I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecided

[meg_]

Hi,

I'm starting a new post because my old one was getting convoluted. I hope that's ok!

I picked up this stone from Adam at OWD, and I just need some second opinions.

Here are the specs:

Carat Weight: 2.28
Color: K
Clarity: VS2
Measure: 8.48*8.27*4.80
Cert: EGLLA
Depth: 58.0
Table: 53
Polish: Good
Symetry: Good
Girdle: vtn
Flourescence: None
Culet: Medium
Price: 11,400.00

It's huge (for my $12k budget). And incredibly fiery. I honestly can't stop staring at it. A (very) large part of my brain and heart loves it.

My only real hesitation is I just feel like I don't know enough about antique cushions to make up my mind. Are the facets as chunky as they should be? I tend to like the look of the maltese cross in some of the other pricescope cushion pictures, and this one doesn't really have that. It's also a bit on the round side - although I think the setting could bring out the square shape.

My real hesitation is letting this one go, and not finding one I like as much! Or one that with as much coverage.

Help pricescope experts! What do you think?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Doesn't sound like you are in love. I was recently in a similar situation. I purchased a beautiful diamond and didn't want to return it because I was scared I would not find another one that close to what I was looking for. I ended up returning it this past Monday and I am fine ... I don't miss it.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Take her to a jewelry store locally (just tell them it's an heirloom, and it is... just not yours) one with great setting selections and give her a test drive in a bunch of settings. See how her personality comes out when sitting in settings.

I had a sapphire I felt that way about. It was huge for my budget, unheated, and cut by Jeff White. But it has a couple things I wasn't sure I would be happy with long term and one of them was the shape. I took it to Joe Escobar and tried it in a bunch of settings. It looked best in a halo or with pave, and worst in a three stone and I wanted a three stone and did NOT want a halo or pave. So it wasn't the right stone for me. Had the same experience with a number of old cuts too. Once I took them to see them in settings I knew immediately if I was keeping them or not.

 

[justginger]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

DItto to Gypsy - see how it looks in various settings. But honestly, if it doesn't make your heart soar, it's not right. If you try to convince yourself to love it, it won't happen - and you'll be stuck with a stone you don't love, and forced to take a loss by reselling.

.

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Thanks ladies! I really appreciate the advice.

I do love the stone. It's beautiful, sparkly and incredibly white for a K. (And did I mention huge for my budget. ) I have the package from OWD sitting on my kitchen counter and can't help but open it up and take a peek every time I walk by!

I guess I was hoping for some opinons on the stone. Does the facet structure look nice? I realize that is subjective, but I'm curious what other people think.

Gypsy, that was a great idea to take it into a jewelry store. I'll do that this weekend!

 

[ariel144]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Hi Meg,

You state that it is white and fiery stone and you can't quit looking at it....so the facet structure would not be an issue IMO. It IS an old cut and the facet structure looks lovely to me... a little less chunky than some but still awesome like a cushion brilliant facet pattern which are the best of the more modern cuts. Interesting since it is only 58% depth. The cutter must have been a very talented IMO.

It is HUGE for that budget so me thinks you have found THE ONE. I assume that this is the video of your stone and it is phenomenal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qse6xhshKE

I really don't know why you aren't sure. You love it and that is all that matters. If you don't get it you will kick yourself later.

Can't wait to see it set!

 

[junebug17]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Actually, the video says it's VS!! (assuming that's the right video)

I think it is a beautiful stone - the faceting pattern looks very pretty and I'm not seeing consistent dark areas. Looks like a bright and lively stone to me! I am not an expert, but I think sometimes you just have to go with your eyes and your gut on these old cuts. It sounds like you love the stone and are very excited about it, so it sounds like this could be the one for you.

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Hi Meg,

You state that it is white and fiery stone and you can't quit looking at it....so the facet structure would not be an issue IMO. It IS an old cut and the facet structure looks lovely to me... a little less chunky than some but still awesome like a cushion brilliant facet pattern which are the best of the more modern cuts. Interesting since it is only 58% depth. The cutter must have been a very talented IMO.

It is HUGE for that budget so me thinks you have found THE ONE. I assume that this is the video of your stone and it is phenomenal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qse6xhshKE

I really don't know why you aren't sure. You love it and that is all that matters. If you don't get it you will kick yourself later.

Can't wait to see it set!

Yup, thats my stone! It's so pretty!

