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Which diamond for my girlfriend?

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warbean

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 31, 2013
Messages
8
Hey all,

Been agonizing over two stones at local B&M stores. Which one would you choose (or none??) I know she wants a cushion cut.

#1 1.51carat D Color VS1 66.6% depth 69% table medium to extremely thick girdle, excellent polish / very good symmetry
GIA #5151488169

#2 1.73carat F Color VS2 68.4% depth 72% table thin to extremely thick girdle, very good polish / very good symmetry
GIA # 2155538786

Both are being offered to me at just under $15,000.

The obvious differences are the carat size at the cost of worst color and clarity. The inclusions on #2 are also in a poor position, right in the middle. What's important to me is the overall appearance to the naked eye of the diamond I buy and its shininess in everyday situations, as opposed to technical perfection.

Any thoughts would be helpful...thank you so much!
 
If you saw them both in person, which looked better to you? Chances are, both stones looked totally white (as would any color down to H), and both were eye clean. That means if you went with the 1.51ct, you'd be giving up size for no practical gain.

This is saying nothing of the cut, which is the greatest variable both in searching and enjoyment. Numbers for fancy cuts are pretty much useless. You'll need an ASET scope (unless your jeweler has one) to give an objective view of the stone's "shininess". You say you're not looking for technical perfection, but it's exactly that which dictates how much a diamond shines.
 
You can't judge a fancy shape by the numbers - you need light performance tools to help you evaluate them objectively. Most jewelers don't have idealscopes or ASET's. Are you open to buying online? I'm sure we can help you find a real firecracker that has been evaluated and proven to be a winner. Cut quality is king - it's exactly what makes it sparkle!
 
I think I do want to purchase locally as I have to be able to see something before I purchase it.

Sounds like I just have to look at them both but I should be giving the larger one more serious consideration.
 
warbean|1375296504|3493868 said:
I think I do want to purchase locally as I have to be able to see something before I purchase it.

Sounds like I just have to look at them both but I should be giving the larger one more serious consideration.
Click to expand...

Hey warbean! :wavey: You can still see the stones if you buy online. Also, you'll have the advantage of a more trusted and experienced eye if you use PS vendors -- not to mention the help you'll receive on here. As mentioned before, cushions are very hard to judge -- and there are some real dogs at the B&M stores. There are some cushion experts on this forum who have great eyes for them and are more than willing to help you! =)

Does your GF want a chunky faceted cushion or does she like the "crushed ice" look?
 
That JA stone looks nice, you should put it on hold and order an ASET image. However, it does seem a bit expensive due to the F-VVS2 rating. I also wouldn't consider it a crushed ice stone (like most jewelery stores have) or a chunky faceted one. It's in that happy medium of brilliance and fire.

If you like that facet pattern, have you looked at any of the branded cushion cuts?

Here's a BGD Cushion that's a bit smaller, but cheaper as well:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.522-h-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066027008

Are you willing to go to a J color? This Brellia at GOG is as good as cushion cuts get, and also cheaper. The brightness of the cut will make it face up whiter than other J's.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10987/
 
Awesome suggestions! Going to look at them and post more thoughts later. Really appreciate it...
 
My favorite so far is the BG.
 
I liked that one too, except it is a little too rectangular, at a 1.21 LW ratio.
 
Ok, one more for everyone:

Cushion cut 1.76 carat G / VS1 / Excellent Polish / Excellent Symmetry / 60% table / 66.6% depth

This is from James Allen, the price is a hair above $15k.ja_1.jpg
 
Yeah, there's no PM capability on PS.

You should be able to post pictures and specs here, though. There are plenty of knowledgeable people here.
 
Got the picture working! Anyone want to weigh in on the picture above?
 
Did you request ASET images of that stone, as well as the 2 in your original post?

It's hard to tell anything for sure from a still frame.
 
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