Which of these 3 Old Mine Cushions?

[chilcorona]

Hi all! After a lot of research (like everyone else LOL), I've selected these 3 for review from JA. I'm still waiting on their ASETs. In the meantime, which do you like best?

As a bit of background, I looked at AVCs and similar trademarked designs, but I just can't afford the premium price. So, I'm trying to get the best light reflection-performing old mine cushion that I can in the regular market. I'm not sure if the dimensions are the best for this type of cut, but they look good to me and GIA rated them as old mine brilliants. I LOVE the pillowy shape, the large culets that allow you to see through the diamond, and the larger chunky facets.

Honestly, I really wanted 2 carats, but I'm not willing to sacrifice color and clarity enough to be within the 8-10K range. I decided that I'd rather spend 5K on higher quality.

#177001 is somewhat oval, but it is the "largest" in that it will look larger although it only weighs .2 more than the other two. #203917 is about 1K less than the other two. However, I'm leaning toward #179059, which I've listed first. In my mind, #179059 is "perfect"! I think it will face up bright white, excellent polish, very good symmetry, and the VVS1 rating makes my heart sing.

Which do you prefer among the 3? Also, although I'm 99% set on one of these, I welcome any suggestions you may have for another diamond. (I hope the links work!) Many thanks!!!

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-179059



http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-177001



http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-203917

 

[misskittycat]

I like #1. I'm not an expert (erm... not even close) but the facet pattern appeals to me more than the other two. The second pick would be the more oval one.

But they are all beautiful diamonds! Will be interesting to see the ASETs!

 

[diamondloveaffair]

the h VVS1 has a lovely shape to it over the rest.

 

[ariel144]

My preference is the H VVS1 too.

Have you seen these? I know the E SI1 ASET is nice:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut//CaratFrom:0.96|CaratTo:10.00|PriceFrom:400|PriceTo:999000|Sortrice%20asc%20,DefaultOrder|TabSelected:3|advancedParameter:pn|showAdvanced:show|ps:15||DiamondID:188405,30101,177015,179057,211481|PolishSymmetryLabFlourDepthFrom:45.0|DepthTo:70.9|TableFrom:50.0|TableTo:60.6|

 

[woofmama]

Very nice choices. I like the H vvs1, but think the ovalish one is cool and has the largest face up. Looking forward to your ASETs.
I am definately not an expert,btw

 

[globalmujer]

I like #1, over #3, but also like #2 for it's shape and like the facets...reminds me of my ACC with those facets.
The shape is interesting too. For me it would be between #1 and #2, depending on how it looks in person.

 

[OMG_AMG]

my vote is also for #1

i would like to see the ASET on #1 as well

 

[ariel144]

You should also check ERD....these face up larger for the $:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_compare&opt=remove&cid=10206

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_details&gems_item_id=118115&first_step=diamond

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_details&gems_item_id=115986&first_step=diamond

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_details&gems_item_id=123201&first_step=diamond

 

[04diamond<3]

I really like the H VVS1! Unless you like the oval shape...that's pretty unique.

 

[chilcorona]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I agree that the H VVS1 is my favorite. I'm STILL waiting for the ASETs, but getting more excited everyday.

 

[chilcorona]

Here is the ASET. What do you think? The other two contenders were not eye clean.

 

[ariel144]

There are several cushions in your budget that have better ASETS. This one has too much green around the edge which will make it look smaller, and the mush under the table is very evident in the ASET.

I would go with one of the ERD cushions i posted above or an AVC from GOG

Compare to the ASET of the AVC's and some of their "Premium" cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

Here is a new AVC they have in stock:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10730/

 

[chilcorona]

There are several cushions in your budget that have better ASETS. This one has too much green around the edge which will make it look smaller, and the mush under the table is very evident in the ASET.

