With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I get???

[FuturePsyD]

Hi all,

I have previously posted that my FF and I were interested in possibly purchasing the micropave halo from Harry Winston. Recently, we have discussed possibly going with a non designer and cutting our ring budget in half from 30k to 10-15k.

We have many other financial obligations and I am beginning to feel guilty for investing around 30k in a designer dream ring. He is a great guy and still wants me to get my dream ring, but I would like to feel out what I could get if we cut our budget in half and went with a non-designer. I am looking for 2+ carat and was unsure if a nice quality cushion is possible with the above budget?

However, i would NOT want to get a micropave setting. I have always loved trillions, so does anyone have opinions on how a cushion, hopefully approximately 2 carats, would look with trillion side stones? I have seen trillions with radiants and princess, but never with a cushion.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

What about this? Bear in mind that I know nothing really about cushions unless they're AVCs but this does fit size/budget and maybe our PS cushion experts can weigh in on it

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7534/

At slightly under the 2 ct. mark, I've always liked this AVC -

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7388/

And this one too -

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7543/


Personally, I don't favor the look of trillion sides with cushions. To me, it works well with radiants and princesses because all the shapes are about points and sharp lines...unlike cushions, which tend to look softer, y'know? I feel like it would be too much of a jarring contrast between the trillions' lines and the softer lines of a cushion.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

i think this is a really smart idea! you can save tons of money and get an equally beautiful ring if you ditch the designer label. i feel like nobody really cares where your ring comes from anyway, as long as it's pretty!

in terms of your cushion and what you could get, i think it depends on the style of cushion you like. have you explored different kinds yet? i know ChunkyCushionLover has a fantastic guide to finding the right cushion for you. GOG has a great cushion inventory of all types but they are famous for their august vintage cushion and square hearts and arrows stones.

i have a 2.09 carat, J-VVS1 cushion that is an 8-main cushion brilliant - almost identical to the first link posted by B.E.G. and my fiance bought it for under 11K, so it's definitely possible to get a 2-carat cushion for your price range

as for trillions next to a cushion, i again think the look depends on what kind of cushion you're going to get. i think it'd look cool next to a modern cushion, but i would pass on the idea if you got a more vintage-style cushion.

best of luck finding your dream ring! it's definitely possible, especially with the knowledge and helpfulness on PS

 

[slg47]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I think trillions with a cushion could look really cool. I initially thought I wanted trillions but when I saw them in person I found them to be too angular so I went with pear side stones.

As far as within budget...it depends on how low in color/clarity you want to go and also on what type of cushion...

 

[Love Street]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I love 3-stone cushion rings - I haven't seen one with trillions but I imagine it could look very nice.

Also, just my 2 cents re designer rings: 7 years ago - even after discovering Pricescope - my then-FI and I went to Tiffany & Co. and picked out my e-ring from there. While it is beautiful of course and it was a very fun "shopping" experience, I have had twinges of regret (getting worse) ever since then for paying such a huge premium for the Blue Box experience. My 3-stone ring was nearly $10k back in 2003 and it's only 1.15 ct total (.83 center). In my experience, nobody ever asks me where my ring came from, and since I moved a few years ago I haven't found a Tiffany SA that I have any rapport with - so I feel a little like a volume consumer to them when I go in to get my ring cleaned and checked. It also irks me knowing I limited my upgrade possiblities, especially since I've found my taste has changed over 7 years. I wish I would have done the PS vendor route the first time around, if only to have saved 5 grand and given myself more options over the years. So personally, for me (and I am an avowed Pucci-holic with an Hermes habit on the side, i.e. I do care about designers), the designer name wasn't worth it in an e-ring.

But everybody is different of course - I just wanted to toss in my designer e-ring experience and thoughts. Either way, I think it's great that you are thoroughly considering all the options, no matter which you choose.

