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- Apr 21, 2010
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As an update to my previous cushion search thread (https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-two-ja-modern-cushions-w-asets.208247/page-2), I returned the 1.01ct D-VS1 cushion with mbf to JA (http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-294031). The JA stone was purchased under the old 60-day return policy so I held onto it for a number of weeks. The longer I had it, the more the "not quite square, not quite rectangle" (5.78 x 5.66mm) shape bothered me. And, though I adored the blue-white color, I also came to think the diamond was rather flat - not sure if I mean the crown height was not enough, or if the overall performance was not quite as active as I would have preferred... but something was lacking.
Still, twice since I returned the JA cushion I called them up, asking to buy it back - the first time I requested the buy-back, when push came to shove, I decided against buying it back. The 2nd time I called JA hoping to buy it back, the JA sales rep said it showed as "not available" in their system and there was nothing they could do; I'd just have to keep my eye on the listing and see if it became available again. When I wasn't that disappointed or worried about getting my hands back on that diamond, I realized that my original decision to return the JA cushion was correct, and moved on.
I did take a slight detour onto a brief crush on asschers, and a flirtation with ovals - and though I do think there is an asscher in my future, I began my cushion search again... this time checking out BN's Signature Cushions.
My DH knew that I really wanted to get to 6mm if possible, so he suggested I buy the BN Sig Cushion closest to 6mm with the GCAL images most pleasing to my eye, and not to worry about color - I could always return/exchange if I found the color was not white enough for me.
So yesterday I chose this BN 1.03ct H-SI1 Signature Cushion, 5.9 x 5.89mm (http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05261067), and it was delivered today. I love the square pillowy shape and the higher crown/smaller table on this cushion - and the overall performance is *much* more lively as compared to my recollection of the JA cushion - seems like more scintillation, more fire, more light return. And, color-wise, though this H-SI1 clearly is not a D-VS1, I do find it white enough and it seems to be eyeclean (though I still need to thoroughly examine it and have my DH check it out).
I have combed through the BN Signature Cushion inventory to see if there is a cushion with fluorescence that I like better than this 1.03ct H-SI1, but there isn't. (I'm pretty picky about the GCAL images, and lot of them have fatter arrows than is my preference.) I did find a couple of G-color cushions, with fluor and w/o fluor, which are similar in carat weight/face-up size, that I do like, but I'm not willing to pay the extra $$$ for a color/fluor boost that may not even be noticeable.
I will admit, now that I have this 5.9mm, I am thinking, "boy, 6.5mm would be the sweeeet spot!" But, then I put this baby on my finger and, really, once set, I think it will be perfect.
In terms of setting, I'll be going with BE - it's between the Dora, and the setting that BE created for urasia's cushion http://www.pricescope.com/forum/roc...this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics-t206771-60.html I think the prong orientation on the setting BE did for urasia really emphasizes the cushion shape, which is what I really love about it, but I haven't seen a profile shot of that setting yet.
Just got the new diamond today, though, so I'll wait a bit to make sure the love is still there . . .
Those of you who've followed my cushion journey (and anyone else), please let me know what your thoughts/reactions!
Still, twice since I returned the JA cushion I called them up, asking to buy it back - the first time I requested the buy-back, when push came to shove, I decided against buying it back. The 2nd time I called JA hoping to buy it back, the JA sales rep said it showed as "not available" in their system and there was nothing they could do; I'd just have to keep my eye on the listing and see if it became available again. When I wasn't that disappointed or worried about getting my hands back on that diamond, I realized that my original decision to return the JA cushion was correct, and moved on.
I did take a slight detour onto a brief crush on asschers, and a flirtation with ovals - and though I do think there is an asscher in my future, I began my cushion search again... this time checking out BN's Signature Cushions.
My DH knew that I really wanted to get to 6mm if possible, so he suggested I buy the BN Sig Cushion closest to 6mm with the GCAL images most pleasing to my eye, and not to worry about color - I could always return/exchange if I found the color was not white enough for me.
So yesterday I chose this BN 1.03ct H-SI1 Signature Cushion, 5.9 x 5.89mm (http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05261067), and it was delivered today. I love the square pillowy shape and the higher crown/smaller table on this cushion - and the overall performance is *much* more lively as compared to my recollection of the JA cushion - seems like more scintillation, more fire, more light return. And, color-wise, though this H-SI1 clearly is not a D-VS1, I do find it white enough and it seems to be eyeclean (though I still need to thoroughly examine it and have my DH check it out).
I have combed through the BN Signature Cushion inventory to see if there is a cushion with fluorescence that I like better than this 1.03ct H-SI1, but there isn't. (I'm pretty picky about the GCAL images, and lot of them have fatter arrows than is my preference.) I did find a couple of G-color cushions, with fluor and w/o fluor, which are similar in carat weight/face-up size, that I do like, but I'm not willing to pay the extra $$$ for a color/fluor boost that may not even be noticeable.
I will admit, now that I have this 5.9mm, I am thinking, "boy, 6.5mm would be the sweeeet spot!" But, then I put this baby on my finger and, really, once set, I think it will be perfect.
In terms of setting, I'll be going with BE - it's between the Dora, and the setting that BE created for urasia's cushion http://www.pricescope.com/forum/roc...this-cushion-cut-diamond-pics-t206771-60.html I think the prong orientation on the setting BE did for urasia really emphasizes the cushion shape, which is what I really love about it, but I haven't seen a profile shot of that setting yet.
Just got the new diamond today, though, so I'll wait a bit to make sure the love is still there . . .
Those of you who've followed my cushion journey (and anyone else), please let me know what your thoughts/reactions!
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