I would go with one of the ERD cushions i posted above or an AVC from GOG

Compare to the ASET of the AVC's and some of their "Premium" cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

Here is a new AVC they have in stock:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10730/

Thanks, that's interesting about the green. What do you mean by "mush"? I'm concerned about the L color on the GOG. Won't that surely show warm color? Those are new, I didn't see them before. So you think the premium cut is worth the color trade off because the .84 carat is too small and the 1.00 is an L? Gosh, I'm bummed now. I thought I found a winner.

 

[ariel144]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

 

[chilcorona]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

Thank you so much! That JA is nice, but not old mine cut. I'm so torn now! I'm contact GOG again and just ask about their new selection.

 

[ariel144]

There are several cushions in your budget that have better ASETS. This one has too much green around the edge which will make it look smaller, and the mush under the table is very evident in the ASET.

I would go with one of the ERD cushions i posted above or an AVC from GOG

Compare to the ASET of the AVC's and some of their "Premium" cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

Here is a new AVC they have in stock:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10730/

Thanks, that's interesting about the green. What do you mean by "mush"? I'm concerned about the L color on the GOG. Won't that surely show warm color? Those are new, I didn't see them before. So you think the premium cut is worth the color trade off because the .84 carat is too small and the 1.00 is an L? Gosh, I'm bummed now. I thought I found a winner.

Mush is the gray hazy part that does't show as distinct and crisp facets.

Here is an AVR L color next to an I color H & A round brilliant and a J color AVC:

http://vimeo.com/9868723

From this video it is plain to see the brightness and whiteness of the L which out performs the I color stone.

The cut is what makes a stone bright, lively, white facing and beautiful. The color and clarity do not make a stone beautiful.

Rarely do I find stones on JA that have nice crisp faceting with no mush but the G I posted above is an example. Even on some of the ERD stones they have some of the mush under the table and you can see it with the ASET...not all red under the table like the AVC's. Sometimes they can have some blue (you can see blue in some of the AVR's on GOG and is not bad) which is contrast but the grayish/black tone is leakage and shows up in the picture of the stone as a look of mush or that crushed ice appearance which = leakage (no light return).

 

[ariel144]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

Thank you so much! That JA is nice, but not old mine cut. I'm so torn now! I'm contact GOG again and just ask about their new selection.

Yes, that stone has the antique cut...cushion brilliant can have the antique faceting. Some of the AVC's are labeled as cushion brilliants.

Those facets are very chunky on that G VS2 on JA. i just didn't know if it was a little over budget for you but it is definitely a chunky cushion. It just doesn't have a culet which some people prefer. It is a six main cushion brilliant and very beautiful at that.

You cannot go wrong with a cushion from GOG

 

[ariel144]

If it was my ring i would get this 1.27 J I1, the inclusions are white and probably not that noticeable with the naked eye. 6.5 x 6.5mm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10327/

On stones this small white inclusions just arent' that noticeable. So many on PS want high clarity or eye clean but to me, especially on a budget I want the largest well performing stone i can find. I wouldn't buy an I1 diamond with black inclusions though. People who look at her ring will not see the inclusions on a brilliant cut I1 stone if the inclusions are white and blend in with the faceting.

Show me your I1 diamond:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/does-anyone-have-a-large-i1-stone-that-they-truly-enjoy.179843/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/does-anyone-have-a-large-i1-stone-that-they-truly-enjoy.179843/[/URL]

 

[Lula]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

This stone is not even close to symmetrical and it has an extremely uneven girdle -- from thin to extremely thick -- that's making it face up small. I'd give it a pass, unless you want an oblong stone that will require a custom setting.

 

[Lula]

There are several cushions in your budget that have better ASETS. This one has too much green around the edge which will make it look smaller, and the mush under the table is very evident in the ASET.

I would go with one of the ERD cushions i posted above or an AVC from GOG

Compare to the ASET of the AVC's and some of their "Premium" cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

Here is a new AVC they have in stock:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10730/

Thanks, that's interesting about the green. What do you mean by "mush"? I'm concerned about the L color on the GOG. Won't that surely show warm color? Those are new, I didn't see them before. So you think the premium cut is worth the color trade off because the .84 carat is too small and the 1.00 is an L? Gosh, I'm bummed now. I thought I found a winner.

