Diamond Purchase Help!

[MattSG80]

Hello all, I have been reading some posts for a little while and I wanted to ask for some of your opinions. Let me start by saying I have looked around a little bit and have yet to find a stone that I want to buy locally. I am looking for a cushion cut stone with a budget for the stone of about $10,500 as an engagement ring. I am trying to stay in the neighborhood of 1.5ct (a little lower is fine if there is a nice trade off to be had for not being at a numerically desirable 1.5 weight) (D-F Color). I am not certain about the shape though (If I need it to be square, or a little more rectangular will be good).

I have found a few stones on Blue Nile (I've checked other vendors, both in person and online) that I am considering however in some instances they seem a little too cheap for what they are at first glance and I am wondering what the rub is. *I do recognize that you can't tell everything simply by looking at a cert and once I get the stone I will take it to a jeweler to examine it and give me some professional feedback.

So I guess what I am asking is do any of the stones below look like they are worth taking a shot on to buy, bring in and examine? And if so, do any of them stand out from anything you can see? Again, understanding that I will need to actually see the stone when I get my hands on it.

Thank you all so much for any input you can provide!

This I find to be particularly odd as an F color, IF clarity. The only potential drawback I see is the Thick - Ex. Thick girdle, but it is only $6,977/ct. (10,465) Possible winner?
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-good-cut-f-color-if-clarity_LD04014618

D Color, 1.15 L/W Ratio VS1 - 1.51ct
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD04372360

E Color, 1.07 L/W Ratio VVS2 -1.39ct
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD03920442

D Color, 1.15 L/W Ratio VS1 - 1.45ct
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD04338823

E Color, 1.03 L/W Ratio VS1 - 1.55ct
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD04245901

 

[MattSG80]

I am hoping to order something today so I can at least have it in my hands to examine. Can anyone account for the price of the stones (the first in particular) compared with similarly priced ones I have seen in person that in paper seem to be a lower quality?

Also, is there any major differences between stones that are more rectangular (say L/W of 1.15ish) and those that are more square aside from the slightly different geometric shape? (Does one typically look better etc or is the difference so small that it's something to be to hung up on?

 

[Bridetobe88]

I'm sure the diamond experts will chime in, but Blue Nile is not the best vendor when selecting a fancy cut, like a cushion. Cushions look so different from each other, you really need to see them to make sure they will perform well, and get an ASET. Blue Nile will not provide pictures or ASET images. Try Good Old Gold or James Allen. Even if you're planning on buying the diamond and bringing it into a jeweler, that is not a very time or cost effective approach, because it usually takes a lot of wading through cushions until you find a good one.

 

[Roqsteady]

I think those who have purchased from BN here on PS generally go with their signature cushion cut, and most have been pretty pleased with their performance. For the other stones, since there's no way to measure their light performance via ASET besides buying, inspecting, and possibly returning, they're generally avoided.

Check out Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, and Victor Canera for ideally performing cushions.

 

[MattSG80]

Thank you for the input, it is much appreciated. I looked at those sites as well as James Allen to try to find some stones. My g/f is currently in the other room right now so I can't do a whole lot of looking, but how do you feel about the JA site as well? I like there there are short 3D videos of the actual stone so you can get an idea how it looks.

When I get a bit of alone time later I may post a few that I found from there if any of you think that could be valuable to assist me. Thanks!

 

[Roqsteady]

Yes JA stones definitely have potential - you can use your eyes to see the performance from the vids but also make sure to get an ASET. For JA, you should do a good amount of research, narrow it down to your 3 top options in terms of color/clarity/performance/budget, then ask JA to give you ASETs of the 3 stones (you only get 3). Then come back and post them on here for input. The ASET is basically a light performance map of the diamond and will show us where the diamond is reflecting light and where it is leaking.

 

[JulieN]

You need pictures. Without pictures, you are blindly picking random stones.

 

[MattSG80]

So I have scoured JA's website and I think I have narrowed a list of some of my favorite stones from them, but from what I have read on here I need to be very selective as to what stones I should request an ASET of due to their limitations.

