Thoughts on this strong blue cushion cut diamond?

[sh00termcgav1n]

Here are the specs, it is GIA graded:

1.17 ct
H color
VVS1
Excellent cut, polish, and symmetry
62% table
70% depth
Eye clean

Drawback? strong blue flouorescence.

Read a good bit about fluorescence here, particular about concerns with milkiness. I've attached a picture here, doesn't look milky to me, nor the CSR I spoke with who recommended this over a significantly more expensive diamond. But you guys are the experts here so I thought I'd solicit some opinions, thanks in advance.

 

[tyty333]

Faceting pattern does not look very nice. Are you looking for a crushed ice type cushion? Can you get an aset of the stone and
Post it? It looks like it has leakage to me but really need an aset to be sure.

If I were you I would look at James Allen and try to figure out what kind of Faceting pattern it is that you like.

Or give us your specs and we can show you some stones that look good so you can figure out what you like.

 

[metatrix]

My understanding is that you need to look at a fluorescent stone in direct sunlight if you want to rule out milkiness.

 

[tyty333]

Ok, I'm going to post some of the different faceting patterns so you can take a look at them. These are my names...think I'll
trademark 'em )

I'm not saying that these are good cushions...I'm just pointing out the faceting pattern.

Star pattern (one of my favorites, harder to find)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323615

Chunky X (bigger but fewer flashes of light)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-36155

Thin X
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-288154

Crushed Ice (lots of pinpoint flashes of light...no discernible faceting pattern)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-323583

There are more...

 

[sh00termcgav1n]

Honestly know very little about ASET images, nor would I have the first clue how to get one seeing as this is a GIA certified diamond. I have included the GIA "map" showing facets though.

I appreciate the input on the different facets available, but I really didn't have any expectations for a certain look coming into this. Just looking for a nicely sized diamond (1.1 or so) with color and clarity that's of good value and eye clean, and would hopefully look great in a halo setting.

This is the first I've read about light leakage or anything of that sort...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that the diamond is not a great cushion. But as far as the florescence goes, I really like it and it usually doesn't have a negative effect in a high clarity stone. You always need to list the diameter measurements of the stone, too. Cushions vary as to how deep they are cut and some are going to be smaller than others at the same weight.

But, can we show you some better cushions? What is your budget?

Here are examples of nice cushions (with ASET images):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12107/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11939/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12274/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12190/

 

[sh00termcgav1n]

I agree that the diamond is not a great cushion. But as far as the florescence goes, I really like it and it usually doesn't have a negative effect in a high clarity stone. You always need to list the diameter measurements of the stone, too. Cushions vary as to how deep they are cut and some are going to be smaller than others at the same weight.

But, can we show you some better cushions? What is your budget?

Here are examples of nice cushions (with ASET images):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12107/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11939/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12274/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12190/

Measurements are:
3.85x5.5x6.2 with a Thick-Very Thick girdle.

For educational purposes, what about this makes it not a very good cushion, and what would make a good cushion?

My budget is <$4500. Are either of these any better? (I posted about the I1 diamond, and got mixed feedback) The reasons I've posted Zoara diamonds are bc I like the reviews I've read on their service, I like their policies and customer service, and they have a halo setting that I really like, over James Allen for instance.

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs1#p=3281751
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_f_i1#p=3273845

FWIW, this is the 2nd time I've ever had to look for a diamond. The first time was somewhat of a disaster only bc I knew zip zilch about diamonds and essentially got taken for a ride by a B&M store. Trying to do my hw as best as possible, but to be honest, hope to never have to be in a situation to really have to resell whatever it is I buy this time.

 

[jillianfl]

Cushion will look stunning in a halo, any shape will look stunning in a halo! I love halos, I am a halo always girl. I have a "crushed ice" cushion and I love it (it's the one in my photo pic, still waiting to get it set!) I love the glittery sparkles it gives off, I love other cuts, too, wish I could have them all but, a cushion with a halo will be beautiful for sure!! I also love fluoro myself (and bonus fluoro is usually cheaper!!)

Good that you are doing your hw, buy a GIA stone for sure... My husband was taken for a ride at a B&M for his ex-fiancee before he met me got zilch, too, for it when he had to sell... Glad I picked out a GIA one as I know it's worth something!

But glad you let people know your budget and they can give you stones to compare to and you can then pick which one you like best whether it be the original one you posted that you are interested or something else. But I love blue fluoro (I love having stones that glow under blacklight and have a faint hint of beautiful blue in sunlight), I love cushions, and I love halos!! So sounds like it will turn out to be a beautiful ring to me! Oh and love your screenname btw lol...

 

[jillianfl]

Here is one a different one with a different look, not the "crushed ice" look (which I do like, too, but just something else I found in your budget) http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5038286-1.20-carat-Cushion-diamond-I-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

But you did say you wanted to buy from Zoara (they should be able to access that stone for you to buy from them if it's something you like as well)

I would not buy the F with l1 clarity diamond though, if it was between those two that you have originally posted about I would definitely go with the H Si1.

