Thoughts on this Cushion?

[benito417]

All,

Narrowing the field for my upcoming engagement and saw this one today. Old Mine cut, 2.21 carat, G/VS1, Excellent/Good. Table is 48%, depth is 67%. I was particularly struck by the facets which seem to give it an antique look. Any opinions on it? I am close to pulling the trigger but figured it was worth soliciting other opinions.

Thanks!

Ben

 

[yennyfire]

I think it's lovely, but I'm wondering if there are areas of darkness in the center of the stone or if it's just because it looks like the photo was taken against a black background. When you say you saw this one, do you mean in person? If you've seen it in person and love it, that's all that counts. Finding a G/VS1 is pretty rare too (at least the high color is)....

How are you planning to set the stone?

 

[benito417]

I am pretty sure that the black spots you see stems from the background behind the diamond. The big facets do seem to throw light in all sorts of interesting directions though.

I am planning on setting it in double claw prongs, micropave band of some sort. I want to set it pretty low, I think that is consistent with my GF's preference. I had wanted to do an eternity band but was advised that it isnt doable for the engagement ring both because of sizing uncertainty and the potential for diamonds on the bottom of the ring to come loose when the hand hits a surface.

 

[benito417]

Any other thoughts? Just wanted to see if any experts had a view before I pull the trigger. Thanks again!

 

[t86]

I'm no expert, but it looks beautiful to me! I know what vendor it's from (the picture is a giveaway). That vendor has a great eye and he/they don't really sell any cushions that are duds. I have worked with them before and they are fabulous. Good luck!

**Edited to remove vendor name so that someone else doesn't snatch up the diamond before you do!

 

[t86]

I also like the squarish shape and the soft "pillowy" edges. Let us know what you end up doing!

*Edited to remove vendor's name.

 

[yssie]

I'd trust that vendor's eye, too. It looks like a nice stone!

Does she want low because she likes the look or because she wants something she can wear 24/7, do you know? You might want to chat with her about what she'd like best - micropave is pretty but it needs more delicate care than plain metal. What does she do at work? Will she spend her day putting on and taking off gloves, for example (low is definitely a good idea here, pave maybe not so much)...?


Get her some of these to go with it (I'm completely serious, I just got a pair on a rec in another thread and they're awesome, and totally bling-safe!) http://www.totes-isotoner.com/product/isotoner-womens-solid-chunky-fancy-cable-mittens.do

 

[benito417]

I'd trust that vendor's eye, too. It looks like a nice stone!

Does she want low because she likes the look or because she wants something she can wear 24/7, do you know? You might want to chat with her about what she'd like best - micropave is pretty but it needs more delicate care than plain metal. What does she do at work? Will she spend her day putting on and taking off gloves, for example (low is definitely a good idea here, pave maybe not so much)...?


Get her some of these to go with it (I'm completely serious, I just got a pair on a rec in another thread and they're awesome, and totally bling-safe!) http://www.totes-isotoner.com/product/isotoner-womens-solid-chunky-fancy-cable-mittens.do

Thanks Yssie, these are all good questions. Unfortunately, I dont have the benefit of asking her, it is going to be a complete surprise and I am doing my best to keep it that way. I got some general guidance from her friend who referred me to a couple micropave set-ups on Leon Mage. I have been guided towards the pave by her friend and I thought the U-shaped design (vs French) looked great when I saw it today. As for the setting, I dont think she is particularly fond of a cathedral style setting that holds the diamond high. I was thinking something like the R4100 or R4045 on LM which looks lower set.

 

[benito417]

Received my first set of CAD renderings from Mark. Frankly, I am a not sure how much I love the result but would really appreciate any feedback from others. The basis for the ring/setting was R4045 from LM which I have attached herein as well. A few concerns that jump out at me:

1. The prongs on the prototype dont look at elegant and "antique" as the LM design, they are clunkier and also appear to cover much more of the diamond. I was hoping for something more dainty. I am also not sure if I like the angle of the prongs as they rise up from the ring. Its hard to form a comparison because there arent a lot of pictures of the 4045 nor does Harry Winston have a ton.



2. The pave seems to cover less of the ring while the connecting "U"s take up more space.

3. I had originally asked not to have a more typical cathedral type setting but now I am concerned that the piece of the ring that encircles the diamond actually masks it too much. This is more aesthetic than execution.

Any input would be much appreciated. If you have links or images of other similar settings that are preferable, that would be great. Perhaps I am just overreacting.

Thanks!

 

[benito417]

The ring arrived, I am very happy with the result. Hopefully I have some pictures on her hand to show everyone soon!

 

[onedrop]

I love the ring, and I am sure that your GF will love it as well. Both the stone and setting are just lovely!!!

 

[ariel144]

Lucky Girl to receive such a beautiful ring...those antique cushions are the best....wise man with very good taste!
Have a happy life!

 

[benito417]

All,

I wanted to thank everyone here for all the help provided over the last couple months. I proposed two weeks ago and my girlfriend happily accepted. She was thrilled to receive the ring. In contrast to many on this forum, I actually don't think she had strong preconceptions about the ring but she was very pleased with both the setting and the diamond itself. After months of keeping this under wraps, It was great to finally be able to take her through the whole ring buying process including all the knowledge I had acquired and how I came to this specific diamond.

I definitely owe a big debt of gratitude to Mark at ERD for all of his help. Mark was extremely patient with me and was very invested in teaching me about stones, not just trying to sell me one. The cushion we settled on was very special to me, I would definitely recommend ERD for those looking at cushions, especially old-mine/antique style diamonds. Below are a couple pictures of the final ring, one sent to me by Mark and one on her finger the evening after the proposal.

- B

 

[farmer gal]

It is beautiful

 

[tyty333]

It is lovely!