 

[FuturePsyD]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

BEG:
thank you so much for posting those lovely stones!! I'm not a big stickler in regards to clarity, but I do love colorless stones. Having done most of my e-ring browsing at higher end boutiques, my eyes have just gotten so used to white (D,E,F) stones. Perhaps in the price range I've set, a 2 carat is out of the question?

Sweetpea:
I actually need to figure out what kind of cushion cut I want. Both my FF and I like the sparkliness of the modern cushions, but I want to stay open minded and look into other types as well. You're definitely right in that the trillions would look much better with the more heavily faceted modern cushions.
I have read so many wonderful things about GOG on PS, especially the antiques cushions.


Slg47:
Your ring is so lovely. When you saw the trillions, did you see them set in a ring with a cushion? I have never seen a cushion with trillions so I would love to see how that would look?

Lovestreet:
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience re a designer engagement ring! I'm sorry to hear that you have a bit of mixed feelings about your er. Tiffany has told me they have an upgrade policy, but I don't know the details. Are you limited to upgrading to the type of stone you already own?

All my friends, family and anyone else who has heard me say I would love to own an heirloom quality ring, preferrably from HW, has told me that I will regret my choice down the line. I'm still nervous about letting go of that dream since I have wished for such a ring for as far back as I can remember, but hearing that it's not all that its cracked up to be really helps me a great deal!
Do you find that your ring has held up better than say non designer rings? I hear all the time that the top designers create their settings so artistically that the craftsmanship just withstands time/wear and tear a lot better.

I know this to be true of my designer vs non designer jewelry. An example:My ff purchased a Cartier love ring for me and had a Cartier inspired love ring made for himself. Approximately 4 years later, my ring looks brand new, shiny, scratch free, perfect! His is worn down, scratched, has a yellowish tinge (its 18k wg), just night and day from my ring. I fear I will have this same problem with my ER if I go with a non-designer? How has your ring held up?

 

[rosetta]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I think it is very sensible to go down this route. I am trying to buy a house, and this fact combined with the fact that my preferred jeweller offered me less than stellar service, I slashed my budget by 15k and went with another vendor.

You may struggle to find a great 2 ct + cushion in D/E/F on your new budget though. Perhaps you may wish to reconsider your options? What about a round, oval or three stone (more coverage for your money)

There's no reason why you can't go for your dream ring later (my evil plan hee hee) and that also allows for changes in your tastes in the future!

 

[rosetta]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Also, what about a radiant with trilliants? Or an oval with half moons (personal favourite of mine)?

 

[MonkeysInk]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

What about this? Bear in mind that I know nothing really about cushions unless they're AVCs but this does fit size/budget and maybe our PS cushion experts can weigh in on it

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7534/

I might be careful about this one, since it doesn't come with GOG's lifetime guarantee - their trade-up policy is so good that I wouldn't want to miss out on having that option.

 

[Love Street]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

BEG:
Lovestreet:
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience re a designer engagement ring! I'm sorry to hear that you have a bit of mixed feelings about your er. Tiffany has told me they have an upgrade policy, but I don't know the details. Are you limited to upgrading to the type of stone you already own?

All my friends, family and anyone else who has heard me say I would love to own an heirloom quality ring, preferrably from HW, has told me that I will regret my choice down the line. I'm still nervous about letting go of that dream since I have wished for such a ring for as far back as I can remember, but hearing that it's not all that its cracked up to be really helps me a great deal!
Do you find that your ring has held up better than say non designer rings? I hear all the time that the top designers create their settings so artistically that the craftsmanship just withstands time/wear and tear a lot better.

I know this to be true of my designer vs non designer jewelry. An example:My ff purchased a Cartier love ring for me and had a Cartier inspired love ring made for himself. Approximately 4 years later, my ring looks brand new, shiny, scratch free, perfect! His is worn down, scratched, has a yellowish tinge (its 18k wg), just night and day from my ring. I fear I will have this same problem with my ER if I go with a non-designer? How has your ring held up?

