shape
carat
color
clarity

Please help me decide between 2 cushion cut diamonds :)

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Messages
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I am buying a 1-carat cushion-cut diamond on a budget of $4100-$4300, and I've narrowed the search down to two stones on James Allen. I'd like to make the purchase today or tomorrow, so any advice or opinions from the forum on which is the better stone for the (low, I know) price, would be incredibly helpful. The stones are:

1) An HVS1: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1475014.asp,, for $4300

and

2) An FSI2: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1447986.asp,, for $4150

I am hoping to choose the diamond that will appear to be the highest quality (bright, brilliant, and of good size and clarity) to the naked eye. Can you help me decide which will be the better stone for viewing by the naked eye and which is the better value for our tight budget?

Thank you so much!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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40,225
Neither looks that promising from the pics, to be honest. What's your budget? I'll do a search for you a little later.
 

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Messages
18
Thanks for giving me your honest opinion. We're stuck with a budget of $4300 & would like to get a 1-carat stone if possible. Thank you.
 

AnneinGA

Shiny_Rock
Joined
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Messages
403
This is lovely, if you like a vintage stone. You had an SI2 in your initial selection. This one you'd have to check with GOG to see if it's eye-clean; it's also an M color so you'd definitely have to know if you could handle the lower color.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8865/


This is one from ERD but I am not sure which cushion cut you like better; within your budget and size request:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-i-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-84219.html

This is a really pretty cushion - you could call and ask for more picts from DBL

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-18ct-Cushion-Cut-F-I1-GIA-Beautiful-Chunky-Look-R3264-Diamonds-Lauren-/230777681297?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item35bb6bf591

It's a high color but clarity is obvious with the inclusion right on the table. I threw this one in because you had high color low clarity in your initial post.

(and I am no means on Gypsy's level, I was just surfing in and thought I'd try to give you a couple of options) :))
 

Gypsy

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Messages
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For cushions I shop with pictures not stats. As a result I don't filter color or clarity so please check to make sure these are eyeclean. What I would do is ask the gemologist to pull all of them and pick the TOP THREE stones with the best performance (as long as they are eyelcean) and then send you the ASET for each.


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280541.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465389.asp (ask if this stone was tilted in the pic, if the answer is yes, proceed. If the answer is no, discard)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281128.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1421438.asp I like the faceting on this one A LOT, and the color wouldn't bother me at all. Give it a shot. I think this one has the potential to be a knock out. TOP CHOICE PICK OF LOT.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1335014.asp Check if eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324267.asp Check if eyeclean.

Okay? :wavey: When you have the ASETs post them.
 

Gypsy

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Anne :)|1336329093|3188764 said:
This is one from ERD but I am not sure which cushion cut you like better; within your budget and size request:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-i-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-84219.html


This is a great option (and the amount of red you see on this ASET is what you want, generally). I didn't look at other vendors because I assumed you wanted to work with JA as you posted them, but if you were open to working with someone else this stone is a GREAT choice and will make a fabulous ring. And the spread is very good too. Plus it has a beautiful small table. Over all Two Thumbs UP.
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
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I think the H is nice but that F is NOT a good cushion...very mushy looking under the table.

I would request an ASET image on the H to see how much light leakage there is.

Here is another JA that is VERY SQUARE and has a great facet pattern. J colored diamonds face up very white especially if they are cut well and the numbers on this J look really good and it faces up larger than the H and costs less. J's can be some of the best diamond deals on the market IMO. People just do not realize that they still come into the colorless range on the chart and if cut well look VERY white.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1421438.asp

I would also get an ASET from JA on this J VS1 cushion to compare to the H.
(Has anyone seen a facet pattern like this J before in a cushion??? that little star pattern around the tiny culet is pretty neat!)

Here are some antique cut cushions from GOG that have proven light performance and they are in your price range. Compare the ASETS you get from JA on the H and J to the ASETS on these August Vintage stones from GOG. You have some REALLY nice options in your price range from these two well respected online vendors. Also GOG will do a video comparing several these for you and then you can choose the one you like best.

You may also want to educate yourself on cushion cut diamonds on GOG...his videos are awesome and you will know what to look for in a good cushion cut diamond and learn what facet pattern is most pleasing to you. You can still get a killer diamond on your budget and remember that CUT IS KING. A well cut J, K, L-O colored stone can be a more beautiful diamond than an H colored diamond that is lacking in performance.

