Smaller AVC or larger Modern Cushion...

[herp2derp]

Been looking for an E ring for a couple of months now…

The setting I have picked out is this one

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/59AA1/,

quoted to me at 2,500 by a Chicago jeweler recommended here. So, I can spend up to 7.5k on a cushion. I don’t live anywhere near NY, so I can’t get into GOG to look at an AVC in person. I have seen a number of modern cushions in real life, but haven’t loved any of them (however, I do like the “X” pattern under the table much more than the crushed ice look).

As far as modern cushions go, I think I can get up to a 1.25 carat cushion and stay within the other specs I want.

With an AVC, color ends up warmer than I initially thought, and size would probably be around a carat.

Any insight in how to weigh the two would be greatly appreciated. The problem is mostly that I had my mind made up I wanted to do an AVC, but I'm not sure how much my girlfriend will care or even be able to tell that it is different. That, coupled with the fact that I simply cannot see one in person gives me pause.

Lastly, if I end up getting a 1C AVC, in terms of making the stone look larger, would it be better to go with a different setting? Something without a split shank (Beverly K has some good options)? I have a hard time visualizing the size of the stone in the setting.

And in case you need them, the deets:
1C or above
E-H
VS1-SI2
Under 7.5k (unless I change my mind on the setting).
Thanks for any advice you have!

 

[ecf8503]

Well as an AVC owner I'd pick the AVC.

Have you seen this one? Worth asking if it is eyeclean...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9494/

You know GOG can overnight the loose diamond to you, right? If you don't like it just send it back! I've done that several times with no problem.

I love the setting you picked! But if you are concerned about size have you considered a halo setting?

 

[Christina...]

Cushions are hard, they really need to be seen in person. Have you had the opportunity to see an AVC or a modern cushion? Do your prefer large bold flashed of light, or lots of tiny flashes? I agree with ecf, and that you should order one of each and play with them for a couple of days to get a really good idea of what is most pleasing to you. Make sure you view them in lots of different lighting environments, because it's amazing how differently they preform in each one.

 

[UberClaire]

Two things about AVCs --
1. They're cut so well that they face up whiter than similar "modern brilliants" that don't reflect as much light. However, since the setting you're looking at has a lot of side diamonds, you don't want to risk going too warm and have a noticeable visual color difference between the center stone and the pave.
2. In a lot of cases, a 1ct AVC will face up bigger than a comparable 1ct modern cushion -- make sure you're looking at millimeter sizes and not just carat weight.

I just got my AVC on Friday and never want anything else!

 

[farmer gal]

If your interested in a moder cushion this one looks like a beauty you could request asset images if you are interested

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1510529.asp

 

[UberClaire]

I'm sure you've looked at your AVC options, but I always enjoy going through the inventory. These might be your best options:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9412/ A little bit under a carat, but looks great and is 1k under budget.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8973/ This one is an I1, but it might be worth it to ask how much of the inclusion could be covered up by a prong when it is set -- they mention that the inclusion is not super visible and it would be a great value for the size and color.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8974/ This one is only $100 over budget with the wire discount.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8505/ This one is slightly over budget, but I thought I'd throw it in there since it is my favorite of what is on the site right now. Maybe you could find a similar setting for a little less?

 

[herp2derp]

Thanks for the help, everyone. I am awaiting a response from GOG on at least one of those AVC's, so hopefully I hear back soon. Personally, I like big broad flashes of light. While I haven't seen an AVC in person, when comparing modern cushions that have the "X" look under the table vs. the crushed ice look, i definitely prefer the X look. This makes me think that I would like an AVC.

Also, good to hear about them facing up whiter and perhaps larger. I also haven't thought to look at the mm measurement.

Any lovers of modern cushions out there willing to go to bat for them?

edit: also, any advice on the split shank if I end up getting something around a carat? When I chose it I was thinking slightly larger...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The setting is very pretty. Is the jeweler saying they will have Durnell custom make a setting for you for $2500 or are they saying they will make one like it? Be very careful about that.

I might consider an antique style halo with a 1 ct. AVC, personally, but those will likely cost more. Something like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/grace-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-256.htm

I prefer the AVC's over modern cushions. (And yes, with any stones you compare size by diameter and not weight.)