Future PsyD:
I completely understand the thought of owning an "heirloom quality" ring that will withstand the test of time. That is partly what attracted me to Tiffany, and partly the romantic notion that I was now a part of storied American jewelry history, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and all of that. So it is appealing - the question is how much it's worth to an individual. Over time, I definitely found that the emotional appeal of those nostalgic ideas faded quickly, and the desire for a different (or bigger) ring, combined with the nagging feeling that "I fell for it" have increased.

As far as durability goes: the ring is certainly high quality, but it's subject to exactly the same wear and tear as any similar ring, IMO. I also have a Tiffany shared prong eternity band, .86tcw, and that has held up incredibly well. I lost one stone within the first month or so, T&Co replaced it, and in 6 years it hasn't had another problem - and I definitely am not easy on my rings (I rarely take them off, so I hike, swim, garden, ride horses, wrestle with dogs, etc in them). BUT, where any eternity band is worn next to an e-ring, there is the likelihood of scratching and major prong damage. My rings were no exception, and actually are some of the worst that I've seen on PS when I look at the "eternity band scratching e-ring" threads (I posted pix of my nearly-destroyed prongs in this thread). This has nothing to do with quality, though - it's just physics. Leon Mege - who's rings I think are equal if not superior to Tiffany for "heirloom quality" - has a good article about this here. Finally, I'm surprised my wonderful SA didn't warn me of the absolutely inevitable consequences of the pair of rings I chose. I'm now faced with having to reset my e-ring into a new T&Co setting since the prongs have been so worn away - sort of expensive maintenance after only 7 years. I have to say I love my wedding band more than my current e-ring (notwithstanding its ring-destroying abilities). If I were doing it over again, I'd definitely skip T&Co for the e-ring but would still strongly consider them for a band (even though that, too, is overpriced - but still less of an overall gouging than their e-ring).

I knew T & Co. had an upgrade policy when I bought the ring (I believe it's a one-time upgrade, though I know exceptions can be made for a second or perhaps third time - a member here was allowed a subsequent upgrade when getting a 9ct+ diamond there). But after seeing so many amazing rings here on PS over the years, T&Cos selection is not at all satisfying to me, nevermind the premium. I have fallen hard for the chunky cushion over the past few years, and I want something other than a premade selection to choose from.

Just my humble opinion, but I honestly think many PSers custom rings here are more truly heirloom quality than a branded ring bought off the shelf. The amount of thought people put in to choosing just the right diamond that sings to them, then designing a setting around it made just for them, and perhaps personalizing the setting with hidden gemstones signifiying birthstones, etc - to me those are the types of rings that will have such incredible personal family meaning decades down the road.

But everyone is different! I empathize with your struggle, I really do. Perhaps if you decide to go the custom, PS vendor route, you could still get your wedding band from Harry Winston? The piece of jewelry that your husband slips on your finger on your wedding day would be from your dream jeweler HW, while your e-ring would be a custom, personal labor of love, creativity and thoughtfulness certainly worthy the word "heirloom."

Whew - sorry for such a long post - I'm sure I'm not making things easier! Thanks for listening to me ramble.

 

[TakingthePlunge]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Id shy from that first posted stone as well. While there is alot of color in the ASET is also has a leakage doughnut. That in combination with just the limited gaurantee Im assuming the doughnut is visable IRL.

 

[antelope1]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

You may struggle to find a great 2 ct + cushion in D/E/F on your new budget though.

I don't remember if the OP said that she was color sensitive? FuturePsyD, what are you requirements aside from 2+ carats? I think you can definitely do it for $15k, particularly if you are willing to go down to something in the H/I-or-lower color range -- without compromising eye-clean clarity or cut.

The real thing to figure out right now is what kind of cushion you want, e.g. -- antique cushion, a modern brilliant cushion, or a modified brilliant cushion (which might look better with trillions because of the small pin-fire light will be similar). If you go for an antique style, then there are more cutting styles to choose from (8 thin main, 8 chunky mains, four mains, etc). The modern and modified cushions also have cutting styles, but IMO, they are more consistent in look than the variation in antique styles. Oh, and there's also the cushette, which could look good with trillions IMO.