I'm not seeing any "mush" under the table. To my eye, it's a very pretty antique-looking diamond, with a lovely large culet. I'm not an expert in reading ASETs, so can't comment on the green in the image. But to answer your question about L color -- yes, you will definitely be able to see color in an L. Some people like the warmth of lower colors in cushion-cut stones; some don't. It's personal preference.

 

[ariel144]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

This stone is not even close to symmetrical and it has an extremely thick girdle that's making it face up extremely small. I'd give it a pass.

That stone faces up large for a 1 carat (almost .5 mm LARGER in the L & W than the 1 c H vvs...LOL!), and "good" symmetry on antique cuts is very common. Would be interesting to see the ASET. You don't "grade" fancy cuts like you do MRB's. I think you are confused. If you look at the facet chart on the GIA report it is a 6 main cushion and the table is interestingly faceted...almost looks like 2 tables. Maybe that is why you think the symmetry is so bad.

Sorry you can't see the gray mush under the table of the H vvs but it is cleary there and shows up as gray/black in the ASET.

 

[Lula]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

This stone is not even close to symmetrical and it has an extremely thick girdle that's making it face up extremely small. I'd give it a pass.

That stone faces up large for a 1 carat, and "good" symmetry on antique cuts is very common. Would be interesting to see the ASET. You don't "grade" fancy cuts like you do MRB's. I think you are confused.

I'm talking about the outer edges of the stone -- one end of the stone is narrower than the other. It's misshapen. And not in a charming "antique" way.

 

[ariel144]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

This stone is not even close to symmetrical and it has an extremely thick girdle that's making it face up extremely small. I'd give it a pass.

That stone faces up large for a 1 carat, and "good" symmetry on antique cuts is very common. Would be interesting to see the ASET. You don't "grade" fancy cuts like you do MRB's. I think you are confused.

I'm talking about the outer edges of the stone -- one end of the stone is narrower than the other. It's misshapen. And not in a charming "antique" way.

Well it is quite a bit larger than the 1c H vvs1, so the x-thick girdle is NOT making it face up small for it's weight. You obviously don't know what you are talking about. I could care less if the OP purchases this stone but your criticism of it is ridiculous. Since it faces up almost .5mm more on both the length and width and is an higher color than the 1c H and the faceting is more crisp overall; then to me it is a much better stone by far than the H for the $$, but to each his own. If you compare the ASET of the H to an AVC ASET you will see that the stone has leakage/black under table which is not good and your recommendation of this stone to the OP is just wrong IMO.

the H VVS1 has a small table which is highly desirable because it has an high crown which makes it have a very high pillowy cushion shape...but the depth is 70% which makes it face up small.

My recommendation to the OP is to get an AVC...not a stone on JA to get the best performing cushion for his budget.

 

[Lula]

Here is a listing on JA...very large and nice faceting with no mush under the table:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177015

This stone is not even close to symmetrical and it has an extremely thick girdle that's making it face up extremely small. I'd give it a pass.

That stone faces up large for a 1 carat, and "good" symmetry on antique cuts is very common. Would be interesting to see the ASET. You don't "grade" fancy cuts like you do MRB's. I think you are confused.

I'm talking about the outer edges of the stone -- one end of the stone is narrower than the other. It's misshapen. And not in a charming "antique" way.

Well it is quite a bit larger than the 1c H vvs1, so the x-thick girdle is NOT making it face up small for it's weight. You obviously don't know what you are talking about. I could care less if the OP purchases this stone but your criticism of it is ridiculous. Since it faces up almost .5mm more on both the length and width and is an higher color than the 1c H and the faceting is more crisp overall; then to me it is a much better stone by far than the H for the $$, but to each his own. If you compare the ASET of the H to an AVC ASET you will see that the stone has leakage/black under table which is not good and your recommendation of this stone to the OP is just wrong IMO.

the H VVS1 has a small table which is highly desirable because it has an high crown which makes it have a very high pillowy cushion shape...but the depth is 70% which makes it face up small.

