Help on Cut and Color

[sa806]

Hi,

I have around $14,000 budget without the setting. My girlfriend likes cushion, but I think round is a better value and classic.

The main characteristics I want are fire and brilliance and just something that pops to the eye. SL1 is fine as long as there are no blemishes to the unaided eye.

Looking on Blue Nile at Ideal and Signature Ideal I wonder what noticeable difference there would be between the two cuts (or similar cut classifications)?

Also on color, going from I to H on a Ideal/Signature Ideal diamond, I lose about .2 ct for the same price.

So my question is should I go for Ideal cut and a better color (G+), or Signature ideal and an I or H color.

I want to stay above 1.6 ct, but closer to 2 would be better.

TYIA

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi, since BN does not provide pictures or idealscope images on the diamonds, I would suggest looking at some of the respected sites that do offer them...Good Old Gold for rounds and cushions, WhiteFlash for rounds, and James Allen for rounds (they have cushions but it may be hard to find a really good one there).

Does your girlfriend like rounds and cushions equally? What style of setting does she like? That might help us make some recommendations.

One more...do you think she's rather have a lower color stone in order to get the greatest size or would she value higher color more?

 

[distracts]

If your girlfriend likes cushions, get her a cushion.

 

[JulieN]

Check out the August Vintage and Brellia cushions on Good Old Gold.

 

[04diamond<3]

Here's one of each:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1534025.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1524377.asp

Keep in mind, cushions face up a lot smaller than rounds. And you'll have to decide what kind of cushion cut you/she likes better. The two biggest ones are "crushed ice" and chunky...the one above is crushed ice...

this one is august vintage:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10154/

 

[sa806]

She likes rounds and cushions, but cushions are what all of her friends are getting. I actually think cushion would look better on her probably, I just know less about their characteristics and have read they are not as good of a value.

Settings she likes classic looking stuff, Pavé seems to be her preference, platinum or white gold. Her #1 criteria is that it is brilliant and pretty, no other preference on characteristics.

She wears a size 6 1/2.

I noticed cushions only go up to Very Good cut, is that the best there are?

 

[04diamond<3]

No, there are ideal cut cushions, but there are "good cut" ones that look better than ideal ones...it's a matter of preference...

 

[ariel144]

Uh, well, if your girlfriend likes a cushion cut diamond then get HER a cushion. Are you going to be wearing HER ring too??? Why would any guy want to control something like the shape of the stone in an engagement ring??? I'm not trying to be rude, it just seems pretty weird to me.

The regulars in PS can help you find a great cushion cut stone OR call Good Old Gold, Engagement Rings Direct, Leon Mege, or Victor Canera....ALL can help you find the best cushion cut for your budget. Just sayin....

The better the cut the better the stone will perform. If you watch the videos on GOG on cushions it will educate you so you can better choose a great performing stone. James Allen has been listing more cushion brilliants and Old Mine cut cushions lately. You can probably find a good one on there for less. They will also get you an ASET image so you can see if the stone is leaking light which causes it to not perform well.

Good luck...don't be afraid of cushion cuts. They are so beautiful and popular right now. Also check out the recent threads on cushions here where we have listed a lot of cushions available in your budget. Best cut %'s in a cushion brilliant are:

mid 60% depth.... and mid 50% table The smaller the table, the higher the crown which is desirable. You can go a J color and still be in the colorless range and get a larger stone for you money.

Here is a 5c. Antique cushion J color in a halo...see page 3:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-antique-cushion.140739/[/URL]

 

[sa806]

Points are well taken on her preference for Cushion. I can ask her again, she liked round too. I think she prefers fire and color to size, but her hands are kind of big for a 6.5 ring size so I wouldn't want to go smaller than 1.5 ct I think.

I like the James Allen site because of the photos, and I looked at cushions between 1.80/H/VVS1 and 2.02/I/ both in SI1 and VS2.

I think the best is a 1.72/G/VS2 but it has a different (lighter) photo background than the others.

I have about 7 on my wishlist if anyone would be willing to take a look and give me advice (the wish list can be e-mailed).

 

[ariel144]

She likes rounds and cushions, but cushions are what all of her friends are getting. I actually think cushion would look better on her probably, I just know less about their characteristics and have read they are not as good of a value.

Settings she likes classic looking stuff, Pavé seems to be her preference, platinum or white gold. Her #1 criteria is that it is brilliant and pretty, no other preference on characteristics.

She wears a size 6 1/2.

I noticed cushions only go up to Very Good cut, is that the best there are?

