Advice on cushion

[CharmyPoo]

If you don't mind sharing your budget and your required specs, I will take a look for you and let you know if anything comes up. I am all over the search engines every day trying to find my next diamond.

Since you are working with GOG, you should take a look at their square H&A. There might be something you like. I worked with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct for my diamond. He was wondeful to work with even though I am the biggest pain in the butt customer. I probably top his list of annoying customers but yet he has so much patience! All of the PS regular vendors are amazing so I am sure you won't have any problems with them.

The setting is custom made but the setting will be no more soon. It is a beautiful setting but not what I envisioned and wanted. It will be remade. It is kind of sad because I had it for 4 months and to think about it being destroyed is a little depressing. The way my boyfriend sees it is that it won't be destroyed .. at least the metal and diamonds will be reused

My advice is don't settle and just wait until the right stone comes along.

 

[ctyc]

Charmypoo- My budget is no more than $20k, but that number keeps getting smaller. My bf and I are just starting out so every time we get another student loan bill or any bill I start rethinking that budget. If you don''t mind me asking, how big is your current cushion? I was struggling for a very long time between a round brilliant and a cushion simply because you can get a smaller round cushion and it will look larger face up. But when it came time and we were getting ready to purchase the round brilliant, I wasn''t at all excited so I figured for such a large purchase I really just needed to go for what I wanted and that is a square cushion. I have been looking for a 2.2ct F/G VS1/VS2. I find that they are generally around 7.6-7.9mm. There was a point when I thought I had a feel for the pricing for this size, color, clarity and cut range, but now I feel like I am back to square one. Also, where do you look? Do you look on pricescope, GOG, BN, etc?

 

[CharmyPoo]

I added to my other post which answers some of your questions. My current cushion is 1.52 ct and measures around 6.7 mm if I remember correctly. My finger is a size 3 so there is a good coverage. The funny thing is that my diamond has a lot of presence so it looked bigger than some of the 7 mm and up diamonds I looked at (just yesterday). Strange huh!

I recommend that you pick a vendor you really like and have them search for you. For a cushion, I would stick with ERD or GOG or SingleStone and see who works best for you. I have interacted with all three vendors and they are great. I have a special spot for Mark and ERD and I feel his shop is wonderful. I always have a great time when I am there. I am also really obsessive so I search all the search engines as well. Most of the vendors have access to the same internet inventory so if you find something you like - they can get it for you. I find Adiamor has the best search engine out there but I didn't click as well with their staff. I tried BlueNile as well but they just annoyed me because they had no idea what I wanted - I think they have too many customers to take the time to care for each one.

I am also overly anal about color and clarity. I will not go below a G (and I much rather have D to E) and I stay in the VS2 and up range. I have compared F and G side by side and I can tell a difference. I will be very happy if I can find a D along with the other specs I want. Many PSers put G/H and an eye clean SI1 as their sweet spot for the best bang for their buck. You just have to figure out what works for you.

I don't know where you are but if you are in NYC .. head out to see ERD or GOG .. they will educate you and show you the various diamonds. You will be able to understand better what you want.

Buying a cushion is much more difficult than buying a round. Some days .. I want to give up and just buy a round brillant. But if I head down that path .. I will end up wanting an OEC and be back in the same boat again.

 

[ctyc]

Charmypoo- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I felt like I was reading a description of myself when I read how you described yourself, and sometimes it is both a little difficult and embarrassing describing myself as simply "anal" to the person on the other end of the phone. I am extremely particular and am kind of a perfectionist and hence is looking for the "perfect" diamond even in things like symmetry and polish, even if I won''t be able to see the difference unless I looked really hard. I definitely could tell the difference between a G and I. I have never really taken a look at any of the other colors. I am hesitant in going into jewelry stores because I don''t want to be "sold" to. But I know that G is the lowest I am willing to go. I would prefer F. I definitely would rather have something that is a bit higher in clarity, but from what I have seen so far, as long as there are not a ton of inclusions, generally a VS1 or even VS2 is okay.