Also don't look at the weight of a stone but the L/W measurements. A smaller weight can face up just as large or larger than a 1 carat stone.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8725/


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9346/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9089/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8864/
 

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 6, 2012
Messages
18
Thank you all so much for these suggestions. Interestingly, I had picked out the JA stone Gypsy labeled as the "top pick" and Ariel mentioned myself (I loved the cut & was so drawn to it!) and the JA representative warned me to stay away from the color. Granted, this was looking at the picture and not at the stone or ASET directly. Hmmm...

I will contact them for ASET information and look into the ERD diamond more thoroughly too.

Thanks again!
 

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Once again, the JA rep is really discouraging me away from the JVS1...hmmm. For those of you who have contributed your expertise, does it change your opinion that I will be setting the stone in a white gold setting? Both the setting and accompanying band are white gold with channel set round brilliants.
 

ariel144

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Messages
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Gypsy|1336329511|3188768 said:
Anne :)|1336329093|3188764 said:
This is one from ERD but I am not sure which cushion cut you like better; within your budget and size request:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-i-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-84219.html


This is a great option (and the amount of red you see on this ASET is what you want, generally). I didn't look at other vendors because I assumed you wanted to work with JA as you posted them, but if you were open to working with someone else this stone is a GREAT choice and will make a fabulous ring. And the spread is very good too. Plus it has a beautiful small table. Over all Two Thumbs UP.

I agree that I vs2 on ERD is another great option. But I'm still favoring the JA 1.01c J VS 1 EX/EX for $500 less and faces up larger. You will not see any difference in an I to a J color. And the J will give you $500 extra to spend on your setting or put in your pocket.

Here is a post from PS of someone who put a 5c J antique cushion into a white halo setting. Obviously her budget was a lot higher than yours (LOL) and she chose this GIA J for her halo setting...note her statement in comparing it to her E color diamond....interesting! Maybe this can help with your dilemma over the J color.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

by Thouarella » 14 Apr 2010 12:54
I received a gorgeous ring from my DH for our anniversary. It''s my dream ring - a Leon Mege halo-ed antique-style cushion. Leon found the stone for us and I just love the facet structure and the high crown.

Specs:
5.01 J VS2
Depth 69.8%
Table 57%
Culet Large
Polish Very Good
Symmetry Good
Fluorescence None



Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone!

It''s our 5th wedding anniversary, hence the 5 carat stone

Laila - thanks for adding it to the cushion thread.

jgny:
The dimensions are 9.95 x 9.61 x 6.71mm And I believe the OMC style stones face up smaller as well given their high crowns (someone correct me if I''m wrong on this). But I looked at a bunch and I vastly preferred the OMCs to the modern brilliants, plus I think this way the 5 carat isn''t too enormous (vs say a 5 carat RB).

We bought this stone from Leon just before he launched his diamond concierge service, so I don''t know if they will provide additional details now, but basically he sent me photos of the stone from all angles, set and unset and on a black and white background. No ASETs. It was rather a leap of faith to buy it without looking at it in person and without ASETs etc but at the end of the day we decided to trust his eye and we had just fallen in love with the faceting of the stone.

Before we decided on this one, we''d taken a look at stones at our local B&Ms, one who specializes in OMCs and another who flew in 5 stones from their sightholders in Israel. I''d also contacted all of the cushion specialists mentioned on this forum and gotten a stone flown out to me, though ultimately we decided not to go with that one. It is REALLY difficult to find a stone with the requirements we had (>5 carats, OMC or 8 pavillion mains, large culet, near 1:1 aspect ratio, eyeclean) and there were very few responses to our request both online and at the B&Ms. It was basically between this stone and the one that was flown out to us. Jon at GoodOldGood had offered to get an AVC cut but the prices of rough had gone up so much at the end of last year/beginning of this one, plus we didn''t want to have to wait!

So at the end of the day and after months of searching we decided to go ahead with Leon''s stone and I just love it. The J doesn''t bother me at all and mostly it looks icy white and I only notice a tiny bit of warmth very occasionally from certain angles (my e-ring is an E and there is a very slight difference but really not very much).