This is a really nice platinum antique 2.35c cushion cut ring ...GIA J VS2...they say it looks more like an I color and performs really well. Vendor is well respected by PS'rs who have dealt with them in the past.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170957671779?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Many girls are really liking to get an antique ring for their engagment ring. Makes it a little more special. If you just want the stone ...they may sell you just the stone....it is very large...8.5mm x 7.8mm.

 

[sa806]

Ok thank you.

And what is a good girdle for cushion in this price range?

 

[JulieN]

you want to avoid Extremely Thin/Thick. Excluding Very Thin/Thick might cut out too many good ones.

 

[marcy]

I thought the same thing everyone else posted - if she prefers a cushion that is what I would suggest you buy for her. I am sure you can find her a beautiful cushion cut diamond.

 

[sa806]

So I showed her like 10 cushions and held a magazine up to cover the prices. She liked the same one that I thought was the best. There is something about it being a perfect 1.00 square that is appealing also.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1544458.asp

I think going bigger would be better, but it seems I can only pick up .1cts by going down to H color. Maybe I can find a G SI1 that is visually clean?

If I buy a band from BN or a different place should I have a local jeweler set it?

How do repairs work for these online settings and stones work, not typically covered unless they set it?

 

[distracts]

If I buy a band from BN or a different place should I have a local jeweler set it?

Well you won't be able to buy a setting from Blue Nile as they don't sell their settings without diamonds. If James Allen does not have a setting you like, you can see if the setting can be shipped to JA and they can set your stone, or if your stone can be shipped to wherever you bought the setting from. Either way, you should insure it before setting (a step that's not necessary if you get the setting and stone from the same place).

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would pass on that diamond. The pattern is .

I would seriously consider this diamond ... I wanted a friend to buy it but he wasn't comfortable with eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6-Carat-solitaire-cushion-cut-engagement-ring-/121032399003

Or this one ..
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.70-carat-f-si1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-101561.html

If you are willing to go smaller and an antique cut
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.55-carat-f-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-102269.html

 

[CharmyPoo]

If I buy a band from BN or a different place should I have a local jeweler set it?

How do repairs work for these online settings and stones work, not typically covered unless they set it?

What type of setting do you want? That may determine who you want to buy from.

I would probably get either the diamond or setting vendor to put the ring together versus a third vendor.

 

[sa806]

After watching alot of the Good Old Gold cushion videos and realizing that optics really are my primary concern, I'm now concerned about buying a cushion online without seeing it in person or seeing the ASET or similar image. Many of the ones I think look good on James Allen seem like they are too clear or have the crushed ice/watery effect.

I thought about working with GOG, but are there any jewelers in the Washington, DC metro area who are good resources for cushions?

Also what are the online sites that have ASET images or something that tells me about the optic performance. Would using the HCA tool help me to get excellent optics?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Seriously, Good Old Gold is absolutely your best bet for cushions of any type. They can get some in and compare light performance for you and even make a video for you to see them. They pick great fancy cuts. I just chose an asscher from some outstanding stones they called in (and the larger one was in stock).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7SBfNGxTFE&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=2

No, HCA is only for modern rounds. Cushions are hard to buy online except from vendors like GOG which are few and far between. Local jewelers rarely have the quality of fancy shape diamonds that I have seen come out of GOG. For that matter, they don't have the quality of rounds that they have.

 

[04diamond<3]

After watching alot of the Good Old Gold cushion videos and realizing that optics really are my primary concern, I'm now concerned about buying a cushion online without seeing it in person or seeing the ASET or similar image. Many of the ones I think look good on James Allen seem like they are too clear or have the crushed ice/watery effect.

I thought about working with GOG, but are there any jewelers in the Washington, DC metro area who are good resources for cushions?

Also what are the online sites that have ASET images or something that tells me about the optic performance. Would using the HCA tool help me to get excellent optics?

Nope. HCA is for round diamonds. I know Jonathan at GOG is very partial to chucky old cut cushions, but I think that's mainly because that's their stone. If you're confused about the cut of the stone you need to figure out what type you like. Crushed ice is DEFINITELY my favorite because I love the faceting! I absolutely adore the "crushed ice" look and a lot of others on here do too. Others like the vintage cut collection and those are beautiful too. Its up to whatever your FI loves. Maybe asking her which she prefers would be a good idea.

 

[sa806]

She likes both vintage and modern, but I can see if she has a preference.

This is much more difficult than I anticipated, but I pay attention to detail and do intense research on purchases, so I should have figured.

