Thoughts on Princess and Cushion Diamond

[malaur]

I'm a bit all over the place with regards to the shape and I am sorry for that. It is because all your insights have been pertinent and added value into my decision making

Taking into account my budget (7-8k) and my GF preferences and personality, I do think that in the end an Emerald shape might be the better/safer option at the moment.

She did say she liked the emerald and the princess shaped on that tiffany photo.

 

[farrahlyn]

Ok, so i'm not a pro with emerald cuts so i'm just going by my eye, watching the steps light up as the video goes around, so these are pleasing to MY eye: (most are listed at B2C as well as Adiamor and both will price match. so you could pick which has the setting you prefer.)

1.09 G VS2
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11319039/Emerald-Diamond-G-Color-VS2-Clarity

1.08 G IF
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11456834/Emerald-Diamond-G-Color-IF-Clarity
video here: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.08-ct-G-IF-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41661380?q=41661380#

1.08 G VVS2
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11488791/Emerald-Diamond-G-Color-VVS2-Clarity
video here: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.08-ct-G-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41671936?q=41671936

1.08 G VS1
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.08-ct-G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41866467?q=41866467
also here: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.08-ct-G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41866467?q=41866467

1.05 H IF
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.05-ct-H-IF-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41666000?q=41666000
also listed here: https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11565836/Emerald-Diamond-H-Color-IF-Clarity

1.05 H VVS1
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.05-ct-H-VVS1-Excellent-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D41804725?q=41804725
also listed here: https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11609925/Emerald-Diamond-H-Color-VVS1-Clarity

1.25ct D VS2 (this has Very Strong Blue fluoro so you'd need to be ok with that as well as ask if the fluoro is affecting the stone in any. Hazy/Milky, etc)
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11584758/Emerald-Diamond-D-Color-VS2-Clarity

1.23 H VS2 This is iffy. May not be eye clean due to the inclusions on the table and would question the clarity comments of "additional clouds on the table"
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11621659/Emerald-Diamond-H-Color-VS2-Clarity

Sorry for innundating you with stones! Maybe someone else with more experience with step cuts can offer their opinion.

 

[farrahlyn]

adiamor has this setting which is really reasonably priced:
https://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-...ut-Diamond-Accented-Setting/14KWhiteGold/1981

 

[Matthews1127]

I have an EC. I am biased, which is why I let you decide for yourself.
My EC is 1.07 GSI2 which actually looks better than the VS graded EC’s I compared her to.
Here is her thread:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/meet-uisce.231677/

I’d be happy to help you in your search. I noticed others have already made suggestions.
Take a look at those & see what you like. We will help you analyze them.

 

[Matthews1127]

I love this:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/emerald/1-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-5660682

ASET & Video will help to know if it’s as beautiful in action as it is in static photos & on paper.
This is a “squatty” EC; l x w ratio: 1.34.
She will still give great finger coverage, and stand out in the proper setting.
What size is your intended’s finger?

 

[Matthews1127]

Another to consider, if it lights up appropriately:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/emerald/1-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-5765242

Again, ASET & Video required.

 

[Matthews1127]

The first Ideal Cut EC’s on the market:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.160-g-vvs2-emerald-diamond-ags-104097911008

That is BEAUTIFUL!!

 

[Matthews1127]

More Ideals within your preference range, and your budget:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/search-for-diamonds/emerald

 

[tyty333]

malaur...just a few things to look for when looking at emeralds.

- the stone (steps) turn on/off all the way down into the center. Hard to tell this without video.
- the steps should be approximately the same size
- Not too many steps "on" or "off" at the same time. By "on" I mean reflecting light back to you. "Off" means the facet will be dark.
If you have too many "on" at once, you will end up with too many steps off at the same time (dark looking stone)
Then of course length/width ratio you like, and nice windmills/corners
-pay attention to LxW because it will vary at the same carat weight

For examples...
Not turning on/off all the way down into the center of the stone...this stone is not doing anything in the center (bad)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5245510
This stone is turning on/off all the way down into the center (good)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4761214
Too many facets off at the same time...results in dark stone (bad)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5081219
Uneven steps (actually, a lot of issues) (bad)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5129390

A few stones at James Allen that I thought were worth a look...
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-4943537
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5007079
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3882690 has some bold movement but may be too many
steps off at the same time???

All those BGD stones that Matthews recommended should be nice stones.

 

[malaur]

Thank you all for all the great advice. I'm loving what I am seeing.
What do you guys think of this setting, based on everything we talked before?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...split-shank-ribbon-engagement-ring-item-52758

 

[Matthews1127]

Similar style from BGD:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...-side-stones/split-shank-truth-platinum-5665p

Just a suggestion, if you decide to use BGD for your EC; you can have the diamond set by the same vendor. Everything gets done in one place.