Leon did mention that now he''s set up this diamond concierge service that he''d rather find a good stone for his clients. He''ll still set stones from other dealers but I get the feeling that he preferred for us to buy a stone from him. Good thing we liked his stone best anyway.
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
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deamare|1336330535|3188778 said:
Once again, the JA rep is really discouraging me away from the JVS1...hmmm. For those of you who have contributed your expertise, does it change your opinion that I will be setting the stone in a white gold setting? Both the setting and accompanying band are white gold with channel set round brilliants.

Well, that is very interesting to be sure. Seems a little strange to me though. How long has that rep. been with JA? J colors look great in white gold. Put it on hold and get the ASET done and then we will know more. Maybe you should ask to talk to another rep from JA and get a second opinion. The stone looks awesome to me. Maybe the rep. is trying to save it for a friend...LOL! Just guessing. A GIA J is a very white diamond and that price is great!

Here are two very recent threads where they are looking at K colored cushion cuts. the first is a Leon Mege...The second one is at JA and I'm including the comment by the JA gemologist on this K colored cushion. I think the rep you are talking to might be inexperienced when it comes to color:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-41-carat-antique-cushion.175055/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-41-carat-antique-cushion.175055/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-what-do-you-think-of-this-antique-cut-cushion.174602/page-3']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-what-do-you-think-of-this-antique-cut-cushion.174602/page-3[/URL]
Laila and Ariel - I did contact JA to get the ASET image and get the gemologist's opinion...

Grypsy, Dreamer and all you - please comment on what you think about this one...

Here is what the gemologist said

"I'm happy to tell you that this diamond is exceptionally bright and has great fire, brilliance, and scintillation. It has a rather round outline and a higher "K" color. This is a gorgeous cushion cut that will give you a fantastic sparkle and look beautiful mounted in any setting. I recommend it highly for your purchase and believe you'll be very happy with it when you see it for yourself. "
 

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Messages
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Thanks for the encouragement and your opinion! I have been drawn to the J for the reasons you all cite - cut, face-up size, price, and the triple Excellent (cut, polish, & symmetry). I had the rep put the JVS1 on hold for me (now I won't lose it!) and I've arranged for ASETs of the H and J and an in-person review by a gemologist prior to purchase. I'm really hoping the J is as wonderful as we all think, as it would be a steal and a stone I would be proud to own.

I'll keep everyone posted & if anyone sees another stone that is a great find for $4300 or less, I would appreciate the link. I also really appreciate the GOG lings as well, as the videos have been fabulous! Thanks, everyone!
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
2,087
Gypsy|1336332677|3188793 said:
Some of the JA sales staff is frankly badly trained. There is the NOTHING wrong with J color in cushions and one my best friends has a modern cut J cushion at one carat in platinum and its gorgeous. Their gemologists are much better trained than the sales staff. Tell the sales person to shut up and do their job and pull that stone for you. I hate ignorant sales people.


Leave it to Gypsy to tell it like it is...LOL!
 

deamare

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Messages
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Agreed! The stone is pulled and I am excited for the gemologist review. I can't thank you all enough for highlighting the stone I wanted in the first place - I can't believe I was almost talked out of it! Boy am I glad I posted here!!
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
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Messages
2,087
Well, here are some antique Old Miner cushions. don't know if you would even consider some stones that haven't been certified yet but there is a GIA J VS2 also. Anyway the first one really faces up large like a 2c. 1.38c J SI2

http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/usagia/polygon_live_feed.html

To search for Old Miner cuts you have to put in “OTHER”.

Note how large this antique cushion faces up...Like a 2c cushion. Dimensions 7.15x6.95x4.55 mm ...Tempting even though it is NOT certed and the depth is nice 64.5% ( 4.55mm divided by 7.05 = .645 or 64.5% depth) The table is 45% which means it will probably have a really high crown which is nice on these antique stones. The SI2 will be the kicker to see if it is eyeclean but usacerted will send it to a local appraiser and you can go look at it. Just another option...if you want a “BIG” stone for the money $3,000. You can always send it to AGS or EGLUSA to be graded.

