Opinion on this 2.01 cushion

[Mommy2BMR]

I've been searching and searching, and found this one in virtual stock on B2C. Thoughts?

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3266059-2.01-carat-Cushion-diamond-E-color-SI2-Clarity.aspx?sku=3266059&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[Gypsy]

1. Numbers tell you very little (next to nothing) about cushions. You need images of the actual stone and the faceting. And an ASET. But before you work with BC to get any of that, the stone is an SI2 so make sure it is eyeclean. If it is, and BC says it's a nice looking cushion, then get the ASET and image and post them here. The plot is a modified 4 main, and those are not consistent, some are nice some really aren't. Depth is shallow so it does face up big, but it might have compromised performance as a result.

It is easier to shop for fancies at retailers like James allen or GOG that have the actual pics of the stones up. Then you just shop by the pic.

 

[Mommy2BMR]

Thank you thank you!!!!
I have requested a photo, we'll see how long before I get it. The price just seemed really good and I like that it faces larger and is elongated. There is just not much out there for the size and price range I am looking for

 

[Roxy]

MOMMY2BMR, please take Gypsy's advice to heart! She's never been wrong when it comes to this topic, so you're in good hands.

Gypsy mentioned James Allen & GOG, so I wanted to give you an idea of my experience with GOG but James Allen comes highly recommended as well. If you're interested in learning about (& possibly pursuing) a cushion, Good Old Gold has their own brand of cushions called August Vintage Cushions (AVC) which are really amazing stones. One of GOG's top priorities is educating the consumer, so I've found that they can be a good place to start your *learning curve*. There are quite a few PSers who have posted pics, stats, comparisons of their AVCs on the PS website, so you can do a few searches & find tons of great info.

GOG also has August Vintage Rounds that might help you as you're comparing shapes. If you look on YouTube you'll find many educational videos by the owner of the store (Jonathan), comparing & contrasting the performance, sizes, colors, personalities, etc of a huge variety of stones. Just look for videos by DIAMONDINFOMAN. Since we all know that when shopping for gemstones nothing can replace actually seeing the stones for ourselves, Jonathan's videos fit the bill. And once you're closer to actually narrowing down your options for purchase, you can ask Jonathan if he'd make a video comparing specific attributes of your *semi-finalist* selections.

With that said, I'm mentioning GOG only because they are the PS vendor w/ whom I've had the most experience. But as you browse this website, and read other PSers reviews, you'll see that there are a variety of top notch vendors for you to work with. In fact I think that at least one other vendor has begun carrying their own brand of cushions as well, so you definitely have options.

 

[ariel144]

Yes, can't tell the facet pattern without a picture. And best to get the ASET image too to check for leakage. the stone you posted has a larger table but not bad. It might be a nice looking stone. Watch the educational videos on GOG before you buy though, it will help you to know more of what you really want and what is most important to look for in a cushion cut diamond.

these antique cuts on JA are nice...they have started listing a lot of OMB's and cushion brilliants which have the most pleasing facet pattern to most cushion lovers. Here is one that faces up almost 8x8...not elongated. It is $12k

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1540696.asp

And this one that does not face up as large but is very nice too and more elongated for $12k:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1542235.asp

An I color will face up nice and white...no need to go as high as an E color....A well cut I will perform better than a poorer cut E
and face up very white .

Ideally, you want the depth to be mid 60% and the table mid 50% or even smaller. The smaller the table usually the higher the crown which is desirable in the antique cushion faceting, if that is the type of faceting you like best. Here is a great thread with a 5c J color antique cushion in a halo setting...read her description of the color on page 3 she compares it to her E color stone.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

If you want to see awesome performing cushions...go to GOG and check out the Megascope reading on these lovelies
(they face up smaller because they are cut deeper):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9247/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9879/

Hope this helps.

 

[Mommy2BMR]

Thank you, Ariel! It helps a lot.

I *think* prefer the modern cushion (the crushed ice looking one?) over the AVC, although I like them both. I just have a feeling the antique style will show more color.