I think the cutting styles look really different in pictures and in person (and sometimes not in the same way), so perhaps more in person research might be in order to figure out which cushion style you like?

 

[ms.halo]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Do you find that your ring has held up better than say non designer rings? I hear all the time that the top designers create their settings so artistically that the craftsmanship just withstands time/wear and tear a lot better.

I know this to be true of my designer vs non designer jewelry. An example:My ff purchased a Cartier love ring for me and had a Cartier inspired love ring made for himself. Approximately 4 years later, my ring looks brand new, shiny, scratch free, perfect! His is worn down, scratched, has a yellowish tinge (its 18k wg), just night and day from my ring. I fear I will have this same problem with my ER if I go with a non-designer? How has your ring held up?

Your experience with your FF may have more to do with his lifestyle (daily wear and tear) and his Ph balance than the designer name. I don't own any Harry Winston, but in my experience, Tiffany and VCA pieces have worn in very similar ways to my ER, which is not designer. My ER was custom made in plat/micropave and I've had no problems. I have, however, had problems with two white gold rings from Tiffany--one had to be replaced completely.

 

[audball]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

BEG:
thank you so much for posting those lovely stones!! I'm not a big stickler in regards to clarity, but I do love colorless stones. Having done most of my e-ring browsing at higher end boutiques, my eyes have just gotten so used to white (D,E,F) stones. Perhaps in the price range I've set, a 2 carat is out of the question?

Sweetpea:
I actually need to figure out what kind of cushion cut I want. Both my FF and I like the sparkliness of the modern cushions, but I want to stay open minded and look into other types as well. You're definitely right in that the trillions would look much better with the more heavily faceted modern cushions.
I have read so many wonderful things about GOG on PS, especially the antiques cushions.


Slg47:
Your ring is so lovely. When you saw the trillions, did you see them set in a ring with a cushion? I have never seen a cushion with trillions so I would love to see how that would look?

Lovestreet:
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience re a designer engagement ring! I'm sorry to hear that you have a bit of mixed feelings about your er. Tiffany has told me they have an upgrade policy, but I don't know the details. Are you limited to upgrading to the type of stone you already own?

All my friends, family and anyone else who has heard me say I would love to own an heirloom quality ring, preferrably from HW, has told me that I will regret my choice down the line. I'm still nervous about letting go of that dream since I have wished for such a ring for as far back as I can remember, but hearing that it's not all that its cracked up to be really helps me a great deal!
Do you find that your ring has held up better than say non designer rings? I hear all the time that the top designers create their settings so artistically that the craftsmanship just withstands time/wear and tear a lot better.

I know this to be true of my designer vs non designer jewelry. An example:My ff purchased a Cartier love ring for me and had a Cartier inspired love ring made for himself. Approximately 4 years later, my ring looks brand new, shiny, scratch free, perfect! His is worn down, scratched, has a yellowish tinge (its 18k wg), just night and day from my ring. I fear I will have this same problem with my ER if I go with a non-designer? How has your ring held up?

OP prefers colorless diamonds D/E/F, doesn't so much care about clarity [assuming here] that it is eyeclean.

 

[stone-cold11]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

This one? http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7388/

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I don't think you will get over the 2ct hump for that budget, with a nice setting, and in the colorless range. Where are you willing to compromise -- color or budget or size?

 

[antelope1]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

BEG:
thank you so much for posting those lovely stones!! I'm not a big stickler in regards to clarity, but I do love colorless stones. Having done most of my e-ring browsing at higher end boutiques, my eyes have just gotten so used to white (D,E,F) stones. Perhaps in the price range I've set, a 2 carat is out of the question?

OP prefers colorless diamonds D/E/F, doesn't so much care about clarity [assuming here] that it is eyeclean.