I fell in love with the antique cushions after seeing stones similar to kristydarling and Thouarella's stones. I'm just worried I may regret not waiting for a chunkier cut. But i wonder if now that i have this one, if I'd be as happy with a smaller spread. I love the bling on this one!

I realize that ultimately only I can make this decision! And I really appreciate all of your opinions. It's helping me really recognize where my indecisive feelings are coming from.

I wonder too how much my obsession with the chunkier stones comes from the macro photography...

 

[ariel144]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Well I just love big. Since it is BIG and a great performer for your budget, don't think you can do any better. It is the size of a 3.5 carat cushion. see these 3.5c cushions on JA.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/?View=4&Tab=3&Comparison=1528227,1543403,1394997

No one is going to notice the facet pattern of your stone on your hand, they will only notice the size and the sparkle. i saw a 2.87 OEC in person, and could not see the facet pattern with the naked eye.

Would you really be happy with a smaller stone? Take the one you have to a jewelry store and compare it to some smaller stones in person and you will probably agree.

I'm sure there are other PSr's on here just hoping you send this stone back. But if you are so unsure, then maybe you should.

Here is a lovely OMB cut that has the same shape and faceting as yours with a lot lower color and faces up smaller....it is one of the most loved cushions and settings on PS. Your stone is still a chunky cut cushion...definitely not splintery facets. The even chunkier AVC's have the cross in the middle but I like the faceting of your stone better.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-its-here-my-2-30-ct-omb-antique-cushion-upgrade.158760/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-its-here-my-2-30-ct-omb-antique-cushion-upgrade.158760/[/URL]

And another one which she compared to an AVC before she chose her's:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-antique-cushion-engagement-ring.176161/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-antique-cushion-engagement-ring.176161/[/URL]

to me your stone is a no-brainer choice. hope you keep it.

 

[milton333]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Well, I think it's lovely! My vote is to keep it.

 

[junebug17]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Actually, the video says it's VS!! (assuming that's the right video)

I think it is a beautiful stone - the faceting pattern looks very pretty and I'm not seeing consistent dark areas. Looks like a bright and lively stone to me! I am not an expert, but I think sometimes you just have to go with your eyes and your gut on these old cuts. It sounds like you love the stone and are very excited about it, so it sounds like this could be the one for you.

I meant VS1 Sorry! Too late to edit

 

[ariel144]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Here's one that is $4,000 more on ERD

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.40-carat-j-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-109135.html

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Well I just love big. Since it is BIG and a great performer for your budget, don't think you can do any better. It is the size of a 3.5 carat cushion. see these 3.5c cushions on JA.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/?View=4&Tab=3&Comparison=1528227,1543403,1394997

No one is going to notice the facet pattern of your stone on your hand, they will only notice the size and the sparkle. i saw a 2.87 OEC in person, and could not see the facet pattern with the naked eye.

Would you really be happy with a smaller stone? Take the one you have to a jewelry store and compare it to some smaller stones in person and you will probably agree.

I'm sure there are other PSr's on here just hoping you send this stone back. But if you are so unsure, then maybe you should.

Here is a lovely OMB cut that has the same shape and faceting as yours with a lot lower color and faces up smaller....it is one of the most loved cushions and settings on PS. Your stone is still a chunky cut cushion...definitely not splintery facets. The even chunkier AVC's have the cross in the middle but I like the faceting of your stone better.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-its-here-my-2-30-ct-omb-antique-cushion-upgrade.158760/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-its-here-my-2-30-ct-omb-antique-cushion-upgrade.158760/[/URL]

And another one which she compared to an AVC before she chose her's:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-antique-cushion-engagement-ring.176161/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-antique-cushion-engagement-ring.176161/[/URL]

to me your stone is a no-brainer choice. hope you keep it.

Excellent points, thank you.

I don't think my stone faces up quite as big as 3.5 cts, but maybe 2.75-3ish?

I actually ran into a jewelry store today, and you are 100% right. Anything smaller will definitely be too small! I tried on a few 2ct. modern HW style rings and just felt so "eh" about them. I was a little shocked. And naturally, my stone looked fantastic under the jewelry store lights. The facets may not be exactly what I was originally envisioning, but they really do preform beautifully.

I think now it's just a question of how I want her set.

And haven's stone looks Ah-mazing.

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Actually, the video says it's VS!! (assuming that's the right video)

I think it is a beautiful stone - the faceting pattern looks very pretty and I'm not seeing consistent dark areas. Looks like a bright and lively stone to me! I am not an expert, but I think sometimes you just have to go with your eyes and your gut on these old cuts. It sounds like you love the stone and are very excited about it, so it sounds like this could be the one for you.

