Buying a Cushion Cut Diamond Online - Help!

[canarydiamond]

Hi all,

If I were to buy a cushion cut diamond from Blue Nile, what factors would I need to consider besides the obvious?

I am thinking 1.5 - 1.7 carats, G color, 'very good' cut (that's the highest it lets me select, I understand GIA only grades round diamonds ideal cut?), and VVS1-VVS2 clarity.

I've heard cushions can be tricky to buy, and I've noticed a huge range in prices on the website for diamonds with these same factors. It scares me. I was at Birks (Canadian upscale jeweler) and saw a 1.50 cushion cut diamond solitaire for $46,000 - F color and I did not get any other info. On Blue Nile you can get a diamond with my ideal stats for $10,000 and up. That is a massive difference in price. I realize Birks has a huge overhead and is a luxury brand... but still. Even on Blue Nile there's a huge range of prices for diamonds w. similar stats.

So please tell me.. what advanced factors am I looking for? What am I missing here?

I want to buy the best looking stone in my budget (under $15K). Buying sight unseen is scary, but I certainly can't afford that $46K beauty I saw at Birks!

Thanks

 

[Christina...]

Cushions are difficult to purchase without at least having images of the stone. There are so many different facet patterns available. Do you prefer the crushed ice look with its small splintery pin flashes or do you like the chunky more antique cuts with it's big bold flashes? What shape do you prefer, very square or rectangle? WIthout being able to see images or ASETs of the stone it's impossible to know if the stone will have nice light performance, BN can't offer you ASET images either. I would only purchase from vendors who can offer you these images and or video of the actual stone. James Allen, and Good Old Gold would be more vendors of choice if I were choosing a cushion.

 

[Precieux_Art_Jewelers]

As has been said, cushions are especially tricky and you need to be able to see the stones. Personally, I would go down to VS clarity and you will likely find a larger variety and a better cut stone in your price range.

Start with finding a really, really well cut cushion in the VS-G range (ask the supplier directly). Then go from there.

The huge price ranges you're seeing have a lot to do with cut, including how well it sparkles, the type of sparkle, and how large it faces up.

 

[JulieN]

Do not buy a cushion from BN, that is the best advice. Check out Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds, and James Allen.

What do you want, modern style that is a bucket of glitter, lots of small pinpoints; antique style with broad flashes; or in-between?

Square, rectangular, or in between?

VVS clarity is too limiting when looking for cushions with excellent cut, you don't want to limit yourself unnecessarily.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I wrote in detail about different types of cushions ... this thread may help you.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

 

[canarydiamond]

Thanks everyone!! Very helpful suggestions