OEC/old-cut cushion lovers: good project stone?

[evergreen]

I've been out of the loop lately (other thread on wonky little Asscher notwithstanding) and, while recreationally browsing JA, came across this stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.86-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3089484

It sat in my wish list for a while, and I'm thinking, it might be a good Christmas present for me, so I put it on hold. But does it look like a pretty good pick? Please opine! I have a bunch of round OEC/trannies (teeny tiny), a 1.3ct tranny which I love, but have never had an old-cut cushion. It's pretty competitively priced, compared with others in this ct range (not that there are a lot of old-cut cushion comps to explore!).

(And I don't know what I'd do with it yet. That might be my next thread!)

 

[yssie]

It's adorable

I really like that the mains don't obstruct as single virtual facets - you don't see that big black maltese cross face-up. Usually, however, "mains not obstructing as single virtual facets" means "mains are mushy" - which isn't the case at all in this specimen! I see similarly-sized facets obstructing, returning light, and leaking in an even, visually pleasing pattern throughout the face-up view and on slight tilt in the video... The only question I'd have is whether it's eyeclean to your requirements?

 

[evergreen]

ooh, thanks, @yssie!! The video looks terrific to me... The ASET in the report seemed pretty good, but I'm all too inclined to hold it to AVC standards since those are the only cushions I see AGS reports on.

My standards for eye clean are crazy low.

 

[yssie]

I like this stone better than both GOG’s AVCs and Canera’s CACs.

I may, however, be in a minority on disliking a large cross of mains surrounded by much smaller crown virtual facets - I much prefer a pattern of evenly-distributed similarly-sized facets. You’re definitely sacrificing some brightness with this stone, and you’ll see the body colour more face-up than you would in a precision-cut cushion of this same depth, but I personally value a nice contrast pattern more dearly.

 

[EvaEvans]

It is NOT AGS(Ideal) cut! I would not recommend buying it.

 

[foxinsox]

I like this stone better than both GOG’s AVCs and Canera’s CACs.

I may, however, be in a minority on disliking a large cross of mains surrounded by much smaller crown virtual facets - I much prefer a pattern of evenly-distributed similarly-sized facets. You’re definitely sacrificing some brightness with this stone, and you’ll see the body colour more face-up than you would in a precision-cut cushion of this same depth, but I personally value a nice contrast pattern more dearly.

mmm I’m in the same minority as you then yssie, I love the floral pattern under the table more than the classic Maltese cross..

This stone looks like a pretty good find evergreen, I’d buy it pretty happily - what’s the project you’re thinking of for it?

 

[evergreen]

Ooh, @EvaEvans your standards are super high. If all my old cuts had to be AGS ideal... Well, haha, I wouldn't have any. Wanted to get opinions acknowledging that it's obviously not to precision-cut standards!

@foxinsox and @yssie , I think that's what I liked about it --thanks for putting emotions into words. I love floral OECs so it sounds like this might have a more OEC look, compared with most old-cut cushions... would make sense I keep coming back to it.

I have no idea what to do with it, ha! seems like it needs to be on the hand to be appreciated. Another travel ring? think I need some ideas....

 

[tyty333]

I think its quite cute! It has an interesting faceting pattern that has a good combination of bright light and contrast...I would love to play with it
and see what kind of fire I could catch with it!

 

[SimoneDi]

I really like this stone! I saw one with a very similar make at a local store a few days ago (although that one was 7ct ) but it was gorgeous! Nice spread, too. I definitely see it in a vintage ring or a bezeled pendant/bangle

 

[GearGirly]

I can’t wait to see what you will do with it! I bought a project OMC a little smaller than that a few weeks ago..it looks so tiny under lol!

 

[valeria101]

I have no idea what to do with it

Collecting small & interestingly cut diamonds is a great sport ! ,-)

Distraction

I am afraid I have fallen off in a sort of opposite camp - of imagining rather than choosing jewels ... It costs nothing, but time.

 

[LightBright]

I can’t say anything technical about this stone as I’m not schooled in cushions. That being said, I’m pretty sure this is not an antique (truly old) cut cushion. It’s a newly cut old style. It’s pretty to me; I love the very large facets and the symmetrical distribution of light. It looks like this baby will throw off some awesome flashes. My only concern is it seems to lack a source of brightness from under the table, like you are peering into a pool of water within the depth of the table, instead of seeing consistent flashes from the center of the diamond. If I was in the market for a cushion, I’d try to see it in person to see if this is an issue. I wouldn’t worry about that tiny inclusion at all. But that’s me. Enjoy, I like it!!

 

[valeria101]

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I am finding a few of these new-olds labeled 'oval' ...

clickbait

 

[valeria101]

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Light Yellow (O), VS1, AGS 000 specimen WWW

 

[evergreen]

OooOOOoooo!! @SimoneDi I suuuuuuper wish this stone would blossom overnight to be 7ct... *after* it arrives at my house, of course. @GearGirly I'm looking for ideas, any suggestions??

@LightBright is that based on its facet pattern, or light performance being maybe a bit better than the usual old-old cut, or relatively shallow depth & larger table than is typical of (at least) OMCs, or...? I wish I could tell old or new but I guess it doesn't really matter. The ASET on the AGS report identified those kinda-leaky bottom facets, but I'm hoping that in the grand scheme of things they won't show up too badly!

@valeria101 I love LOVE your finds! That orange AVC is really cool -- a colored stone cut for light performance is and finding it on JA is !!! (Though I have to be honest, I don't really see the orange... maybe a warm yellow?) "Finding weirdos on JA" is also one of my stress-reliever habits. The problem is when I find ones that are in budget for a project stone, and a holiday is coming up, and I am weak!!

 

[SimoneDi]

OooOOOoooo!! @SimoneDi I suuuuuuper wish this stone would blossom overnight to be 7ct... *after* it arrives at my house, of course.

Ha ha well even if it doesn't, it is still a beautiful stone! Can't wait to see pictures of it!

 

[valeria101]

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I do not understand the 'orange' designation either ... - I expect some variants of yellow & brown in OPQRTS... & at least the picture of this one looks straight yellow.

Then again, if these are 'Ovals' ... why not 'Orange' - takes the AGS 'O' for an initial !

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Pt. I say they are neo-omc because of the ridiculeously fine symmetry ... IHMO, an old art, alive & well, it seems !