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What do you think of these diamonds?

mandasand

mandasand

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 9, 2012
Messages
667
Hello,
I am working with my local jeweler (we are in Northern California) and I found two cushion diamonds on his website. I haven't seen them in person yet because I wanted to get some thoughts on them first. I think they are overpriced. But, he's been very open to negotiating the price if we purchase both the stone and setting. The diamonds are similar in terms of specs, but one is more expensive. I know, the pictures look almost identical. I would like to get some feedback on these two options.

Also, what do you think I should offer in terms of price? OR, should we keep looking? I saw some similar diamonds online for around $3800.

I have attached images and GIA reports. The I think we are going with is Gabriel & Co. We are considering having them modify the setting to a plain shank.
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ

#1: GIA Cushion Brilliant (cert #2131831222)
.72, H, VVS1
$4939.20
Symmetry: Very Good
Size: 5.41 x 5.39
Depth %: 66.30
Table: 61%
Girdle: Very thin
Culet: none
Fluorescence: None
Polish: Excellent
NOTES: Minute feather on pavilion




#2: GIA Cushion Brilliant (cert #1136816780)
.72, G, VS1
$4693.50
Symmetry: Very Good
Size: 5.47 x 5.46
Depth: 64.80
Table: 62%
Girdle: Very Thin
Culet: none
Fluorescence: none
Polish: Ex
NOTES: Clouds on table, feather by girdle and pavilion

177728_.72_VVS1.jpg

177708_.72_VS1.jpg
 

Attachments

Your right, they look remarkably the same! Is it possible for you to get an ASET image of each of the diamonds?
 
I tried looking at the report but there isn't a clarity map and on a VVS1 there shouldn't be much to look at anyway, but is this an inclusion? I was wondering if you had the pictures mixed up because it may possible to see it in magnified images on the VS1 but you shouldn't see anything at all the VVS1. It may just be reflection but I would definitely want to be sure.

cushion.png
 
I probably will not be able to get ASETs. I will have an opportunity to see the stone in person and look at it through an ideal scope. Also, he has this machine that scans the diamond and provides a whole "DNA" of the diamond. We did this for a .65 round (that stone faced like a .75...it is sold now my BF missed the boat).

They look very similar but the larger one appears a little darker in the center (based on the picture). I love the faceting structure of both.

I just don't want to spin my wheels if these aren't good choices.
 
Let me try again:
.72, VS1, G


.72, VVS1, H

177708_.72_VS1.jpg

177728_.72_VVS1.jpg
 
Those are really lovely in terms of faceting. Much nicer than so many cushion facets to my eyes. I can't tell you more than that except to say that I hate black background pics. If they are GIA graded clarity then I think you'll be fine. Can you put a refundable deposit on one and have him hold it long enough to buy an ASET for 50 bucks and check the performance yourself? http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y
 
They both look like nice choices to me. They do seem priced higher than other online vendors. Perhaps you can compile some information on a few online stones and ask him if he can compete. Maybe if he sees that you have done your research and know that you can get a diamond of equal quality and beauty from on online vendor, he may be more eager to negotiate with you.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9346/
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9211/
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4921/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-2784525.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-2784527.htm
 
The second one faces up half a millimeter bigger, I'd go with it between the two of them.
 
Thank you Christina, Gypsy & Distracts! I agree they both seem lovely. He knows that I do my research and I am pretty sure he will match pretty close to online pricing, as much as he can because he is a B&M. Out of all his inventory, I like these the most. I was a little shocked at the price. Out of the two, I would go for the VS1 I think because the color is better and it faces up a little larger.

One question - this is listed as a Cushion Brilliant, would that be a chunkier faceting? I get confused between cushion brilliant and cushion modified brilliant.

BTW, I also talked to James Allen and they kept giving me crushed ice cushions, which I clearly told them I did not want.
 
Cushion brilliant I believe. :love: I think I would have chosen the VS1 as well. Cant wait to see what you decide.
 
mandasand|1335583375|3182682 said:
Thank you Christina, Gypsy & Distracts! I agree they both seem lovely. He knows that I do my research and I am pretty sure he will match pretty close to online pricing, as much as he can because he is a B&M. Out of all his inventory, I like these the most. I was a little shocked at the price. Out of the two, I would go for the VS1 I think because the color is better and it faces up a little larger.

One question - this is listed as a Cushion Brilliant, would that be a chunkier faceting? I get confused between cushion brilliant and cushion modified brilliant.

BTW, I also talked to James Allen and they kept giving me crushed ice cushions, which I clearly told them I did not want.
Click to expand...


I have not seen diamonds with that gorgeous faceting in a while. There used to me more around that looks like those, but they aren't being cut anymore that often (nfortunately). So for me, if I love it I'd be willing to pay a little more (an educated decision, kwim?) IF I loved it. And it sounds like you do.
 
I am going to try and see the VS1 it in person as soon as I can. I'll report back.
 
Farmer Gal,
These a great finds! It's funny because JA has sent me 6 diamond options and they were not as good as these!
 
I have to wait for the jeweler to get back from vacation to see if these diamonds are in the inventory. They did have a .70 VS1 F color for $3100 but the store needs to "bring the diamond in." They only have over 1 ct cushions available. I know they tend to cater to a higher budget customer. I'll have to work with the owner to source the right diamond. Now, I'm thinking it would be easier to get a round. I love rounds too. Cushions seem to be too hard to find!
 
It's a much more daunting experience buying a cushion than it is to purchase a RB, but cushions are just sooo wonderful and beautiful!! :love: Hang in there, he will return and even if these two aren't available, its possible that your vendor could request that the cutter cut one specifically for you. How cool would that be, knowing that your diamond was cut just for you!! :appl:

I also really like the JA G VS1 that farmer girl linked!
 
Christina...that may be a possibility! SO and I discussed last night at dinner...he thinks that the jeweler will be able to find us something. I actually really like the G VS1 JA stone but I think I would be settling if I got the halo setting with the plain shank they have. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it's a little more modern than I wanted. To customize it, the cost would be $1800.
 
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