I am in CA so I won''t be able to head out to see either Mark or GOG. However, I have contacted both Mark at ERD and Jonthan at GOG. I tried working with WF, but I don''t think I really clicked with them the way I had hoped and I don''t really feel like they know what I am looking for. Same with BN. They are very nice, but everything they have shown me so far (in terms of certs) are all for the modified cushion.

I am also struggling with size because I have a 6.5 finger and I feel like everything just looks tiny on my man hands.

 

[ddcha]

Date: 4/9/2009 12:34:47 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
I own a modern cushion right now that rivals the sparkle of a round diamond. I find if you look for the 8 main thin pavillions - they should have the look you want. I have personally yet to see in real life a modified cushion brillant diamond that I loved. Some vendors will not sell modified cushion brillants unless their customers really wants it.

Here is a photo of my diamond. Sorry - I can''t find any straight on photos at the moment. It is considered a modern cushion and has 8 main pavillions.

that''s exactly the kind of cushion I have and the same kind Merle is offering ctyc.

 

[ctyc]

Thanks ddcha. I contacted Merle and the diamond you were looking at has been sold. And so my search continues.

 

[kcoursolle]

This may not be something you are interested in, but I thought I would suggest it since you said you wanted a round in a cushion''s body. GOG sells this stone called square hearts and arrows which is literally that. It is the shape of a cushion with round brilliant faceting and top light performance. Here is the link: http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4947/. They have many others in stock as well and some videos showing the performance under lights if you are interested.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 4/9/2009 12:27:33 PM
Author: ctyc
Ellen- Thanks for posting. I was looking for something that everyone is calling a modern cushion. So something that is not quite as chunky as the traditional cushion because I want the sparkle. I think what I am looking for has been described as a round brilliant in a square body. Does that make sense? Is there a more appropriate and specific way to articulate that kind of cushion?

Charmypoo- I understand. It does sound interesting though. If you do decide to get it, I do hope you''ll post a picture on Show Me The Ring and if you don''t, please do pass it my way. I''d love to see either way.


I think after reading everyone''s comments and looking at the picture some more, it definitely does kind of look like a blend between a more uniform patterned look with a crushed ice feel. So perhaps a blend. If I end up having it send out to me just so I can take a look, I will let you all know how it turns out. In the meantime, I''d love to continue to hear anyone and everyone''s assessment of this diamond.

Yes! I think Jon at GOG would definitely know what you mean. I have seen a video of such a cushion on his site. Mark might know too. I would prefer working with GOG myself, but just because they provide videos and ASET, which are so helpful with online purchases. But both are great guys, if this one doesn''t work out!

 

[ctyc]

Date: 4/9/2009 2:07:53 PM
Author: kcoursolle
This may not be something you are interested in, but I thought I would suggest it since you said you wanted a round in a cushion''s body. GOG sells this stone called square hearts and arrows which is literally that. It is the shape of a cushion with round brilliant faceting and top light performance. Here is the link: http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4947/. They have many others in stock as well and some videos showing the performance under lights if you are interested.

Thanks kcoursolle. I actually did look at those originally, but they are at a much higher price point and I don''t think I want to sacrifice the color and size for this particular cut. But I do watch the videos on those quite often. They are gorgeous.

 

[ctyc]

Date: 4/9/2009 2:10:34 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 4/9/2009 12:27:33 PM

Author: ctyc

Ellen- Thanks for posting. I was looking for something that everyone is calling a modern cushion. So something that is not quite as chunky as the traditional cushion because I want the sparkle. I think what I am looking for has been described as a round brilliant in a square body. Does that make sense? Is there a more appropriate and specific way to articulate that kind of cushion?


Charmypoo- I understand. It does sound interesting though. If you do decide to get it, I do hope you'll post a picture on Show Me The Ring and if you don't, please do pass it my way. I'd love to see either way.