 

[Matthews1127]

One point I must make very firmly:
This is a public forum which means that there could be silent lurkers watching this thread.
If you see a diamond that you really believe could be “the one”, please reach out to the vendor, ASAP, and place it on hold for further examination. Otherwise, it just may be sold.
All of the advice above that you have received, regarding the performance of an excellent/Ideal Cut emerald cut diamond is all very sound, and excellent advice.
Please bear in mind that fancy cuts do not always look beautiful on paper, and you may miss the “diamond in the rough” that has ugly statistics, but performs beautifully in person or in video.
Step cuts are very tricky; you must not evaluate step cut diamonds strictly based upon their numbers. If DH & I had done that with my EC, I’d still be looking for an engagement ring, and we would’ve passed up the opportunity to find a “unicorn”!
I’m not an expert (far from it, actually), but I have learned, and studied a great deal from the experts, here. Particularly from @Karl_K at DBL. He not only has shared his expertise with me, but he has shared articles and diagrams, and has backed up everything that he said with profound information and knowledge. His advice has been immeasurable to me.
Essentially, even the most unappealing statistics in a certificate can prove to be misleading, as long as the diamond is cut in the correct proportions in order to make it come alive. Every step and every angle of every pavilion and crown angle in a diamond, regardless of its shape, is vital to its performance, or lack there of. Step cuts are no exception. That is why it is so important to have a fountain of visual aid assistance in order to evaluate these particular cuts of diamonds.
Knowing what visually appeals to you in an emerald cut diamond is going to be essential to helping us to find the one that appeals most to you. There are those who prefer more contrast in their diamonds and there are others who do not like contrast in their diamonds. @OoohShiny has found some really beautiful step cut stones with beautiful contrast, in the past! He has a certain talent for those types of things.
I am certain that he will have some great advice to offer, as well as come up with some really great suggestions. No doubt, he will present some insightful dialogue. I have studied a lot of the examples that he has posted, previously, and I’m sure that, between the two of us, we will be able to come up with some really great comparisons in order for you to find the one that sings to your heart.
Stay open-minded, and patient, as step cuts, like other fancy cut diamonds, are all about preference & perspective. You may not know your preference or have anything concrete in your mind about your expectations, and that’s ok. Being open to this process will not only make it more fun (and frustrating, at times), but you will learn so much about EC’s, Step Cuts, about yourself, and likely, even more about her.
We are here to help you find the preface to “forever”.

 

[Matthews1127]

This article written by Karl Keith has been extremely informative:

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/performance-and-p3-facets-discussion-about-step-cut-diamonds

 

[rockysalamander]

Thank you all for all the great advice. I'm loving what I am seeing.
What do you guys think of this setting, based on everything we talked before?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...split-shank-ribbon-engagement-ring-item-52758

Thank you all for all the great advice. I'm loving what I am seeing.
What do you guys think of this setting, based on everything we talked before?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...split-shank-ribbon-engagement-ring-item-52758

Its a very pretty setting, but I don't think it will suit someone putting on gloves repeatedly over the day. I also suspect she uses a lot of hand sanitizer. Also, it would preclude a wedding band fitting flush, which is fine with some but bothersome to others. I'm in the "it must fit flush" department.

I'd look for something more like this, if it was me. The EC is bezel set to protect it and avoid prongs that can be a pain with glove changes. The cut-corner shape of the bezel is lovely and will both protect the stone and gloves from the stone. The pave stones give a bit of sparkle, but they are bead set for function and avoid prong (that hold the little stones) scratching on stuff. The open gallery allows for easy cleaning (hand sanitizer is a pain) and gives her full option for a flush or non-flush wedding band. The stone is as low as possible, so it won't protrude out of the gloves (which is annoying and uncomfortable). The head is firmly attached to the shank, so that minimizes the risk of the head and shank separating during regular life.

If she wants a split shank look, she can play with wedding bands.




https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...Cwmu-9TFpNaYInZlLLRoCMTAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

p.s. I strongly agree with @Matthews1127 that you have to act FAST for any diamonds you like.

 

[Matthews1127]

Its a very pretty setting, but I don't think it will suit someone putting on gloves repeatedly over the day. I aslo suspect she uses a lot of hand sanitizer. Also, it would preclude a wedding band fitting flush, which is fine with some but bothersome to others. I'm in the "it must fit flush" department.

I'd look for something more like this, if it was me. The EC is bezel set to protect it and the cut-corners on the bezel make it less likely to slice open gloves. The pave stones give a bit of sparkle, but they are bead set for function and avoiding the prongs (that hold the little stones) scratching on stuff. But that open gallery allows for easy cleaning (hand sanitizer is a pain) and gives her full option for a flush or non-flush wedding band. The stone is as low as possible, so it won't protrude out of the gloves (which is annoying and uncomfortable). The head is firmly attached to the shank, so that minimizes the risk of the head and shank separating during regular life (which I'd fear on the setting you posted).