I should read more carefully! But...have you looked at some lower color stones? You might be ok with them; i was surprised that I was ok with them. Also, keep in mind that diamonds that are set look distinctly different than when they're loose. An I color cushion unset IMO looks distinctly warm. Set in platinum, it looks pretty white, again IMO. So keep that in mind too.

As Dreamer_D mentions, you might have to compromise either on color or carat (or cut) -- again, assuming eye-clean clarity is good enough -- to get what you want.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Hi Future,
I love a crushed ice cushion with trilliants.
There are bowed edge trills that will work very well with the bowed edges of a cushion.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge


First I'd like to say I think you can get an amazing ring with your new budget and be just as happy with the ring as you would have been with a designer piece. There are a few options that I'm going to throw out there just as ideas for you to consider on this search.

1. You said that you'd like a designer piece, but you'd be willing to get a non-designer piece if it was "heirloom" quality. Have you ever considered buying an estate or antique piece? There are some AMAZING designer estate pieces out there and I'm sure with enough time and searching you can find an amazing piece in the size range you want at the price you want. I saw a 2+carat Tiffany on ebay going for around 30k at the moment, which I know was your original budget but I'm not sure what it would actually cost in Tifffanys for that size.
Just food for thought!

2. I know you said you like colorless stones better than "warmer" stones. I used to have the same thought process until I saw some amazingly beautiful warmer stones that blew away some really white higher coloured ones. I think they are both equally beautiful, but JBEG has a 2.4 J VS2 that's one of the most beautiful cushions I've ever seen. It's priced at 11,500 which means you could have Leon or another vendor make you a beautiful setting with lower side stones so that way the "warmth" wouldn't be off set by higher coloured side stones.
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/240ct-Loose-Antique-Cushion/13637271_EDEWQ#995324956_rfeiB

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link to the video and other pics on the JBEG site but here is the link to the correct page and just scroll down to the last stone on the page.
http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/loose_antique_and_estate_diamonds
Just some ideas! I'm going to keep searching for an antique heirloom quality cushion ring in higher color for you and if I find anything I'll be sure to come back and post it!

Good luck!

 

[lovemybling]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

WOW that JBEG cushion is STUNNING!!! I would take that in a heart beat. ( and I normally don't like cushions)

It would be stunning in a Leon setting.

something like this:

http://www.artofplatinum.com/portfolio/details.php?image_id=268

which has half moons which I think would work a little better than the trillions due to the softly curve sides.

 

[KikiD]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I definately do not like the way a cushion looks with trillions. The sharp angles of the trils would contrast too much with the smooth contour of the cushion. I would think about doing half moons with a cushion. That is divine!

 

[FuturePsyD]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Thanks for all the helpful advice and links everyone!!

Rosetta:

Yeah we are in the process of saving for a house as well, so I definitely feel guilty splurging unnecessarily on an ER at this point in time.
I have always loved the look of the radiant with trillions, but more and more I have fallen for the beauty of cushions. I believe you guys may be right in that the contrast would be too great.

MonkeysInk & TakingthePlunge:

Thanks for the warning. A great trade up policy is definitely important to us!!

Lovestreet:

Thanks for all your thoughts! I agree that excellent quality can be found outside of HW, Tiffany, etc. I guess I have just been nervous to find just where else I could turn! More and more I am hearing how Leon Mege creates similar heirloom quality pieces and that calms my anxiety a great deal! Aside from the "brand recognition" I am much more concerned with the craftsmanship and quality of my jewelry pieces, namely my ER! So to know that Leon's quality is superb is so important to us. And you definitely read my mind, my wedding band will most definitely come from HW! I'm so in love with their jewelry that I won't stray elsewhere for my wedding band!
Also, thanks for the link to your Er, your ring is beautiful, but I can see what you mean by pointing out the scratches and such! But as you said, Tiffany wedding bands are beautiful, I have always adored their shared prong band!