The 2nd stone is GIA graded J VS2 and is an Old European cut so it will look more round than square. But it just shows that even though it is .94c it faces up larger than the 1.01c J on JA.

This is a Old Miner, J color and SI2 clarity diamond.

Total Price $3061.28 USD
Shape Old Miner
Carat Weight 1.38 ct
Lab --


Color: J - Near Colorless

J


Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.

Clarity: SI2 - Slightly included

SI2

Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye.

Cut Grade --
Depth % --
Table % 45 %
Symmetry --
Polish --
Girdle Thickness Slightly Thin --
Culet Size Small
Fluorescence --
Dimensions 7.15x6.95x4.55 mm
L/W Ratio 1.03
Stock Number 22755

This is a Old European, J color and VS2 clarity diamond.

Total Price 3130.15 USD
Shape Old European
Carat Weight 0.94 ct
Lab GIA



Color: J - Near Colorless

J


Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.

Clarity: VS2 - Very slightly included

VS2

Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. VS2 diamonds contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification.

Cut Grade --
Depth % 66.6 %
Table % 44 %
Symmetry Good
Polish Good
Girdle Thickness --
Culet Size --
Fluorescence None
Dimensions 6.06x6.28x4.11 mm
L/W Ratio 0.96
Stock Number N034351

This is a Old Miner, H color and SI2 clarity diamond.

Total Price 3510.99 USD
Shape Old Miner
Carat Weight 1.19 ct
Lab --





Color: H - Near Colorless

H


These diamonds offer an excellent value and their color is noticeable when compared to diamonds with better grades.

Clarity: SI2 - Slightly included

SI2

Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye.

Cut Grade --
Depth % 64.9 %
Table % 50 %
Symmetry Good
Polish Good
Girdle Thickness Very Thin to Slightly Thick
Culet Size Small
Fluorescence --
Dimensions 6.72x6.58x4.31 mm
L/W Ratio 1.02
Stock Number 23801

Old Miner, 1.15ct, I, VS1
This is a Old Miner, I color and VS1 clarity diamond.

Total Price 4218.08 USD
Shape Old Miner
Carat Weight 1.15 ct
Lab --






Color: I - Near Colorless

I


Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.

Clarity: VS1 - Very slightly included

VS1

Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. VS1 diamonds contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification.

Cut Grade --
Depth % 66 %
Table % 49 %
Symmetry Good
Polish Good
Girdle Thickness Medium to Very Thick
Culet Size Large
Fluorescence None
Dimensions 6.53x6.4x4.27 mm
L/W Ratio 1.02
Stock Number 24500

Old Miner, 1.3ct, I, VS2

This is a Old Miner, I color and VS2 clarity diamond.
Total Price 4410.02 USD
Shape Old Miner
Carat Weight 1.3 ct
Lab --

>> View Diamond Compare Page
View Sample
Arrow
Arrow
Arrow
Other Diamond Shape
Color: I - Near Colorless

I



Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.
Clarity: VS2 - Very slightly included

VS2


Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. VS2 diamonds contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification.
Cut Grade --
Depth % 62.7 %
Table % 49 %
Symmetry Good
Polish Good
Girdle Thickness Thin to Thick
Culet Size Small
Fluorescence --
Dimensions 6.95x6.81x4.31 mm
L/W Ratio 1.02
Stock Number 23903
 

ariel144

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deamare|1336333338|3188803 said:
Agreed! The stone is pulled and I am excited for the gemologist review. I can't thank you all enough for highlighting the stone I wanted in the first place - I can't believe I was almost talked out of it! Boy am I glad I posted here!!

Yes, that was ridiculous...I would send a link to this thread to that JA rep. who needs to educate themselves on color.
 

YoungPapa

Shiny_Rock
Trade
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Gypsy|1336332677|3188793 said:
Some of the JA sales staff is frankly badly trained. There is the NOTHING wrong with J color in cushions and one my best friends has a modern cut J cushion at one carat in platinum and its gorgeous. Their gemologists are much better trained than the sales staff. Tell the sales person to shut up and do their job and pull that stone for you. I hate ignorant sales people.

Hi Gypsy,

I appreciate your frustration when you hear stories like what's going on in this thread, but I take a pretty strong exception to your advice. We don't tolerate any abuse by a customer, and if someone actually follows your direction and tells my rep to "shut up and do their job", their hold would be cancelled and we would be unwilling to help them any further. Please consider the weight of your words, especially as such a respected prosumer on this board.

