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Quality/Color vs Size in Cushion Diamond

H

hb203

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 22, 2013
Messages
16
Hi all,

Need some input/help!

2 diamonds up for questioning, all in the 5100-5300 range.

My main issue is it better in the long run to go for 'quality' over color/size?

The first diamond is a 1.24, J in color (very tight J, its icy white in most lighting) VVS2, cushion brilliant, 6.98x5.97

Second diamond is a 1.51 L color (at times like an M) S11, 7.10x6.45

Price is about the same on each, so not a factor. We do have plans to upgrade the diamond sometime down the road.

The 1.24 has a real glittery effect, I mean just wow, however, I know size is also important, so the 1.51 definitely delivers that 2 carat look. I'm afraid color may bother her in the long run. Personally, I am leaning towards the 1.24 just because of that cut, but maybe I'm wrong? Maybe I should get a bigger looking diamond if I'm planning on upgrading later anyways?

What would you do?

1.24 in setting (not the best photo and its slightly tilted so it looks like there is a gap)
img_3327.jpg

img_3324.jpg

1.51 in setting (not best representation of color)

img_3315.jpg

img_3316.jpg
 
Does you GF know you are proposing? I would ask her if she would prefer size over color. In general I think an M is a bad idea for an erring (even though that is what I have but I think my preferences are few and far between with the general public).

Are you open to other options? I'm just not a fan of either. THe first is crushed ice which doesn't have a clear facet pattern. The 2nd one I like better but I think your GF would be bothered by the color.

If you want I would look at GOG and ERD to see what they have for cushions. I think you will find something you like better.
 
Oh yes, she knows. She's been doing a lot of the seeing/picking/designing, and is now kind of giving it all to me to choose one to purchase so she has some element of surprise. I think she prefers the size of the 1.51 but I'm so afraid of this scenario happening:

"I love this BUT..."

OR

"You know the color is bothering me, wish I would have went a touch smaller, better color"

(I know women well enough this happens all the time from something as little as picking out a piece of clothing to something as major as a new home)

Is there a general rule of thumb to stick to? Get size over color? Get better color/clarity over size?
 
Also, in the photos I much prefer the 1.51 over the 1.24, but in real life, the 1.24 has a nice mix of crushed ice, it's just, that size of the 1.51 is very nice. Really makes the whole ring just feel massive, which I know she'll enjoy that aspect in some sense. (There are days I wish there were a 'how to' manual for men)
 
I think the setting has to be taken into account. In a dual halo, the size of the center quickly goes past the point of diminishing returns. You're not going to see the 1.5 as much larger.

The halo also makes the color of the warmer stone more noticeable.

Anyway, all of that is moot if she's a size queen.
 
Totally agree. I think it's the numbers that are playing with my head (it says 1.24 SO IT MUST look smaller/she might not like it etc)
Double halo is her non-negotiable, per say, she just likes the style, no reasoning beyond that. Is there one you prefer GoSanders? I just am curious to all/any input and reasons why.
 
Did you see SB's question above? Are you open to other options? If you give a budget, I'm sure someone here can help you get a no-compromise stone.
 
My budget is roughly 6-6500 k, would prefer to stay around 5-5500. I really do like both of these diamonds though, I don't think either of them would be compromising really, I really just wanted to get some insight from a few people in Pricescope, if there was a preference standard to go by when choosing a diamond (color/clarity over size) and of the two, which one Pricescopers may prefer and why, as I don't know a whole lot about cushions or diamonds really and what is valued more among those who do know a lot.
 
hb203|1374845884|3490708 said:
My budget is roughly 6-6500 k, would prefer to stay around 5-5500. I really do like both of these diamonds though, I don't think either of them would be compromising really, I really just wanted to get some insight from a few people in Pricescope, if there was a preference standard to go by when choosing a diamond (color/clarity over size) and of the two, which one Pricescopers may prefer and why, as I don't know a whole lot about cushions or diamonds really and what is valued more among those who do know a lot.
Click to expand...


