So how about this Cushion ASET?

[Jennifee]

So what do we think about this? To me and my little knowledge I would say it looks okay but maybe not great?

 

[Jennifee]

Here it is again not so blown up....I think.

 

[ac117]

Nope sorry....there's too much leakage and mush on the edges and under the table for me! You want a nice, large, BRIGHT stone that has a lot of red throughout and well defined facets. Remind me of your budget and what mm size you're after (remember it's not so much about carat weight with cushions)?

 

[Jennifee]

Nope sorry....there's too much leakage and mush on the edges and under the table for me! You want a nice, large, BRIGHT stone that has a lot of red throughout and well defined facets. Remind me of your budget and what mm size you're after (remember it's not so much about carat weight with cushions)?

So I'd like to be somewhere under or at 25K..... For me I really want the ratio to be around 1.14-1.16... With the length around 8.50mm.... I have been looking at stones around the 2.5-3ct range. Talked to IDJ and they said that don't really see anything that meets my qualifications right now....So this is one I found on blue nile.

 

[gretag]

You can't pick such a narrow range of LW ratios. It will be rare to find non branded stones with good LP in that rectangular range. Especially in that carat weight. I would relax your LW standards and choose based on LP, size and price.

 

[ac117]

These have potential but aren't AS elongated as you'd like. Not sure where you want to be in terms of color/clarity...I'd still check them out and ask for ASETs:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C301-260280734?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C250-617524890?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C245-684797601?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C301-8Z3Z37854?

Didn't see anything on JA but still looking...does it have to be a modern stone?

 

[Jennifee]

You can't pick such a narrow range of LW ratios. It will be rare to find non branded stones with good LP in that rectangular range. Especially in that carat weight. I would relax your LW standards and choose based on LP, size and price.

*sigh* Maybe I'll have to wait on this until I can increase my budget. I really like the elongated look so I don't know how much I can give that up

 

[Jennifee]

These have potential but aren't AS elongated as you'd like. Not sure where you want to be in terms of color/clarity...I'd still check them out and ask for ASETs:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C301-260280734?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C250-617524890?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C245-684797601?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C301-8Z3Z37854?

Didn't see anything on JA but still looking...does it have to be a modern stone?

Thanks for looking! For color and clarity I'd like a really nice I or higher...carity....as long as it is eye clean. It doesn't have to be a modern stone, I was looking at jewels by grace and there are some really pretty cushions by a littler smaller than I want.

 

[ariel144]

really nice elongated cushions are so hard to find.

I would check Leon Mege he has lots of antique style cushions listed on his site and some
are elongated. He states he will get the best price on these stones as most are available to all vendors.

I would also call GOG as they specialize in WELL PERFORMING cushion cuts and they will call in 3 and video them so you can compare. You might be able to find a nice one for $25k
IF I HAD YOUR BUDGET I WOULD GO WITH GOG because you will get ASETs and video comparison of the stones...modern cushions and antique cuts.

Leon Mege does not provide ASETS, but his site will give you an idea of antique cushions available on the market.

I love the faceting on this really elongated stone but the clarity is not good.
3.05c CHUNKY cushion brilliant (lovely antique cushion faceting)
not a good SI 2 but might be worth asking about
8 x 9.75 F SI 2 D 66.5 T 58
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.02-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-1013635
Lots of finger coverage with this one.

3c K way below budget...nice crown...modern cushion
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.04-carat-k-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-2485242

 

[ariel144]

This stone is listed on Leon Mege with no picture but nice and elongated so you can see if you look long enough you can find your stone....this one will be above your budget though:
https://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST/Dispatcher&childpagename=GIA/Page/ReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2175138887

 

[Jennifee]

This stone is listed on Leon Mege with no picture but nice and elongated so you can see if you look long enough you can find your stone....this one will be above your budget though:
https://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST/Dispatcher&childpagename=GIA/Page/ReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2175138887

ariel114, You're the best! I was really thinking of scrapping the whole project but you have given me hope! I think you're right about contacting GOG. I was watching several of Rhino's videos trying to further understand what makes a great cushion and I have to say I am finally starting to understand a little more. The only concern I have is that it seems like it might be more expensive to go through GOG than say IDJ or finding a stone myself from JA or BN?

I love the JA stone you found. Its really pretty! But question, is this a 4 main or 8 main? hahaha! I apologize in advance if this is obvious, but all the information I've read and looked up is all sort of jumbled in my mind! I need to outline all the information... Or make a chart, lol.