On a separate note, I've asked reps in the past why they pushed customers away from J/K diamonds, and the answer that I've often received is that the client made it clear they didn't want a diamond with any body color or tint. When a customer makes it clear that the diamond must be "white", we do try to advise "I" color or higher. I have no idea what the conversation has been between my staff and the OP, but it might just be simple miscommunication, not ignorance. Regardless, I will follow-up on Monday and see why we're steering the OP away from this particular diamond.

All the best,
 

mandasand

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
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Messages
667
I am not sure that an EX/EX/EX cushions in the "near colorless" range faces up really white, like Ariel points out. But, maybe I haven't seen enough of these cushions. I see yellow in the "I" color range. If you don't like a warm color, then the J probably won't suit you. But, it sounds like you are okay with warmth.
 

ariel144

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mandasand|1336351694|3188947 said:
I am not sure that an EX/EX/EX cushions in the "near colorless" range faces up really white, like Ariel points out. But, maybe I haven't seen enough of these cushions. I see yellow in the "I" color range. If you don't like a warm color, then the J probably won't suit you. But, it sounds like you are okay with warmth.

I just took this girl's word for it who compares her GIA 5c J to her E and can hardly see any difference: if she can buy a 5c antique cushion and she looked for months and settled on a J color which she set in a platinum halo, and she states it mostly looks "icy white" then it might suit others as well:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

“So at the end of the day and after months of searching we decided to go ahead with Leon''s stone and I just love it. The J doesn''t bother me at all and mostly it looks icy white and I only notice a tiny bit of warmth very occasionally from certain angles (my e-ring is an E and there is a very slight difference but really not very much).”
 

Gypsy

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Messages
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James, We've had post after post (I think this makes 6) of problematic customer service experiences with your company last the few months. It comes down to this: you need to train your staff better. When you carry a product, like Vatche, have a meeting and send an email and post it on the water cooler. We had one person go through different sales people AND their supervisors just trying to order a product you came on here and came close to self-promoting about carrying. When a customer asks about a J stone make it mandatory for them to explain that it might be tinted and educate them what that actually means visually while making it clear that it is unacceptable to talk down to customers and substitute their judgement for the customer's on a subjective issue like color. A gemologist I accept that from, but not a standard sales person.

And before you come on here and 'explain' to us why your staff messed up next time, talk to the sales person so you can post that the problem is actually resolved instead of giving us vague promises about talking to someone. And don't blame the customers for the problem. That's how your post reads. Because if that's is your example and that's how you lead, then I'm not really surprised you have had so many problems recently. As for your following up on this ONE issue: If it really was just one problem I would say, it might be one sales person or one piece of information that wasn't transmitted but with the number of issues recently it's the company, the leader of that company, and the training that are to blame.

I admit I was snarky with the 'shut up' language but I hope anyone reading this knows I didn't actually mean for the poster to use those words. Still I'm sorry for it, and I would have edited it at the time if I hadn't been posting from my phone.

The fact remains that your sales people need to stop saying "you don't want that stone" and instead saying " some of our customers who are looking for strictly white stone have been unhappy with J stones and I just want you to be aware that the stone, though lovely, might have a slight candlelight tint to it that might not be acceptable to some eyes." Problem solved all around with a little bit of training.
 

Gypsy

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Messages
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DEAMARE: I JUST remembered something. T-gal, one of our long time poster's, is selling a GORGEOUS H 8 main cushion!!! And it MIGHT work out for you!

Here's a post with some pics of the stone: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-ex-ex-cushions-comparison-between-h-vs2-and-f-si1.174004/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-ex-ex-cushions-comparison-between-h-vs2-and-f-si1.174004/[/URL] The H is the one she is selling (she owns both now so you can see why she doesn't need two of them).

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gia-ex-ex-1-01-square-cushion-h-vs2-14k-solitaire-t173932.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gia-ex-ex-1-01-square-cushion-h-vs2-14k-solitaire-t173932.html[/URL] It's only 100 bucks over your budget AND the price includes a very lovely white gold setting already.

