Opinion on Cushion ASET

[Photoplex]

Hi folks. First post, so apologies if I step on any etiquette I'm not aware of!

I'm looking for a cushion cut diamond in the 1.5-2ct-ishrange, with a slightly shallower depth to maximize the visual appearance whilst trying to maintain light properties.

I spotted two at JA, and requested the ASET for both. Unfortunately, shallower depth cushions seem to be fairly rare, hence the second diamond being a more typical 70%ish depth. One is obviously better than the other, but I'm not sure how it stacks up against other reference cushions.

What do you think?

Preferred (approx $9500):

• 1.50, H, VS1
• D:63.30, T:65.00
• Girdle: M-STh
• Culet:N
• Polish:Ex Symmetry:VG
• Fluorescence:N
• L/W/D (mm): 7.25*6.62*4.19
• Ratio: 1.10

Other (approx $8500):

• 1.47, H, VVS2
• D:69.80, T:69.00
• Girdle: M-VTh
• Culet:
• Polish:VG Symmetry:VG
• Fluorescence:N
• L/W/D (mm): 7.09*6.22*4.34
• Ratio: 1.14

 

[JulieN]

You need to compare the dimensions (or "spread") not the depth if you are trying to maximize size.

 

[Photoplex]

You need to compare the dimensions (or "spread") not the depth if you are trying to maximize size.

Hi Julie! In a roundabout way, that's what I've been doing. I just noticed a correlation with cushions that shallower depth lead to a better WxH dimensions (in most cases). I imagine the reason may be because there's more carat weight is above/at the girdle, rather than below it - where it's effectively hidden in a setting.

Have I got the wrong impression?

 

[JulieN]

Depth is correlated, but obviously if the girdle is making a large section of the depth (where the area/slice is the widest) that will have a bigger effect on spread than if the depth is in the crown where the slice/area is smaller.

Can you post the video of the first stone so we can see the crown height?

 

[Photoplex]

Depth is correlated, but obviously if the girdle is making a large section of the depth (where the area/slice is the widest) that will have a bigger effect on spread than if the depth is in the crown where the slice/area is smaller.

Can you post the video of the first stone so we can see the crown height?

Of course!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-383982

 

[JulieN]

Crown is on the low side for a cushion. But you are getting pretty good spread out of it.

What did they say about the color?

 

[Photoplex]

Crown is on the low side for a cushion. But you are getting pretty good spread out of it.

What did they say about the color?

Their gemologist was paraphrased as saying "It faces up white with a great cushion shape and is eye-clean."

 

[Photoplex]

The gemologist also said its light properties blew away the comparison diamond, but even I can tell that from the two ASETs! Just wondering how it stacks up in reference to a "good" cushion.

 

[JulieN]

It passes the ASET test. JA has a very good return policy for you to buy it and check it out in your own house.

 

[Photoplex]

Thanks Julie!

 

[ariel144]

The ASET on your first stone is very nice. High crowns on modern cushions are hard to find. You would need to find one with a table in the mid 50% or smaller to get that "plump pillowy" look.

Here is a signature modern on GOG...note the crown % is 63. and the crown height is around 14%.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-5ct-i-vs1-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html

8 and 6 main cushions with a depth in the mid 60's and crowns in the mid 50's usually make the best cushions, but they are so hard to find,
but they do show up every once in a while on JA.

Are these in your budget?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.70-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-380593

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.69-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-178745

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-319824

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.72-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-177005

 

[Photoplex]

Thank you for the input Ariel!

Unfortunately, when considering the setting (a custom pave halo from Birks here in Canada), and the matching custom pave wedding band, my budget for the centre stone is pretty much maxed out at 10k USD. Those sure were some pretty stones you picked out though!

I think I'm going to go for the stone loose, and see how it looks in person. Based on that ASET, as you said, it looks like the light properties are good!