Newbie here - looking for Cushion cut advice

[jayso]

Hi everyone - new to the board here, and have been trying to learn as much as I can in the short time I have been in the forum

Great info here.

I'm looking for a 1.5-1.7 Cushion cut - F,G and Vs1-Si1

Not liking the crushed ice look.

I have been to a local jeweler and have been looking online. I am hesitant to purchase online, because its a large sum of money to pay for something you cant really see in person.

Can you please provide some guidance and advice?

 

[ecf8503]

Don't be afraid - the vendors here are wonderful! It's not true you are buying without seeing - in fact most vendors have an inspection period. For example, I ordered a stone from Good Old Gold and had it shipped to me loose. I lived with it for a while, then decided it wasn't for me, and returned it. No problem.

Plus if you go with one of the trusted vendors here they will be able to provide much more information about the stone you are considering (cut quality (and I don't mean the shape - I mean the light performance), idealscope images, ASET images, etc.

You said you are not looking for the crushed ice look. Have you considered a chunky style cushion? For example here is one from Good Old Gold:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9088/

If you think you might like that style, we can help you find more options. Also some vendors have videos of the stones they have -Good Old Gold, Art of Platinum, Engagement Rings Direct, etc)

 

[jayso]

Yes - looking for the chunky style cushion.

 

[webdiva]

I have been to a local jeweler and have been looking online. I am hesitant to purchase online, because its a large sum of money to pay for something you cant really see in person.

Can you please provide some guidance and advice?

Welcome! Where do you live - perhaps you have a trusted PS vendor close to you. Otherwise, you can have your top selections sent to an appraiser in your area so that you can evaluate them there. Many vendors allow that with a deposit ($500 or so), which is refundable (minus shipping costs - usually $30-50).

 

[mrssalvo]

I'd suggest Goodoldgold they are a local Brick and Mortar store but there is a ton of info on their website and Jon will do video's etc. of a stone you are interested in. The have a branded August vintage but he also has unbranded stones as well.

Mark T at www.engagementringsdirect.com also is very well respected around here and has found some amazing cushions for prices copers.

Here's one:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9088/

 

[jayso]

All the experts, please help critique this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Very%20Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1438910.asp

What am I to look for as far as specs go, if interested in a more round cushion?

When I went to the jewely store, I saw 1.2 rounds that looked bigger than 1.5 cushions, what % to look for, for a bigger looking cushion?



Thanks!

 

[MrMonkey]

Hi Jayso,

I'm also looking for a cushion with pretty much your specs.
You said the 1.2 RB looked bigger in person than the 1.5 cushion, I'm very interested to know why that is.
Hopefully someone can explain!?

 

[webdiva]

Hi Jayso,

I'm also looking for a cushion with pretty much your specs.
You said the 1.2 RB looked bigger in person than the 1.5 cushion, I'm very interested to know why that is.
Hopefully someone can explain!?

The most important thing in size is to look at the dimensions versus carat weight. A cushion has a lot more surface area to cover with that carat weight, versus the "missing corners" on a round. The diameter of a round will be wider and thus appear bigger.

 

[slg47]

Hi Jayso,

I'm also looking for a cushion with pretty much your specs.
You said the 1.2 RB looked bigger in person than the 1.5 cushion, I'm very interested to know why that is.
Hopefully someone can explain!?

The most important thing in size is to look at the dimensions versus carat weight. A cushion has a lot more surface area to cover with that carat weight, versus the "missing corners" on a round. The diameter of a round will be wider and thus appear bigger.

this might help (note: dimensions can vary, and not all cushions are that square, some have softer corners, etc)
for dimensions of cushions, I took dimensions from square H&A-other cushions have different measurements

 

[jayso]

Hi Jayso,

I'm also looking for a cushion with pretty much your specs.
You said the 1.2 RB looked bigger in person than the 1.5 cushion, I'm very interested to know why that is.
Hopefully someone can explain!?

The most important thing in size is to look at the dimensions versus carat weight. A cushion has a lot more surface area to cover with that carat weight, versus the "missing corners" on a round. The diameter of a round will be wider and thus appear bigger.

Hi are there any average/ideal dimensions to look for?

 

[Eskiez]

Also check with Perry Chen at Art of Platinum. He had a nice selection of cushions within those specs when I was looking last year and his prices were quite reasonable IMO.

 

[jayso]

any average/ideal dimensions to look for?

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.50-carat-f-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-85474.html This is the stone I'd buy.

There are no ideal dimensions for cushions,anyone who is giving you a guideline is really giving you their preferences. There are too many faceting patterns possible and the faceting patterns each need different dimensions. Generally with the antique style cushion you want a stone with a depth under 70 (or over 70 with a discount for the spread loss). You want a high crown and a small table. But that's about it. AND you can still find lovely stones outside of those 'guide lines".

You really want to shop for light return and patterning. The one I posted above has excellent light performance and great patterning. If you like it, put it on hold with the vendor.