Rockdiamond:

Thanks for your suggestion! I definitely gave that a lot of thought. I agree with you, and the other posters, who have suggested that the Modified cushion would be the best bet if I were to go with trillions. And I had never heard of the bowed trillions! Sound just lovely. I would love to see what those look like! So many wonderful other options have been suggested, that I am definitely entertaining other side stone options with other types of cushions. I can't wait to go see more stones in person and decide what I truly will love to look at every single day!!


Dreamer D:

Unfortunately, I believe you are right. For the requirements that I have set, it appears the budget isn't sufficient. I am very much a fan of the white, icy looking diamonds. So much so that I really enjoy those with flourescence at times with the beautiful icy blue hue. So i don't think I would like to compromise on the color and preferably not size. We could stretch the budget, I just don't know how much more we would have to spend to get the look my FF and I will be happy with for the long haul.


Antelope1:

My requirements are over 2c, preferably colorless/near colorless, and eye clean. And of course I would like for it to be cut well. My biggest fear is ending up with a dull, poorly cut stone. That is 1 area I am not willing to sacrifice. We can extend the budget a bit if truly necessary. We are looking to have the ring done by no later than this coming February. As for cushions, when I was going to purchase the HW micropave, I really liked that setting with the Modified Cushion. However, as a stand alone stone, perhaps with 2 small side stones, I don't think I will be going with a modified cushion. But the problem is, I am not too well versed on the other types of cushions. I know there are antiques and old mind cut (i believe is the name) that are chunkier. I have heard about 4 and 8 main, but I'm not too familiar with how they look IRL. I definitely need to go in person. But the look I like the best is similar to the stone posted in this link by LoveMybling, I'm not sure what type of cushion that is, but everything about it is perfect IMO.

http://www.artofplatinum.com/portfolio/details.php?image_id=268

Ms. Halo

That is a good perspective! Perhaps my FF ring had more wear and tear due to the fact that he is more active, etc!

StoneCold:

Thank you for the link! The stone is really beautiful, just a little warm for my taste. I'm an amateur at this, but am I correct to assume that the stone is a bit pricey for the color/clarity and size? I could be totally off, but I recall other ps'ers getting stones a bit over 2 carats with better color/clarity for around the price, perhaps a bit more, of the cushion you kindly posted.


MarkB:

Thanks for posting that beautiful ring! I would have never thought about pears as side stones, but what a wonderful thought! The finger coverage would be amazing IMO. That will definitely be something we look into when we are choosing our setting!


RedRose:

Thanks so much for your suggestions and links! The 2.4 JBEG is SO gorgeous. Is it too good to be true or something? I'm very new to this, but wow that is such a lovely, large (IMO) stone for such a reasonable price! My FF wanted to purchase it as soon as I showed it to him he was so excited. Other than the warmth, is the stone perhaps cut poorly to make the price so reasonable??
I also love your suggestion of antique/estate, especially finding a Tiffany for half the retail price. Only problem with that is my FF prefers to present me with a brand new ring as an ER. Thanks so much for helping me search for the perfect stone, its so difficult when you don't know much about diamonds, save for the basics.

LovemyBling:

My ff and I LOVE the Leon setting that you posted. Thank you so much for that. I would only take away the bullets and keep it a 3 stone ring, but wow its definitely my style and the type of look I am looking for. Do you know if the side stones are purchased through Leon when the setting is purchased, or do we have to buy those separately when the center stone is purchased??


KiKi:

Thanks for your suggestion! I think you, and several other posters, are right about trillions not working well with cushions (except for the modifieds). I truly love the setting that Lovemybling posted with the half moons!

 

[E B]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

If you can accept a cushion without a 'top cut,' then you can find one for under $15k. A quick James Allen search turns up 8 choices at 2 carats and over, D-G color, SI1-SI2 clarity.

Have you talked to Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com?

