Two questions!!! Cushon Cut & Diamond Cleaning!!

[GEMGAL123]

(sorry, spelled cushion incorrectly in the title

First question is that awhile back when I was looking at diamonds, I LOVED the cushion cut, but the jeweler told me that they were hard to find in anything less than 2 ct & that they didn't really look that great in anything less than that as well. I'm figuring the guy was probably pulling my leg, & didn't use him anyway, but I was curious if there is ANY truth to that. And also if that cut is "large" for its carat weight the way pear,emerald,etc. are.
ALSO - what is the best way to clean a diamond? I currently use a soft toothbrush with a TEENY bit of windex. Is there a better way that anyone can recommend or is this ok?

THANKS!

 

[Hest88]

Personally, I think cushions look great no matter what size, but then I love antique cushions. Niceice has a 1.23 cushion in their inventory list right now. http://www.niceice.com/privatereserve/fancy.htm

When I randomly did a search on the Pricescope engine for cushions between .75 and 1.8 it pulled up over 500 of them.

Cleaning-wise I soak my rings anywhere from minutes to overnight in a solution of 1/2 sudsy ammonia and half water into an empty jewelry cleaner container and use the little toothbrush thing that comes with it.

 

[verticalhorizon]

I saw a .9 cushion in Baily Bank & Biddle and it looked very nice, very square.

 

[GEMGAL123]

Anyone else have any expert cleaning advice?? I've heard so many different things...
Windex - heard it was good, tried it and it worked, but have heard that after time may leave a blue residue??
amonia - too harsh for the metal?
toothpaste - film?


Any other tips?
Thanks!

 

[hoorray]

This topic comes up a lot. Do some searches to get different suggestions. Off hand, I've heard NOT to use toothpaste. Windex, dishwashing soap, and diluted ammonia are all good. But...look it up -- you'll find lots of info. What you can use on diamonds is different than for other gems. Also, I'm sure some of the metal issues have been addressed.