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E-Ring Stone for a Long Time Lurker, First Time Poster

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supraacumen

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2010
Messages
14
A very wonderful evening to all the PSers out there,

As the subject title suggests, I have been lurking around these forums for about a year now, and the information that I have gleaned has been nothing short of enlightening. My sincerest thanks go out to all the experts and diamond aficionados for their answers and insights into some of the most basic questions from newbies like me and to the complex, yet straightforward, remarks on some of the more complicated and delicate questions at hand. Your warm and friendly suggestions are appreciated by more than just those who originally asked the question, and I am truly indebted to you all.

My story, I expect, is probably not so very different than many of the people who find their way to these forums, as I have had abysmal relations with the B&M stores in my neighborhood. However, I do consider myself very fortunate, as I would have never considered looking at diamonds and rings online before my dealings with the local vendors. So here I am, making one of the greatest decisions of my life, and I want to thank everyone for their help, as I know I am in good hands.

As I've said, I have had forgettable discourses with B&M stores; however, the one helpful thing about going into these stores is that I was able actually see the diamonds and settings in all their glory. On that note, I have narrowed the settings that I have been looking at down to two:

http://www.helzberg.com/product/5-8ct+tw+diamond+semimount+engagement+ring+1727408.do?keyword=1727408&sortby=newArrivals

http://www.helzberg.com/product/1-3ct+tw+diamond+engagement+ring+1727394.do?keyword=1727394&sortby=newArrivals

My trouble with deciding between the two settings is that my girlfriend (hopefully my soon to be fiance) loves simplicity and symbolism. And of course... sparkle!!! So I am torn between the channel set being elegant and simplistic, and the pave being majestic and sparkly. Fortunately, my conundrum concerns two settings that are fairly similar.

My bigger and more pressing issue concerns the center diamond. I know my lovely lady loves the romantic, timeless feel of the cushion, and I also know that she does not pick up on color or clarity quite as easily as I do. Thus, I am leaning toward an H color and SI1 clarity.

I have recently been looking on Whiteflash and BGD for the center stone; however, all of the diamond characteristics tend to make my brain befuddled, as I cannot help second-guessing each and every decision that I make (I know it sounds cliche, but I want this ring to be absolutely perfect :) ).

I know that I have digressed quite a lot, and I apologize for the lengthy discourse. I am just incredibly excited to be getting the "ball rolling." To summarize on the center stone characteristics that I was looking at:

Shape: Cushion
Clarity: SI1
Color: H
Price Range: $10k total (with the settings specified above this leaves about $8k for the center diamond)

Thank you all in advance for helping me in my (figurative) hour of need. Thank you so very much, and I hope you all have a most wonderful evening.

With utmost gratitude,
Gregory
 
if you are looking for an antique cushion here are some choices...BGD used to stock modern cushions, not sure if they are anymore...one poster recently bought an antique style cushion from WF, you could call and ask if they are getting more in?

I VS1
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7958/

H SI2 (ask if eye-clean)
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8204/

request image?
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/diamonds/1-42-i-vs1-cushion-diamond.html

ETA this one is a J color but a great size
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/diamonds/1-75-j-vs2-antique-cushion.html

I think a simple setting is perfect for an antique cushion. I would personally choose a simpler design to let the center stone really stand out. Since she likes sparkle, maybe a simple pave setting like these?
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5708
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5542
 
I don't know if you know about JA, but their gemologist will look at three diamonds at a time for you, and tell you which one is the best from your selection. I have picked out three that I think would be worth checking out. Just remember if you do order from JA make sure you get the pricescope discount. :appl:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1361877.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Premium-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1363209.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324964.asp

I thought I would recommend this setting to you also, my friend has this setting with a princess cut in the middle, and it is gorgeous. The detailing is just stunning.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18k-White-Gold-Royal-Engraved-Brilliant-Ring.html

Here is a picture of it with a much smaller cushion hopefully it works

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/settings-with-sidestones/2052/Side-Stone-Engagement-Ring.html
 
If she likes the romantic, timeless look of the cushion, then that to me means antique style cushions. In that case, I'd have to second Good Old Gold and possibly ones from Leon Mege. My preference is the ones from Good Old Gold.