 

[antelope1]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

But the problem is, I am not too well versed on the other types of cushions. I know there are antiques and old mind cut (i believe is the name) that are chunkier. I have heard about 4 and 8 main, but I'm not too familiar with how they look IRL. I definitely need to go in person. But the look I like the best is similar to the stone posted in this link by LoveMybling, I'm not sure what type of cushion that is, but everything about it is perfect IMO.

http://www.artofplatinum.com/portfolio/details.php?image_id=268

The photo isn't quite at the right angle to judge, but it looks like a antique with a 4-main (someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this). See https://www.pricescope.com/journal/new_gia_and_agsl_naming_conventions_cushion_cut_diamonds, in the first set of diagrams -- I think this is the one farthest to the right. From the front, it might look something like this:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5420/

Is this what you're going for?

Also, while videos and photos are great, keep in mind that diamonds in photos are 1000 the size they are in real life, so your eye is drawn to different features. What you may like in a photo, you may not like IRL. ... <sprinkles grains of salt>

 

[rosetta]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

I would also recommend mark from ERD or perry from leon mege as good sources of antique cushions.

would you consider going down to a G colour? that may really help your budget. have a look at some 2 ct + cushions in G, to guage your tolerance for colour. Once mounted, Gs will really face up white.

i'm getting an eye clean SI2 stone, with a prongable white dot inclusion: that really helped me keep to budget. Like you, i don't care about inclusions i can't see with a naked eye. In fact, I like them because I can easily loupe them and identify my stone once it has come back from professional cleaning. I sometimes worry about my VVS1 stone because i can't see the one tiny pavilion inclusion no matter how much i loupe it!

again, i really think you are doing the right thing: planning for your future together is so much more important than any rock, no matter how much we love them! there will be many more occasions, anniversaries for sparklies later.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Gosh - we are back to this discussion again?

You want your HW ring - go buy that because no one here can make you like it less or help you feel better about not getting your dream ring. 15K will not get you what you want. If you drop in quality, then you are going to be upset that PS led you wrong and you should have gotten your HW ring.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

Thanks for all the helpful advice and links everyone!!
But the problem is, I am not too well versed on the other types of cushions. I know there are antiques and old mind cut (i believe is the name) that are chunkier. I have heard about 4 and 8 main, but I'm not too familiar with how they look IRL. I definitely need to go in person. But the look I like the best is similar to the stone posted in this link by LoveMybling, I'm not sure what type of cushion that is, but everything about it is perfect IMO.

FuturePsyD: I HIGHLY recommend that you take a look at the diamond videos offered by Jonathan at goodoldgold.com
As far as a large stone for a reasonable price, that's jewels by erica grace for you. They do pass on the savings when they can (some times they can't because they have so much invested in a piece). I'm not sure where they acquired the stone, but you can email them and ask. They now have a new person on their team, and so there's 3 of them running the business. I would highly recommend you check out their custom work as well. They have a jeweler in NYC they have been using and their quotes for pieces are priced well and they have had some AMAZING pieces come out. They will hold your hand the whole entire time, answer any questions you may have and I know you'll love the end result. That cushion is an amazing pillow shape that is hard to find. I bet if you emailed Jonathan and asked him what he thought about it he'd tell you it was a beauty and for that color/clarity/size combo it just can't be beat. I've personally owned a J AVC (Jonathans new cushion) and they are amazing. I could only see slight warmth from the side, and only when I looked for it. Trust me....you won't be paying attention to the colour when that baby is set. Not saying you won't notice it, but the fire, cut, and beauty of it is going to be the thing you see all the time. Being diamond enthusiast, we tend to look for the "flaws" or "warmth" just to see if we can see it

