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Need help with ring dilemma - give up on cushion dream?

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midwestgirl

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 25, 2008
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Hi all,

I posted a while ago about a Beverly K pave halo ring...well, I got to try it on at a local jeweler recently and loved it, but loved this one even more - it wasn''t what I was originally picturing, but it just looks great on my hand. It is shown with a round, but I have my heart set on a cushion. Here are the issues...

-I really like the sales associate we are dealing with at our jeweler, but I don''t think she knows much about cushions. She only had one diamond to show me, a .89 H SI2 with EGL cert. It was eye-clean and pretty and a good price, but not really what I''m looking for, which is a square-shaped cushion (which she claimed that it was but visually it obviously wasn''t, and when I asked her to calculate the l/w ratio it turned out to be a 1.2!). It also looked like a modified cushion brilliant to me whereas I have been drawn to the cushion brilliants I''ve seen online (the EGL cert doesn''t specify and she didn''t know what I was talking about when I asked). Also, the EGL cert. made me nervous...bottom line, it wasn''t my dream diamond (my Pricescope education has spoiled me!).
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-So I know you''ll all say, check out the Pricescope cushion expert vendors...and believe me I have! There was a .81 E SI2 on GOG recently (it is featured in a couple of their videos) which I loved, but it''s gone now. Anyway, I would love to get a diamond from our jeweler because it seems like it''s easier to get it all done in one place AND they have a great lifetime policy on their diamonds where they''ll replace it if it gets chipped or lost. She''s going to get more diamonds to show me next weekend based on my comments, but I''m worried she won''t have one that suits my standards...

-The other issue is our price limitations...we have about $3000 to spend on the diamond, but I don''t know that that will cover a decent cushion large enough to look right in this setting...the round shown in the photo is 6.5mm, and most of the nice cushions I have seen online in our price range are smaller than that (the GOG one for example was 5.7 x 5.4). I don''t think a smaller stone would look good in this setting though, so should I just give up on my cushion dream and go with a round since there will be so many more options?? The other option is to go with the halo setting, because you can get away with a smaller stone.

So - where would you go from here? Do you think we can find a nice square cushion in our price range that will look good proportionally in this setting? Should we think about going with the halo to get more bang for our buck? Should I give up on the idea of trying to find a cushion through the jeweler even though they have such a great diamond policy? Maybe I just need to wait and see what she has for me next weekend, but I just have a feeling cushions are not their specialty...

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!! I have learned so much from lurking that I think my standards are really high now despite a modest budget!
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Here is the halo we''re considering...do you think it''s a better choice? Sorry the pics are so big!

bevksetting3321.JPG
 
Hi midwest, :)

I would not give up on your cushion dream just yet, If you are after a cushion in certain budget and are not opposed to buying online I would really look at emailing GOG and ERD and seeing what they either have in stock or are able to call in for you. Do you have any preferences on colour/clarity? lowering these a little can you reach your goal in size :)

I think also the setting you posted is really beautiful :)

As for the care policy that is what insurance is for :)
 
Both of those rings are beautiful! But if you are leaning towards the first one, then that''s what you should get. I also think that if it is a cushion you want and decide to settle for a round, you may regret it later. I think you can get a cushion within budget if you are willing to go to the I, J color range. I know many people advise against this, and many love it. (I just bought a J cushion)
and as lond as VS2 or a clean SI1 are fine by you I think you can def swing it. Bluenile has quite a few cushions, and your jeweler should be able to source them for you, but you will probably pay a markup. The great thing about Bluenile is that you can see the actual cart, so you know which ones are cushion brilliants...

Here are a couple that could work...
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01260882&filter_id=0

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01196618&filter_id=0

Oh, and I totally understand you feelings towards the jeweler about not really understanding the whole cushion cut thing. I could go on for hours about how the guy at Graff didn''t get it either, and the Owner of Kaufmann de Suisse, or even my local jeweler, who tried to sell me an EGL as well and charge me 10k more than what it should of been!!! It''s really frustrating!
Have you considered calling one of the PS vendors such as Mark at ERD or Jon at GOG?
 
Thanks for the thoughts!

Crooked, I noticed that the diamonds you suggested are <6mm...do you think something that size would look ok in this setting given that the round pictured is 6.5mm? I just really like the proportions of the ring and think that a smaller center stone maybe wouldn''t "pop" as much from the setting?

I probably do need to call Mark or Jon...I feel a little shy about it considering our budget compared to most PS''ers, but I guess I should get over that
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Hi midwest,
how hilarious! I have two threads going right now on EXACTLY the same as you - a BK halo or that same setting you posted with the sidestones! And I''m also getting a stone from GOG! Spooooky....
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I have been dealing with Pearlmans and I have a thread with some other images that one of their guys sent me if it will help you https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/should-i-pull-trigger.81074/

It is a gorgeous ring, I think you should go for it! I also love halos and thats what i thought i wanted, but this other setting is so different and pretty.
I hope you appreciate the other pics - if you would like any info on pricing from Pearlmans just ask - they are very reasonable, especially for PS members!
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As for the size, just for reference I am buying a 0.6 PoH from GOG and I was instructed that size would look great in this setting. I don''t think you''ll have any problem with the size cushion yoiu are looking at within your pricerange. Actually, I don''t know if you were planning on having the BK setting altered but the sidestones are tcw of 0.15 so I actually feel a really big stone wouldn''t work As well..