1. Cushion Cut 1.41 Carat E Color VS2 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-303010

2. Cushion Cut 1.53 Carat E Color VS2 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-311758

3. Cushion Cut 1.30 Carat G Color VVS1 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-174937

4. Cushion Cut 1.36 Carat E Color VS2 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.36-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-147399

5. Cushion Cut 1.32 Carat G Color VS2 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.32-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-287041

6. Cushion Cut 1.30 Carat E Color VS2 Clarity - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-293865

#2 & 5 Seem to stand out a little bit to me, but I could use some feedback before I blow my 3 ASETs. Thanks again, you guys (& gals) are the best!

 

[Gypsy]

you're color and clarity are unnecessarily restrictive and ahow a lack of sufficient knowledge about diamonds and cushions in particular. Plus your JA choices show that you have no idea of performance. we'll pick for you. Also we'll expand your coloe to at least G and possibly H. And eye clean SI1 for clarity.

 

[Gypsy]

OK here are the ones I saw:

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-290465 This facet pattern has been a little hit or miss. But when it hits, it knocks it out of the ballpark, so it's a good contender.

2. I'm not in love with this one but it might have potential if it is eyeclean: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-78674

I didn't see a third worth the time on there.

Maybe JulieN or one of the other posters will see something I missed. The only one I'd say go for the ASET is the first one, as that facet pattern has produced some lovely stones. But it's not a guarantee as there have been some duds ocassionally as well.

Of all your original picks this one is the best. There might be a lot of darkness under the table and some mush, but of all the ones you picked this is the one I would pick for an ASET as it has potential. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.53-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-311758

 

[Gypsy]

Other stones at other vendors:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.26-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-151992.html This one is just an AMAZINGLY BRIGHT stone. It might be one of the brightest ASETs I've seen outside of an AGS0 cushion (remember with fancies to compare spread not carat weight). This would be my choice.

AND G color will not have any tint you will detect. It is perfectly safe.

Over budget by $425: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11990/

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=sig&track=NavDiaSigCU#diamonds_pid=LD04192433 only stone in budget at Blue Nile worth buying as there isa GCAL and these have been proving really nice performers.

 

[MattSG80]

I can't thank you for your time and input enough.

I ordered the ASETs from James Allen on the 3 stones you had selected. (I only planned to select one stone, but they said it was a 1 time shot so I picked all 3) You are completely right about a general lack of knowledge, although I was not at all afraid to go a little further up the color scale in my selections.

The stone from Engagements Direct looks very promising to me (http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.26-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-151992.html ). A question from the numbers is that it shows a table of 46% which seems to be well outside the range that I thought was acceptable. (I've been using this for reference - http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/cushion-cut-diamond)

Also, I take it that really bright red picture of the stone with a little green and some blue is a positive sign (Is that a DiamXray as opposed to an ASET? - Using the GoG stone as a reference there). Is the Royal Chandelier Cushion simply a proprietary name for their higher graded stones fitting that mold because I hadn't seen that elsewhere? The big advantage of ED is that it is located in NYC and I am up in CT. Hopefully I will be able to check it out in the store and then order online and save some sales tax .

Do you rate the ED stone over the GoG due to apparent performance or budgetary reasons?

That BN stone you posted looks nice and is well within my budget as well. The spread on this one is larger than some considerably heavier stones as well. My only concern is that the flaws on the cert seem to be in the middle of the stone, or should I not be too bothered by that as it is a VS1? I saw the hearts and arrows on the website and it seemed a little "gimicky" to me, but again, I am trying to know enough to know I don't know much at all!

Sorry if I have been a bit long winded and filled with more questions

Other stones at other vendors:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.26-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-151992.html This one is just an AMAZINGLY BRIGHT stone. It might be one of the brightest ASETs I've seen outside of an AGS0 cushion (remember with fancies to compare spread not carat weight). This would be my choice.

AND G color will not have any tint you will detect. It is perfectly safe.