I think after reading everyone's comments and looking at the picture some more, it definitely does kind of look like a blend between a more uniform patterned look with a crushed ice feel. So perhaps a blend. If I end up having it send out to me just so I can take a look, I will let you all know how it turns out. In the meantime, I'd love to continue to hear anyone and everyone's assessment of this diamond.

Yes! I think Jon at GOG would definitely know what you mean. I have seen a video of such a cushion on his site. Mark might know too. I would prefer working with GOG myself, but just because they provide videos and ASET, which are so helpful with online purchases. But both are great guys, if this one doesn't work out!

I have been in touch with Jon at GOG, but he seems so busy and in the meantime, I get antsy so I want to be proactive and I attempt to search for square cushions online, but I have yet to come across something worthwhile.

 

[Ellen]

ct, is Jon "actively" looking?

 

[MrsChil]

Date: 4/9/2009 1:44:08 PM
Author: ctyc
Charmypoo- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I felt like I was reading a description of myself when I read how you described yourself, and sometimes it is both a little difficult and embarrassing describing myself as simply ''anal'' to the person on the other end of the phone. I am extremely particular and am kind of a perfectionist and hence is looking for the ''perfect'' diamond even in things like symmetry and polish, even if I won''t be able to see the difference unless I looked really hard. I definitely could tell the difference between a G and I. I have never really taken a look at any of the other colors. I am hesitant in going into jewelry stores because I don''t want to be ''sold'' to. But I know that G is the lowest I am willing to go. I would prefer F. I definitely would rather have something that is a bit higher in clarity, but from what I have seen so far, as long as there are not a ton of inclusions, generally a VS1 or even VS2 is okay.

I am in CA so I won''t be able to head out to see either Mark or GOG. However, I have contacted both Mark at ERD and Jonthan at GOG. I tried working with WF, but I don''t think I really clicked with them the way I had hoped and I don''t really feel like they know what I am looking for. Same with BN. They are very nice, but everything they have shown me so far (in terms of certs) are all for the modified cushion.

I am also struggling with size because I have a 6.5 finger and I feel like everything just looks tiny on my man hands.

I was reading this and cracking up! I think we''re triplets...LOL!

Charmypoo I read your post about your setting and I have gone through EXACTLY the same thing! Custom work is VERY hard for a "perfectionist"

ctyc - I can totally understand not wanting to go with a lower color. I just wanted to show you that video to compare the facets in the diamond to the one you were looking at Thankfully for me (and my fiance) I''m not color sensitive but I can totally understand those who are. I also live in CA (Northern) AND have a size 6.75 finger... even bigger than yours so don''t feel bad! No matter how much I work out my dang fingers never get smaller

 

[MrsChil]

Here's one that was just graded by GIA in Feb of this year: 2.04 G IF Cushion I know the IF is overkill but it may be worth looking at. Not sure about the facet pattern because I haven't seen this one in person before but it does have 8 mains in the center with a modified edge???

 

[ctyc]

Date: 4/9/2009 2:26:01 PM
Author: Ellen
ct, is Jon 'actively' looking?

I think he is. I emailed him the other day to follow up on some potentials that he had sent me a little over a week ago. Now we are definitely communicating more.

 

[ctyc]

Date: 4/9/2009 3:18:20 PM
Author: vgirl17

Date: 4/9/2009 1:44:08 PM

Author: ctyc

Charmypoo- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!


I felt like I was reading a description of myself when I read how you described yourself, and sometimes it is both a little difficult and embarrassing describing myself as simply 'anal' to the person on the other end of the phone. I am extremely particular and am kind of a perfectionist and hence is looking for the 'perfect' diamond even in things like symmetry and polish, even if I won't be able to see the difference unless I looked really hard. I definitely could tell the difference between a G and I. I have never really taken a look at any of the other colors. I am hesitant in going into jewelry stores because I don't want to be 'sold' to. But I know that G is the lowest I am willing to go. I would prefer F. I definitely would rather have something that is a bit higher in clarity, but from what I have seen so far, as long as there are not a ton of inclusions, generally a VS1 or even VS2 is okay.


