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Noob looking for insight on a cushion

J

Jcm412

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Messages
41
I have been reading for a while. This will be my first time posting. I am looking to buy a diamond for an engagement ring. I have been looking at cushions. From reading previous posts I know that cushion can be tough to judge. So I come to you. Please tell me what your opinion is of the following diamond. Please keep in mind I am on a budget and looking for a nice sized eye clean diamond.


GIA
Measurements: 6.56x6.52x4.54
Carat: 1.61
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
Fluorescence: none
Table: 61%
Depth: 69.6

There is a crystal in the table. I am told that it is eye clean. However, I have not seen it in person yet. Also, there is a not on the report that says pinpoints are not shown.

I would be paying about $7500. Hopefully less.

I will try to upload the GIA report I that helps.

_4752.jpg
 
This looks like a Modified Cushion and has the crushed ice look. I do not see a distinct pattern which I prefer. The table is also on the larger side. The outline also looks a but wonky to me.
 
Unlike most I dont mind the crushed ice look. Yes I did notice the outline looked alittle off as well. I was planning on a pave halo band. Would that hide something like that.

I guess my question is, am I getting a good or fair deal? If I took this to a jeweler or tried to re-sell it would I be told it was a piece of crap or worthless?

Should I keep looking?
 
Use the pricescope search function to check out comparable for pricing. I would use the James Allen site to find how much a similar diamond cost ... Make sure you look at modified cushion prices. It is not a piece of crap given the ex ex rating. However, as a consumer, I would not buy that diamond on a second hand market even at that price. The pattern is not pleasing to the eye and the outline is districting to me. I don't find halo hide the shape necessary because a well made halo follows the shape of the diamond. Also, I would need to confirm that the si2 is eyeclean.

What is drawing you to the diamond?
 
Price really. I have no problem looking for others. I just wanted to see if it was really the deal I thought it was.
 
I like the shape of that cushion, but the "crushed ice" look can mean more than just the facet pattern...it usually means LOTS of leakage and a poor performing stone. Yes you can do a lot better. Also that crushed ice cut will show more color and that is why almost all fancy colors (radiants and cushions) have that cut...too bad!

I suggest that you watch the GoodOldGold.com educational videos on cushion cuts before you choose a stone. You need a vendor that will give you an ASET image which can help you determine how much leakage the stone has.

Take a look at the cushions on GOG and their ASET images to help you learn what a good ASET is in cushions.

As far as a good deal on that diamond for $7500, I think you can find a much better cushion for your budget. I've seen a 1.66c cushion brilliant that faced up larger at 7.05mmx 7.2mm and it was around $6,600. It was an high K color IF clarity, but faced up very white because it was an excellent cut.

CUT is KING. you are looking in the right color/clarity range to get the largest stone for your money I/J SI-1/2.

Your best cushions will be found at GOG, ERD (Engagementringsdirect.com), Leon Mege (microwave.com), Victor Canara, and James Allen.

It will be a challenge to find the right cushion but don't get in a hurry and your efforts will be greatly rewarded.

Also you should consider antique cushions/old mine brilliants...oldworlddiamonds.com and jewelsbyericagrace.com
 
Crappy ... I just wrote a long post with diamond options and some finds from ebay. Computer crashed and don't want to look again :(

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]
Read the above for more cushion information. When you are spending this much money, it's important to make a decision with your eyes wide open and really figure out what kind of a deal you are getting.

The specs of this one is like yours but priced at $5000 probably because of how dirty and not eye clean the inclusions are. I can't tell from your photo how eye clean your diamond is.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.64-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-198956

This to me is a much nicer cushion although it is rectangular and the old cut style. Although it is a lower ct weight, it will look just as big as the diamond your are considering.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-167667
 
Based on the limited photos, this looks a bit like yours but could be better and is bigger. I doubt others will bid.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221203456601?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This has the potential to be a stunning diamond. The seller looks like he accepts offers 30% below asking. I just watched the video and I like it even more... LOL.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-FABULOUS-ANTIQUE-OLD-CUSHION-CUT-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-PLATINUM-SEE-VIDEO-/121084685352?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item1c3135ac28
 
The only one I found on JA that I like in your price range is this one, but it is not square:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-167667

No picture on this one but depth (mid 60%) and table (mid 50% or smaller) look good. OWD's are really good at locating the stone you will love in your budget.

http://oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=3451&SHAPE=C

http://oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=2346&SHAPE=OM

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyrm893flvk

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10426/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10326/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9876/

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.51-carat-j-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-118112.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.54-carat-i-vs1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-109134.html

no pics or cert posted yet:

http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/1-33-carat-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-g-si-1-color-clarity-by-leon-mege.html
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/1-50-carat-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-h-si1-color-clarity.html
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/loose-diamonds/1-24-i-vs2-antique-cushion-cut-diamond.html

education on victor canera antique cut cushions;
http://www.victorcanera.com/about-cac

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds

WEll, this large just under 2c L vs would be very tempting..I saw a RB L color at a jewelry store once that looked very white to me. Well cut higher colors will face up surprisingly white.



http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/2ixqc5

Awesome L color...check out the "show me the bling" threads for higher colored lovely white diamonds.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-amazing-holy-grail-9-9mm-oec.178975/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-amazing-holy-grail-9-9mm-oec.178975/[/URL]


Lots to look at...finding the right cushion is like finding a needle in the haystack but don't give up.
 
