Cushion Cuts: Smaller Carat, Larger Dimensions

[Tritan84]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to the forum and In search for a cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring. Over the past week I've done extensive research through this and multiple other sites, as well as looked at multiple diamonds in local jewelry stores.

One aspect in my search that is intruguing/confusing me is the dimensions of a diamond vs its carat weight.

Originally, I was searching for 1.8-2.1 carat, but due to budget, realized I should be looking more at 1.6-1.75 carat sized stones. I value more the appearance in size than the actual weight of the diamond (I would prefer a smaller carat diamond that looks just as large or larger than a higher carated diamond). With that being said, I've been coming across lower carated diamonds with larger dimensions (L/W measurements) than other significant higher weighted diamonds. See the following examples of two diamonds I'm interested in purchasing:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4041099-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

http://www.since1910.com/loose-diamonds/stone/17892573.aspx

So my questions is, will the 1.5 carat stone appear larger than the 1.7 carat one (since it has larger l/w measurements)?

I also learned that table % will also determine how large a diamond will look. the 1.5c diamond has a smaller table % but larger L/w measurements than the 1.7c. I guess what I'm asking is, what plays a greater role in determining size appearance of a diamond....larger L/W measurement or larger table %?

Thank you guys so much. It's been quite tedious to say the least.

-Anthony

 

[msop04]

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4041099-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

http://www.since1910.com/loose-diamonds/stone/17892573.aspx

So my questions is, will the 1.5 carat stone appear larger than the 1.7 carat one (since it has larger l/w measurements)?

I also learned that table % will also determine how large a diamond will look.

<--- not necessarily, there is a lot more to it than that...
Hi

I'm definitely not a cushion expert, but I do know that the diamond's LxW measurements will determine how large the diamond will appear face up (i.e. the size you see), so the 1.51 will appear a little larger.

That said, it's important to see the diamond (esp. if it's not a round), since you really can't look at the specs to form an opinion. You should also take the cut into consideration. If the stone is not cut well (too deep will make it appear smaller, too shallow will make it face up larger), it can affect the brilliance of the diamond. The 1.7 is only very good cut, whereas the 1.51 is excellent cut. Just from the photos alone, I didn't like the 1.7 -- it looked dull. Then again, cushions are tough when you can't see it IRL or at least a video.

Hopefully, a more seasoned PS cushion cut aficionado will weigh in on this for you.

 

[Tritan84]

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4041099-1.51-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

http://www.since1910.com/loose-diamonds/stone/17892573.aspx

So my questions is, will the 1.5 carat stone appear larger than the 1.7 carat one (since it has larger l/w measurements)?

I also learned that table % will also determine how large a diamond will look.

<--- not necessarily, there is a lot more to it than that...
Hi

I'm definitely not a cushion expert, but I do know that the diamond's LxW measurements will determine how large the diamond will appear face up (i.e. the size you see), so the 1.51 will appear a little larger.

That said, it's important to see the diamond (esp. if it's not a round), since you really can't look at the specs to form an opinion. You should also take the cut into consideration. If the stone is not cut well (too deep will make it appear smaller, too shallow will make it face up larger), it can affect the brilliance of the diamond. The 1.7 is only very good cut, whereas the 1.51 is excellent cut. Just from the photos alone, I didn't like the 1.7 -- it looked dull. Then again, cushions are tough when you can't see it IRL or at least a video.

Hopefully, a more seasoned PS cushion cut aficionado will weigh in on this for you.

Thanks for your response. If you click the link of the 1.51, that is the actual image of the diamond at hand. Looks very good to me, but again I'm a novice. How's it look to you?

 

[chrono]

Because many aspects of a cushion cut varies from stone to stone, a 1.5 ct cushion can measure larger than a 1.7 ct cushion. Stone depth, girdle thickness and other factors will make a stone face up larger or smaller than expected. In the examples you posted, the 1.5 ct cushion has a larger dimension than the 1.7 ct cushion.

There are positives and negatives associated with a larger / smaller table but in general, I find a smaller table far more pleasing. A smaller table means less table glare or at least a smaller one. Actual LxW measurement is what you should be looking at to tell which diamond looks larger.

 

[msop04]

Thanks for your response. If you click the link of the 1.51, that is the actual image of the diamond at hand. Looks very good to me, but again I'm a novice. How's it look to you?

I looked at it, but I'm honestly not comfortable saying "yay or nay" on cushions (at least not modern cuts). Have you considered chunky cushions like this?

