Shopping for Engagement Ring (Cushion Cut), please help!

[Weezie1317]

Hi there!

My boyfriend and I are looking at engagement rings, and I think I want a cushion cut. Any advice on what to look for? What cut and clarity levels are good?

I've read that cushion cuts can have a problem with brilliance. Any ideas on what depth and table, etc... dimensions should I look for? I know I want a square shape -- so length width of no more than 1.06 (ish).

I see that James Allen cuts cushion cut with hearts and arrows, what do you think of that? I'm not sure it's for me.

It's either a cushion cut or round for me.

Thank you!

 

[elizat]

Have you gone and looked at stones in person? I think that's the best way to see your color preference. It matters what appeals to you. Some people see color in diamonds more easily than others. I would go and see gia and ags graded stones to get an idea of your tolerances.

For clarity, it's personal. I am fine with an eye clean si1 or 2. But some people want a "mind clean" diamond because once they know where the flaws are they can't be unseen. You get more for the money with an eye clean si1 or 2.

Do you want a modern or old cushion? Some modern have the hearts and arrows pattern and some look like crushed ice. Do you prefer a certain type?

I know that's probably a lot of questions, but it's a starting point to think about.

 

[elizat]

Here's a link with some photos of different styles too. People can help you shop better if you know if you like a crushed ice style, etc.

https://www.rarecarat.com/education/diamond-cushion

 

[Weezie1317]

Thank you Eliza!

I know I want at least H color, but my heart really prefers E and F. I do see color a lot.

I'm okay with eye clean so long as the imperfections don't interfere with the look of the diamond, but I struggle with being okay with an S1 or S2. I prefer VS1 at least, but I know I have better options with at least VS2.

Modern cut, for sure. I don't like the crushed ice. I do like the August Vintage Cut, but I know that's a proprietary name/cut, and I'm not married to it.

I did a lot of research when I bought my diamond stud earrings 8 years ago (they're round), and I bought VVS1 or 2 (can't remember) and E color, and I love them. I don't need the ring to be that clean, though.

 

[elizat]

I really like the AV stones! But I prefer old cuts personally. What is your budget and size you would like? I'm sure others will chime in too on options once you share that.

There are a few e/f/g colors now at AV and some are really pretty.

 

[lovedogs]

I think you need to try on some rings IRL and see what shape you prefer. That'll be the easiest way to decide.

 

[david b]

With a round brilliant cut you are more sure which cut you'll get, thus, the brilliance of the diamond.

 

[absolutme77]

Do you know how you want it set? The JA H&A cushion set in a halo will look like a round (so if you are worried about brilliance and were going to do this anyway, I'd just go for a round). For a squarish cushion I'd stay under 1.03 max. Color is a personal preference. You won't see as much tint in an AVC as in a modern cushion so you might be able to go a little lower in color.