Opinions on these Cushion Cuts for my partners engagement ring

[PR147]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and I've learned a fair bit already so I thought I would post to get some valauble opinions from everyone.

My partner is really keen on this setting in platinum with a cushion diamond around 1ct.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...egal-frame-diamond-engagement-ring-item-66546

(I have it held at the earlier sale price but not for much longer!)

I have showed her the crushed ice look and it is not for her so I have narrowed the search down to a few cushions that would work for her. Here are the 1ct ones

1.02 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.02 carat H color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.00 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1 carat H color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7478160 ( cant find the report for this one right now!)

I considered trying to stretch to a slightly larger size so I am thinking I could stretch to these at a push

1.20 Carat cushion diamond

This cushion cut 1.2 carat H color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.20 Carat cushion diamond

This cushion cut 1.2 carat G color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I have also been looking at the August vintage cushions because think they look fantastic, I was considering getting these as a loose stone instead and getting the ring setting made locally, I'm in the Scotland, what do you think of this plan based on these diamonds?

0.93ct H VS2 August Vintage Cushion Brilliant 74104061

Diamond Details Measurements 5.70 - 5.95 x 3.85 Cut Grade Ideal Polish Ideal Symmetry Excellent Fluorescence Negligible Culet Large Report Click here to view this diamonds AGS Report. Table 0.467 Depth 0.676

www.distinctivegem.com

0.992ct G VS1 August Vintage Cushion Brilliant 74091395

Diamond Details Measurements 5.80 - 5.86 x 3.89 Cut Grade Ideal Polish Ideal Symmetry Ideal Fluorescence Negligible Culet Large Report Click here to view this diamonds AGS Report. Table 0.483 Depth 0.671

www.distinctivegem.com

Sorry for the long post and probably too many links - I am really grateful for any and all opinions!

Thanks!

 

[mwilliamanderson]

For my eye I would only consider the first JA or the last two August Vintage. I think someone smarter than me will come along and say that two of the three remaining JA stones are showing signs of light leakage. Hopefully some of our cushion experts will weigh in.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

I trust anything from August Vintage because of Jonathan. He is super responsive, extremely patient and helpful. I would rather buy anything from him first and go to other places only if he couldn't help me. With him you get the A+ customer service, which is important when it comes to a big purchase!

 

[flyingpig]

The first JA H&A style cushion looks ok, but it shows weak light return in general with a few leaky spots.

 

[PR147]

Thanks for the feedback - maybe I need to work on my evaluation skills! I did think the first two in particular the first one looked quite good but weak light return doesn't sound too great. Maybe back to the drawing board!

 

[flyingpig]

H&A Style. Better ligjt return than one you posted.

1.01 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.01 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Not as good as above. Still decent

1.01 Carat cushion diamond

This cushion cut 1.01 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Modern modified brilliant.
Some leaky spot. Very good overall. And it is a D

1.02 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.02 carat D color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Chaotic. But very little leakage. Also D

1.01 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.01 carat D color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Had to post this. I think this will work well with the setting

1.00 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[PR147]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post these options flyingpig!

Regarding the last diamond I had read “good cut” rating with a cushion was not good enough do you think this diamond is better than most “good cuts”?

Quick last question would the first one you suggested be as good as the AVC diamonds I posted previously in your opinion?

thanks for your help with this!

 

[flyingpig]

You do not want to limit your search results to "Ideal" when looking for a cushion. You may miss out great looking cushions, especially vintage styles. I posted the last one because it is very interesting and cheap. Btw, the G VS1 H&A I posted is "Very Good" cut according to JA, whereas your H VS1 is "Ideal". I do not know how JA categories their cushions. But the G VS1 is face up larger and brighter.

Speaking of the G VS1, no direct comparison cab be mad with AVC. They are completely different styles.

 

[flyingpig]

1.00 Carat cushion diamond

This cushion cut 1 carat G color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

"Good" Cut, Vintage Style

 

[PR147]

Thanks, I like both the vintage one. It's quite a big price difference that recent one looks quite top heavy in a good way- like it would look larger than its weight. Regarding the cheaper one does it look good in terms of light leakage?

 

[flyingpig]

Both vintage cushions have acceptable level of leakage in my book. Unlike rounds, you almost never find non branded cushions that perform somewhat close to AVC or Canera Vintage Cushion.

I missed the part you are shopping from Scotland. Go with AVC. I like the H and it is well priced.

 

[PR147]

Thanks I was initially under instructions to get a diamond from James Allen to go in that setting and was starting to lean toward that last one you posted here is it GIA report.

I really like the AVC and could get a ring made locally. Can I ask why you recommend the AVC since I'm ordering from Scotland, it would help me convince my partner it is the right choice!

 

[flyingpig]

If you are a US shopper, you can gamble, have fun and take the advantage of free return shipping.
But, if you and your partner decide that you do not like the diamond from Scotland, first, you need to pay for return shipping, second, get duty/sales tax refund from your tax agency, and third, you will lose on foreign currency exchange fee twice.

Go with the best vendor and best product. And do it right on the first try. I think this is the correct advice.

 

[PR147]

Thanks for your advice it's very much appreciated. I will go with the AVC!

 

[flyingpig]

Thanks for your advice it's very much appreciated. I will go with the AVC!

Great. I am value oriented too and find it fun to choose one from the non branded inventory. But the H AVC is so good and priced attractively at 4.3k USD. It is a steal.

 

[bright&shiny]

I concur on going with an AV considering you are overseas. The light return on these is spectacular- and as long as your SO prefers the larger flashes as opposed to crushed ice look, you can’t loose. The others, as mentioned, would be a gamble and more difficult - and expensive- to trade back and forth. Beautiful choices!

 

[Yimmers]

Ditto - your fiancé doesn't like the crushed ice look, and the AVC is going to look spectacular in a setting similar to what she is looking for. The light return will be fantastic. I have an AVR and people have commented that they see my diamond flashing across the room. AVC will be similar. They are eye-catchers!

You could even use single cut stones in that type of setting if you want a more vintage look, but that may be more of a style preference.