I say go for it - how much has ur jeweller quoted you for the BK with sidestones?
 
Arjunajane we are going to end up with sister rings! Crazy!
Thanks so much for your post...it looked like from your other thread that you haven't had a chance to try the ring on, so let me just say it is BEAUTIFUL in person, and sits nice and low.
Also wanted to tell you that the triple prongs actually look really sweet in the corners of the diamond when you are looking at it from the top (in fact to me they were one of the best parts of the ring). Sounds like you're set on double, but just a thought.
I had actually contacted Pearlman's about the halo ring and diamond pricing to go with it...however the diamond they suggested wasn't quite what I was looking for, so I asked about the price for the setting alone and never heard back from them, so I was a little turned off to be honest. But I will keep them in mind as I know so many people have had a good experience with them!
Glad to hear you've gotten reassurance about getting a smaller diamond in this setting...makes me feel better!
Is this going to be an e-ring for you or a RHR?
 
Date: 3/20/2008 10:55:04 AM
Author: midwestgirl
Thanks for the thoughts!


Crooked, I noticed that the diamonds you suggested are <6mm...do you think something that size would look ok in this setting given that the round pictured is 6.5mm? I just really like the proportions of the ring and think that a smaller center stone maybe wouldn''t ''pop'' as much from the setting?


I probably do need to call Mark or Jon...I feel a little shy about it considering our budget compared to most PS''ers, but I guess I should get over that
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No reason to feel shy not everyone has a massive budget on PS some are smaller and some are larger :)

Definitely email them :)
 
Thanks Deelight :)

Arjuna, my jeweler quoted me just under $1300 for the setting (can''t remember exactly, maybe $1280?). This may be slightly higher than what it would be for a round as it has to be customized to fit a cushion...
 
Given what Arujnajane said about the size of the side stones, I think that around a 1 ct (even under) would look great.
And there is no reason to be shy bc of the budget. We have seen much larger and much smaller budgets here, and the bottom line is that it is a significant amout to whomever is purchasing it, and what matters is the meaning behind the gift, not the price tag on it!
 
That is a beautiful setting- I think it would perfect w/ a cushion like the one you described. I have the reverse dilema- I found the cushion first used up most of my money on it and now all of the settings I like are out of my price range. (I don''t think it matters what the price range is- it is always hard not to look outside of it.) Anyway I am working with GOG and they have been very helpful in trying to help me find a setting in my price range. You should definitley call or e-mail them.
 
Dear mwg,
Don''t give up on your cushion search, and absolutely don''t give up on the lovely setting that you want. Cushions take time to find (it took me about 4 months of searching) but it was so worth it in the end to have exactly what I wanted. I know you like the jeweler that you''re working with, but you''ll get a better cut stone from someone with more knowledge about cushions like Mark T. or Jonathan.
 
ETA: sorry about this double post, dunno what happened!
 
Date: 3/20/2008 11:12:07 AM
Author: midwestgirl
Arjunajane we are going to end up with sister rings! Crazy!
Thanks so much for your post...it looked like from your other thread that you haven''t had a chance to try the ring on, so let me just say it is BEAUTIFUL in person, and sits nice and low.
Also wanted to tell you that the triple prongs actually look really sweet in the corners of the diamond when you are looking at it from the top (in fact to me they were one of the best parts of the ring). Sounds like you''re set on double, but just a thought.
I had actually contacted Pearlman''s about the halo ring and diamond pricing to go with it...however the diamond they suggested wasn''t quite what I was looking for, so I asked about the price for the setting alone and never heard back from them, so I was a little turned off to be honest. But I will keep them in mind as I know so many people have had a good experience with them!
Glad to hear you''ve gotten reassurance about getting a smaller diamond in this setting...makes me feel better!
Is this going to be an e-ring for you or a RHR?
Hey again, I know we will be ring twins! fantastic!
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Although I gotta admit i''ve also got devious reasons to encourage you..I plan on getting this setting Eventually, however I''ve just ordered a simple rose gold solitaire from GOG. I''d love to see it in person if/when you buy it to help me make my mind up!
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I love the BK and want it even more now considering what u said about seeing it in person, but it just to be at the moment. I would''ve had to wait 5-6 weeks and I can''t do that right now! Plus I did really want Rose G, as it is for a RHR so wanted summin lil different..