 

[04diamond<3]

She likes both vintage and modern, but I can see if she has a preference.

This is much more difficult than I anticipated, but I pay attention to detail and do intense research on purchases, so I should have figured.

It's ok! It's all a learning process and finding out more information just shows you care. I bet it means a lot to her!

 

[isekii]

You look like me from couple weeks ago.

I got my stone from James Allen 1.244 I VS2 Cushion Antique facet pattern and doing the setting with EternitybyYoni. Made all the necessary payments today and will be receiving the CAD images early next week to see if everything is on the up and up.

Oh and if she wants a cushion get her a cushion. I ran into the same issue you did, but in the end she's getting a cushion.

 

[yssie]

After watching alot of the Good Old Gold cushion videos and realizing that optics really are my primary concern, I'm now concerned about buying a cushion online without seeing it in person or seeing the ASET or similar image. Many of the ones I think look good on James Allen seem like they are too clear or have the crushed ice/watery effect.

I thought about working with GOG, but are there any jewelers in the Washington, DC metro area who are good resources for cushions?

Also what are the online sites that have ASET images or something that tells me about the optic performance. Would using the HCA tool help me to get excellent optics?

Nope. HCA is for round diamonds. I know Jonathan at GOG is very partial to chucky old cut cushions, but I think that's mainly because that's their stone. If you're confused about the cut of the stone you need to figure out what type you like. Crushed ice is DEFINITELY my favorite because I love the faceting! I absolutely adore the "crushed ice" look and a lot of others on here do too. Others like the vintage cut collection and those are beautiful too. Its up to whatever your FI loves. Maybe asking her which she prefers would be a good idea.

Oh you MUST stay and post often 04diamond, consumers who like crushed ice by any definition - or even see virtue in it - are FAR too few and far between on here! As someone who has had the opportunity to see a couple of nice examples I have some idea of just how rare the beauties really are, and how mesmerizing those rarities can be IRL! I've also learnt that I don't care for chunky cushions IRL, so I'm a sort-of PS oddity I guess!

//threadjack

 

[04diamond<3]

After watching alot of the Good Old Gold cushion videos and realizing that optics really are my primary concern, I'm now concerned about buying a cushion online without seeing it in person or seeing the ASET or similar image. Many of the ones I think look good on James Allen seem like they are too clear or have the crushed ice/watery effect.

I thought about working with GOG, but are there any jewelers in the Washington, DC metro area who are good resources for cushions?

Also what are the online sites that have ASET images or something that tells me about the optic performance. Would using the HCA tool help me to get excellent optics?

Nope. HCA is for round diamonds. I know Jonathan at GOG is very partial to chucky old cut cushions, but I think that's mainly because that's their stone. If you're confused about the cut of the stone you need to figure out what type you like. Crushed ice is DEFINITELY my favorite because I love the faceting! I absolutely adore the "crushed ice" look and a lot of others on here do too. Others like the vintage cut collection and those are beautiful too. Its up to whatever your FI loves. Maybe asking her which she prefers would be a good idea.

Oh you MUST stay and post often 04diamond, consumers who like crushed ice by any definition - or even see virtue in it - are FAR too few and far between on here! As someone who has had the opportunity to see a couple of nice examples I have some idea of just how rare the beauties really are, and how mesmerizing those rarities can be IRL! I've also learnt that I don't care for chunky cushions IRL, so I'm a sort-of PS oddity I guess!

//threadjack

Hahahah - Thank you Yssie! You're sweet! I don't plan on going anywhere so I'm staying!! I don't understand how you can't be completely in love with and just mesmerized by "crushed ice". I've been a glitter princess since I was a child and the only reason I have a round is because we were young (7 years ago haha), and got a great deal on a round stone with the 1ct size that I wanted. But oh, I dream of a 3+ "crushed ice" cushion!!! Or oval, but probably cushion that just sparkles like it's no ones business! I don't understand the "chunky" I feel like it defeats the purpose of the cushion cut. But I guess it's what's in...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Now we know there are actually two of you! Sincerely, I cannot tolerate a stone without excellent symmetry, so crushed ice is looooow on my list!

Stick with antique or very well cut modern, OP! Both excellent choices, in my opinion!