Size is definitely a priority for me, but I also want to be shiny and look good. I am less fussy about things that only diamond specialists will be able to see by looking closely, as long as it''s a gorgeous stone once on my finger.

 

[madelise]

Thank you, Ariel! It helps a lot.

I *think* prefer the modern cushion (the crushed ice looking one?) over the AVC, although I like them both. I just have a feeling the antique style will show more color.

Size is definitely a priority for me, but I also want to be shiny and look good. I am less fussy about things that only diamond specialists will be able to see by looking closely, as long as it''s a gorgeous stone once on my finger.

I don't think you like "crushed ice", I think you might mean you like a well cut modern cushion. Does this tickle your fancy? http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9296/ Or something like Charmypoo's 8 main?



To me, crushed ice is more like the second diamond, on the right here:

It's like. Mush. No obvious pattern. No symmetrical spread of facets. Just mush. Mush doesn't perform well.

 

[distracts]

It's like. Mush. No obvious pattern. No symmetrical spread of facets. Just mush. Mush doesn't perform well.

To be fair to crushed-ice diamonds, I HAVE seen some that are amazing. I imagine they're hard to find. But the ones that are good are really brilliant. (And I say this as someone who thinks crushed-ice is like the worst facet patterning ever.)

 

[Mommy2BMR]

Yes, mush is not good, I suppose

I went to a local guild showroom, and they seem pretty good and willing to find the right stone at internet prices. And trade in my stone as well. We'll see what they come up with. I am nervous they won't find the ones I like and I will go over budget. I really DO NOT want to go over budget but I also want a stone I will love.

I told them, find me a huge, shiny, white rock for cheap. Good luck! lol

 

[Alexiszoe]

OP,

I am glad the showroom you went to is willing to work with you! You might want to make sure that they search for only GIA/AGS certed diamonds rather than EGL, because EGL is known to be soft on grading and you are not getting what you paid for (i.e an EGL F VS1 may actually be a H SI2, for example). We have had a few posts lately on new buyers who are interested in EGL because it is cheaper, and I am sure there are EGL beauties out there. However there are a lot of unknowns when dealing with them, and I think Neil Beaty (an independent appraiser who posts on PS) and some other trade members weighed in on this issue. You might want to do a search for EGL threads in RockyTalky if you are interested.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Thank you, Ariel! It helps a lot.

I *think* prefer the modern cushion (the crushed ice looking one?) over the AVC, although I like them both. I just have a feeling the antique style will show more color.

Size is definitely a priority for me, but I also want to be shiny and look good. I am less fussy about things that only diamond specialists will be able to see by looking closely, as long as it''s a gorgeous stone once on my finger.

I don't think you like "crushed ice", I think you might mean you like a well cut modern cushion. Does this tickle your fancy? http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9296/ Or something like Charmypoo's 8 main?



To me, crushed ice is more like the second diamond, on the right here:

It's like. Mush. No obvious pattern. No symmetrical spread of facets. Just mush. Mush doesn't perform well.

I think there's a HUGE misunderstanding on this site of the term "crushed ice"
A really well cut modern Cushion Modified Brilliant will not show a pattern- rather millions of tiny sparkles- which has been termed "crushed ice"
So now we have a situation where "crushed ice" signifies a a badly cut diamond here on PS. IN reality, some highly regarded jewelers sell stones of this look. There's really nothing "mushy" about it- and it's also easy to take a photo of any diamond n an uncomplimentary light. I don;t think either of the diamonds look great in the photo above- and also that the one on the right may look a lot better than that photo indicates in person.
IN all fairness, and I say this with all due respect: how can one person know what another wants or loves?

 

[Rockdiamond]

Thank you, Ariel! It helps a lot.

I *think* prefer the modern cushion (the crushed ice looking one?) over the AVC, although I like them both. I just have a feeling the antique style will show more color.

Size is definitely a priority for me, but I also want to be shiny and look good. I am less fussy about things that only diamond specialists will be able to see by looking closely, as long as it''s a gorgeous stone once on my finger.