Over budget by $425: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11990/

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=sig&track=NavDiaSigCU#diamonds_pid=LD04192433 only stone in budget at Blue Nile worth buying as there isa GCAL and these have been proving really nice performers.

 

[Gypsy]

OK so lots of questions! Good! We like questions! I'll answer them below best I can.

I ordered the ASETs from James Allen on the 3 stones you had selected. (I only planned to select one stone, but they said it was a 1 time shot so I picked all 3) You are completely right about a general lack of knowledge, although I was not at all afraid to go a little further up the color scale in my selections.

You are just fine with G and honestly even H as long as the performance is good. Since you are going to take a trip to NYC please go to GOG and ERD both (GOG is in Long Island) and that way you can decide on color yourself.

The stone from Engagements Direct looks very promising to me (http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.26-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-151992.html ). A question from the numbers is that it shows a table of 46% which seems to be well outside the range that I thought was acceptable. (I've been using this for reference - http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/cushion-cut-diamond)

Numbers don't matter with cushions. All they'll do is mess you up. Throw out the numbers. There are dozens of cushion facet plots. Each one has different needs. A small table and a high crown especially on that antique facet type is extremely desirable, and that' what you want. Lumera is trying to quantify something that really can't be quantified.

Also, I take it that really bright red picture of the stone with a little green and some blue is a positive sign (Is that a DiamXray as opposed to an ASET? - Using the GoG stone as a reference there).

Yes an ASET is the red blue and green image. This will help you: http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Is the Royal Chandelier Cushion simply a proprietary name for their higher graded stones fitting that mold because I hadn't seen that elsewhere?

Every vendor that stocks high performance cushions has some name for them these days. This is ERDs. You won't find that name anywhere else but you can find nice cushions at other vendors, named or not.

The big advantage of ED is that it is located in NYC and I am up in CT. Hopefully I will be able to check it out in the store and then order online and save some sales tax .

I have to tell you that you are still reponsible for sales tax for out of state transactions, though the vendor doesn't charge you for them. Seeing the stones in person is a great idea. I suggest going to GOG in Long Island as well.

Do you rate the ED stone over the GoG due to apparent performance or budgetary reasons?

Budgetary reasons. Also the faceting is very different (I'm sure you noticed) and that G is very appealing. And well, it's a G not an H. Plus the spread is great: 6.54x6.31x4.35 mm

That BN stone you posted looks nice and is well within my budget as well. The spread on this one is larger than some considerably heavier stones as well. My only concern is that the flaws on the cert seem to be in the middle of the stone, or should I not be too bothered by that as it is a VS1? I saw the hearts and arrows on the website and it seemed a little "gimicky" to me, but again, I am trying to know enough to know I don't know much at all!

Hearts and arrows is precision faceting and patterning. You don't need it. But some like it. A lot of people want the look and performance of a round, but with a square outline, and this gives them that. Faceting preferences are very personal. Some people like the look, other's don't. I posted it because you might like it. The spread is OK, as you said. As for the VS1 yeah, NO concerns at VS1 at all.

Sorry if I have been a bit long winded and filled with more questions

You are just fine! We're here to help.

 

[MattSG80]

I have not been to NY yet to check ED & GoG, but I am hoping to do so in the next few days. However I did receive the ASETs from JA. Listed below is a portion of the email they sent.

" I understand that this is a large, important purchase for you. That is why I asked the gemologist to take a look at them for us and give us some eye's on feedback. Of the three diamonds, he found the 1.30-F-VS2 (diamond 290465; $8,420) to be his personal favorite, as he found it to be the liveliest performer of the three. It has a very good amount of brilliance (white light return), fire (dispersion of color) and sparkle that is well balanced and symmetrical. It has a very attractive outline, faces up a bright, icy white color and is also completely "eye clean". The 1.53 carat-E-VS2 (diamond 311758; $10,220) is a very close second. It too has a very good amount of brilliance, fire and sparkle; however, it just a little weaker than the 1.30 carat. It too is a bright, icy color and faces up completely "eye clean". The 1.20 carat-D-SI1 (diamond 78674; $7,550) is a very beautiful option; however, it is the weakest performer of the three, when compared to the other two. It is the whitest of the three and is also "eye clean". The only concern that the gemologist had with this one was the large indented natural on the pavilion of the diamond. While it is not a huge concern now, it may pose a larger concern if the diamond should be reset down the road.