I am in CA so I won't be able to head out to see either Mark or GOG. However, I have contacted both Mark at ERD and Jonthan at GOG. I tried working with WF, but I don't think I really clicked with them the way I had hoped and I don't really feel like they know what I am looking for. Same with BN. They are very nice, but everything they have shown me so far (in terms of certs) are all for the modified cushion.


I am also struggling with size because I have a 6.5 finger and I feel like everything just looks tiny on my man hands.

I was reading this and cracking up! I think we're triplets...LOL!

Charmypoo I read your post about your setting and I have gone through EXACTLY the same thing! Custom work is VERY hard for a 'perfectionist'


ctyc - I can totally understand not wanting to go with a lower color. I just wanted to show you that video to compare the facets in the diamond to the one you were looking at Thankfully for me (and my fiance) I'm not color sensitive but I can totally understand those who are. I also live in CA (Northern) AND have a size 6.75 finger... even bigger than yours so don't feel bad! No matter how much I work out my dang fingers never get smaller

Veronica- Now that I saw your thread on your custom setting and also that Charmypoo is working on changing her setting, I'm thinking, "Gosh, it sucks to be anal." I have this awful feeling that I am going to follow in your guys' footsteps and as it is at present, I am getting a little tired of searching for the perfect cushion. Although, I do agree with Charmypoo and I am glad that she reminded me... I should not settle.

On a side note, there are times when I pull the skin on my finger from the palm side of my hand and I think, "Gosh, doesn't that look so much nicer."

 

[CharmyPoo]

There are lots of great vendors in California so you should check them out too. I have been in LA for the last two days and we went to see all the vendors I have been wanting to see. My custom jeweler is also in LA and we met with her to discuss what I am unhappy about. The whole ring is going to get remade since it isn't really fixable. I warned her in advance that I am a little obsessive and a perfectionist although I recognize that handmade jewlery isn't perfect. However, what I have is unacceptable to me and even to my boyfriend who isn't a perfectionist. The important thing is that she is very nice and willing to make it right. That is all I can ask for now. My boyfriend wanted to drop off the ring and have it remade with the current diamond and then just get another setting later. But I ended up talking him into giving me some more time to find the right diamond.

I recommend that you go check out 23rd Street Jewelers in Santa Monica. I was completely and utterly blown away. I have not seen anyone's work that compares to how delicate their work is (but I haven't seen Leon's work in person). Their work put my ring in shame. I tried on bands that were 0.8 mm ... I didn't know they could go that thin with that amont of detail. They are much more expensive than many vendors but I guess if you want it .. you gotta pay for it.

If you are like me, you just can't settle and you need to pick the right vendors to start off with. Pick the ones that understand you and can put up with you. Mark does a wonderful job putting up with me and my weekly emails. Also, when making your custom setting - pick one that you have faith in making the ring you want. If they have never made anything like what you want, don't expect that they can meet your needs. Every custom jeweler has their own style and what they are good at ... so can't make a square fit into a circle.

Please don't follow in my footsteps! It's not worth the headache. My boyfriend is upset because he wants to get engaged and get the wedding planned. I don't want to start wedding planning until we are offically engaged so that means our venue, my preferred photography, and date .. are all not going to happen All because of the e-ring ... how stupid does this sound? I can't help but laugh at how retarded I am sometimes. Thank goodness my darling is so great.

 

[ctyc]

Charmypoo- You and I are in very similar situations and this is what I mean...

You haven't gotten engaged because you want the perfect ring and your bf wants to get the ball rolling on what happens after the engagement. My bf and I have already planned our wedding and everything is pretty much done (deposits made), but we aren't officially engaged because I still haven't found my perfect ring.

I will go check out 23rd Street Jewelers in Santa Monica. Do they make handmade custom settings?

