NYC-based Cushion Newbie Looking for Guidance

[jrico]

So, I'm new to the forum, but I've been browsing the site and appreciate the candid comments. Having said that, I live in NYC and I'm looking for a cushion cut diamond. I had an initial visit to GOG and thought the sales/education experience was superb. I'm writing to know if there are other NYC-area based vendors who have a similar process and who feature vintage style cushions? I've read a bit about ERD, but want to know if there are others. Also, I'm curious to know a bit about settings. My future fiance likes the Verragio settings, but my thought is they seem expensive. I'm wondering if there is an opportunity to get something custom done with less expense but similar look? Lastly, I want to know how the appraisal process works and if anyone who has bought from GOG or ERD, how their stones/rings were appraised? Phew, I know that's alot, but I say thanks in advance to all those who are able to help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/12/2010 10:36:04 PM
Author:jrico
So, I'm new to the forum, but I've been browsing the site and appreciate the candid comments. Having said that, I live in NYC and I'm looking for a cushion cut diamond. I had an initial visit to GOG and thought the sales/education experience was superb. I'm writing to know if there are other NYC-area based vendors who have a similar process and who feature vintage style cushions? I've read a bit about ERD, but want to know if there are others. Also, I'm curious to know a bit about settings. My future fiance likes the Verragio settings, but my thought is they seem expensive. I'm wondering if there is an opportunity to get something custom done with less expense but similar look? Lastly, I want to know how the appraisal process works and if anyone who has bought from GOG or ERD, how their stones/rings were appraised? Phew, I know that's alot, but I say thanks in advance to all those who are able to help.

Hi jrico

It sounds as if you have done your homework regarding cushions if you have visited GOG already! I believe with ERD you need to make an appointment, tell them what you are looking for so they can have some stones in to show you.

Here are 2 more vendors in NYC, I haven't seen any cushions sold from these vendors but you could consult them to see what they can offer.

www.exceldiamonds.com

www.idjewelry.com

With the setting it might be possible to have something along similar lines made but it won't be an exact replica. If your GF likes a particular Verragio setting, maybe it might be best to get it for her?

Appraisals; you could arrange to have the loose stone sent to an appraiser, get the full appraisal done, then have it returned to the vendor for setting. The completed ring could then go back to the appraiser for a final inspection and a sum can be given for insurance purposes.

 

[Collee]

As always, Lorelei offers great advice and recommendations. Definitely contact the vendors that she listed.

I live on LI and we purchased an AVC and a Tacori setting from GOG. Upon purchasing the loose stone we brought the diamond to an independent appraiser (Barry Block) on the Island. The appraisal was performed in front of us and the process was about an hour. We than returned the stone to GOG and finalized the setting details. Stone was sent to Tacori. Once the setting is completed (well, once FF proposes), we will have the finished product (stone and setting) appraised.

GOG carries Verragio. Did you inquire about their pricing? I am not sure if the offer is still valid but ask Jon if the designer ring/branded stone discount (~3%) is still available.

In re: to appraiser in NYC, here is the PS list. I have no experience but several PSers have used David Wolf at Just Appraisers. Do a search for more information.

If you post your specs and desired budget, the PS experts can offer some potential stone suggestions.

Good luck and keep us informed!

 

[bgray]

Leon Mege will source cushions for you. I would do that and then have him make the setting for you.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 3/13/2010 11:47:48 AM
Author: bgray
Leon Mege will source cushions for you. I would do that and then have him make the setting for you.

Bgray we have never actually seen a cushion sourced by Leon. I have had my own poor experience with his choice of cushion but what about your experience any pictures?

 

[bgray]

yes i have seen some of his stones and a friend owns a cushion ring that he provided the stone for.