Understood, but if you are asking for our help then please let us help you. Both cushions are nice but not particularly desirable. If you wanted we could find you a diamond from a well known trusted online vendor who would overnight ship to you. Your local jeweler could then set it in your double halo, or the online vendor can make that setting as it is pretty popular at the moment. What I'm saying is you CAN do better for your budget.

I dont' see the harm in contacting Engagment Rings Direct and Good Old Gold who are known for their cushions and low price points to see what they can find you. I just hate to see someone overpay for a sub-par cushion and I mean that with the best intention.
 
I think both rings are pretty. I don't mind the crushed ice look, though. I think GoSounders makes a good point about the contrast between the center diamond and the smaller stones in the halo. That will be really obvious in some lights with the larger, lower color diamond.

Are these rings from the same store? What kind of return policy does the store have? (If she does change her mind). And what sort of trade-in policy? Those things are important if you're planning to trade up at some point.

Also, is your girlfriend definitely set on a double halo? Because if not, you could get a larger stone, set it in a simple setting, and then re-set the stone in a new setting for your first anniversary or some other occasion.

If you are open to working with an online vendor, I recommend Brian Gavin Diamonds (BGD) and Engagement Rings Direct (ERD). They have a good selection of cushions and nice settings, and both would be within your budget.
 
Oh no, I value your input! And thanks for your commenting on saying which on you prefer. That's just what I wanted to hear, which one was more desirable between the two, it appears the crushed ice is not a fan favorite. And I will, I will check with ERD and see what they have. Do you believe these prices are too much?

And Lula, yes the setting is the same one in each photo, the double halo is non-negotiable, one of her must haves. And the stores both have good policies, with the store with the 1.24 has a slightly better upgrade policy.
 
hb203|1374847633|3490740 said:
Oh no, I value your input! And thanks for your commenting on saying which on you prefer. That's just what I wanted to hear, which one was more desirable between the two, it appears the crushed ice is not a fan favorite. And I will, I will check with ERD and see what they have. Do you believe these prices are too much?

And Lula, yes the setting is the same one in each photo, the double halo is non-negotiable, one of her must haves. And the stores both have good policies, with the store with the 1.24 has a slightly better upgrade policy.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the additional information. Some more questions, do you own the setting already? If so, what's the biggest size (L x W in millimeters) that the setting will hold? And, something else to keep in mind -- cushions often face up small for their weight. So, if the 1.50 cushion is cut deep or has a thicker girdle, it could actually look smaller than other 1.51 cushions. So, if the 1.24 is a more shallow stone with a thinner girdle, the difference between the two diamonds in face-up size might not be that much different.

ETA: Do either of these stones you're looking at come with grading reports, for example a GIA grading report? If so, the dimensions of the diamonds will be on the grading reports.

If you are sure you will be upgrading the center stone, and if the setting allows you to go up in diamond size (so you don't have to buy a brand new setting), then my advice is to go with the smaller stone from the store that has the better upgrade policy. I don't mind the crushed ice look, and I think the whiter stone in the double halo (plus the sparkly pinfire of a crushed ice cushion) will look larger than its carat weight on her hand. I think the contrast between the setting and the center stone is just too stark with the other diamond, even though I think that's a nice stone, too.

ETA: People here are going to suggest that you go with an online vendor who sells top-performing cushions. But if you are more comfortable working with a local vendor, just say so. There's nothing wrong with buying from a local vendor. Fancy cuts, like cushions, are hard to buy just by "the numbers"; having the chance to compare several fancy cuts in person is very helpful.
 
Just want to say crushed ice or not is really a matter of personal taste. A lot of people look for that effect. Do you know what your fiance to be like?
 
I like the crushed ice as well, but I did see quite a few that didn't sparkle as much/looked like bubbles. This one, the 1.24, is very glittery which I think really caught my eye, as opposed to the bigger flashes from the 1.51. I appreciate your input, I will ask if she prefers one look over the other, but I do think she wants to have some surprises because she has been so involved, which is why she's now "Pick one, don't tell me"

I will say, both stores have a 30 day no questions asked return policy in the event she has a mood swing and changes her mind, haha.
 
