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New to PS: Novice who needs Cushion Help!

italianrugger89

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2016
Messages
2
Hello all-

First just let me say thank you for taking the time to help me! This website has been an amazing resource for knowledge and made the diamond buying process much easier!

I've been doing my research for about 3 or 4 months now to purchase a cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring. I've pretty much narrowed my search down to two 2 diamonds..a 1.25 vs a 1.31 (I've included the GIA report with diamond photo). They seem to be cut to the same way. They have similar color. Clarity is slightly different. The 1.25 is roughly $5200 & the 1.31 is roughly $6200.

What I'm struggling with:

1) Table % and depth %. Which one of these is going to provide the most brilliance and fire?
2) Do these seem like good values?

1.31-http://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=5196123101


1.25-http://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6231090168
 

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dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
592
Hi!

Before diving into the value question, have you seen many cushion cuts in person? Asking because Cushions come in a variety of flavors. The facet pattern shown on the shape could be a nice one but it is really hard to tell without better photos and/ or an ASET, which many Pricescopers ask for on fancy shapes to make sure you dont have light leakage. The one that says clouds not shown is a bit scary, sometimes those stones have a slightly milky/ cloudy appearance.

Examples of the three in video:

This one has the same facet pattern according to the report of the ones you have, but with the pictures you have it looks like there is a ring of "mush" in the center. You need better pics
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-22311

Cushion Brilliant, larger facets, more even pattern:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.02-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1038471

Chunky, more antique style:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-1042721

Re: pricing, they don't seem way off the mark. Probably right in the middle.

Edit to add: you aren't going to be able to discern brilliance and fire from numbers. You need a combination of tools like the ASET and videos/ seeing it in person in natural light (not jewelry store lighting).

Good luck!
 

italianrugger89

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2016
Messages
2
Thanks for getting back with me so quickly!

I've seen quite a few of these in person going through the process..these just happen to be the best two that fell into my budget range. I've have a chance to look at both of these in person and it's hard to tell which one gives off the better brilliance.

What should I be looking for in person?

Also is there any rule of thumb when it comes to the table % and depth %? It seems like cushion is one of the more confusing cuts to pick out given the different styles!!
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
592
are you opposed to buying online? You will be able to get more options within your price range, and with most of the reccomended websites you can ask for the additional tools that will help you to gauge light return.

I want to add that I am totally old school and DO NOT use these tools, and I absolutely have to see things in person and in different light conditions to know what speaks to me, especially with fancy shapes. It is not at all the case that if you dont have an ASET you will end up with a not as great stone- it just helps, especially for those who want to make sure what they are selecting online will look good. I can't speak to what you need to look for in person as to me selecting a stone from a line up is more of "what speaks to me" situation- and then making sure its not too deep, has a facet pattern I like, is the color I am comfortable with, and when moving it slowly back and forth I don't see dark spots or windows. I am not an expert, I am just a lover of cushions who has spent years looking at the different types and learning about them, so if you are looking for a cheat sheet on what to look for in person, maybe Gypsy or a vendor can chime in.

Also- There really is no rule of thumb on percentages for cushions. Honestly. It is not like a round where you can plug a number in and know what you are getting. I don't like cushions that are over 67-68% in depth because I feel like they face up so small anyways, and then you lose a lot of the face up size. That is a totally personal preference.
 
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