MOre on ebay...I like the square one that Charmypoo posted..it is really nice:

This is a good vendor and usually has accurate descriptions:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-65ct-ART-DECO-DIAMOND-OLD-MINE-CUT-CUSHION-PLATINUM-VINTAGE-FILIGREE-RING-OMC-/400441526741?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5d3c2cc9d5

GIA 2.39c J SI1 in Tacori setting...I would definitely make an offer on this ring. You can always sell the setting later and get the setting you want...stone also has med. blue fl. a huge bonus to add personality to this stone (ask vendor if it is milky or oily; but not likely)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIA-CERTIFIED-2-59CTS-OLD-MINE-CUT-TACORI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-RING-/121083879555?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item1c31296083

If you want a large stone for your budget this stone would be a nice pick. Really large OMB!

Too bad this 2.8c has nail head...could it be recut? great price

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-ART-DECO-2-80CT-CUSHION-CUT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-JEWELRY-/251245376650?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7f64348a

More oval but nice...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-ART-DECO-STYLE-2-18ct-CUSHION-CUT-SAPPHIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-/251247932590?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7f8b34ae

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VICTORIAN-2-70CT-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-18K-GOLD-RING-MEN-JEWELRY-/251244930657?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7f5d6661

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-38ct-K-VS1-GIA-CERTIFIED-OLD-MINE-CUT-CUSHION-ANTIQUE-LOOSE-DIAMOND-HEIRLOOM-/171010125226?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27d0ff6daa

Now you are probably totally confused...LOL. My fav. would be the GIA 2.39 J SI1 in the Tacori setting. But would consider recutting the 2.8c if it does have nail head...but probably too much to consider unless you are very industrious. It might not be a true nail head though if those center facets turn off and on.
 
Ariel ... You are so good at finding stuff. I love that Tacori one still and think it is awesome value. I hope someone does get it but probably over his budget seeing all the offers there.

I usually like mydiamondzone diamonds. They used to have the most beautiful 2ct omc but I think it is sold now. I am not loving these ones as much.

I also like the square one I found. Seems like a good option although they are in UK and pricier.
 
Wow , thanks for all the feed back. I really appreciate it. I have a lot to dig into.


I have a question on this one for my general understanding of grades. As noted by Charmy the outline looks alittle out of wack. And I agree. However since this is graded perfect symmetry, could it really be that off?
 
Ask vendor. Unusual to have asymmetric outline in EX grade.
 
Alot of great info here. Do you guys have any recommended readings on buying from ebay?
 
I started looking on ebay. There is a lot to shift through. What kind of key word should I be searching for? What should I look out for and avoid?

I am very cautious. Alot of the prices seem too good to be true.
 
CharmyPoo|1364063561|3411821 said:
Ariel ... You are so good at finding stuff. I love that Tacori one still and think it is awesome value. I hope someone does get it but probably over his budget seeing all the offers there.

I usually like mydiamondzone diamonds. They used to have the most beautiful 2ct omc but I think it is sold now. I am not loving these ones as much.

I also like the square one I found. Seems like a good option although they are in UK and pricier.
Click to expand...

Yes, that awesome 2c on mydiamondzone sold. I kept recommending that one too.

That ebay vendor in the UK has great antique jewelry and her listings appear to be pretty accurate. She still has that 6c L OEC for sale...an L never looked so white to me.
It's like going on a treasure hunt looking for great cushions...just fun for me...soon i won't have the time though. Will be purchasing instead of looking...have my eye on some honkers. I love the antique stones...they just seem really special with all that history behind them. Someday they will be hard to find. They seem like our little secret here on PS. Jewelers don't seem to love them as much as we do.
 
Jcm412|1364086654|3412062 said:
I started looking on ebay. There is a lot to shift through. What kind of key word should I be searching for? What should I look out for and avoid?

I am very cautious. Alot of the prices seem too good to be true.
Click to expand...

Post your favorites and others will give their opinion on which they like the best for the price.

What is your max. budget?
 
Jcm412|1364086654|3412062 said:
I started looking on ebay. There is a lot to shift through. What kind of key word should I be searching for? What should I look out for and avoid?

I am very cautious. Alot of the prices seem too good to be true.
Click to expand...

Lots of PSrs are avid ebay hunters. CharmyPoo and I already did a search and tried to post the best we found. I search under

"Old cut diamond" "Old mine cut diamond" and you can search under "cushion cut diamond" too. I Didn't search "cushion".

The vendor should have a return policy. Some just say they accept returns if the item is not as described...but when buying a diamond I would get it in writing that i could return it if I didn't like the way it performed...an unconditional return policy. Sending diamonds back and forth with insurance is expensive and some don't want to deal with the expense but you can get lucky if you do your homework.

You can usually trust the vendors that have 100% positive feed back or 98% - 100% + plus a lot of sales. I have only purchased colored stones on ebay and have always gotten what I have paid for 3.5c unheated blue sapphire...unheated ruby etc...as i took them to a GIA gemologist to tell me if they were unheated and the genuine stone.

If you start a new thread and post several of your favorites from ebay you can call attention to your search from all the ebay gurus on PS. and they can keep their eye open for you too.
 
Jcm412|1364082699|3412020 said:
Alot of great info here. Do you guys have any recommended readings on buying from ebay?
Click to expand...

You can do a search on stones purchased on ebay...see the search box up on the right? I searches PS threads.

I think that honker L stone that Forekitty purchased was an ebay auction that she bid on...I posted her thread above.
 
My budget is about 8,000 I would spring for more for the right deal.

The more I look I also like the round old European cut as well.
 
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