What to look for in a Cushion Shape

[islandergold]

I''ll be hopefully picking out a Cushion stone soon and I''m really having trouble figuring out what I should look for when reviewing the different diamonds. I understand that there currently seems to be no industry standard for a Cushion cut, so any help on what I should be looking for would be much appreciated.

What are the key attributes for well cut Cushions? (percentages, etc.)
Do tools like the Idealscope still work well for them?
Do you know of any good articles or websites to learn more about Cushions?
I''ve read about how some Cushions look like ''crushed ice'' and others do not.

I''ve tried to search for the key word ''Cushion'' on this forum but each time brings up an error (though I''m able to search for other terms just fine).

Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

Weird, I couldn''t get it either. At any rate, here''s one. And if you search through Cehra''s topics, you''ll find more. HTH!

 

[Lorelei]

This is also a useful cushion thread - https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/

 

[Sparkalicious]

Found another thread that might be helpful to you ...

Click here

 

[Sparkalicious]

Found something else for you to check out ... Here is a link to a Good Old Gold rectangular cushion ... I''m posting the link b/c they have 4 cushions in a video and perform a diamond comparison.

It is really interesting and illustrates the qualities that are desirable in a cushion. It is an excellent example of what a "crushed ice" type of cushion looks like vs. one without that "crushed ice" look. I would have to say that I have to agree with what is stated in the video ... I believe the stones have have a more traditional faceted look are far more appealing to my eye, especially when they are doing the spotlight testing and demonstrating the diamond''s fire characteristics display.

I hope that this helps!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/16/2008 5:29:32 PM
Author:islandergold
I'll be hopefully picking out a Cushion stone soon and I'm really having trouble figuring out what I should look for when reviewing the different diamonds. I understand that there currently seems to be no industry standard for a Cushion cut, so any help on what I should be looking for would be much appreciated.

What are the key attributes for well cut Cushions? (percentages, etc.)
Do tools like the Idealscope still work well for them?
Do you know of any good articles or websites to learn more about Cushions?
I've read about how some Cushions look like 'crushed ice' and others do not.

I've tried to search for the key word 'Cushion' on this forum but each time brings up an error (though I'm able to search for other terms just fine).

Thanks!

I will just jump back in and address some more of your questions here.

Cushions can't be properly judged by the numbers, you really need to see good photographs of the diamond, both magnified and at normal distance, this gives you an idea of any visible inclusions ,and the faceting pattern so you can see which you like.

Idealscope is best for rounds, ASET for fancy shapes such as Cushions is valuable.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/why-we-prefer-aset-to-ideal-scope-with-fancy-shapes.73949/

Use the search feature here using a different search term perhaps, I have this trouble at times too, as I believe we have excellent info to learn about Cushions right here. In case of further difficulty, contact admin and they will do what they can to help you. Try searching for Cehra as Ellen says, this is the name of one of our members who has a big passion for cushions, a lot of info could come up with her name.

It depends on the buyer whether they prefer the crushed ice or chunky faceted look, an individual preference.

Hope this helps.

 

[Lorelei]

Also I forgot to mention, when looking for a cushion, you could contact Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com as he is the go to cushion guy!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Islandergold ... just saw you were online ... giving your post a bump so you can see the updates!

How''s it going?

 

[islandergold]

Thanks for the bump up. I hadn''t checked this post in a few days. I just heard back from Dave today and I''m heading in to see what he''s found around 5pm.

We''ll see...

 

[Sparkalicious]

Excellent! Remember, updates are mandatory.

If you like something ... negotiate the price.

Have you managed to learn anything about cushions? Has the info provided above been helpful?

 

[sunnyd]

I think the error comes up when there are too many repsonses in a search. I get the error when I''m too generic in my searches. Just my hypothesis, however. Hope the search is going well!

 

[islandergold]

This board has been really, really helpful and I think i've finally found the cushion diamond that will (I hope) be with my future wife for the rest of my life. It's a 1.85 ct H, VS1 stone that I swear I couldn't see any flaw under a 30x scope in person. It looked completely white when comparing it to others with F and G ratings as well. It's also an excellent cut, polish and GIA cert'd with what I think are great dimensions.

I had Dave at the Gemological Trading Corp in Seattle source my Cushion and he's found, what we both believe, is a great diamond for a great price.

Sparkalcious, I especially appreciate your helpful comments and for directing me towards the GTC in the first place. I'm still awaiting a final price, since it was a pinch outside of my budget so I'm hoping to negotiate it down a little bit.

Pictures will come when I finally get it home. Though I'm off to Florida for 3 days on Wed so it will likely be next week when I finally get the stone home.

Can't wait! Though, I'm still in shock that these little buggers cost so damn much!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Islandergold! I''m SO SO happy for you and your future fiancee!! This stone sounds GORGEOUS! What a fabulous size! If it looks anything like what you''ve described, she''s going to LOVE it!

I''m terribly jealous ... I wanna cushion! j/k ... however, really happy for you and if I was able to assist you in any way. I can''t wait to see it ... actually I might just make a trip down there to see if I can get a peek at this beauty.

With regards to the price, a suggestion, keep checking out prices for like diamonds online and see what you can find and compare that to what Dave is suggesting. They are really, really flexible and would prefer to cut a deal to keep your business rather and forge a jewelry relationship than to nickel and dime you.

Good luck and please don''t forget your PS friends when that baby comes ... we want to see it.

By the way ... I have a sneaky suspicion that you got to check out my baby that is waiting for me in their vault. You likey?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Forgot to ask ... Did your mom go with you as you had intended?

Did she love it?