Then I would explore the settings of the vendor you buy the diamond from. I honestly do not like the styles of the ones you posted for cushions, and I don't think they fit the "simplicity" definition. But once you choose a stone, then we can better help you with a setting.
 
Thank you all for your honest and straightforward replies. I think, in the end, I have fallen victim to thinking about the e-ring backwards; instead of the diamond following the setting, I most definitely should first find the center stone that reflects my girlfriend's personality and let the setting follow and complement the stone's beauty. Thank you all for pointing this out to me, as sometimes the most painfully obvious things escape the inexperienced.

Again, I wanted to thank you all for bringing me back to GOG. I remember looking at GOG awhile ago, and I recall that their videos were exceptionally helpful in visualizing the differences between the modern and vintage cushion cuts. However, I have been unable to find these videos once again (I keep getting an invalid address error message when I attempt to open them), and I was wondering if any PSers might have other suggestions as to where I might be able to find videos illustrating the different appearances between the various cushion cuts.

Thank you so much,
Gregory
 
GOG videos are on YouTube under "diamondinfoman" username.
 
supraacumen|1304257083|2909063 said:
Thank you all for your honest and straightforward replies. I think, in the end, I have fallen victim to thinking about the e-ring backwards; instead of the diamond following the setting, I most definitely should first find the center stone that reflects my girlfriend's personality and let the setting follow and complement the stone's beauty. Thank you all for pointing this out to me, as sometimes the most painfully obvious things escape the inexperienced.

Again, I wanted to thank you all for bringing me back to GOG. I remember looking at GOG awhile ago, and I recall that their videos were exceptionally helpful in visualizing the differences between the modern and vintage cushion cuts. However, I have been unable to find these videos once again (I keep getting an invalid address error message when I attempt to open them), and I was wondering if any PSers might have other suggestions as to where I might be able to find videos illustrating the different appearances between the various cushion cuts.

Thank you so much,
Gregory
Click to expand...

sure, here is the video :) http://vimeo.com/7579666

you can also see lots of other videos http://vimeo.com/diamondinfo/videos/sort:date here, maybe search for 'cushion'
 
 
 
 
to me these cushions just looked like they had larger facets than the ones I previously listed, maybe I said it wrong. When I watched this GOG video I just thought these looked similar to the larger faceted one on his video than the modern cushion he was showing.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4907/
 
Thank you all for your input. I have been searching around the various websites that you have provided, and I am definitely sold on the chunkier look of the cushion. I have also been in contact with GOG, and they have suggested (like slg47) that I take a look at:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8204/

I am a bit concerned about the stone being eye clean, as I see inclusions decently well; however, my girlfriend does not seem to notice them as easily. Furthermore, she does not really pick up on the different color gradients (that is, unless she is examining them side by side for an extended bit of time). Thankfully, this is to my benefit. Knowing that she does not perceive color too well, I was looking toward:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7804/

My question concerning the second diamond is how noticeable is the color difference from an H-I to a K? I would imagine that the K color would give a significantly noticeable yellow tint, but this is just speculation on my end.

Needless to say that between the eye cleanliness of the first and the color of the second, I have to get a bit of the answer from GOG.

Thank you once again for all of your help. This site (and all of the wonderful people) is truly a blessing in disguise.

Thank you,
Gregory
 
I think you will see a tint with the K color. Do they have anything else coming in in the SI1/VS2 range? I really like the shape of the H SI2 but would be wary about the SI2. Definitely ask GOG though, if it is eye-clean to your standards that could be a great choice. I also like the I/VS1 that I posted earlier but it is of course smaller.
 
So, I have been talking with GOG, and I am quite certain that I would notice the inclusion on the table of the H SI2:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8204/

In addition to the aforementioned, I have asked GOG and have looked through the different pictures and images about the K VS2 and I VS1:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7804/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7958/

Concerning the K VS2, the reply that I received back was: "Many people including myself [Sarah at GOG] feel that the AVC carries warmer color beautifully. In fact, it adds an authentic appeal to the stone which makes it look like a true antique diamond." This was an interesting reply to me, as I have felt when looking through various diamonds that the cushion carries the warmer colors better than the rounds; however, I don't know if this is something that I've made up in my mind or if others feel the same way.