This is just an example of cut since it is too small for you, but this is a pretty modern cushion, IMO:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9296/

 

[yssie]

::SNORT:: DS we're creeping out from the woodwork! Strangely enough I can't tolerate lack of symmetry either, when I'm *expecting* symmetry - old cuts drive me a little bit bonkers too, to be honest. But with the sort of "crushed ice" I like, I'm expecting not to see any symmetry, so it's a turn-off to see any! So the modern cushion you linked would be, um, not my choice

04 - I think there are so many different definitions of "crushed ice" floating around on here, we can never really be sure that we're all talking about the same thing! I don't consider "mush" - dead, indistinct areas that don't do anything and just look mushy and muddy - crushed ice at all, but I know GOG calls that "watery crushed ice". To me "crushed ice" - the sort I literally gasped out loud at - is where the stone is bright, edge to edge, with absolutely no discernible pattern to the faceting at all - like looking into an endless tub of glitter just sparkle here, sparkle there, sparkle sparkle everywhere! Exactly as you said - glitter princess!!

This thread is turning interesting

 

[04diamond<3]

::SNORT:: DS we're creeping out from the woodwork! Strangely enough I can't tolerate lack of symmetry either, when I'm *expecting* symmetry - old cuts drive me a little bit bonkers too, to be honest. But with the sort of "crushed ice" I like, I'm expecting not to see any symmetry, so it's a turn-off to see any! So the modern cushion you linked would be, um, not my choice

04 - I think there are so many different definitions of "crushed ice" floating around on here, we can never really be sure that we're all talking about the same thing! I don't consider "mush" - dead, indistinct areas that don't do anything and just look mushy and muddy - crushed ice at all, but I know GOG calls that "watery crushed ice". To me "crushed ice" - the sort I literally gasped out loud at - is where the stone is bright, edge to edge, with absolutely no discernible pattern to the faceting at all - like looking into an endless tub of glitter just sparkle here, sparkle there, sparkle sparkle everywhere! Exactly as you said - glitter princess!!

This thread is turning interesting

Yssie you crack me up!!!!! I 100% agree with you. I want the crushiest of the crushy's!!!! You took the words right out of my mouth - tub of glitter is perfect! watery crushed ice is new to me, but it sucks! A hair different from the chuncky stuff. My perfect stone would sparkle at every angel and look like it has a billion facetes and it's just cut everywhere to make it glittery the most that it can. I've seen a few. Yssie - have you seen colored cushions? Those are cut the best I think. Now if they could just do that for colorless, I'll buy that stone!

 

[gregchang35]

Everyone likes different things. And it is quite overwhelming to learn about all the C's of diamonds. Just ride the wave and know that after a while, you will get to understNd what it is that you like or not. However, this project is for your GF. Getting her what she wants is important. And we don't need to tell you that. So, this means MANY conversations, showing selective pictures and potentially ring shopping are necessary. Now that is just for the diamond, let alone the setting.

I like antique cuts such as round OEC, step cuts like asscher and emeralds, as I love big chunky facets, but funnily, I am not a big fan of AVC-( ok DS and others, pick yourself up off the floor ) don't get me wrong, I still like 'em but not as much as OEC, there is one antique cushion cut from ERD that charmy posted earlier that i like more than the AVC.

I like crushed ice too, but on selected cushions. I guess the cut is king, as we all know.

Many PSers here who have ready posted will guide you in your selection process. Take a few more deep breaths and enjoy the learning process. Ultimately, your GF will love the fact that you have done a lot if researching in getting her the ring. The romanticism of it all.

Enjoy!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

::SNORT:: DS we're creeping out from the woodwork! Strangely enough I can't tolerate lack of symmetry either, when I'm *expecting* symmetry - old cuts drive me a little bit bonkers too, to be honest. But with the sort of "crushed ice" I like, I'm expecting not to see any symmetry, so it's a turn-off to see any! So the modern cushion you linked would be, um, not my choice

04 - I think there are so many different definitions of "crushed ice" floating around on here, we can never really be sure that we're all talking about the same thing! I don't consider "mush" - dead, indistinct areas that don't do anything and just look mushy and muddy - crushed ice at all, but I know GOG calls that "watery crushed ice". To me "crushed ice" - the sort I literally gasped out loud at - is where the stone is bright, edge to edge, with absolutely no discernible pattern to the faceting at all - like looking into an endless tub of glitter just sparkle here, sparkle there, sparkle sparkle everywhere! Exactly as you said - glitter princess!!

This thread is turning interesting

Yes, a curse of liking symmetry and good light return is a real damper on me finding a bargain OEC or OMC. I'd love to save the money, but when you combine all my preferences, what I really want probably doesn't exist! Not that I am having any better luck with the newly cut ones, either!