Do you mind me asking who you are working with for your custom setting? I thought your setting looked a little familiar, but I'm not quite sure. I was/am considering a custom setting with a jeweler in mind.

Also, it is like what you said on Veronica's thread... You want what you want. And it does seem like everyone on pricescope is a perfectionist. Ahhh!!! At least now I don't feel so alone in my neurosis.

 

[DaCounselor]

I would just keep the lines of communication open with Jon at GOG and he will not steer you wrong. I too live out West and it was pretty difficult to see alot of cushions in person - there just do not seem to be many places that stock them out here. Jon''s videos, including one he made expecially for me that compared several stones I liked, really helped me narrow things down. There is no substitute for seeing stones in person, but the vids are the next best thing.

As for color, if you don''t want to go below a G then don''t. I am very color sensitive and ultimately decided that G was as low as I could go. I ended up with an E from GOG and I am soooooo glad I went with it - it is super-icy no matter where and how you look at it. It actually almost hurts my eyes to stare at it too long....

Good luck - you will find the right stone eventually, or it will find you. I started my search in June ''08 and didn''t close the deal until about a month ago. I was very particular about what I wanted. Of course, I ended up with a diamond that I had seen on GOG''s website for awhile but I had dismissed it because I didn''t think it was square enough, thought it might be too deep and I wasn''t in love with the picture of it. Then Jon shot some video, I called it in, saw it in person, and that was that. You never know, I guess. I''m as anal as they come and even I ultimately concluded that in a cushion hunt, most often something is going to have to give. I gave a little on l/w and depth and ended up with a blazing white stone that really stands apart from the typical diamonds out there. No regrets on giving a little.

 

[hwman]

I feel your pain. I have been looking for the "perfect stone" for almost 4 months and its quite frustrating. Cushions are all so different and so unique so its very difficult to find exactly what you want. Rounds are much easier and at times I wish I wanted a round so I wouldn''t have to go through this pain staking process that was fun at first. Over that time period I have learned a ton about stones, how the industry works, who the players are, even been to the trading floor in NYC of the diamond dealers club. I don''t like crushed iced either. Some people do. Its actually a fairly new type of cut that was created so that the manufacture could get more $$ out of the same piece of rough. When you cut a modified stone you don''t bring the facets on the pavilion mains all the way to the way to the girdle, less stone cut = more weight retained. Some in the industry would consider a modified stone a second class citizen. However, Cartier and Harry Winston both use modified stones now in the settings perhaps because of the economy but in any case that is probably surprising to many.

To me and everyone is different the cushions that are cut with the 8 pavilion mains either thick or thin have the most life. I like higher crown angles and more of a chunky faceted look. I also like more of rectangular shape so 1.10 - 1.15 l/w ratio, I don''t love a large open culet but don''t mind a smaller one. To form that opinion I must have seen 500 stones. As Jon from GOG says cushions are weird you can''t really rely on the cert for the optics. You have to see the stone. I don''t know where you live but if you can get to NY I would and call Mark at ERD. I''ve worked with a number of people and Mark, in my opinion is the only one you should work with. He will take the time and find you exactly what you want.

 

[hwman]

This pattern is also very good.

I call it 8 mains thick.

 

[ctyc]

Thanks for the advice hwman.

It is so frustrating. There is a part of me that wants to settle, because I am getting frustrated, but at the same time, I don''t want to. Did you end up finding the cushion of your dreams?

 

[hwman]

I know its incredibly frustrating but don''t give up. Cushions are the most difficult cut to find exactly what you want. It took me 4 months and I finally found exactly what I wanted and am so happy I didn''t settle as I almost did several times. I even told one jeweler that I wanted a stone and then changed my mind the next day after not being able to sleep that night because I knew I was settling. Bottom line. Don''t settle. You didn''t settle on your soon to be Fiance'' so don''t settle on her ring.

If you work with Mark at ERD, or Jon at GOG they will find you exactly what you want. It just takes time. Try and see as many stones as you can to figure out exactly what you want.