5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thoughts

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Phoenix, I came across this one with a beautiful cut:

http://www.betteridge.com/betteridge-10.18-carat-round-brilliant-diamond-engagement-ring/p/6820/

The J is probably too tinted for you, but that pattern is gorgeous. Very even, beautiful shape, and huge!

Yes, I saw that too, but the J is prob a bit too warm and it's HUGE (even for moi, he he!), not to mention very expensive.

Thanks for posting it. It is gorgeous.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I'm looking forward to seeing pics Phoenix! I adore the look of large antique cushions. I enjoy your posts and enjoy living vicariously through you!

Thank you, junebug.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I found a comp:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/5.15-carat-G-color-VS1-clarity-sku-26256

So I would think anything around this, or less would be a fair price...

Another, although I think this one maybe a bit too much...(up to you of course ) But I don't like chunky cushions, but I seriously get mesmerized by this video!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/5.75-carat-G-color-IF-clarity-sku-26181

Both of those are modified cushions but still gorgeous though.

JA unfortunately does not take trade-ins (or rather I think they do it on a selective basis only - I've already tried and did not succeed! ).

 

[distracts]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I've decided that Phoenix should get a ginormous cushion and make a three stone with IT rather than rounds. And some half moons. Sounds good to me.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Hi Phoenix. I knew you'd get some 'advice'. I'm just glad you have the means to support your diamond tastes. I wish I did, because I'd be looking at cushions the size of boulders too! I can't wait for pictures and hopefully video!
I'm not a diamond expert by any means, so I can't offer more than my unprofessional opinion and won't begin to offer a price.
I like that it's not too deep and that the girdle isn't too thin. Love that it has some fluor. I hope those two crystals under the table aren't black, that would kill it for me. I usually prefer cushions to be more square than rectangular, but this one isn't too long and I think it would look nice on your tiny finger. If you set it HW style I think I would die of drool.


Did you buy that big tennis bracelet from that acquaintance of yours? Or even take pictures to share?

Thank you, Jane.

Am still waiting for pics. The clarity should be ok because it's a VS1. HW would be nice, woulnd't it?!

No, I did not buy the bracelet. I decided the cut quality wasn't good enough; so even though it was a steal I turned it down. Ya'know, I think I may have taken some pics on my phone, I'll see if I can post them.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Phoenix, I came across this one with a beautiful cut:

http://www.betteridge.com/betteridge-10.18-carat-round-brilliant-diamond-engagement-ring/p/6820/

The J is probably too tinted for you, but that pattern is gorgeous. Very even, beautiful shape, and huge!

There's a 5.14 ct H VS1 as well on the site...with a picture...

Mogster, Libby and Laila,

You've found it!

I guess I didn't do such a good job hiding it, because I posted the exact weight, colour and clarity! This is good free advertising for them, lol.

I don't know if that's a stock pic or the actual pic of the diamond. I'd assumed it was stock but I could be wrong.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I've been trying to stay quiet but I feel like I should say something. I don't want to start anything but to everyone who is giving Phoenix a hard time about her life choices (minus Justginger). Why are you even here telling her to go volunteer in a third world country and see how the other half live if this is a diamond forum. Yes, her issue is a first world problem. But this is a first world forum! If you are so worried about the world and the hungry people in it, why are YOU here reading and responding to Phoenix's thread? Shouldn't you be out there yourself helping these people if you are so keen on belittling Phoenix and making her feel bad?

I feel that you can give her your opinion on the diamond and that she has been wanting many different things but that is no reason to start assuming what goes on in her life. And making her have to stand up for herself when this is CLEARLY a diamond forum. A place where its ok for people to spend money on shiny things they don't necessarily need. She's here because not everyone understands a jewelry obsession and most outside people will judge and look down upon people like us. Calling us spoiled and prissy. But I feel that is no place for that here.

This is a diamond forum. There is no need to psychoanalyze why she NEEDS another diamond. She has the means, she can get it. All she needs is your opinion about the diamond. And that's that.

I sooooo agree!

Thank you, YT.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Anyway, I'm super excited to see the pics of the stone!

The vendor hasn't sent me pics yet but there's this one on his site. It may be the pic of the actual diamond, I don't know for sure.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I too have waited to weigh in until the pictures. I did want to add that I think a three stone is such a different look from your Holly and your pear that even if you had a 5+ carat cushion I think a three stone would still be a lovely addition to a classic collection. Also, I wonder if the cushion would look small compared to Holly (especially if you halo her) and if that would change your perception of the cushion. Might be nice to keep Holly the star of the show. I agree that if it is the right stone, a larger high quality stone is a better investment than a few smaller ones.

The thought of putting it in a 3-stone (with perhaps traps) is a great idea.

I am quite tempted to halo Holly (esp after seeing the latest thread on twosanguinehearts' Emilya multi-row pave ring by VC - hubba hubba!).

I agree about a larger high quality stone being a better proposition than smaller ones, but let's see if I can negotiate on price. The vendor got back to me about pricing but the top-up amount is still quite large. I was going to wait to see the pics first before negotiating on price because if the stone isn't nice, then there's no point.

