Help Me Help a Friend (Cushion Search)

[BHamilton]

Greetings! This forum was a great resource in helping me find a darling cushion for my S/O and I'm hoping to reach back for assistance. A close friend preparing to propose and it's no secret so his GF provided her desired ring which is based on my wife's (1.3ct, VVS2, I). While she does like that stone she would like hers bigger on account of her chunkier fingers (her words not ours). That may just mean the stone needs to face bigger but she told him 1.7-2.0cts should do it. The other difference from my wife's ring is she'd like hers set in white gold halo as opposed to rose gold so color would likely be a greater consideration). My friend is hitting the brick & mortars to search but I told him the knowledgeable folks here could likely assist. As for budget, I told him the stone itself came out just under 7k and he seem to turn another color himself. I do better income-wise so totally understandable and I'd probably kick in 1-1.5k to get him over the hump if it opened up some great options to him. JA was the site I went with last time and wiring the money was both simple and saved a little cash so wouldn't mind going back to them. So any takers in our quest?

My wife's ring for ref:

 

[elizat]

It sounds like this ring would fit the bill perfectly.

FS: Victor Canera pave 4 prong solitaire w melee size 5 with 2.01 H VS2 modern cushion all original paperwork/packaging/lab report/appraisal included

A never worn (except for these photos) Victor Canera pave 4 prong solitaire size 5 with 2.01 H- VS2 modern cushion solitaire. Pics include all original packaging, receipt, appraisal signed by Nicholas. Original purchase price $16,707. Asking $11,700 aka 30% off. Can provide Victor/Nicholas’s...

www.pricescope.com

It's made by an extremely talented vendor and is very well priced.

 

[lovedogs]

It sounds like this ring would fit the bill perfectly.

FS: Victor Canera pave 4 prong solitaire w melee size 5 with 2.01 H VS2 modern cushion all original paperwork/packaging/lab report/appraisal included

A never worn (except for these photos) Victor Canera pave 4 prong solitaire size 5 with 2.01 H- VS2 modern cushion solitaire. Pics include all original packaging, receipt, appraisal signed by Nicholas. Original purchase price $16,707. Asking $11,700 aka 30% off. Can provide Victor/Nicholas’s...

www.pricescope.com

It's made by an extremely talented vendor and is very well priced.

This would be perfrct but am afraid it's over budget if his friend was balking at the stone costing 7k

 

[elizat]

This would be perfrct but am afraid it's over budget if his friend was balking at the stone costing 7k

oh, yikes! I don't think a natural mined cushion that is nicely cut that weighs 1,7 to 2 carats will be found under that range.

ETA:

OP:

I looked at Blue Nile and James Allen. There are some that are sI2 but you'd have to have each one checked. Under 6k, I do not think you will find a nice stone, unless your friend is willing to drop down to under 1.50 ct for the stone.


ETA: this is one of the nicest stones I could find, under 6k.

1.20-Carat Cushion Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

I don't love it and it's much smaller than he wants. The larger stones available in that budget cap out at around 1.5 and most are unattractive that I saw on a search. There was one SI2 that had a giant booger on the center of the table, but I don't imagine how that could be eye clean.

 

[elizat]

This is an option. But, you need to see if it's eye clean.

https://www.rarecarat.com/product/89765394?ntb=1&online=35,23,32,17,27,55,54,30,24,107,53,38,15,103,40,52,105,12&local=&searchId=556e2b65-4f97-4b8e-ae8e-90b7b3892c90&postalCode=

However, it's not the range he wants.

You could ask about this as well, but inclusions are right on the table again. I'm finding that anything in the above 1.3 range at this price has boogers on the table.

https://www.rarecarat.com/product/88981103?ntb=1&online=35,23,32,17,27,55,54,30,24,107,53,38,15,103,40,52,105,12&local=&searchId=556e2b65-4f97-4b8e-ae8e-90b7b3892c90&postalCode=

This has potential as a modern cushion, but it's only 1.4 ct

https://www.rarecarat.com/product/89645060?ntb=1&online=35,23,32,17,27,55,54,30,24,107,53,38,15,103,40,52,105,12&local=&searchId=556e2b65-4f97-4b8e-ae8e-90b7b3892c90&postalCode=

A couple retailers have that last stone. Look at rare carat as it is cheaper at some places.

A slightly elongated one that has potential, but again, not near the weight he wants.

https://www.rarecarat.com/product/89452139?ntb=1&online=35,23,32,17,27,55,54,30,24,107,53,38,15,103,40,52,105,12&local=&searchId=556e2b65-4f97-4b8e-ae8e-90b7b3892c90&postalCode=

I think you need to talk to him about the size and how important that is. If his budget is under 6k for the stone, I think he's realistically looking at 1.4 ct and below for a nice stone. Lab grown may open up options to him if she's okay with it.

 

[tyty333]

You need to ask him what his budget is.

 

[BHamilton]

oh, yikes! I don't think a natural mined cushion that is nicely cut that weighs 1,7 to 2 carats will be found under that range.

ETA:

OP:

I looked at Blue Nile and James Allen. There are some that are sI2 but you'd have to have each one checked. Under 6k, I do not think you will find a nice stone, unless your friend is willing to drop down to under 1.50 ct for the stone.


ETA: this is one of the nicest stones I could find, under 6k.

1.20-Carat Cushion Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

I don't love it and it's much smaller than he wants. The larger stones available in that budget cap out at around 1.5 and most are unattractive that I saw on a search. There was one SI2 that had a giant booger on the center of the table, but I don't imagine how that could be eye clean.

thanks so much! Yes I think the reality is setting in that the specs will push the price up accordingly. 6-6.5 was his budget from what I gathered but I’d like to throw an extra 1-1.5k if I can find something close to those specs as he’s one of my best mates and has been a great listener when I’ve been in rough patches. The suggestions have been great and I’ll definitely be requested images as I know cushions will show those flaws once you’re in SI territory. Going to do some more hw and follow up here. He’s got a bit of time to decide luckily as they don’t foresee a ceremony until next year at the earliest.

 

[Lookinagain]

OP does it have to be a cushion or could it be a round in a cushion shaped halo?