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.05-carat-royal-t-cushion-diamond.-gid-135701.html

 

[Tritan84]

Thanks for your response. If you click the link of the 1.51, that is the actual image of the diamond at hand. Looks very good to me, but again I'm a novice. How's it look to you?

I looked at it, but I'm honestly not comfortable saying "yay or nay" on cushions (at least not modern cuts). Have you considered chunky cushions like this?

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.05-carat-royal-t-cushion-diamond.-gid-135701.html

I do like the chunky cuts as well, but not partial to any cut. That particular diamond is a little out of my price target. Also, through my research, it is my understanding that you want to stick with an H color grade or higher, as cushions do not retain their color very well.

 

[msop04]

I do like the chunky cuts as well, but not partial to any cut. That particular diamond is a little out of my price target. Also, through my research, it is my understanding that you want to stick with an H color grade or higher, as cushions do not retain their color very well.

That's cool, Tritan, I really just posted this one to show faceting. I would agree with the H or higher if it is the modern or crushed ice cushion. The antique cuts are much more forgiving. You could easily get a J or K and it look very white. They are so forgiving that I don't really care for the D-E-F antique cut cushions, personally. They are beautiful, but that range looks too white to me -- and I like white diamonds!

What price range are you looking at for the stone?

 

[Tritan84]

I do like the chunky cuts as well, but not partial to any cut. That particular diamond is a little out of my price target. Also, through my research, it is my understanding that you want to stick with an H color grade or higher, as cushions do not retain their color very well.

That's cool, Tritan, I really just posted this one to show faceting. I would agree with the H or higher if it is the modern or crushed ice cushion. The antique cuts are much more forgiving. You could easily get a J or K and it look very white. They are so forgiving that I don't really care for the D-E-F antique cut cushions, personally. They are beautiful, but that range looks too white to me -- and I like white diamonds!

What price range are you looking at for the stone?

Price range of 9-11,500K. Obviously would like to stay on the lower end. I value the size appearance mostly, so no issues with going with a lower carated stone if the dimensions are that of a larger appearing stone.

That's interested...I didn't know that about the chunky cut cushions. Maybe I should look more into those

 

[msop04]

Do you think your FF would prefer a more square or rectangular cushion?

 

[Tritan84]

Rectangle. But I'm open to anything. I'm even considering a round stone in a cushion halo setting. I keep seeing this and have a hard time realizing it's a round stone.

 

[msop04]

Here are some from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11104/ 6.39 x 6.81, K/VS2 $9037

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11153/ 6.41 x 6.66, K/VVS2 $7762

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11107/ 6.46 x 6.97, K/SI1 $10,216 **my favorite**

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10806/ 6.73 x 6.79, J/SI1 $10,994

 

[msop04]

Rectangle. But I'm open to anything. I'm even considering a round stone in a cushion halo setting. I keep seeing this and have a hard time realizing it's a round stone.

This is what I have (see avatar)! Mine is a GIA XXX, J/SI1. It looks really white in the halo! A lot of people think it's a cushion! Here is an "up-close and personal" to show you...

 

[msop04]

Should you decide to do the round in a cushion halo, you could have a larger facing stone. This one is in your budget and will be larger than any of the cushions listed.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-249399 GIA XXX, 1.44 ct, I/VS2, 7.28 x 7.32 (HCA 1., $10,070

Well-cut rounds are very forgiving on color -- sometimes even clarity.

 

[Tritan84]

Here are some from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11104/ 6.39 x 6.81, K/VS2 $9037

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11153/ 6.41 x 6.66, K/VVS2 $7762

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11107/ 6.46 x 6.97, K/SI1 $10,216 **my favorite**

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10806/ 6.73 x 6.79, J/SI1 $10,994

They're are all very beautiful. Especially the one you pointed out as your favorite. I was hoping to go with a larger dimensioned stone though, to give a larger appearance since I can't go with the 2 carat I orginally wanted to go with. Hmmm...decisions decisions. Do you think, for my price range, I can get a larger appearing round stone than with cushion cut?

Rectangle. But I'm open to anything. I'm even considering a round stone in a cushion halo setting. I keep seeing this and have a hard time realizing it's a round stone.

This is what I have (see avatar)! Mine is a GIA XXX, J/SI1. It looks really white in the halo! A lot of people think it's a cushion! Here is an "up-close and personal" to show you...

Your ring is gorgeous. I would like to get her something similart, but with a single band. Now wondering if I should go with circle diamond/cushion halo.

Should you decide to do the round in a cushion halo, you could have a larger facing stone. This one is in your budget and will be larger than any of the cushions listed.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-249399 GIA XXX, 1.44 ct, I/VS2, 7.28 x 7.32 (HCA 1., $10,070

Well-cut rounds are very forgiving on color -- sometimes even clarity.