That stone above is an I color, have you looked at I color?? This one on Zoara may be of interest to you, it's listed on the Zoara site as a xxx and it has an actual picture of it and not a sample image. Going to an I even would be a way to get more bang for your buck, it has faint fluor. too! The "crushed ice" look cushion modified brilliants I think cost less than the other cushions plots out there (which was lucky for me because I like them and I think they cost less)

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_i_si1#p=3344707

My original e-ring is a G VS2, in hindsight I wish I went for a better cut and bigger size stone (and wish I did lower clarity down to Si1 and lower color) to achieve what I wanted in my budget. So now I got myself an L color Si1, and much bigger size for anniversary present (which is my crushed ice cushion you see in my pic in the sunlight But IMO I think you can do an i color, especially an i with fluor. and have it be plenty beautiful white. Just make sure the halo pave is i color as well (or H or darker if you go with the H). Then the center will be the same or whiter than the side stones. At least don't get G color sidestones with an H or I color center IMO

Other members here know all the technical aspects of diamonds more than I, but I thought I would throw out a couple in your budget for you to see as well that you can get from Zoara. Good luck!

 

[lknvrb4]

My cushion has SBF and I have no issues with it.

 

[Sunstorm]

I agree that the diamond in question is not very well cut, I too find the faceting pattern not so nice. There were some options posted about the different facet patterns and some of those were really nice. While it is somewhat subjective of course, I do not think the crushed ice look is very attractive, either.

 

[MMtwo]

I love fluorescent stones, but agree with others, you MUST check it in sunlight. I had an old florescent e-ring that would turn milky blue in the sun. OOPS- live and learn. It was fine indoors.




I WOULD look at ASET images. Cushions are a subjective cut...there is no "right" type of pattern. I would look around and make sure that it is a pattern YOU like and that sparkles. Good Old Gold (Google) has some youtube videos showing poorly cut cushions against better cuts, and you can see a BIG difference in brightness and fire. Here is one on purchasing a cushion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM

About ASET images and understanding light leakage: http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

Good luck!

 

[tyty333]

For educational purposes, what about this makes it not a very good cushion, and what would make a good cushion?

No discernible faceting pattern in the middle and the somewhat "shadowed" look of the center (could be leakage but we really need
an aset). The center looks a little ho-hum or kind of on the deadish side (IMO). We really need an aset to tell whats going on
with fancy cuts like cushions. You may not know what to look for in an aset (simple explanation is to look for lots of red and green
in the middle and little blue, black or white depending on how the aset was taken) but we have lots of folks that can evaluate them for
you.

What to look for in a cushion would be crisp faceting pattern in the middle. Facets that look kind of "mushy"
and not well defined usually indicate leakage...but aset will show that without us having to guess.

You can't pick cushions (or any fancy cut) without images. With the second 2 you posted, the first one looks a lot better
than the one you posted but could have some leakage right under the rim of the table (this is a common place to have leakage).
Still need an aset. The second one doesnt have an image so its not even worth considering.

When you looked at the different faceting patterns did any of them appealed to you more than the others? That would help
us narrow down what to look for.

Edit - how to get an Aset image...Ask the jeweler if they do aset images and request one. Not all places do them but you
really should be working with someone who does them.

JA will do 3 for you. Usually people narrow it down to their 3 top stones and then request asets for all 3 of them. That way
you can compare and contrast and pick the best of the 3. At JA you can also have the gemologist evaluate all 3 stones and
tell you which one they feel is the best.

 

[tyty333]

Since you are looking at zoara, I'll post the ones from there that I think might have potential (in your budget, G/H). Their pictures
make it very difficult to evaluate stones.

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_g_vs2#p=3401077
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs1#p=3401079
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs1#p=2429889 this is the faceting pattern *I* like
(I know, its not for me )
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs2#p=3401057 nice!
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=2595111 could be a very nice stone
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=3401095
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs2#p=3401093
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_g_vs2#p=3228497 another maybe
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_g_si1#p=3226363 another maybe
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_vs2#p=3072647 maybe
http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_g_vvs2#p=3281741 maybe

Ask about requesting aset images of your top choices.

Edit - I picked these from eye-balling. You would need to check for very thin girdles, etc.

 

[sh00termcgav1n]

For educational purposes, what about this makes it not a very good cushion, and what would make a good cushion?

No discernible faceting pattern in the middle and the somewhat "shadowed" look of the center (could be leakage but we really need
an aset). The center looks a little ho-hum or kind of on the deadish side (IMO). We really need an aset to tell whats going on
with fancy cuts like cushions. You may not know what to look for in an aset (simple explanation is to look for lots of red and green
in the middle and little blue, black or white depending on how the aset was taken) but we have lots of folks that can evaluate them for
you.

What to look for in a cushion would be crisp faceting pattern in the middle. Facets that look kind of "mushy"
and not well defined usually indicate leakage...but aset will show that without us having to guess.

Really great stuff here and appreciate all the feedback. I find it fascinating that an excellent cut diamond can still not be a good one. Don't have the time right this second but I'll certainly look over the suggested ones that have been linked to.

 

[sh00termcgav1n]

Ok, I'm going to post some of the different faceting patterns so you can take a look at them. These are my names...think I'll
trademark 'em )

I'm not saying that these are good cushions...I'm just pointing out the faceting pattern.

Star pattern (one of my favorites, harder to find)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323615

Chunky X (bigger but fewer flashes of light)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-36155

Thin X
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-288154

Crushed Ice (lots of pinpoint flashes of light...no discernible faceting pattern)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-323583

There are more...

If I had to pick I would say that I prefer the Crushed Ice and Thin X the best.

 

[MMtwo]

the thin x is pretty.
I am not a fan of the crushed ice look.

 

[sh00termcgav1n]

Alright, I've requested ASET images for the initial diamond in question, as well as the 1.15 ct later posted, and a couple of the "recommended" ones, including this one:

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_cushion_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=3401095

Hoping to get something back, but I realize it could be a crapshoot. As good as Zoara's customer service has been, there's no telling what to expect from their vendors.