My recommendation to the OP is to get an AVC...not a stone on JA to get the best performing cushion for his budget.

Yes, the JA stone has a very high crown, a pillowy shape, and a large culet -- which is what the OP said she was looking for. It has an antique look to it, which is what the OP said she wants. It is a deep stone, but it's not like all the depth is in the pavilion -- take a look at the beautiful high crown. Also, the girdle is not wonky. The OP does not want to go as low as an L in color, and she already eliminated two JA stones (including the pretty oval-shaped cushion) because they were not eye clean, so I'm doubtful that an I1 clarity stone would be her preference. JA photographs their ASETS on a black background. GOG uses a white background. That color of the background makes a difference in the interpretation, as I understand it. Of course, I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.

 

[Niel]

How about this cutie. I wasn't sure if you said you were color sensitive or not. Its not an AVC so its super budget friendly.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10573/

 

[chilcorona]

How about this cutie. I wasn't sure if you said you were color sensitive or not. Its not an AVC so its super budget friendly.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10573/

Thanks everyone! Yes, I want the "pillowy" shape most of all, and I like culets and little tables. I'll go down in size from 1 carat for a better color/clarity. However, I don't think I can go below J in color with FL-VS1 and still be happy. I don't like a "warm" diamond. However, I'll do VS1-VS2 if it is D-G. Also, I was aware that a "wonky" girdle was undesirable.

I love chunky facets, but I don't think that cut lends itself to good light refraction overall, which is why jewelers have branded new-cut old mine cushions that are designed to give the most sparkle possible.

The ASET made a big difference in opinions on my JA diamond, thanks to all who chimed in. GOG has their ASETs up for the world to see, which I think is a good thing. I've contacted GOG to walk me through the process.

LOL I'll keep you updated and thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Niel]

So you do or don't like that I? I know its not quite a ct but 3 points isn't going to make much visible difference at all but will make a difference because of the price up that's associated with the 1ct mark. Plus that's a beautiful stone, probably just was not quite good enough to meet the AVC criteria, which again, saves you a boat load.

 

[chilcorona]

So you do or don't like that I? I know its not quite a ct but 3 points isn't going to make much visible difference at all but will make a difference because of the price up that's associated with the 1ct mark. Plus that's a beautiful stone, probably just was not quite good enough to meet the AVC criteria, which again, saves you a boat load.

I do like it, and I know GOG knows how to pick their stones, but if I'm going with GOG, I'm going all the way! I've decided the AVC cut is worth the premium such that I'll get a slightly smaller diamond.

 

[Niel]

I think those aren't ones they found but were ones they cut themselves but just didn't fit the tricked "avc" criteria, from what it looks like. Just don't rule it out. If they do you a video is just have them throw that in the mix too. You can't deny that has a great aset and light performance report. Just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

 

[chilcorona]

I think those aren't ones they found but were ones they cut themselves but just didn't fit the tricked "avc" criteria, from what it looks like. Just don't rule it out. If they do you a video is just have them throw that in the mix too. You can't deny that has a great aset and light performance report. Just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Thanks for all your help Niel! I agree LOL! The premiums look great, but I've seen too many videos of AVCs, and I'm hooked. Also, GOG was kind enough to pull all the contenders out, put them on a display, and email me a pic. I was considering:

.76 G, IF
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10730/

.91 J, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9738/

1.00 L, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

and the winner . . .

.84 G, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8982/

Once side by side, I ruled out the L color pretty quickly. I considered the little flawless G because I thought it might be nice to have a flawless diamond, but it was the most expensive yet the smallest.

I know the .84 is a little smaller than I had hoped, but I knew that I'd see "warmth" in the J. I know any AVC is going to sparkle like there's no tomorrow, so the color is very important when it's not acting like a little firecracker. I think the size trade off is worth getting a G color and it's eye clean. Finally, its shape was the most attractive to me. It's perfect in my eye.