Looking For Help Selecting A Diamond For Engagement Ring

[rockchalkjayhawk]

Hi all,

I've started looking for an engagement ring and posted some examples that I was looking into a while back but most of them were deemed not great purchases.

So, now I'm back asking for some recommendations and even more help, as I really want to get this show on the road.

This is the setting that I have my eye on:

Platinum Petite Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

A vibrant Pavé set diamond crown, featuring Pavé accents on the prongs and gallery creates the perfect basket for the center diamond of your choice. The demure and feminine feel of this alluring ring is enhanced by the petite band accented with diamonds that extend 1/2 of the way down the shank...

www.jamesallen.com

I'm looking for a cushion cut diamond that is 1.2 carats or better. My budget for the diamond is between $5,000-$7,000 CAD (~$4,000-$5,000 USD).

Willing to adjust my expectations on size for the right diamond.

Any tips, recommendations, or gentle nudges in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time and help.

 

[tyty333]

Are you looking for square or slightly oblong?

Did an initial cut through JA since that's where the setting is from that you posted...found these (need further analyzing)

1.20 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.2 carat G color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.26 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.26 carat D color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.20 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.2 carat E color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.20 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.2 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello, rockchalkjayhawk!
Are you open to a vintage style cushion cut from Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem?

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74202341

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74143715

 

[rockchalkjayhawk]

First of all, thank you both for taking the time to reply.

Are you looking for square or slightly oblong?

Did an initial cut through JA since that's where the setting is from that you posted...found these (need further analyzing)

I'm not sure I know what I'm looking for in terms of square vs oblong.

From my research, I think square seemed more ideal. Not sure if it matters, as you guys are likely experts compared to me, but I was initially looking at a LxW ratio of closer to 1.00.

Hello, rockchalkjayhawk!
Are you open to a vintage style cushion cut from Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem?

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74202341

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74143715

I'm definitely not opposed to buying at Distinctive Gem. I believe my brother actually purchased his ring from Jon when he got married.

I will drop in a few more links to diamonds from James Allen that I've had my eye on, along with my reasoning for choosing the stones.

Let me know what you guys think, along with any other suggestions. Please feel free to educate me further based on the information (or lack thereof) that I've provided.

Links below:

1.31 CT: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-18356248

1.50 CT: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-17566545

1.20 CT: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-19063653

Why did I select these diamonds?
1. I was told that clarity on cushion-cut diamonds is less important and that grades above SI1 are not discernable to the naked eye.

2. I've mostly selected Ideal/Excellent cuts, as I was told these will make a much bigger difference

3. In addition to carat, color, and clarity, I also placed some importance on things like:
- Depth (60-68%)
- LxW ratio (closer to 1.00)
- Table (60-68%)
- Polish/Symmetry (V.Good - Excellent)
- Fluorescence (None / Faint)

 

[mayaINaU]

For shape, I think it's personal preference and what would flatter the wearer's finger. Some people like a perfect square, and some people like a more elongated shape.

Please note that GIA does not assign a cut grade to fancy shapes. I think you have to judge them each individually by appearance. https://www.stonealgo.com/blog/tips...are no hard-set,grade to cushion cut diamonds.

Do you know what facet pattern the wearer would prefer? Crushed ice, antique cushion, cushion brilliant? Jon has nice examples of antique and cushion brilliants on his site. Also, JannPaul has amazing cushion cuts. https://www.jannpaul.com/module/mediaplaylist/getlist?media_id=1

Brian Gavin also has the Quadex and Hearts and Arrows Cushion: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...t_collection=collection-Brian+Gavin+Signature

 

[DejaWiz]

For shape, I think it's personal preference and what would flatter the wearer's finger. Some people like a perfect square, and some people like a more elongated shape.

Please note that GIA does not assign a cut grade to fancy shapes. I think you have to judge them each individually by appearance. https://www.stonealgo.com/blog/tips-for-selecting-a-cushion-cut-diamond/#:~:text=There are no hard-set,grade to cushion cut diamonds.

Do you know what facet pattern the wearer would prefer? Crushed ice, antique cushion, cushion brilliant? Jon has nice examples of antique and cushion brilliants on his site. Also, JannPaul has amazing cushion cuts. https://www.jannpaul.com/module/mediaplaylist/getlist?media_id=1

Brian Gavin also has the Quadex and Hearts and Arrows Cushion: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/collections/diamonds?pf_m_::diamonds::shape=Quadex&pf_t_collection=collection-Brian+Gavin+Signature

Good call on the Quadex!

 

[MamaBear]

Why did I select these diamonds?
1. I was told that clarity on cushion-cut diamonds is less important and that grades above SI1 are not discernable to the naked eye.

2. I've mostly selected Ideal/Excellent cuts, as I was told these will make a much bigger difference

3. In addition to carat, color, and clarity, I also placed some importance on things like:
- Depth (60-68%)
- LxW ratio (closer to 1.00)
- Table (60-68%)
- Polish/Symmetry (V.Good - Excellent)
- Fluorescence (None / Faint)

In my experience, you may want to investigate these points a little further.
1. I had a 2 carat cushion brilliant that was SI1. I was able to see the inclusion. Ended up driving me nuts
2. Who is labeling these as Ideal?
3. Cushion cuts are best viewed in person and not by numbers.

Have you looked in person to see the ”flavor” of diamond she would like? Has she sent you pics to give us a clue of what she’s drawn to? I recently helped my daughter’s fiancé buy a cushion cut. He bought through Brian Gavin. I thought it the safest way to get a perfect performer online. It is a hearts and arrows cushion which probably favors a look most similar to a modern round brilliant. She loves it and it’s a beautiful diamond performance wise. Good luck with your search!

 

[Godrick]

For shape, I think it's personal preference and what would flatter the wearer's finger. Some people like a perfect square, and some people like a more elongated shape.

Please note that GIA does not assign a cut grade to fancy shapes. I think you have to judge them each individually by appearance. https://www.stonealgo.com/blog/tips-for-selecting-a-cushion-cut-diamond/#:~:text=There are no hard-set,grade to cushion cut diamonds.

Do you know what facet pattern the wearer would prefer? Crushed ice, antique cushion, cushion brilliant? Jon has nice examples of antique and cushion brilliants on his site. Also, JannPaul has amazing cushion cuts. https://www.jannpaul.com/module/mediaplaylist/getlist?media_id=1

Brian Gavin also has the Quadex and Hearts and Arrows Cushion: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/collections/diamonds?pf_m_::diamonds::shape=Quadex&pf_t_collection=collection-Brian+Gavin+Signature

omg - what is a quadex!? I love this look - in the market of cushions myself at the moment.

 

[mayaINaU]

omg - what is a quadex!? I love this look - in the market of cushions myself at the moment.

It’s one of their proprietary (I think) cuts. It has clipped corners. I like the look!

 

[Ceilimom]

Hello, rockchalkjayhawk!
Are you open to a vintage style cushion cut from Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem?

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74202341

https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...vs2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74143715

The second option has a dark stringy inclusion

 

[DejaWiz]

The second option has a dark stringy inclusion

Yep. Some folks are more sensitive to clarity or have far more acute eyesight than others...this VS2 isn't for everyone, but would be just fine for someone out there.