 

[jrico]

Thanks to everyone who has responded thus far. As for some of the parameters I''m evaluating, they are the following:

Carat range from 1.25 to 1.75
Clarity range from VS1 to SI1 (eye clean, but with minimal inclusions)
Color range from G to I
Budget range from $7k to $10k (for the stone itself) and a total budget of $12-$15k
Cut - Looking for more of a square cushion vs. rectangular

Ideally, I''m looking for something that has great light performance and is very visually appealing. I guess my next question is how much do I need to pay attention to proportions for cushions? I''ve read a lot out there that there really isn''t a good guide for this, so what measurements do most people think are ideal and will meet the light performance and visual appeal I am looking for? Also, what about clarity? What do people think of clarity in the SI1/2 range? How far should one go down in clarity?

Again, thanks in advance. I don''t know where you all are at, but here in NYC, it''s raining today so I can be on here all day...LOL!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 3/13/2010 2:18:27 PM
Author: jrico
Thanks to everyone who has responded thus far. As for some of the parameters I'm evaluating, they are the following:

Carat range from 1.25 to 1.75
Clarity range from VS1 to SI1 (eye clean, but with minimal inclusions)
Color range from G to I
Budget range from $7k to $10k (for the stone itself) and a total budget of $12-$15k
Cut - Looking for more of a square cushion vs. rectangular

Ideally, I'm looking for something that has great light performance and is very visually appealing. I guess my next question is how much do I need to pay attention to proportions for cushions? I've read a lot out there that there really isn't a good guide for this, so what measurements do most people think are ideal and will meet the light performance and visual appeal I am looking for? Also, what about clarity? What do people think of clarity in the SI1/2 range? How far should one go down in clarity?

Again, thanks in advance. I don't know where you all are at, but here in NYC, it's raining today so I can be on here all day...LOL!

Your range sounds good and you have a good feel for the pricing as well. SI1 can be eye clean so its fine SI2 may be harder to find eye clean expecially in certain types of cushions. We still need to know the type of cushion cut you prefer. Please see below my guide to selecting a cushion.

ChunkyCushionLover's Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds
Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)


Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)
A great video illustrating the best in Cushion Brilliant Optics and a comparison between several varieties http://www.vimeo.com/9188543
i) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left)
c) 8 main old mine cushion http://www.vimeo.com/5310842
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/forum/topic12849.html

ii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266-2.mov http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266.mov

iii) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922


iv) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 pictures and commentary here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)

A helpful thread to see the plots and pictures of different types of cushions can be seen here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/ (keep in mind pictures aren't as useful as videos and can only be used reliably to understand facet structure not light performance)
If you want to learn about cushions a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843.

Step 2 (Choose the 4Cs)

1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven't had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Example:
Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eyeclean from 3 feet away looking faceup)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio = 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cushion Brilliant (Modern) either 4 main or 8 mai

Step 3 (View and Post ASET Image and Photographs and/or see in person)

Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.

Step 4 (View a side by side comparison at a vendor or appraisor for final selection)

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourite stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase you will just have to pay shipping. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor.
For such an expensive purchase approximately $100 in shipping and insurance (both ways) and $100 in appraisor time seems well worth it to make the most informed choice possible.

Happy Hunting,
CCL

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/13/2010 2:18:27 PM
Author: jrico
Thanks to everyone who has responded thus far. As for some of the parameters I''m evaluating, they are the following:

Carat range from 1.25 to 1.75
Clarity range from VS1 to SI1 (eye clean, but with minimal inclusions)
Color range from G to I
Budget range from $7k to $10k (for the stone itself) and a total budget of $12-$15k
Cut - Looking for more of a square cushion vs. rectangular

Ideally, I''m looking for something that has great light performance and is very visually appealing. I guess my next question is how much do I need to pay attention to proportions for cushions? I''ve read a lot out there that there really isn''t a good guide for this, so what measurements do most people think are ideal and will meet the light performance and visual appeal I am looking for? Also, what about clarity? What do people think of clarity in the SI1/2 range? How far should one go down in clarity?

Again, thanks in advance. I don''t know where you all are at, but here in NYC, it''s raining today so I can be on here all day...LOL!

The first thing you need to do is to decide what type of cushion you want, two videos are below that CCL linked by Jon at GOG - but you might have already seen them if you have had an appointment with Jon already and learned the basics?

http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 http://www.vimeo.com/7611843.