Very nice. Do you mind if I ask you what the specs of your stone are and if you have a pic of it on your finger (and what size your finger is)? I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Triton,
Internet research is a double edged sword.
When it comes to color, people see thing differently.
Some people love a J color- others find the tint a bother. But this is a question of taste and perception
Of course that doesn't stop pundits from making comments that lead people to believe, "they need to buy an H or better"

In my experience a fair amount of shoppers actually prefer a warmer diamond.

When it comes to different cuts, and how they react, there are some cuts that do hide color better- such as a round brilliant- an some Old Mine Brilliant style cushions. Yet with cushions overall, there's too many variables to make blanket statements that will hold true.
Some modern cushions show more color than others.

By all means try to see as many stones as possible.
I agree with Chrono that LxW is the prime determining factor in size perception.
If a person likes the way a J color looks, they can buy a larger diamond. Size is less open to perceptive difference.
Larger is ...larger.

 

[msop04]

Hi Triton,
Internet research is a double edged sword.
When it comes to color, people see thing differently.
Some people love a J color- others find the tint a bother. But this is a question of taste and perception
Of course that doesn't stop pundits from making comments that lead people to believe, "they need to buy an H or better"

In my experience a fair amount of shoppers actually prefer a warmer diamond.

When it comes to different cuts, and how they react, there are some cuts that do hide color better- such as a round brilliant- an some Old Mine Brilliant style cushions. Yet with cushions overall, there's too many variables to make blanket statements that will hold true.

Some modern cushions show more color than others.

By all means try to see as many stones as possible.
I agree with Chrono that LxW is the prime determining factor in size perception.
If a person likes the way a J color looks, they can buy a larger diamond. Size is less open to perceptive difference.
Larger is ...larger.

This is very true, Rockdiamond -- good info!

 

[msop04]

Very nice. Do you mind if I ask you what the specs of your stone are and if you have a pic of it on your finger (and what size your finger is)? I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, I am very pleased with the overall look. I wear a size 5.25 and the specs are 2.43 ct, GIA XXX, J/SI1 (eye clean), no fluorescense (but I wish it did!) Please look over my little sausage fingers!

 

[msop04]

To be fair, there are times when I can see tint. It's rare, but in bad lighting, it can show body color...but only from an angle. It is always white face up, and the halo definitely helps camouflauge any "side tint." This is as "yellow" as it ever looks.

 

[Rockdiamond]

My pleasure Msop

 

[Tritan84]

Very nice. Do you mind if I ask you what the specs of your stone are and if you have a pic of it on your finger (and what size your finger is)? I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, I am very pleased with the overall look. I wear a size 5.25 and the specs are 2.43 ct, GIA XXX, J/SI1 (eye clean), no fluorescense (but I wish it did!) Please look over my little sausage fingers!

Again, very gorgeous. I would liove to get my GF into something similar. L/W Dimensions?

 

[msop04]

Again, very gorgeous. I would liove to get my GF into something similar. L/W Dimensions?

Thank you! The stone is 8.7 mm, but I'm not really sure how much the halo adds... probably 1-1.5 mm on each side??

This is a setting by Ritani that is recommended a lot here on PS -- it's made really well and the price is fabulous. You can get it in 14K white gold to save a little cash.

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6113 $1770

Also, I've read a lot about ERD working wonders on a budget...

 

[msop04]

This with the Ritani setting should put you under budget of $11,500...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2953038.htm $9066 (wire price for PS)/ $9347 PS price

What do you think??

 

[msop04]

Another for less $$$...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982224.htm $8657

 

[Tritan84]

Very nice. Great cut and symmetry (as far as i can tell). Still confused on cushion vs round though. Leaning toward cushion

 

[msop04]

Very nice. Great cut and symmetry (as far as i can tell). Still confused on cushion vs round though. Leaning toward cushion

The AVC's I posted are very unique -- I'm willing to bet none of her friends or family will have heard of them, much less have one... they are stunning! You could get one and have Ritani set it on that same halo (made to fit the stone, of course).

There's really no right or wrong answer regarding round or cushion. It's just whatever you think she'd like most... rounds will face up larger and , but cushions (at least AVCs) have such unique faceting. Has she requested a specific cut? If not, you may want to have her look at the different shapes on her hand. Some will think they like one until they try it on... then they change their minds. Have her try on carat weights that are in your price range, to be fair -- she doesn't have to know that though! LOL