Now, I'm no expert in reading ASET images, so I don't really know how much better the light performance is with the I VS1 as compared with the K VS2. Needless to say, I would really appreciate some feedback concerning the light performance of these two stones.

Thank you all so very much. I really appreciate all of the help.
Gregory
 
I agree that the AVCs look nice in the warmer colors but I would not get one for an engagement ring unless you are sure that that is what your GF wants! I also prefer the I because it is more square and I like the more square AVCs better.
 
slg47,

Thank you for your quick input! Might I ask why you prefer the more squared look to the AVC? In looking at their proportions, the I VS1 has roughly a 1.02 length-width ratio; whereas, the other is about 1.08. I realize both diamonds fall within the typical bandwidth of 1-1.1, so I am curious as to know if there is something I am not considering with the proportions. Then again, I suppose the squarer shape allows for better optics as a result of natural symmetry.

Thank you very much, once again, for the quick reply.
Gregory
 
oh, there is nothing wrong with the more rectangular one! my eye is just more drawn to the squarer shape.
 
My preference is also for square cushions but I am biased given that I have two square cushions.

For cushions, stick with gog, Leon or ERD. The chances of getting a nice antique cut is better.

JA is like trying to find a needle in a haystack and I found their staff not fully educated on cushion cuts.
 
I would not get a K color stone unless the intended wearer specifically likes warmer toned diamonds. I have owned many different color diamonds, including a K, and note that there is a noticable difference between the J and K color grades in terms of tint. So IMO, an I and a K are not only 2 color grades apart -- it is a substantial difference in terms of tint. I would opt for the I to be safe.
 
Everyone brings in excellent points about the K VS2, and the color is certainly a concern for me as well. Now, I know my girlfriend would in all probability never notice this, as we had "jokingly" gone into a B&M store to look at diamonds where she was presented with an F and a J and could not tell the difference until she really, really studied the diamonds. However, I would know the difference. As I wrote that last line, I finally understand everyone constantly writing about a diamond being "mind clean" in clarity and color.

The I SI1 (http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7958/) is a really lovely stone, and as far as I can tell the inclusions would be masked by the setting's prongs. To be objective, this diamond is slightly smaller than I originally had it mind. This is about the only fault that I can find with this stone.

After searching Leon Mege, ERD, and GOG, I do not see any other cushions that meet the criteria I have specified, and it seems that the choice (at least at the present moment) is between the two stones mentioned. Last night, I went ahead and reserved the K VS2 (fearing that it might be gone before I could accurately assess the diamond); however, after reading many of the thoughts on this board and looking back and forth between the two diamonds, I am certainly enthralled with the I SI1.

I suppose I will continue searching and analyzing between these two.

Thanks again for all your help. It is very much appreciated.
Gregory
 
supraacumen|1304678953|2913794 said:
Everyone brings in excellent points about the K VS2, and the color is certainly a concern for me as well. Now, I know my girlfriend would in all probability never notice this, as we had "jokingly" gone into a B&M store to look at diamonds where she was presented with an F and a J and could not tell the difference until she really, really studied the diamonds. However, I would know the difference. As I wrote that last line, I finally understand everyone constantly writing about a diamond being "mind clean" in clarity and color.

The I SI1 (http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7958/) is a really lovely stone, and as far as I can tell the inclusions would be masked by the setting's prongs. To be objective, this diamond is slightly smaller than I originally had it mind. This is about the only fault that I can find with this stone.

After searching Leon Mege, ERD, and GOG, I do not see any other cushions that meet the criteria I have specified, and it seems that the choice (at least at the present moment) is between the two stones mentioned. Last night, I went ahead and reserved the K VS2 (fearing that it might be gone before I could accurately assess the diamond); however, after reading many of the thoughts on this board and looking back and forth between the two diamonds, I am certainly enthralled with the I SI1.

I suppose I will continue searching and analyzing between these two.

Thanks again for all your help. It is very much appreciated.
Gregory
Click to expand...