I looked up a few modern ones on blue nile... Are these the ones they consider to have the X look? https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08172734

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08046982

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08322189

 

[Jennifee]

Here is the ASET for https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.02-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-1013635 And this is what JA said about it: "The bow tie in the center shows with one half as light leakage and the other as contrast. There is a mixture of red and green every where else, along with lighter and whiter colors. Our ASET images are pretty unforgiving, to the point that they are misleading." Not sure what that means exactly or what he is trying to say... But it looks a little scary.

 

[ariel144]

the comments were only on the ASET not the stone itself so they must not have it in stock. As the stone turns in the video the facets are turning off and on, which is good. I believe the white is leakage and the blue is contrast and black is obstruction. I don't know what the brownish gray area is...never seen that before in an ASET., but most likely more leakage. I would like to hear what the gemologist says while looking at the diamond, as ASETs don't always tell the whole story. To have them commenting on the inclusions and the performance of the stone to the eye would be helpful. If the red does not go all the way to the girdle it will make the stone appear smaller than it's real measurements.

The facet pattern on this 3.05 F SI 2 is an 8 main cushion brilliant, with wide/fat mains thus the chunky faceting you see. Also, as you probably know, cushion brilliants are rare.

Jenni, if you go to GOG and check out the ASETS on their cushions you will see what a great cushion ASET looks like, the problem with elongated cushions is usually the bowtie effect and less than great optics thus so hard to find a "great" elongated cushion. They are out there but few and far between. you have to be willing to wait till one pops up in your budget. GOG and probably LM and others that specialize in cushions know the best cutters of cushions and know what is coming down the pike. But GOG has the most comprehensive service as they do provide ASETs and video comparisons.

Unfortunately, the best optics in cushions come in the squarish shapes ...thus all the cushions on GOG and Victor Canera are squarish shapes. I had an elongated 2.1c radiant 6.5 x 9mm that didn't have a bow tie and had great optics...at least to my eye. It was an SI2 with a white feather on the girdle. Never saw any obstruction in the stone either.

You just have to be willing to wait till the right stone comes along if this one on JA won't do. That GIA report of the 3c on LM will probably be in the $40k+ range, I'm guessing. Waiting on an I or J; SI elongated will probably fit into your budget. Good luck with your journey...your stone is out there, you just can't give up looking.

 

[ariel144]

I think that the comment that "ASETs can be misleading" is that they never tell the whole story of a diamond's performance to the naked eye. I remember on a search to help an OP find a great cushion JA provided ASETS for 2 stones. I liked one better than the other but the majority of long time expert PSr's were voting on the other cushion based on it's ASET. BUT when seeing the stones in person the one I picked was the better performer in real life and that was the one the OP picked....so ASETs are "unforgiving" and don't always tell the whole story of how a diamond performs IRL.

Did you ask the gemologist to comment on the performance of the stone and the inclusions to the naked eye? That is what I would do. Elongated cushions will never be the best performers. F is a really high color and will help the brightness of the stone if the inclusions are not blaring from 12". Just a thought.

 

[BlingDreams]

Just a thought - have you considered giving GOG your specs and asking to have a cushion cut specifically for you? It might be worth talking with them about; I'm not sure if they could guarantee length/width ratios or not.

 

[ariel144]

You can also check on www.brilliantlyengaged.com for excellent cushions...but they are all square and have great ASETs.

 

[Jennifee]

I think that the comment that "ASETs can be misleading" is that they never tell the whole story of a diamond's performance to the naked eye. I remember on a search to help an OP find a great cushion JA provided ASETS for 2 stones. I liked one better than the other but the majority of long time expert PSr's were voting on the other cushion based on it's ASET. BUT when seeing the stones in person the one I picked was the better performer in real life and that was the one the OP picked....so ASETs are "unforgiving" and don't always tell the whole story of how a diamond performs IRL.

Did you ask the gemologist to comment on the performance of the stone and the inclusions to the naked eye? That is what I would do. Elongated cushions will never be the best performers. F is a really high color and will help the brightness of the stone if the inclusions are not blaring from 12". Just a thought.

Yes it seems like the ASET does not telling the full story...makes sense! There seems to be no exact method or test that is a better evaluation than your own eyes! When I originally started my search for my 4ct upgrade I actually wanted a cushion but it was so difficult to find one by the numbers and images that it drove me nuts and I gave up! I'm glad I went with my RB but still would like to find my dream cushion out there!