HI mommy-
Obviously I see a lot of prejudice on this site against a type of stone that many people love- including myself.
It's also important to point out that the term is not really descriptive of anything in particular- there's no specific gemological definition for example.
Here's some of the good points about what is being called "crushed ice".
1) you may be able to find a "spready" stone- that is to say, one that is large for it's weight- a lot of surface area. Generally speaking stones that exhibit a pattern are not going to be found in more shallow depths.
2) Other than one brand, this type of stone will not carry a brand- or the premium that comes with a branded diamond. So you may be looking at a larger diamond in your budget.
3) you may ( possible but no guarantee) be able to find a stone of slightly lower color that faces up well. Although a non patterned design works really well in fancy colors, I've also seen J and K color cushions with this type of facet design ( altered for colorless diamonds) that faceup quite well. Again, more diamond for your budget.
Of course your eyes are the final judge here- and luckily it sounds like you'll be able to see things in person so you can make up your mind for yourself.
I strongly feel that by "dissing" a given type of stone on a forum like this, consumers that are trying to be helpful may confuse shoppers that see these stones and love them.

 

[madelise]

Thank you, Ariel! It helps a lot.

I *think* prefer the modern cushion (the crushed ice looking one?) over the AVC, although I like them both. I just have a feeling the antique style will show more color.

Size is definitely a priority for me, but I also want to be shiny and look good. I am less fussy about things that only diamond specialists will be able to see by looking closely, as long as it''s a gorgeous stone once on my finger.

I don't think you like "crushed ice", I think you might mean you like a well cut modern cushion. Does this tickle your fancy? http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9296/ Or something like Charmypoo's 8 main?



To me, crushed ice is more like the second diamond, on the right here:

It's like. Mush. No obvious pattern. No symmetrical spread of facets. Just mush. Mush doesn't perform well.

I think there's a HUGE misunderstanding on this site of the term "crushed ice"
A really well cut modern Cushion Modified Brilliant will not show a pattern- rather millions of tiny sparkles- which has been termed "crushed ice"
So now we have a situation where "crushed ice" signifies a a badly cut diamond here on PS. IN reality, some highly regarded jewelers sell stones of this look. There's really nothing "mushy" about it- and it's also easy to take a photo of any diamond n an uncomplimentary light. I don;t think either of the diamonds look great in the photo above- and also that the one on the right may look a lot better than that photo indicates in person.
IN all fairness, and I say this with all due respect: how can one person know what another wants or loves?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was telling her what she likes. By all means, I enjoy others' varied preferences. I thought she was just using the wrong terminology. That's why I said "I think you might mean…" To me, the words crushed ice = mush.. mush w/o a pattern, w/o light return, with big facets here and small tiny fragments there, all randomly mixed up, exactly like that 2nd/right diamond in the image above. I agree that there are many modern cushions that are appealing. It's just that this type of terminology isn't firmly defined, so the message can get lost in translation.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Sorry to have used you as an example Madelise- and your post really hits the nail on the head.
The terminology is a huge part of the problem in this regard.

The light return aspect is also at the crux of this.
Larger facets, with less bounces ( ie patterned stones) produce measurably brighter reflections- which can be shown with ASET.
BUT, the multitude of reflections- in what we are calling "crushed ice" so vastly outnumber the "chunkier" reflections. This causes some people to perceive the dazzling sparkle of more reflections to be a brighter stone.
Another thing ASET tells us is that the different types of stones gather the light differently.
Consequently a methodology for photographing one type of diamond may ( does) put the other type at a big disadvantage if photographed together.
This has certainly been the case on PS- looking only at one vendor's videos and photography which is designed to emphasize one type of cut give a slanted perspective to the entire discussion.

 

[Mommy2BMR]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. Very helpful discussion.
Yes, I guess I meant the modified brilliant cut is my preference over the AVC, which I suppose is easier to get locally anyway.

One thing just occurred to me... I may have to pay 6.25% MA sales tax if I buy from the showroom here, right?