Opinion on a Cushion Brilliant?

[watch22]

Hi Everyone. Could I please get your opinions on a Cushion Brilliant (not modified) with the following specs:

1.52ct GIA
H color
VS1 clarity
6.66 L x 6.46 W x 4.58 H, 1.03 L:W ratio
Table 65%
Depth 70.9%
Medium / very thick (faceted)
Polish - very good
Symmetry - very good
Flourescence - none
$10,500 +CA tax

There is a fairly easy to spot inclusion (natural) on the pavilion, close to the girdle, but very difficult to see in "normal" (you have to turn it upside down) conditions. There is another inclusion (looks like a dull mark, natural?) very much on the edge of the crown near the girdle as well, but again, it was not a big issue for me. A couple of pinpoints within the center, below through the table, but these were the hardest to see. The price is within a comfortable budget. Although, I am wondering if it worth holding out for something a little more ideal in terms of either depth %, color, or even L:W ratio? Am I looking at a big price jump for upgrading just one of those specs to be a little higher quality? How does the price bode for the spec's that I've provided? Would this considered a decent/good/great price for this diamond? I would still try to see if they have any room to work with me on price, but honestly not expecting much.

I've taken a look a couple other Cushion Modified Brilliants and thought they were pretty good, but after reading about the non-Modified Brilliants, and after seeing a couple, I do prefer them more. I kind of expected that there would be a slight premium on a uncommon cut (the store had a very limited selection of non-modified (just 2 at the time and at differing spectrums of ct and quality), and brought this one in for me), but it didn't seem like it for this one. Am I missing something? This diamond would be going in a double halo, if that information is of any use to the post.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[ecf8503]

You can't buy a fancy by the numbers, unfortunately. Does the person you are working with offer ASET images (or idealscope images at the very least)?

Take a look at Good Old Gold's website and youtube channels. They work up their stones to the nth degree, and have lots of images that help assess light performance. And THAT is what makes the diamond sparkle - the CUT QUALITY. Never compromise on that.

In my opinion, you are overly concerned with clarity - VS1 will be eye clean. So will almost all VS2, many SI1, and some SI2. And clarity has nothing to do with light performance (in lower clarity grades like some SI2's and I's it will, but you aren't looking that low - nor should you). Light return is determined by the alignment of the facets of the stone, not the inclusions, especially in very clean stones.

Take a look at a lot of stones online - that will help you see what is out there - even if you aren't open to buying online (are you?). Sites like James Allen even have videos of the actual stones so you can see what they look like. Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, etc have static photos. Also consider Engagement Rings Direct - they have found some beautiful cushions over the years as well.

I would hold out for ideal light performance - absolutely. You aren't buying the cert - you're buying the stone, and how it is cut is what people will see (including you). And an ideal cut stone will face up larger and whiter than a less well cut one.

 

[watch22]

Thanks for your reply! I was able to ask for a Fire Trace, at the very least. Hope this helps shed some light into my question.
I am a little hesitant to buy online. I like being able to see the diamond in person before making these kind of "large" or significant purchases. I did check with JamesAllen earlier last week, but they did not have any cushion brilliants within my specs. All the cushions at GOG look awesome, but again, it's hard to take the leap of faith and hope for the best when the package arrives.

 

[JulieN]

That looks pretty good. Crown height?

 

[watch22]

I don't know if that info is available. Is that something they can just measure in-house? I'm guessing only if they have a Sarin Machine, which I'm doubtful.

I wish I took better and more pictures the last time I was there, but here is one of the diamond on a sample setting. Hope it helps.

 

[JulieN]

It has a high crown.

 

[watch22]

Would a high crown, visually speaking since we have no other information, necessarily be a negative thing? or would it be a stylistic choice?

 

[JulieN]

High crowns are positive if everything works together.

 

[Gypsy]

It's a good thing. You want a high crown and it means the diamond will have fire.

 

[treasurehunter]

A high crown(20 -23 ) combined with 41 pavilion depth seems to work wonderfully, not only will it create more fire but your stone will look bigger from the side angles as it sticks out