So, I saw that you did post the L x W dimensions of the stone. Here's what I do when I compare face-up size between two diamonds: I compare the area of the two stones. So, in this case:

Smaller stone:
6.98 x 5.97 = 41.67

Larger stone:
7.10 x 6.45 = 45.795

Compare areas:
41.67 divided by 45.795 = @ 90%
So the area of larger stone is 10% larger than the smaller stone.

How much bigger mathematically is 1.51 than 1.24?
1.24 divided by 1.51 = @ 82%
So, in theory, a well-cut 1.51 stone should be 18% larger than a 1.24 stone???????

I am not a math major, so there could be some major flaw in my reasoning, but this is my quick-and-dirty formula.
 
Lula,

Here are the measurements, both are GIA certs

The first diamond is a 1.24, J in color (very tight J, its icy white in most lighting) VVS2, cushion brilliant, 6.98x5.97

Second diamond is a 1.51 L color (at times like an M) S11, 7.10x6.45


And I don't mind going online, the one thing I prefer about in person/local vendor is just because I can go see it without having to have it sent to the house, looking at it in lighting, dropping it in the ring etc. and then returning if it's not what I like.
 
Oops, sorry, just saw your reply.
And well look at that, never did I think I could use math to determine this. When it's put that way, 18 percent seems so minimal. Wow.
 
hb203|1374850375|3490783 said:
Oops, sorry, just saw your reply.
And well look at that, never did I think I could use math to determine this. When it's put that way, 18 percent seems so minimal. Wow.
Click to expand...

Yes, it does seem minimal, especially when you consider the price difference between a 1.24 diamond and a 1.51 diamond! Anyway, note that the 1.51 diamond you're considering is only 10% (using my formula) bigger than the 1.24.

I think it's important to consider the fact that you have compared diamonds in person, and, to your eyes, the 1.24 seems more sparkly.

I also think it's great that the stores have good return policies. My vote is still with the 1.24 with a promise to upgrade to a larger size in the future ;))
 
Lula,

Thank you for your input, very much appreciated. (And yes, promise to upgrade is also a non-negotiable, haha, and I am sure I will post back here when I am narrowing down her upgrade diamond)
 
Given everything you have said in this thread, between these two stones I prefer the 1.24. It is essentially the same face up size but much whiter. Once set you won't be able to tell the difference.

Triple check the return policy on the diamond and stone. I would want a 2 week 100% refund on the diamond at least, and on the mount too if its not custom made.
 
Thanks Dreamer D,

30 day no questions asked on the diamond, both diamonds actually. And the setting I already bought, it was custom. And thank you for the input, I think the 1.24 will look best color wise too, and it has the biggest table, also looks like a 1.5 size wise, I'll be sure to post photos when all is done. I am going to ask her though once more if she doesn't mind warmth or if she prefers a more glittery crushed ice look.
 
Btw, does the center stone come with a GIA / AGS cert?
 
Your setting is really beautiful. I see that it was custom-made. Do you mind sharing the jeweler's name who made it?
 
Saw your post that says it's GIA. Sorry!
 
Jacqui Garcia in the diamond district in LA, fantastic work and competitive pricing.
 
Yes, all GIA. I'd be fine with EGL is we weren't planning on upgrading.
 
Just for future reference, you should never buy a setting before the diamond ( with exceptions such as one that fits a 1 ct round perhaps). A custom setting should be made to fit the specific diamond especially with fancy shapes.

Of these two, it appears to me that the 1.2 ct stone fits in the setting better. The size of the center stone is not going to increase the size appearance of the whole ring itself since you have the same setting for either stone. So I'd certainly choose the J especially in a modern cushion. I wouldn't go lower than J for an engagement ring unless perhaps the person wanted an antique stone.
 
I definitely know this now, as finding the perfect diamond has been a task. And I appreciate your input, thank you! I have definitely learned a lot in the process.
 
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