Thats interesting what u said about the triple prongs - ur right, I did really want to change them , mainly as i thought they would "overwhelm" my 0.6 stone..seeing as you''ve had the liberty to try it on, what do u think about this? It seems u think the triple are good to keep? Cheers for the info...
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Just a quick note on Pearlmans, thats a bummer u didn''t hear back from them. If you''re on a budget (aren''t we all !), they quoted me $1145 for this setting. Although I''m not sure if that was some kind of "special price" as it does sell usually for $1300..I would be happy to refer u to Julian my SA at P''mans if ur still keen...perhaps u can just ask for the PS discount?
good luck in ur decision, although I think u know at least where my loyalties lie
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Thanks for the posts! I''m so glad you all seem to like the setting as much as I do, and believe that I can find a cushion that will work - very reassuring! I''m just going to have to find a way to balance being picky with wanting to find something relatively soon (as Aruna mentioned, once I''ve decided on everything the ring will probably take 5-6 weeks).

Chrono, I did indeed see that GOG cushion and it looks lovely - however it is a modified brilliant and I''m hoping to do a little better with color and polish/symmetry (although I do realize I will probably need to compromise somewhere!). Thanks for the tip though...if anyone comes across others that look good, please let me know!

I think I will plan on contacting Jon and/or Mark in the near future...they sure are the cushion kings around here!
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Date: 3/20/2008 12:33:18 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 3/20/2008 11:12:07 AM
Author: midwestgirl
Arjunajane we are going to end up with sister rings! Crazy!
Thanks so much for your post...it looked like from your other thread that you haven''t had a chance to try the ring on, so let me just say it is BEAUTIFUL in person, and sits nice and low.
Also wanted to tell you that the triple prongs actually look really sweet in the corners of the diamond when you are looking at it from the top (in fact to me they were one of the best parts of the ring). Sounds like you''re set on double, but just a thought.
I had actually contacted Pearlman''s about the halo ring and diamond pricing to go with it...however the diamond they suggested wasn''t quite what I was looking for, so I asked about the price for the setting alone and never heard back from them, so I was a little turned off to be honest. But I will keep them in mind as I know so many people have had a good experience with them!
Glad to hear you''ve gotten reassurance about getting a smaller diamond in this setting...makes me feel better!
Is this going to be an e-ring for you or a RHR?
Hey again, I know we will be ring twins! fantastic!
3.gif

Although I gotta admit i''ve also got devious reasons to encourage you..I plan on getting this setting Eventually, however I''ve just ordered a simple rose gold solitaire from GOG. I''d love to see it in person if/when you buy it to help me make my mind up!
11.gif

I love the BK and want it even more now considering what u said about seeing it in person, but it just to be at the moment. I would''ve had to wait 5-6 weeks and I can''t do that right now! Plus I did really want Rose G, as it is for a RHR so wanted summin lil different..

Thats interesting what u said about the triple prongs - ur right, I did really want to change them , mainly as i thought they would ''overwhelm'' my 0.6 stone..seeing as you''ve had the liberty to try it on, what do u think about this? It seems u think the triple are good to keep? Cheers for the info...
5.gif


Just a quick note on Pearlmans, thats a bummer u didn''t hear back from them. If you''re on a budget (aren''t we all !), they quoted me $1145 for this setting. Although I''m not sure if that was some kind of ''special price'' as it does sell usually for $1300..I would be happy to refer u to Julian my SA at P''mans if ur still keen...perhaps u can just ask for the PS discount?
good luck in ur decision, although I think u know at least where my loyalties lie
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Aha, I see what you''re up to now
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Well, if I decide to go through with it, I''m happy to be your guinea pig!
Re. the triple prongs...they looked really delicate from the top...but I was viewing a 1 ct. center stone so I can''t say for sure.
I might very well take you up on your referral to Julian, thanks for offering!! I''ll keep you posted.
 
midwestgirl--

I was in your same boat--high standards are a hazard of reading PS! I would call or email Mark at ERD for sure. My budget was less than yours, and he picked out a gorgeous cushion brilliant for me that was .77 carat, excellent polish, excellent symmetry. Best decision I ever made! The diamond sparkles like crazy-- I love, love, love it! Cushions are my favorite, though, so I could only be truly happy with one :) I had never seen one in person until I bought mine, though. lol.

Mark treated me with just as much attention and kindness as someone with a larger budget. And hey, 3K is nothing to sneeze at!

Edited to add: The best thing about buying from Mark is that if he says it's a good diamond, you know it's good. I really trust him.
 
Date: 3/20/2008 2:40:50 PM
Author: melpla
midwestgirl--

I was in your same boat--high standards are a hazard of reading PS! I would call or email Mark at ERD for sure. My budget was less than yours, and he picked out a gorgeous cushion brilliant for me that was .77 carat, excellent polish, excellent symmetry. Best decision I ever made! The diamond sparkles like crazy-- I love, love, love it! Cushions are my favorite, though, so I could only be truly happy with one :) I had never seen one in person until I bought mine, though. lol.

Mark treated me with just as much attention and kindness as someone with a larger budget. And hey, 3K is nothing to sneeze at!

Edited to add: The best thing about buying from Mark is that if he says it''s a good diamond, you know it''s good. I really trust him.
Melpla, that is SO great to hear, sounds like you had a wonderful experience.
I agree that our budget is nothing to sneeze at - it''s a lot for us!
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I think I will definitely have to give Mark a call - I just love cushions too!! Do you have any pics of your diamond or ring that I could peek at?
 
I posted pics of my cushion here
 
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