Proportions; although you want to evaluate these as part of the whole picture, images take precedence and your own tastes and preferences. Various proportion configurations can result in a great cushion.

Clarity; some SI2 can be eyeclean and this is the lowest clarity I would suggest you go for, make your expectations concerning the '' eyecleanliness'' of the stone very clear to the vendor so you are both on the same page.

 

[jrico]

Thanks CCL and Lorelei! You two have been a great help. So, based on the information provided and the additional research I''ve done, I''ve come to this thus far. Let me know your thoughts and what direction I should turn to next. Thanks again!

Carat range from 1.25 to 1.75
Clarity range from VS1 to SI1 (eye clean, but with minimal inclusions and very eye appealing!)
Color range from G to I
Budget range from $7k to $10k (for the stone itself) and a total budget of $12-$15k
Cut - Looking for more of a square cushion vs. rectangular; 8 main Antique Cushion Brlliant = August Vintage Cushion = 8 Main Chunky Cushion (definitely the older antique, chunky facet look)

You know, I really do like the AVCs, but they seem a bit pricey...I guess that''s what you pay for higher quality. A question would be, if I wanted something similar (I know there is no imitating the AVC) in terms of light performance, but without the premium attached to it, what do you suggest? At this point, I''m just trying to gather my options.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 3/14/2010 10:11:43 PM
Author: jrico
Thanks CCL and Lorelei! You two have been a great help. So, based on the information provided and the additional research I've done, I've come to this thus far. Let me know your thoughts and what direction I should turn to next. Thanks again!

Carat range from 1.25 to 1.75
Clarity range from VS1 to SI1 (eye clean, but with minimal inclusions and very eye appealing!)
Color range from G to I
Budget range from $7k to $10k (for the stone itself) and a total budget of $12-$15k
Cut - Looking for more of a square cushion vs. rectangular; 8 main Antique Cushion Brlliant = August Vintage Cushion = 8 Main Chunky Cushion (definitely the older antique, chunky facet look)

You know, I really do like the AVCs, but they seem a bit pricey...I guess that's what you pay for higher quality. A question would be, if I wanted something similar (I know there is no imitating the AVC) in terms of light performance, but without the premium attached to it, what do you suggest? At this point, I'm just trying to gather my options.

Some choices with excellent light return in your range:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6261/ (4 main)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6259/ (4 main)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6706/ (AVC) (Ask the vendor carefully about the inclusions there is a good possibility it will be eye clean but you have to define your criteria to them ie 6 inches away faceup in all ligthing etc.)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6932/ (AVC)

Alternatively you could go with an 8 main antique style sourced by ERD, the cut quality will vary quite a bit from one stone to the next so get an ASET and we can take a look at them and consider your options. They don't list these stones online so you would have to ask them to call them in.

I think they will be able to sort out the quality of their images soon enough so getting an ASET should be a viable from ERD.

Regards,
CCL

 

[jrico]

CCL, Thanks. Quick question though...although the GOG site is down, you recommended to check out two 4 main cushions...why is that? Just curious because I thought these don''t have the ''antique'' or ''vintage'' look that I''m going after.

Again, thanks.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 3/15/2010 1:04:03 PM
Author: jrico
CCL, Thanks. Quick question though...although the GOG site is down, you recommended to check out two 4 main cushions...why is that? Just curious because I thought these don''t have the ''antique'' or ''vintage'' look that I''m going after.

Again, thanks.

The size of the virtual facets (or flashes of light) are smaller in the 4 main modern facet style. If you want greater dispersion (flashes of colored light) and larger facets you may want to stick with the vintage style. The ones I listed are top performers in terms of light performance in their respective facet style not necessarily your top preference but at least worth a look as they satisfy your other criteria.

 

[jrico]

CCL - Gotcha! Thanks! All of this can get confusing, so I just want to make sure my understanding is on point. Thanks.

 

[Bosie]

Jrico
Bought my wife''s ER from www.secureideals.com they are located on west 48th st in NYC, worked with Megan. Sales and ongoing service have been excellent.
Best of luck