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Quest for a Cushion : Questions

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Maya Moonstone

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 7, 2005
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212
Hi

Until recently I wanted a radiant cut diamond. This week, however, I saw a 3.73ct cushion cut and could not stop looking at her! She was BEAUTIFUL!
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Unfortunately she is TOTALLY outside of our budget!
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I am now on a quest for a great cushion cut diamond! I do not want a square stone, but a regtangular cushion with a length to width ratio of 1.2 at least.

Anyway, I saw a cushion cut at a custom jeweler (B&M) that was more in line with our budget and want to know what you think:

1.29ct
D
VS1
7.28 x 5.86 x 4.07mm
Depth 69.%
Table 59%
Polish VG
Sym G
Girdle: Thin to Med Facted
No culet
Med Blue Fluorescent
$9598

When you looked at the stone from above it seemed as if there was a dark cross inside - or maybe more like two bow ties that crossed, or windmills. The gemologist said that since the length to width ratio is not 1:1 and the stone is not symmetrical this can be expected. Is this true?

Will all rectangular cushions have this crossing bow tie (for lack of a better description) phenomenon?

What is your opinion about the medium blue fluorescent?

Any other advise in my quest?

Thanks!
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Gee my handevol blink klippies en my hart sal juig!
 
The deeper you go with the cushion shape, the more the windmill efect it will have, I personaly love it.

The diamond you are posting sounds good, what kind of certification does it have?

Can you post a picture of the stone?

Cushions can be cut if many different variations, so the most honest way to give you advice is if I would be able to visualize it.
 
The med blue shouldnt be to much of a problem on a G colour!!!

But make sure its not a hazy looking face-up...
 
Date: 5/7/2005 25:58 AM
Author:Maya Moonstone


I saw a 3.73ct cushion cut and could not stop looking at her!

I am now on a quest for a great cushion cut diamond! I do not want a square stone, but a regtangular cushion with a length to width ratio of 1.2 at least.
Click to expand...
Waint a minute... why D/VS1 when obviously size matters ? Are you sure G/VS2-SI1 looks worse ?
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One particularly long cushion a bit more expensive but 2 cts and substantially larger came up on a quick search: THIS
That is H/SI1 and near 1.5:1 L/W, but one D/SI1 1.5cts (link) comes closer to your choice.

The stats look like this:


Report: GIA
Shape: Cushion
Carat: 1.50
Color: D
Clarity: SI1
Depth: 63.3
Table: 62
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Culet: None
Measurements: 7.86-6.30X3.99
Length/Width: 1.25

and:

Report: GIA
Shape: Cushion
Carat: 2.07
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Depth: 69.4
Table: 58
Girdle: M-STK F
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 8.90-6.24X4.33
Length/Width: 1.43


There might be others
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Did it look like the cross in the picture?
Or in this link? (if it works) http://www.icestore.com/gallery/diamond_ring_gallery_detail.asp?ID=130

You'll always have SOME form of bow tie in rectangular stones...but some less visible than others. It's going to be a horizontal bow tie I would think in rectangular more non-antiquie cuts...picture the bow tie of a radiant or oval...it's just a single horizontal bow tie

But I believe what you are describing is a cross (is this the Moroccan Cross experts? And that was a 59 depth stone that cushion cut had been considering) that is common in old style cushions...which is not my bag...but if you like these style stones that's cool too

cross.jpg
 
Since we''re at it, here is a "modern cushion" ... pic thanks to GOG...hope you don''t mind Jon. These are fabulous stones that have just improved on the older cutting style and have excellent polish and symmetry...but you WILL pay for that superb cut! IMO, they blow older style stones out of the water! :) Nice ice, and diamonfbrokers of fl and my love Mark at engagement rings direct can give you info about these...GOG has one pictured but doesn''t describe them or their facet pattern on the plot, but they can get you them too

modcushiobrilliantGOG.jpg
 
I just bought a cushion, and I noticed that it does have the cross effect. However, it sparkles like crazy and I love the more antique looking facet pattern. I don''t think the cross detracts from the beauty of the stone.
 
Good morning!

Thanks for answering!

Let me describe my situation first. B, my husband insist on paying for the upgrade in cash - we will only have enough $$ towards the end of the year to get the stone I want. It does not help that since I have discovered PS that 1ct is not big enough anymore
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But the Diamond Bug has bitten me and won''t let go and I can not switch my lust off until later this year
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At the moment I am visiting local B&M jewelers and looking at stones to decide what I like and what not. They do not always have the specifications I want, but I see no harm in looking at all the stones I can possibly find. I have narrowed down my criteria to definitely a Cushion, color G-H, clarity VS1-SI1. and of course the right proportions - given that cushions do not have the same tight specs as a RB.