Thank you, Rosebloom.

ETA: I could actually offer yet another diamond for trade-in (as well as negotiate the price); but I'd like to take my time to really think about this. The whole point about this deal is that it'd have to make financial sense to me. If his final asking price is too high (ie. top-up is too much), then I wouldn't go through with it.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I just had another look at the vendor's email and just wanted to give you guys some more update and ask you more Q's:

- it appears from his wordings (and am asking for double-confirmation) that the stone is a true antique but "touched up to improve brilliance and remove abrasions and so forth". I hope the vendor doesn't mind my quoting him if he's reading this site. I've asked him to confirm that this does NOT mean brillianteering/ painting & digging. Does anyone have any thoughts on this please?

- he doesn't provide ASET images. Again, I've asked for more pics and ask that he let me kmow whether the pic on the site is the actual pic of this diamond and not stock.

- if all the above points are sorted out to my satisfaction and pricing agreed, I may ask for an IA to look at the stone for me. Does anyone have any suggestion as to which IA I could use, ie. someone who's very familiar with antique cuts.

Thank you.

 

[yennyfire]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

 

[bgray]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

http://www.betteridge.com/betteridge-collection-5.14-carat-cushion-cut-diamond-h-vs1/p/5405/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I think he means it has had some polishing to remove abrasions on facet junctions or girdle and that kind of thing. I do not even remotely think he is talking about painting or digging. I am not in love with that facet pattern, to be honest. I sort of need better symmetry than that. When I compare it to some of the large AVR's, antique cushions (justginger's and sarahbear's for ex), and Perry's (Mrs.Flintstone), I am not finding this one as pleasing. I was afraid I might feel that way since symmetry is only good. If it was higher in the 5 ct range, you might be able to have Yoram do some recutting through GOG, but I personally wouldn't want to deal with the unknown.

 

[rosetta]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

My thoughts exactly. Initial impressions are not good, especially in two areas in particular. I think this stone may also have a bow tie effect.

Still, we need more info/photos/video.

 

[Niel]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Cushion and chubby traps? Love it.

 

[ForteKitty]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I don't love it either. The center looks squished and there's some weird stuff going on.

Sorry, Phoenix, I didn't out you on purpose! That 10ct was saved under my favorites and I posted it to reference an exceptionally nice old cushion. Didn't realize the 5.14ct was from the same place!

 

[ariel144]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Well Phoenix, our big sister of bling, excited you have decided to find a honker cushion...cushions being my fav. along with OEC's. Of course you should have one to add to your collection. After looking at hundreds of these lovely cuts, the 5.14 may not be perfect but does not mean that it still won't perform well. Both the 10c and the 5c have "good" symmetry...and the 5c seems to have some "mush" at the top of the table. Doesn't look like a bow tie effect to me though. Jon on GOG did a recent video of a modern cushion that had that slight mush under the table going on too but it was still bright and performed well in the video.

If the vendor is less than enthusiastic about the stone on the phone then it might mean it is not the best performer. The fact that he is willing to trade is truly a bonus. Would he do a video? Maybe you could look at it over Skype video conferencing as well. These people who try to sell their stones online need to get with the modern technology and they would make more sales IMO.

Finding the best cushion is an art, and they have been very popular in the last several years and are the oldest cut in diamonds. I like that it is a true antique stone as well. I've always felt that the larger antique diamonds must have been given to the best cutters of that day, but probably not always true.

The H color with the blue fl. is very desirable IMO too. Hope it turns out to be a great performing stone. The numbers look good...mid 60% depth and mid 50% table.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

...okay, I'm coming out of lurkdom too. Mind you, I do read here daily, it's just that my iPad drives me crazy....lol.

I'm excited to see the photos as you know I love, love, LOVE those large cushions!

Phoenix, I just did a HW inspired halo on my 4.46 antique cushion and really do love the look! The pillowy crown is TDF on that setting! I also like that it gives the cushion a bit more visual presense, without taking away from the center stone. I know it seems like a 4.46, or for you a 5 carat cushion, would be large enough, and really it is large enough, it's just that those darned cushions face up a bit smaller than those MRB of the same weight. If you like the diamond and have it sent to you I will be curious to see what you think about the size, in comparison to Holly, which as I recall is 5.18, or is it 5.31-- anyway in the general ballpark of size.

Maybe you should plan a trip to NYC that way we can try on each others bling!

Thank you. Your 4.46ct antique cushion halo'ed a la HW must be TDF!! Did you ever post a thread on SMTB? Would love to see it.

The size would be fine. Holly is 5.318c, so you were very close. This cushion is not too much smaller in comparison.

You're too cute, I'd love that!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

I think I know what you mean but could you possibly elaborate? Thank you.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I think he means it has had some polishing to remove abrasions on facet junctions or girdle and that kind of thing. I do not even remotely think he is talking about painting or digging. I am not in love with that facet pattern, to be honest. I sort of need better symmetry than that. When I compare it to some of the large AVR's, antique cushions (justginger's and sarahbear's for ex), and Perry's (Mrs.Flintstone), I am not finding this one as pleasing. I was afraid I might feel that way since symmetry is only good. If it was higher in the 5 ct range, you might be able to have Yoram do some recutting through GOG, but I personally wouldn't want to deal with the unknown.

