http://www.vimeo.com/9188543

iii) Cushette
http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

iv) 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 weight not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 both the left and the right stones have the same facet structure. Most in this cutting style would look similar to the one on the left.

Step 2 (Choose the 4Cs)

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 unrealistic 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) Jon at Goodoldgold.com (The most selective and expert vendor for the best light return in cushions especially branded lines like Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows, August Vintage Cushion (8 main vintage) and 4 main cushion brilliants.
ii) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com (Excellent prices, specializes in 8 main vintage stones and can find 8 main thin modern ones as well)
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com (Has been known to source decent 4 main cushion brilliants)
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com (Designed the BGD 8 main modified cushion brilliant above but mostly specializes in hearts and arrows rounds)

Once you know what kind of cut you are looking for we can be most helpful if you post your preferences in your thread.
Example:
Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eye clean from 6 feet away looking face up)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio: 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cut: Cushion Brilliant (Modern) 8 main

Step 3 (View and Post ASET Image and Photographs and/or view in person)

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

If you want to learn about cushions cut for light performance a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843......

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

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favorite 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 appraiser without you having to pay first and the appraiser will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor. You may incur small shipping and appraisor fees to view potential choices in person which for many is well worth it to be sure about their purchases.

Happy Hunting,
CCL

 

[dong4ce]

Wow, I really appreciate your help!

This should definitely cut down on my diamond search as I had no idea there were so many different cushion cuts.

I'll probably post more another question once I research it further.

Thanks again!

 

[dong4ce]

I've research this a bit further and I have decided on some of the exotic cuts at goodoldguys.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7760/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7878/

My gf wanted cushion initially but we decided that I would pick the stone. This would be a great surprise if I went with the princess. The hearts & arrow cushion is very nice as well but I am not seeing a stone around .95-1.05 ct.

Would the princess look good with a halo design or is the halo primarily designed for cushions and round cuts?

Thanks

 

[mogster]

I've research this a bit further and I have decided on some of the exotic cuts at goodoldguys.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7760/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7878/

These look very beautiful!

My gf wanted cushion initially but we decided that I would pick the stone. This would be a great surprise if I went with the princess. The hearts & arrow cushion is very nice as well but I am not seeing a stone around .95-1.05 ct.

Do you know if she likes princesses? I love cushions but was adamantly against princesses. It would be indeed be a great surprise if she is open to all shapes, but if she is particular and had something in mind, she may not love a princess. (Have you checked out their August Vintage Cushions?)

Would the princess look good with a halo design or is the halo primarily designed for cushions and round cuts?

I think the princess could look really nice in a halo! They're not just for cushions and rounds - I've seen ovals and pears in halos and they're quite beautiful.

 

[SB621]

I don't want to be rude but if your GF likes cushion why are you looking at princess cuts? I happen to love cushions, but hate with a passion most princess cuts. And I'm not a fan of princess at all in a halo. They don't work well together. Something about the sharp angles of the princess that don't seem to work well with most delicate halos. It is not for me at all. Personally stick with what you know your girlfriend likes and stay within the cushion realm.

 

[dong4ce]

Well I'm definitely against the standard princess cut but the Princess of Hearts looks very unique and looks to have that fire that I'm looking for.