Need some help picking cushions

[chris_1152]

All, hoping to have some help selecting a cushion cut for an engagement ring. I've read through a lot of threads, and tried to understand from what others have posted previously. Relevant details are:

- Budget: $7K-$10K for the stone, $2k for the setting, but can flex here a little if needed
- Cut: Cushion cut (see reference link below)
- Clarity: I'm happy to go down to SI as long as it is eye-clean
- Color: H or better
- Setting: (see reference link below)

The only guidance I have is she liked this look: http://goo.gl/5PJ9NJ . I don't need it to look exactly like that, but it gives an idea of the direction I want to go.

I'm having a hard time picking on my own having never done this...would anyone with experience in cushion cuts be able to make some suggestions from James Allen, etc? I could really use some help narrowing down options to then request ASETs.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are 3 great options from GOG that have top-notch light performance and are within your budget:

1.2ct, G, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-2ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

1.1ct, H, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-1ct-h-vs1-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

1.08ct, F, SI1 - Brellia (check if eye-clean)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-08ct-f-si1-brelliar-cushion-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html

 

[tyty333]

Some JA options worth looking at...do you know what kind of faceting pattern you like? Here are some decent stones broken
down into the different faceting types. You get 3 asets at JA. Narrow down the type of faceting pattern you like. Let PSers
help pick out the 3 best taking into account your specs/wants. Then request aset images so we can check on light return.
RockyRaccoon has posted some of the other popular faceting patterns.

This is my favorite cushion faceting pattern...they are hard to find (rare comes to mind!)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-421227


Thin X facet cushions...there are more...these are just a few examples at JA
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.61-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-459473
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-78674
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-22311
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-132034


These are all fat X facet cushions but look to have good light return....
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-36215
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.21-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-79485


There are also other Branded cushions you might want to take a look at...
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.00-carat-g-vs2-mark-t-modern-cushion-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-23838.html

 

[chris_1152]

Wow, thanks Rocky and Ty - I looked over these stones and definitely liked a few. My favorites were:

• Ty's favorite faceting pattern looked really nice: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-421227
• Two of the thin X facets were nice (as well as being on the larger size): http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.61-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-459473, and this one http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-132034
• And Rocky's GoG suggestion looked like a great performer: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-2ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

Does it make sense to request the ASET for the JAs above, or does this help focus the search so I can go find additional options? Really appreciate the help - I'd be lost without it!

 

[tyty333]

You might take a quick look at JA in the higher carat size to see if there is anything else that you like (that fits with your
budget/specs). Post them so we can have a look and let you know if they are decent pics and aset worthy.

Otherwise, I like the JA stones that you like. Might want to get some other opinions though. I'll take a look at enchanted diamonds
to see what they have that might be bigger than the 1.2ish carat weight.

Stand by...

 

[tyty333]

These might be worth looking at...besides the certs on the stones not sure what else they can offer. Dont know if they do videos
or other pictures...you'll have to ask them if you are interested in these. Will also have to ask if any SI stone is eye-clean.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C140-P5THLA
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C140-TDQEQY
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C151-T9NVUK
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C150-48563C

 

[chris_1152]

Thanks Ty! I requested ASETs on the James Allen stones to compare to the Enchanted Diamonds. The GoG stone from Rocky has a really impressive ASET compared to the ones I see on Enchanted Diamond, but am I misled by how bright the red is on GoG?

I'm having a hard time deciding - any advice about major differences I should consider?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks Ty! I requested ASETs on the James Allen stones to compare to the Enchanted Diamonds. The GoG stone from Rocky has a really impressive ASET compared to the ones I see on Enchanted Diamond, but am I misled by how bright the red is on GoG?

I'm having a hard time deciding - any advice about major differences I should consider?

It is an extremely well-cut stone.

This is a patented faceting pattern and design. The results you see will certainly be different than a run-of-the-mill cushion that was cut for size.

If you like the antique-style faceting, the GOG stone is an easy choice.