I meant VS1 Sorry! Too late to edit

I knew what you meant. The VS1 is a typo, but it's COMPLETELY eye clean. I actually couldn't even find the small feathers with the 10x loupe.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

What did the stone look best in?

I didn't want to say anything but... I prefer the facet pattern of this stone over a strong maltese cross. But it is a personal preference.

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

What did the stone look best in?

I didn't want to say anything but... I prefer the facet pattern of this stone over a strong maltese cross. But it is a personal preference.

They actually didn't have any semi-mounts so I was just kind of placing my stone on top of the ones set in the rings. There was a bezel set with a super thin halo that seemed to fit the personality of my stone and a few dainty solitaire settings with intricate baskets that were gorgeous. Rose gold and colored melee was also pretty. I wish I'd thought to take some pictures, or at least write down the designer's names for inspiration, but I was too caught up in trying everything on.

 

[justginger]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

I must admit that I wasn't a huge fan from your first photos, but now that I have been able to clearly see the faceting in the video, my vote is for you to keep it. It doesn't have dull spots, fish eye, other unattractive features, faces up large for its weight, and looks lively. If you can't stop looking at it, that's a great sign. I guess you can take the risk of waiting for a chunkier cut (yes, this one looks less chunky), but what if it takes 6 months, a year, longer for you to find at your price point? Even then you risk losing spread. All things considered, I think keeping it is the right move.

 

[woofmama]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

Meg that stone is really beautiful, so glad you have decided to keep it. It will be exciting to see how you set it.

 

[pandabee]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

I am no expert but I loved the video!!! Those chunky facets were just chunky enough I think. I'm glad you are keeping it, and can't wait to see what you do with it!

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

I must admit that I wasn't a huge fan from your first photos, but now that I have been able to clearly see the faceting in the video, my vote is for you to keep it. It doesn't have dull spots, fish eye, other unattractive features, faces up large for its weight, and looks lively. If you can't stop looking at it, that's a great sign. I guess you can take the risk of waiting for a chunkier cut (yes, this one looks less chunky), but what if it takes 6 months, a year, longer for you to find at your price point? Even then you risk losing spread. All things considered, I think keeping it is the right move.

Ha. Since I make a living as a photographer, you'd think I'd be able to do a better job snapping some pictures of a diamond. I'll have to try to get some better images before I get her set.

And you're right, I could spend FOREVER waiting for the absolute perfect stone. I think this one is perfect for right now.

 

[ariel144]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

I must admit that I wasn't a huge fan from your first photos, but now that I have been able to clearly see the faceting in the video, my vote is for you to keep it. It doesn't have dull spots, fish eye, other unattractive features, faces up large for its weight, and looks lively. If you can't stop looking at it, that's a great sign. I guess you can take the risk of waiting for a chunkier cut (yes, this one looks less chunky), but what if it takes 6 months, a year, longer for you to find at your price point? Even then you risk losing spread. All things considered, I think keeping it is the right move.

Ha. Since I make a living as a photographer, you'd think I'd be able to do a better job snapping some pictures of a diamond. I'll have to try to get some better images before I get her set.

And you're right, I could spend FOREVER waiting for the absolute perfect stone. I think this one is perfect for right now.

LOL, there is a thread on how best to photograph your diamond. Would love to see more pic's.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/[/URL]

Also you can OD on cushions in this thread and maybe get some ideas for setting:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/[/URL]

 

[meg_]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

LOL, there is a thread on how best to photograph your diamond. Would love to see more pic's.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/[/URL]

Also you can OD on cushions in this thread and maybe get some ideas for setting:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/[/URL]

Ha. I saw that. I'm pretty sure I just need to pull out my real camera and stop relying on my iphone!

Off to oogle cushion settiongs.......

 

[justginger]

Re: I would love opinions on this cushion - Feeling undecide

LOL, there is a thread on how best to photograph your diamond. Would love to see more pic's.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-to-take-good-photos-of-your-diamonds.102989/[/URL]

Also you can OD on cushions in this thread and maybe get some ideas for setting:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/[/URL]

Ha. I saw that. I'm pretty sure I just need to pull out my real camera and stop relying on my iphone!

Off to oogle cushion settiongs.......

I think you're on to something there. The iphone does a decent job, but nothing like the real deal.