Help picking b/w A Cut Beyond vs. August Vintage Cushion

[FieryBrilliance]

Hi all,
After months of lurking, searching, and asking my girlfriend what she likes, I've decided that I'm going to buy a vintage cushion cut stone. Now, I need to determine where to get the best for my money. I've been interacting with GOG quite a bit (love their service and dedication to educating people) and love the AVCs but noticed that ERD has "A cut beyond" stones with a similar appearance for what seems to be slightly cheaper.

I'd like to get a 1.5ct stone in the F-H color range. Clarity is somewhat less important but I'd like to stay higher than SI1. All told, I'd love to be able to get stone & setting for $15,000.

GOG has a 1.5 FSI1 for $15,250 which looks very nice:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9879/

But then I go to ERD and see A Cut Beyond stones the same size for almost 3K cheaper. See below:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.50-carat-g-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-106215.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.52-carat-g-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-105725.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.55-carat-h-vvs1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-106401.html

I realize that AVCs are patented and unique to GOG, and that they are AGS0 ideal light performance, but is that the only reason for the massive price difference and if so, is it worth the extra money to buy the AVC? I'll be putting it in a rose gold halo with a platinum split shank band if I can find one or have it custom made. D

Thanks!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

You say vintage cushion cut stone. Do you want a stone that was cut recently like an antique cut or are you willing to actually go antique. I love OMBs and antique cushions, have you checked out Old World Diamonds? You may be able to get more diamond for less. And Adam always has better stock than on his website. Or are you set on ERD and GOG? AVCs are beautiful, and they do have the optimum light performance, but they are quite pricey and you said you wanted the best bang for your buck.

 

[FieryBrilliance]

You say vintage cushion cut stone. Do you want a stone that was cut recently like an antique cut or are you willing to actually go antique. I love OMBs and antique cushions, have you checked out Old World Diamonds? You may be able to get more diamond for less. And Adam always has better stock than on his website. Or are you set on ERD and GOG? AVCs are beautiful, and they do have the optimum light performance, but they are quite pricey and you said you wanted the best bang for your buck.

Good point of clarification. I think I'd prefer a stone cut recently to look antique as opposed to an actual antique stone, mainly because I like the symmetry of the "Maltese cross" design, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out actual antiques without investigating them further. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You pay for ideal light performance in any shape stone, even rounds. I'd personally choose the AVC for that reason. I have found that some stones will not have edge-to-edge brightness, and therefore they can appear smaller in a way than a stone is bright around the edges.