Vintage cushion-thoughts on this stone??

[jcox]

Okay, my fiancee to be and I went to the jewelry district in Los Angeles today and had a blast! I thought I had exactly what I wanted in a G color, SI1, 1.21 carat modern cushion (beautiful stone) for $4300 (Inta Gems) . That is, until I went to Singlestone and tried on a vintage cushion. Wow, this baby spoke to me. It is on the rounder side of a cushion and is 1.4, vs1, J color. I know, I know, I would''ve have balked at the J color too-but, she was PRETTY. So, "Big J", (this is what I call her) was $4,900, which is slightly over our budget, we really want to have the whole thing wrapped up for around 5k (I want the simplest of white gold settings). So, what''s everyones take? Could we find a comparable vintage cushion for closer to $4000? If so, where? Do you think a J color matters if it is fabulous? The only time you can see yellow is when you put it in direct sunlight and look at it from the side. Help! I am obsessing over this!
Thank you Pricescopers!!!!

Oh, I told every jeweler that I spoke with today that I found them on Pricescope, and how wonderful you guys are!!!

 

[panda08]

I''m glad to hear you had fun at the Jewelry District!

Ah, decisions. I honestly don''t know if you can find a comparable antique cushion for $4000. Cushions are pretty unique, as you can find many that look vastly different. I looked for an antique cushion that spoke to me but wound up getting a modern stone that looked antique: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-chunky-1-52-cushion-to-call-my-own.93119/. In my search, I thought it was hard to find what I was looking for. A lot of PS''ers will tell you that finding the perfect cushion can take some good digging around.

If you love the cushion at Single Stone, you can try to negotiate, as you just need $200-300 off to be able to get the entire ring for $5K. Alternatively, try http://oldworlddiamonds or www.jewelsbyericagrace. Both specialize in antique diamonds and are great to work with.

As for the J color, it''s up to you. There are those who love their J''s and those who aren''t comfortable with the color. I think a warmer color adds charm and character to an antique diamond. And, in a well cut stone, many will face up pretty white and there are a number of PS''ers who own J stones that look darn white. Heck, in my search, I saw some good looking K''s, L''s and M''s! It''s totally a personal preference. If you think you''ve seen enough stones to make a decision and you think this antique cushion you saw is fab, don''t let the J deter you.

 

[purrfectpear]

That''s an excellent price from Singlestone. Sounds like they are more realistic in their diamond pricing, as their settings are definitely on the high end. I don''t think you''ll find an antique cushion in that color for less than that. I bought my 1.75, VS, M antique cushion from Old World Diamonds and I think I paid something around $4700 (I don''t remember the exact amount).

 

[CrookedRock]

When they speak to you, the def speak to you!!
I know that first hand bc I fell in love with my J cushion within 5 seconds of seeing it. I knew it was mine. I think sometimes you have to follow your gut. Congrats on finding the stone! I say go for it!

 

[Lorelei]

I have heard good reports from Singlestone, and if you loved this diamond, then maybe you should consider taking her home! Some, myself included, love a diamond of a J colour or lower - especially in a cushion as it gives more of an '' antique white'' which adds to the charm.

 

[ericad]

If you loved the stone with your eyes, I suggest not worrying about the grading, as old cuts are really best judged in person. I, personally, would not let my dream diamond get away over a few hundred dollars unless $5k is a hard maximum and anything more not an option at all.

I also know that sometimes antique jewelers have empty vintage settings - ask the jeweler if he has has any simple antique solitaires that would fit the stone and see if perhaps you can walk away with a completed ring without going too far over budget? Do you have any pics of the stone you can post?

I will say I'm thrilled you fell for an old stone If you ask me, especially when it comes to antique diamonds, the stone picks the person and not the other way around - sounds like this one really spoke to you!

 

[pixley]

Date: 8/21/2008 10:24:07 AM
Author: ericad
If you loved the stone with your eyes, I suggest not worrying about the grading, as old cuts are really best judged in person. I, personally, would not let my dream diamond get away over a few hundred dollars unless $5k is a hard maximum and anything more not an option at all.


I also know that sometimes antique jewelers have empty vintage settings - ask the jeweler if he has has any simple antique solitaires that would fit the stone and see if perhaps you can walk away with a completed ring without going too far over budget? Do you have any pics of the stone you can post?


I will say I''m thrilled you fell for an old stone If you ask me, especially when it comes to antique diamonds, the stone picks the person and not the other way around - sounds like this one really spoke to you!

Ditto Erica''s post! It sounds like a beautiful stone and I wouldn''t let my dream cushion get away for a few hundred dollars either. Moreover, embarking on a long distance search for one that costs less might only leave you comparing everything to the one you wanted originally. Cushions are so unique, especially vintage ones, it would be pretty difficult to find another one just like it. A J graded cushion wouldn''t bother me at all in an antique style or vintage cushion and I also like the VS1 clarity. Having bought my WB from Single Stone, I think they are wonderful and they have a special touch for finding well-cut vintage stones. If there is a slight premium to pay at SS, it''s reasonable given that they operate two points of sale in southern Cal.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am glad you sought out Singlestone for antique Cushions--I missed them on my trip this summer, but thought the recommendation might work for you!

You loved the stone/ring, and that speaks volumes. Good luck on your decision.

cheers--Sharon