Personally, since it is an H, the spread is lovely, and it is an 8 main cushion, plus since it has a setting already I'd be on this deal so quickly your head would spin.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/27899/GIA-ExEx-101-square-cushion-HVS2-14K-solitaire.html Here's the listing on DB where you can contact her for it.
 

milton333

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Wow, this is a pretty surprising statement coming from a highly-recommended PS vendor. What happened to the customer is always right? "We don't tolerate any abuse by a customer"? If a customer advises that she knows what she wants and isn't interested in being dissuaded by the salesperson, that's "abuse"? And you'll refuse to do business with her? Diamond purchases are often emotionally fraught and one of the largest impractical purchases a person makes in a lifetime, I'm not sure that having such thin skin is really practical. I'm just kind of speechless at this comment.
 

Mico

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Joined
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Messages
1,245
Gypsy|1336363809|3189045 said:
DEAMARE: I JUST remembered something. T-gal, one of our long time poster's, is selling a GORGEOUS H 8 main cushion!!! And it MIGHT work out for you!

Here's a post with some pics of the stone: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-ex-ex-cushions-comparison-between-h-vs2-and-f-si1.174004/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-ex-ex-cushions-comparison-between-h-vs2-and-f-si1.174004/[/URL] The H is the one she is selling (she owns both now so you can see why she doesn't need two of them).

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gia-ex-ex-1-01-square-cushion-h-vs2-14k-solitaire-t173932.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gia-ex-ex-1-01-square-cushion-h-vs2-14k-solitaire-t173932.html[/URL] It's only 100 bucks over your budget AND the price includes a very lovely white gold setting already.

Personally, since it is an H, the spread is lovely, and it is an 8 main cushion, plus since it has a setting already I'd be on this deal so quickly your head would spin.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/27899/GIA-ExEx-101-square-cushion-HVS2-14K-solitaire.html Here's the listing on DB where you can contact her for it.

:appl: I just came on here to post this! I'm starting to like cushions more and more being on this forum (I need to buy my stone and run away!), but it's honestly beautiful. You should really consider it. If it were in the carat size I was looking for I would highly consider changing from a RB to a cushion... I also fell this way about some of the quadex's posted recently...
 

TravelingGal

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
Messages
17,193
OK, since my diamond is being mentioned, I'm not going to comment on that once, since I'm sure that's breaking a rule. But I wanted to comment on the J you are looking at.

I don't know what the price is, but honestly, if you are not color sensitive, I think it would be great. The reason I'm commenting is that the specs are nearly identical to the F/SI1 that is my engagement ring stone. Med-thick girdle, 64.7 depth, 55 table, and 6.1x5.9x3.82 are the dimensions of my stone. And obviously I love my stone (although the faceting looks a bit different).

Gypsy posted a thread I posted here for educational purposes comparing the color between the F and H that I own. It is almost impossible to tell in person. So I imagine between a H and J, it would be pretty close (although admittedly, I have never seen a ex/ex cushion J). From a F to a J, I imagine it would be more evident, so it really depends where in the range was your target, how color sensitive you are, and if you could then go down a grade or two lower without a problem.

I was pretty into the DEF range when I got engaged, and ultimately chose the F because it was what I wanted, but I would say now I would have no problems going up to an H easily, and to a J in a well cut stone. My old cut is a J with some fluor and it doesn't bother me at all, although it is obviously a nicer warm white.
 

TravelingGal

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
Messages
17,193
Oh, and take into consideration your setting. If you can see a lot of the side profile, then it's something to consider. I am fine with warmer colored diamonds as long as they face up white, but I STILL do not like seeing all the body color from the side, which is so weird!
 

YoungPapa

Shiny_Rock
Trade
Joined
Jun 18, 2002
Messages
445
milton333|1336364791|3189054 said:
Wow, this is a pretty surprising statement coming from a highly-recommended PS vendor. What happened to the customer is always right? "We don't tolerate any abuse by a customer"? If a customer advises that she knows what she wants and isn't interested in being dissuaded by the salesperson, that's "abuse"? And you'll refuse to do business with her? Diamond purchases are often emotionally fraught and one of the largest impractical purchases a person makes in a lifetime, I'm not sure that having such thin skin is really practical. I'm just kind of speechless at this comment.