If she wants a split shank look, she can play with wedding bands.




https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...Cwmu-9TFpNaYInZlLLRoCMTAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

p.s. I strongly agree with @Matthews1127 that you have to act FAST for any diamonds you like.

I agree with above. Her occupation will require The emerald cut diamond to sit as low on the finger as possible, and deciding should provide some sort of protection for the stone.

 

[rockysalamander]

You actually can include a small split shank like this. You may need to go custom, but its less expensive than you might think. @sledge recently has gone through it and survived.

So, my ideas is to use the bezel from the 1st dibs design, but have a split at the top of the shank like this, maybe a bit less of a split (only 3 stones on the legs). That shank can be made to still allow a flush band with some tweaking of the angles. This would be beautiful, functional and I think would suit her overall style. Its elegant with a twist.

 

[sledge]

You actually can include a small split shank like this. You may need to go custom, but its less expensive than you might think. @sledge recently has gone through it and survived.

So, my ideas is to use the bezel from the 1st dibs design, but have a split at the top of the shank like this, maybe a bit less of a split (only 3 stones on the legs). That shank can be made to still allow a flush band with some tweaking of the angles. This would be beautiful, functional and I think would suit her overall style. Its elegant with a twist.

LOL @rockysalamander. I made it and looked like a champ all thanks to you and countless others who helped me.

But looking back it was absolutely the right choice and journey for me. So I wouldn't let a little fear and lack of being an expert stand in your way with people like Rocky and many others here to help you through the process.

#TeamCustomBuild

 

[OoohShiny]

Just to be annoying, can I re-check what the budget is here?

Was that USD 8k excluding taxes/shipping? So GBP 5k?

Or is it USD 5k and then taxes/shipping to be added to that?

I know I read it but it wasn't super clear to me (which is probably my fault)!


What timescales do we have to work to?

 

[PintoBean]

Are we overwhelming you? I feel like you went from considering 2 shapes to 2 other shapes and are having quite a time digesting a ton of new info in a crunch.

I'd suggest walking away from this thread for a bit and talk to suggested vendors, like Diamonds by Lauren, who have fancy shapes experts like Karl K.

If you don't feel like you click with that vendor, come back and we can recommend a different vendor.

Even MY head is spinning a little.

 

[malaur]

Hi guys.
So i asked James allen to provide Aset images for the following 3 diamonds: I am having problems interpreting them, and in your opinion which diamond returns better the light?
1. Emerald Cut 1.01 Carat E Color VS2 Clarity
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3882690


2. Emerald Cut 1.01 Carat G Color VS1
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4761214

3. Emerald Cut 1.00 Carat G Color VVS2 Clarity
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5007079

 

[OoohShiny]

Some interesting stones!

The 1.01 E VS2 has good spread but I think that's because the crown looks very low. This might reduce opportunity for dispersion and therefore reduce fire (if I understand it correctly). The facets do work nicely from edge to edge, though, and the obstruction pattern might be quite dominant but I (personally) quite like the patterning (and there are no large areas of solid black/obstruction). The facets on each of the short sides also work well, which is not always the case, and the central 'stripe' is not too dominant. The ASET may not have a lot of red in it (strong light return from over the viewer's shoulder) but IMHO such static, one-position ASETS are only limited in value for step-cuts, because it's all about how the facets interact at different angles when it's moving. Overall, I like it

The 1.01 G VS1 is a touch more 'leaky' on the short-side facets (at the bottom when at angles approaching 75ish degrees on the video), which I think might make the central 'stripe' more dominant at some angles, but overall I think it all works nicely. All the facets seem to be active, it is 'lively' as it rotates, the facet patterning is nice, and the bright/dark areas have good contrast (even when rotated quite far round). Of the three, I think I prefer this one the most.

The 1.00 G VS2 seems to have less contrast/brightness when rotated to the more extreme angles, but the short-ends do seem to work better than the 1.01 G VS2. That said, and somewhat contradictory to what I've just written I feel the central stripe is quite dominant at tilt/rotation angles, whereas the 1.01 G VS2 seems more 'balanced'.

The second two are similar to each other (in terms of head-on facet/contrast patterning) whereas the first one is quite different. I think number 2 is still my preferred option out of those, but I'm not sure I can decide what would be second and third preference!


Not sure my uneducated rambling is really helping?! lol

I did spot some other potentials that appeal to me personally, if you are still looking at all options!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5338958
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5304659
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5311695
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3164332
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5400520
(I don't think any are 'perfect' but they're pretty good to my eyes!)

re: the question of 'which returns light better?', a mirror returns light the best out of all options, but it is quite boring to look at lol, so don't worry about ASETs not being all-red!

 

[rockysalamander]

@Matthews1127

 

[sledge]

@Matthews1127 is more versed in EC's than I could dream about, but the general rule is you want to see more red in an ASET image. White/black is bad as it's leaking light.

Use the other video elimination factors mentioned earlier as well.