This GOG stone would be very pretty. You do realize that cushions face up smaller than round brilliants. This stone is in
the 6x6mm range. A well cut 1 carat round brilliant is about 6.5mm. Just dont want you to be suprised by anything.
 
tyty333,

Yes, I do realize that cushions are smaller radially than rounds, which is why I have been considering the larger, warmer stone. It seems that the general opinion is that the K color would be a bit too much warmth for an e-ring. If I am to rule this stone out, the next diamond that is within the clarity specifications that I am looking for is the I SI1. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a lot of choices between these two stones for the budget range that I had in mind.

Thanks again for all your help,
Gregory
 
Congratulations on your upcoming engagement! I found this site to and was so happy I did! My old stone I had was when the first AVC were being cut as prototypes and I ended up with a J SI1. I've been told that there isn't much of a stretch between a J and a K (and Jonathan can do comparison videos for you too...I'd have him video the H and the K so you can see the difference and also put the K in a setting and the H in a setting so you can see the difference). Here is a link to the stone I had to see if you can see any warmth (the video too). Also I would check out www.jewelsbyericagrace.com as well.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/she-s-here-gog-new-chunky-cushion-t118333.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/she-s-here-gog-new-chunky-cushion-t118333.html[/URL]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6011/

http://www.vimeo.com/5099423

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com (check out the lowered colored stones in the video links to see what they look like)

I found a video of an AVC I in color on JBEG site that they set (they've set a few of them)
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Other/KAs-117-I-VVS2-GOG-AV-Cushion/11570480_MkmbP#815056005_Sybhv
 
So Sarah at GOG was nice enough to snap some quick pictures of the K VS2 1.54 and the I VS1 1.11. Here are a portion of the side by side shots. Although she sent a bunch of pictures, it definitely seems that a video would do this better justice.

Gregory

DSCN1721.JPG

DSCN1722.JPG

DSCN1723.JPG

DSCN1725.JPG
 
More pictures...

IVS1.JPG

kvs2 (2).JPG

kvs2 (3).JPG

KVS2.JPG
 
Well, I like the bigger K diamond but would set it in a simple gold solitaire to minimize the apparent color, since melee highlights color differences.

I think the tint in noticable compared to the I, but so is the size difference :devil: I also think that the tint looks romantic in AVCs. Since she cannot tell the color difference IRL, then this is most likely not an issue for her.
 
Ditto...I agree with DD...that K looks lovely to me and the size, well :naughty: .
 
Thank you all for your replies. I am trying to approach these two lovely stones as objectively as possible my rationale is as follows:

Clarity: Between the VS2 and the VS1 grades, no difference will be "seen" so this is a tie.
Color: Although my girlfriend does not see color extraordinarily well and I do not believe this to be as big of an issue, the I is two color grades better than the K, so the edge goes to the I VS1 (although this edge is very slight in my book).
Size: The K diamond is noticeably larger than the I. Edge to K diamond.
Length-Width Proportions: Although some members have expressed their preference for a squared cushion, my girlfriend seems to prefer the "pillow" shape of the cushion, so I don't feel this is an issue with the K diamond. Tie again.
Optics: This is the part that I am stuck at, as it seems that the I VS1 has a better ASET and DiamXray than the K. Now, I can't be completely certain, and perhaps others might be able to chime in on this point, but if this is the case the I VS1 gets the edge.

Thus, it boils down to slightly better color and optics versus size. And if this wasn't complicated enough, I don't know if I missed this one earlier, but I found another contender in:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8047/

I would really appreciate some outside perspective on the two aforementioned stones, especially concerning the optics of both. Thank you so very much, and I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Thank you so much,
Gregory
 
I think you are splitting hairs trying to say the K or the I has better optics 8) With this level of cut quality -- equivalent (and apparently soon to be graded) AGS0 for cut -- the ASET and other imaging technology becomes less important IMO.

Now, on the other hand, the two stones could have different "flavours", as in different personalities of appearance, driven in large part by their different sizes. I suggest that you ask Jon to finl a video for you comparing the I, K, and the last J you posted. It will give you the best impression of size and optics. And from there, totally honestly, I would pick the one your gf likes the best ::) There, I said it. Show her the video and let her pick. Making her happy will be the best gift of all!
 
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