 

[Gypsy]

That F 1.3 ended up being a nice stone then! I'm glad. It does have a little mush under the table in that round area of the lighter green color, but the edges and the center are bright and in the video, it really looked great.

That said, I'd still buy this one, personally: http://www.ebay.com/itm/EGL-USA-Cert-1-16ct-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-Antique-Diamond-VS2-/390323832661?pt=Loose_Gemstones&hash=item5ae11d0755

Why? The ASET shows a super bright fire ball. And it faces up MUCH larger than the 1.3 from JA. A LOT larger. 6.54x6.31x4.35 mm


So that would still be my choice.

Remember with fancies to compare spread, not carat weight!

 

[MattSG80]

Other stones at other vendors:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.26-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-151992.html This one is just an AMAZINGLY BRIGHT stone. It might be one of the brightest ASETs I've seen outside of an AGS0 cushion (remember with fancies to compare spread not carat weight). This would be my choice.

AND G color will not have any tint you will detect. It is perfectly safe.

Over budget by $425: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11990/

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=sig&track=NavDiaSigCU#diamonds_pid=LD04192433 only stone in budget at Blue Nile worth buying as there isa GCAL and these have been proving really nice performers.

So I think I am back to square one(ish) and I am primarily looking at the 2 stones from ERD & GOG. I spoke with Chris at ERD today and he was very informative and said that he was very impressed with the G/VS1 (although, I cant say I am surprised a merchant would highly rate their own product). The BN stone, if it is a good performer, would be a good savings, but again I am only making this purchase once, so I want to be confident I am making a good choice so that's part of the reason I am torn between these 3 as it stands.

I am not left with a couple of thoughts I was hoping the community could help me get straight. First, how informative do you find things like Megascope and ASET to be? I have read opinions that they are useful, and others that they are more of a sales tool.

Also, a much bigger concern. I think both of the diamonds here (GOG & ERD) fall more into the antique style from what I can tell. When I spoke with my girlfriend months ago she told me that she really like cushion diamonds. My concern here is when someone thinks of a cushion diamond would she be thinking more of the crushed ice / or more modern style than the more antique style that these two jewelers have. If so, is the BN stone more likely to be a more modern looking diamond?

Also, attached is the cert provided for the ERD stone

 

[Gypsy]

Please buy the ERD stone.

There is a decent return policy on it. Propose in the return policy.

Alternately, ASK HER which type of faceting she prefers. And find out for sure. Show her pics of the options!

 

[MattSG80]

I tried going down that road a little earlier tonight and she cut me off, not wanting to know what was going on with anything!

I do feel good about the confidence you have in ERD though.

 

[greeneggsandsam]

I know it's a big/important purchase but I would take Gypsy's advice. She definitely knows her stuff and she helps clueless guys like you and me out. I took Gypsy's and several others' advice and purchased a royal chandelier cushion from ERD. When I showed my girlfriend the diamond she couldn't even tell the difference between a crushed ice and antique cushion (her only reaction was, "ohhhh I LOVE that!"). It was pretty sad realizing that I now know more about diamonds than her lol. I'm sure your gf will be more than happy with whatever ring/diamond you get her and it will make your job a lot easier if you just ask her for pictures of e-rings she likes. Or you can see if she has a pinterest and check out stuff she's posted b/c i'm pretty sure almost every girl has an engagement ring pinterest board. Good luck man!

 

[Gypsy]

Ok for the love of sanity. If she cut you off and all she's said is "cushion" just get the ERD cushion.

Get it unset if you are really worried. See it in person yourself and then send it back for setting or return if you love it, or don't.

It's a lovely stone.

And yes, I have faith in ERD. Several of my close friends have purchased from them (cushions actually) and the results have always been dazzling stones.