Glad to hear the stone was not "messed with" like that.

Could you pls explain what you mean abt "facet pattern" not being too pleasing? Again, I think I know what you mean but would like to hear it from you.

Agreed, I'd prefer VG symmetry too.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

i hope she does feel guilty b/c after i made a comment about her beautiful 2.65ct stone she then posted its AGS report just to tease me...

He he, I feel very guilty indeed, DF! and we know how much you hate to be teased and how hard you have to refrain from teasing other people, lol!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

I don't love it either. The center looks squished and there's some weird stuff going on.

Sorry, Phoenix, I didn't out you on purpose! That 10ct was saved under my favorites and I posted it to reference an exceptionally nice old cushion. Didn't realize the 5.14ct was from the same place!

ForteKitty,

What do you mean by the bolded part? Sorry to sound obtuse! I think I need to learn more about cushions and look at more images, lol.

No worries, FK. I didn't exactly hide it well.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

My thoughts exactly. Initial impressions are not good, especially in two areas in particular. I think this stone may also have a bow tie effect.

Still, we need more info/photos/video.

Which two areas pls, rosetta?

 

[yennyfire]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

I think I know what you mean but could you possibly elaborate? Thank you.

I can't really put it into words Phoenix. Just something "off" ("mushy") about the facet pattern. Here's the thing though. The center stone of my three stone isn't "perfect" by some of the standards preferred around here when looked at magnified under the loupe. However, to my eye, it is perfect. I love my stone and that's all that matters. What I'm saying is that you're not going to walk around looking at the stone under a loupe, so if you can see a video of the stone and a few more photos (both magnified and more real life perspective) and YOU love it, that's all that matters. Price wise, I know that facet pattern affects value, so I can't comment on the price, as I'm not educated enough to make that assessment.

 

[junebug17]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

JMO but I think it's really hard to tell anything from that pic. Also just my opinion, but antique stones are not always going to be absolutely *perfect* and to me that's part of their charm. I don't think it's that unusual for an old cut to have good symmetry. These stones were cut to a different standard. Of course you want a pretty stone, I'm not saying all antique stones should be accepted just because they're antiques. But I think, going by the pic, this stone deserves to be checked out.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Phoenix, I think I can best explain it by showing you what I look for in cushions. I really love beautiful cutting, and it takes a great antique cushion to even tempt me. I think justginger's and sarahbear's are two recent and good examples of nice, fairly symmetrical antique cushions. Then I will show you the AVC's which I love because they are cut to have the best light performance. Your difficulty with old stones is that there aren't going to be many around that have high color. And newly cut ones will likely cost a lot more. But a great one IS worth waiting for!!!

 

[mogster]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Judging by the one picture, I would pass. It reminds me of my diamond (albeit mine is much, much smaller) -- in certain lighting, a band of all white or all dark facets runs across the middle. I would not want that quirk in a 5+ carat diamond.

 

[rosetta]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Judging by the one picture, I would pass. It reminds me of my diamond (albeit mine is much, much smaller) -- in certain lighting, a band of all white or all dark facets runs across the middle. I would not want that quirk in a 5+ carat diamond.

Must be brief as posting from dubai airport. The band of dark facets as mogster pointed out is what I meant by a bow tie. The two areas are the mushy bits either side of the dark facets. Might still be ok in real life though! I admit that I love the crisp facets of the AVC so am hard to please with true antiques unless I fall in love with them in person.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Thank you, ladies.

I have a couple more pics from the vendor. I think there's def a band or "bow-tie" across the diamond, which would rule this stone out for me. It's too bad, because it looks really nice and white with a hint of the MBF.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5.14ct H VS1Cushion Brilliant - please give me your thou

Having seeing a photo, here's my opinion. If I'm being honest, I don't LOVE the facet pattern on this stone based on this one photo. While I know you're not looking for a 10 ct. rock, the 10 ct. cushion (the one that FK posted) that's available on the same site has the kind of facet pattern that I prefer in cushions.

However, I wouldn't rule this stone out without seeing several more photos as well as a video.

I think I know what you mean but could you possibly elaborate? Thank you.

I can't really put it into words Phoenix. Just something "off" ("mushy") about the facet pattern. Here's the thing though. The center stone of my three stone isn't "perfect" by some of the standards preferred around here when looked at magnified under the loupe. However, to my eye, it is perfect. I love my stone and that's all that matters. What I'm saying is that you're not going to walk around looking at the stone under a loupe, so if you can see a video of the stone and a few more photos (both magnified and more real life perspective) and YOU love it, that's all that matters. Price wise, I know that facet pattern affects value, so I can't comment on the price, as I'm not educated enough to make that assessment.

Thank you, Yenny. I think the pics the vendor sends are enough for me. It doesn't look like a candidate any more.