Just do a search for jewels by erica grace or (JBEG) and see what pulls up. A lot of their custom work has been coming out. Below is a link to GOG and at the bottom of the page is a link to their videos. But if your looking for size, beauty, and uniqueness of a stone I cant recommend that cushion at JBEG enough. My favorite stones are antique cushions/rounds and this is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and I spend probably 4 hours a day looking at rings/estate pieces and older diamonds. Also, do a search on J colored diamonds, I'm sure you'd be surprised on how white these stones face up. Keep in mind that diamonds are graded face down (points/culets sticking up in the air) and on an all white background. I can see the colour difference when a D and a H are side by side but the fact is....my diamonds going to be on my finger. I can't see the difference unless there's something more white/colourless to compare it to. I also LOVE colourless diamonds, I really really do. However, I'm a size gal over all. I love the warmth and beauty of antique diamonds and I don't think J is low in color at all.
I start to think lower colors when you hit K and L and go down. And I will own a really low colored stone eventually. Learn what you can, but I don't know how long that stone will sit at JBEG, so if you do like the way it looks at least shoot them an email so they know you're interested so that way you have first dibs on it
And as far as the cut goes....that is a very amazingly cut cushion. In fact, it's so similar to the AVC (the pillow type) that I bet this style of cushion was one of the "goals" Jonathan had when he was creating the new ones. I can't say for sure, but I've owned one and it same a similar feel to it. I personally believe if you can find an actual old stone (like that one) well cut and beautiful, they are more beautiful in my eyes than the new AVC. However, it's so hard to find a good old cushion like that (most come in modern, 4- or that I have only seen probably 2 like this loose, everything else had been set. If your serious about looking for an estate piece check out
http://www.langantiques.com/
http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com/engagement-rings/
and there are a few other ones but I have to start working on my school work! I really love the JBEG stone (if you can't tell, lol) and I can't wait to see what you pick out. If you have any more questions I'll check in here later on today and see if I can help. Good luck!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ShapeTutorials/Cushion/

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

First I'd like to say I think you can get an amazing ring with your new budget and be just as happy with the ring as you would have been with a designer piece. There are a few options that I'm going to throw out there just as ideas for you to consider on this search.

1. You said that you'd like a designer piece, but you'd be willing to get a non-designer piece if it was "heirloom" quality. Have you ever considered buying an estate or antique piece? There are some AMAZING designer estate pieces out there and I'm sure with enough time and searching you can find an amazing piece in the size range you want at the price you want. I saw a 2+carat Tiffany on ebay going for around 30k at the moment, which I know was your original budget but I'm not sure what it would actually cost in Tifffanys for that size.
Just food for thought!

2. I know you said you like colorless stones better than "warmer" stones. I used to have the same thought process until I saw some amazingly beautiful warmer stones that blew away some really white higher coloured ones. I think they are both equally beautiful, but JBEG has a 2.4 J VS2 that's one of the most beautiful cushions I've ever seen. It's priced at 11,500 which means you could have Leon or another vendor make you a beautiful setting with lower side stones so that way the "warmth" wouldn't be off set by higher coloured side stones.
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/240ct-Loose-Antique-Cushion/13637271_EDEWQ#995324956_rfeiB

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link to the video and other pics on the JBEG site but here is the link to the correct page and just scroll down to the last stone on the page.
http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/loose_antique_and_estate_diamonds
Just some ideas! I'm going to keep searching for an antique heirloom quality cushion ring in higher color for you and if I find anything I'll be sure to come back and post it!

Good luck!

i'm not a huge fan of antique cushions, but this one just takes your breath away!! if i had 12K laying around, i'd grab that stone up in a second!

ETA: i really wouldn't be too concerned with going down in color. if you are insistent on hitting that 2ct mark, i would rather go down in color than clarity for carat.

here are two threads that showcase J-colored stone. i used to be a DEF gal too, until i saw how white a J stone could be. even my family was surprised!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/j-color-diamonds-can-i-see.148778/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/j-color-stones-in-platinum.24731/

 

[slg47]

Re: With a 10-15k budget, what size/quality cushion can I ge

FuturePsyD-I think the best thing for you would be to go to stores and try on these rings in person. What matters is that YOU are satisfied with your ring, not what anyone on PS thinks. I would go to HW and try on that ring, see your reaction, and then go to another store and look at some cushions and some settings with sidestones.