So update: Joey from IDJ emailed me with this radiant cut because I said I might be open to a nice radiant because there seem to be more with the elongated look that I like. I'm not sure about it. I sort of feel like I would be giving up once again on a cushion! Here is a link to the video: http://segoma.com/v.php?type=view&id=4EHBYGNPQQ and GIA cert attached.

I put the 3.02ct F SI2 cushion on hold along with this one https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.78-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2207916 and requested an inspection from a gemologist. Lucky for me they are both in NY! I will be sure to ask about the performance and inclusions. So hopefully I will know more in about 3-5 business days! But does JA provide video or other images like IDJ does? I really wouldn't want to buy a diamond without seeing it preform first even if they have a great return policy.

 

[ac117]

If those cushions are in NY, IDJ could've called them in for you and provided an evaluation and images. and if you're close by you could view them. That's why I really like to work with them because they have access to so much inventory (without having to buy, ship, return since I'm close by) while still providing personalized service.

 

[Jennifee]

If those cushions are in NY, IDJ could've called them in for you and provided an evaluation and images. and if you're close by you could view them. That's why I really like to work with them because they have access to so much inventory (without having to buy, ship, return since I'm close by) while still providing personalized service.

Ugh. I didn't even think of that. You're right I should have just had IDJ see if they could access them. I wonder if I let go of the hold at JA and tell them I'm no longer interested that IDJ could request them and get them in for an inspection. Unfortunately I'm not close by and won't be out that way until early summer.

 

[ac117]

Ugh. I didn't even think of that. You're right I should have just had IDJ see if they could access them. I wonder if I let go of the hold at JA and tell them I'm no longer interested that IDJ could request them and get them in for an inspection. Unfortunately I'm not close by and won't be out that way until early summer.

If you let them go with JA, IDJ could definitely access them unless someone else had an inquiry on them (which is not very likely).

 

[ariel144]

Good idea giving specs to GOG and have it custom cut...one of these days maybe GOG will cut some elongated cushions under the AVC or given another designation since they may not have the superior optics of the AVC's. It can take a lot of time to find the right rough to custom cut a stone.

 

[ariel144]

If you end up going with a modern cushion you might as well get a radiant....the only difference is the cut corners. The beauty of the old cut cushions is the high crown and chunky facets...the high crown and rounded corners giving them the pillowy look...thus "cushion" cut.
Personally I love the chunky facets and high crowns of the antique cut cushions and also the facet pattern of cushion brilliants and old mine cushions. It's such a personal preference thing...if you love those things about cushions I wouldn't give up looking for what you want as you have such a nice budget.

 

[ariel144]

What about this stone on Leon Mege 2.3 SI2 D color with strong blue fl.
https://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST/Dispatcher&childpagename=GIA/Page/ReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5171540283

They have a picture of it on their site. Looks like it might be decent for an SI2
It's rare that fl. causes haziness and they wouldn't have a stone in stock that was hazy or milky. I Love Blue Fl. in diamonds ...can give them extra personality.

Also this E SI2...but I like the faceting of the 2.3 D better.
https://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST/Dispatcher&childpagename=GIA/Page/ReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2171874602

And a 2c K
https://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST/Dispatcher&childpagename=GIA/Page/ReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2185065017

2.25 G 3 stone ring in stock

As you can see the elongated cushions do come on the market...you just need to find one in your budget.

 

[ariel144]

Did you see this 3.21c I VS2 Radiant? $23k
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/3.21-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2600271

And this 3c J?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/3.05-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1110789

Actually this oval has more of a cushiony shape and is very large. Small table and high crown. 2.6c G VS2
You can set it in a cushion halo and it will face up like a cushion. Lovely fat oval with no bow tie.
9.7 x 7.6mm L/W 1.27
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.61-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2344279

This 3.5c J oval is HUGE!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.50-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-622910

 

[ariel144]

Here's a great thread on antique settings...for ovals with many cushions too.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ing-for-oval-yellow-sapp.215376/#post-3914803

 

[Jennifee]

Thank you again Ariel! Leon Mege has some really great stones! I think if I were to go that direction though I would want to wait until I can increase my budget to really make it worthwhile.... I wouldn't want to get something that would leave me wanting for more! As for the ovals those both are huge! And really beautiful and in my research I've found that ovals are second one the list with the most fire and sparkle... so I think it might be something to consider in a cushion setting... I'm currently waiting to hear back from IDJ about the JA stones I have on hold!