Hi milton,

The customer is not always right. Usually, yes, but always - No. If you call my office and are disrespectful to the staff we will refuse service. If a customer "advises" us of anything that would be perfectly fine. When I say "abuse" I'm talking blatant disrespect, cursing, racist comments, etc. That's not thin skinned and is a policy (written or unwritten) just about everywhere.
 

YoungPapa

Shiny_Rock
Trade
Joined
Jun 18, 2002
Messages
445
Gypsy|1336359901|3189015 said:
James, We've had post after post (I think this makes 6) of problematic customer service experiences with your company last the few months. It comes down to this: you need to train your staff better. When you carry a product, like Vatche, have a meeting and send an email and post it on the water cooler. We had one person go through different sales people AND their supervisors just trying to order a product you came on here and came close to self-promoting about carrying. When a customer asks about a J stone make it mandatory for them to explain that it might be tinted and educate them what that actually means visually while making it clear that it is unacceptable to talk down to customers and substitute their judgement for the customer's on a subjective issue like color. A gemologist I accept that from, but not a standard sales person.

And before you come on here and 'explain' to us why your staff messed up next time, talk to the sales person so you can post that the problem is actually resolved instead of giving us vague promises about talking to someone. And don't blame the customers for the problem. That's how your post reads. Because if that's is your example and that's how you lead, then I'm not really surprised you have had so many problems recently. As for your following up on this ONE issue: If it really was just one problem I would say, it might be one sales person or one piece of information that wasn't transmitted but with the number of issues recently it's the company, the leader of that company, and the training that are to blame.

I admit I was snarky with the 'shut up' language but I hope anyone reading this knows I didn't actually mean for the poster to use those words. Still I'm sorry for it, and I would have edited it at the time if I hadn't been posting from my phone.

The fact remains that your sales people need to stop saying "you don't want that stone" and instead saying " some of our customers who are looking for strictly white stone have been unhappy with J stones and I just want you to be aware that the stone, though lovely, might have a slight candlelight tint to it that might not be acceptable to some eyes." Problem solved all around with a little bit of training.

Gypsy,

I agree with you 100% that it is unacceptable for my staff to talk down to customers and substitute their judgement for the customer's. I know that has happened in the past and so recently we brought in a couple dozen diamonds of all sizes/colors and had training sessions with every employee that focused on the nuance of color and how we should describe and advise clients when selecting diamonds from the near colorless range. We have incorporated that into our training schedules and will be bringing in diamonds several times per year, just to try and stay on top of this issue. I think that type of hands-on training is very helpful, but if a problem still exists I can (and will) take corrective action.

I make "vague" comments on PS because I don't see the benefit of getting into a he said-she said with a potential customer about how and why any specific conversation took place. What I can tell you is that it is VERY COMMON for a customer to tell us that they don't want a diamond with ANY tint of color, then ask our opinion on a diamond that we know will have some tint. In those cases, I think we give exactly the advice that you've written above. We tell the client the diamond will have some color in some lighting environments. If the customer persists, however, and says that they don't want to see any color, we point them away from that selection and towards something else.

One thing that I think we often overlook is the power of Pricescope to influence people. How many folks have come on this board looking for a diamond no less than "F" in color, only to be gradually persuaded (educated?) towards diamonds of lower colors? That is a slow and natural process and comes about outside the sales process. We (the CSR's) sometimes find ourselves playing "catch-up" with a customer who's preferences change as they spend more time on the boards. I'm not trying to make excuses for bad customer service (when it happens), but I think there is almost always another side to the story - one that doesn't' get posted on PS.

Finally, I will reach out to deamare this morning and see what I can do to better understand why we pushed him/her away from the "J".
 

ariel144

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
2,087

Did you really take that comment by Gypsy seriously?? She said it in jest and as you know she always has a straight forward demeanor in here when it comes to all the vendors. But many in here are new and I doubt anyone, even new, would say to your rep to "shut up". Maybe you didn't read your potential customer's posts where she states twice she was talked out of the J by your rep. I, personally recommended the J before reading that Gypsy had recommended it too, but it was the ONLY other stone I recommended. Your comment seems a little too sensitive to me, but I'm sure it was offensive to you, but it just made me laugh.
 
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