The B&M jeweler I dragged my husband to yesterday had only one cushion - the D/VS1 I described in my first post. He hasn''t seen a cushion before and was not convinced that it will be as beautiful as I described. (I am driving him nuts with my diamond lust!) I have no intention - or money - to buy it. But the bowtie cross intrigued me! And the medium fluor raised some questions. (The price IMHO is totally too high!)

Valeria: Thanks for the extra info. I have not seen a stone with a L:W of 1.5:1, but I do like the more chubby 1.2-1.3 range. I have looked at the stone you listed last night - right in the budget and right on the specs - and finally decided I will try hard to convince my husband to buy online - much more bling for your buck!
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MMM That is exactky what I saw! The bowtie cross was very pronounced and I did not care for it much! I do realize that rectangular stones will have some sort of bowtie effect, but I was hoping for a less pronounced one. Anyway, this was the third cushion I saw in person and the first with the bowtie cross.

I have looked at the "modern cushion" on GOG. But I have not seen any of the stones kisted with a rectangular l:w ratio. I have my heart set on a rectangular stone. I have a square Lucida at the moment and don''t want my upgrade ring to be a princess!

Orange, congratulations! Any chance of a picture?

What is the maximum fluor you think a G stone can handle and not have a hazy look? Does it all depend on preference?

Thanks!
Maya, the cushion lover!

Gee my handevol blink klippies en my hart sal juig!
 
Maya- I just wanted to clarify...the "modern" cushion is NOT the H&A square cushion listed on GOG...if you knew that already, sorry! :)

And med blue flourescence in a G is not going to be a problem. The problems COULD happen when you have strong flourescence....in fact, i would LOVE a G with med blue. An E with very strong might be a problem and you''lll have to look at each stone individually. It can make the stone look milky or hazy...but only in some instances
 
Maya- I'm not sure this link will work...

Here is a modern cut from DBOF.
Not sure if it is rectangular enough for you, but it's an example...these DO come in all diff L:W

1.25 F VVS2 7.14X6.15 Med Girdle, Ex Polish Ex Symm $8919 ... oops, 62.4 depth, 55 table YUMMY

http://www.diamondbrokersoffl.com/stoneimages/G2999.jpg

While the plot shows the exact same facet pattern as the H&A cushion, these don't show H&A but are awesome. And check out that amazing depth! :)
 
Date: 5/7/2005 11:192 AM
Author: Maya Moonstone

MMM That is exactky what I saw! The bowtie cross was very pronounced and I did not care for it much! I do realize that rectangular stones will have some sort of bowtie effect, but I was hoping for a less pronounced one. Anyway, this was the third cushion I saw in person and the first with the bowtie cross.
Click to expand...
The shape of that reflection has allot to do with the facet pattern of the pavilion - and there are many kinds of cut all called "cushion". The cross (I'd call it "Malthese") appears on many old mine cuts and deep cut cushions with a brilliant style pavilion ... not on all of those, just some. The cushions cut with radiant or princess style pavilions will have different shapes of bow tie and possibly such small ones. Those woth princess type pavilion resemble a branded cushion cut: the "Cushette". I have no idea how popular or expensive is that brand... There's just one posted on the "Show me the ring" forum somewhere. Radiant style pavilions are common.

THIS Page at GOG shows three types of cushion cut with GA files and pictures. There are other versions of cushion and changing the proportions of each cut produces very different looks as well.


Speaking of long cushions...
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490_di_image_283ab.jpg


Just for the sake of the shape, of course. As far as I know, the facet pattern on this one would be called 'scissor cut' for obvious reasons. It is far more often done on colored stones (tourmaline or beryl... anything with long slender rough shapes) and the some diamond cut brands are versions (the Tycoon and the Spring cut).

This one looks particularly nice, IMO (link). If anything can be called "bow tie" there, it definitely does not look like a cross to me
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Ana,

Nice picture of the Ashoka, by W. Goldberg. Am I right?

But Goldberg has a Patent on it if I am not mistaken....
 
Date: 5/8/2005 6:16:16 AM
Author: DiaGem
Ana,

Nice picture of the Ashoka, by W. Goldberg. Am I right?
Click to expand...
This is sold without any signature or brand... just called "cushion" by Fancydiamonds (link).

Sure it looks like the Ashoka cut !

ashokacut1.jpg
 
I could swear it is the ASHOKA.......

WAW
 
holy ashoka batman. That sure is one. I wonder how fancydiamonds can just sell it as a "cushion"... Some of the cushions on bluenile seem to have the Cushette facet pattern...maybe there are generic ashokas available? But if he''s got the patent? I just think it''s an odd looking stone. I know one celeb has one...I can''t think of her name...big star...Angels in America? or mabe that wasn''t her..Liaim Neison''s (sp?) wife...
 
Hi Valeria

Thanks for your reply with regards to the "Malthese" cross. It is intriguing. The moment I looked at the stone I noticed it and I am not sure I like it
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Will it be more pronounced depending on the setting you choose? I am leaning towards a Vatche X-prong.

What do you consider as a "brilliant style pavillion" and "deep cut"?

I realize that visual reigns over numbers when it comes to cushions! I have seen a lot of stones on the vendors'' sites that have either 1) a total depth larger than table percentage or 2) with a depth percentage smaller than a table percentage.
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Does it depend on preference which one you would like or will it affect light return, fire, etc.

Thanks
Maya

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The shalower (flatter) the diamond, the most likely the windmill effect will disapear!!!

But i wouldnt go to less than 55% on the total depth, and then it also depends on how the stone faces up. BE carefull, it becomes very tricky around th 55% t.d.
 
LOL...this whole time I''ve been calling it the moroccan cross...LOL My bad

The only thing is...the stone I posted above had a 59 depth and it clearly shows the windmill...I would think it is inherent in some cushion styles
 
When you look at a picture of a diamond, you only see one frame of the face up,

believe me, the shallower the diamond the less is the windmill effect.


Why Morocan???
 
LOL- I have no idea why morocan...maybe I have vacation dreams or something....
 
I know!!!, I am geting used to the idea....



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Hi DiaGem

I agree that going lower than 55% total depth is a bit tricky!

I have looked at David Atlas'' AGA Cut Grade chart for Ovals. Based on what you said about the depth and David''s recommendation for an Ideal cut with a depth between 59% and 63% do you think the bowtie cross will be visible?

What about having only a bowtie at a length to width ration of 1.2:1?

Does the appearnace of a bow tie indicate poor cut quality?

Thanks!

MMM...I can do with a vacation in a sunny place to! Seattle is sreary today.
 
No it doesn't...the bow tie is necessary and it's a "good thing"...although I think fairly unsightly if it's very pronounced...you can't get away from SOME bowtie in a rectangular shaped stone...

Hey, let's go on vacation to celebrate your new cushion :)

Check this out. This is a good example of the windmill...but it does quite well on the bscope...good looking stone

http://www.goodoldgold.com/cushion_3_30ct_f_vs1.htm
 
Here is a fab oval ... notice the pronounced bow-tie (at least in the pix)...also notice the great BScope results and how the black on b- scope image #6 is akin to the black arrows you'd see in a H&A... The black is the most light return

http://www.goodoldgold.com/oval_1_01ct_e_si1.htm
 
About 90% of long brilliant fancy shape have bowties....

It has nothing to do with the cut of the diamond, the difference between you noticing it, is numerous degrees on the pavilions and some effect from the girdle thickness.

A lot also depends on the kind of light you are looking at the diamond, and for example, at what angle are you looking at the diamond etc, etc....., There are way to many.......

The longer the shape is, the wider the center pavilion facet is, the more bowtie efect you will receive. But remember, every long brilliant fancy has a bowtie.... (some are white, some look darker....., depends on your preference.)

That is the beauty of Diamonds!!!
 
Hi MMM and Diagem

You have just proven that cushions can not be chosen by using numbers. MMM that 3.30ct is yummy even though it shows the malthese cross at a depth of 63.5%! If I could have it, I would not mind the malthese cross at all! (Unfortunately it is way to expensive for our budget
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)

Actually the malthese cross aka windmill is visible in a very famous diamond: The Red Cross diamond
http://www.diamondarticles.com/famous-diamonds.php?id=68

Another question: How will I know a listed diamond is a modern cut or a and not a "traditional cushion"?

have you seen Orange''s cushion in the SMTR thread? I think it is beautiful!

Thanks

PS: Would love to go on vacation...but I have no diamond to celebrate yet...only lusting
 
Well, that's a can of worms LOL..But the "modern" cut cushion as vendors refer to them will, for the most part, have ex and vg symmetry and polish. Check out the Gia plot, which is a stock image, which will look just like the H&A Square Cushion (and round..the 8 ray).... Check out Diamond Brokers of Florida (Diamondbrokersoffl.com) and see the few they have. Nice ice has a write up GOG pictures one. But they don't go into them in their cushion tutorial...but they are offering one for sale....
The diff between traditional styles (although cut today and also true antiques) and the "modern" is the great cut...did you check out the one I posted above for example? :)
 
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