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New Cushion! Opinions Please!!!

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kristalulu

Shiny_Rock
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Joined
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146
Hello!!

I just received this cushion from Blue Nile. I would really like your opinions. My dream is a chunky cushion, and Blue Nile was unable to send me pictures. So based on the stats and the GIA report I went out on a limb and snatched it up. As I have been staring at it for the past few days, I have grown to love it more, but I don''t know if it is chunky enough for me. The pictures almost make it look chunkier than it actually is. This is the first chunky cushion I have seen in person, so perhaps that is just a characteristic of them??? I love everything else about it, the size, shape, fluor. I hear people saying that sometimes you have to make a couple sacrafices, and I have been looking for what seems like forever. Oh, and the price is great!

Okay, on with the stats and pictures:

1.59 ct
I
VS2
7.75*6.80*4.30mm
Depth: 63.2%
Table: 63%
Symmetry: VG
Polish: VG
Girdle: Med to think
Culet: none
Fluor: Strong blue
Ratio: 1.14

Please let me know what you think.

BN GIA report 1.59ct.jpg
 
Picture #1 - Its looks splintery

BN pic splintery 1.jpg
 
Pic #2 - Looks more chunky

BN pic more chunky.jpg
 
Date: 2/17/2010 4:04:36 PM
Author:kristalulu
Hello!!

I just received this cushion from Blue Nile. I would really like your opinions. My dream is a chunky cushion, and Blue Nile was unable to send me pictures. So based on the stats and the GIA report I went out on a limb and snatched it up. As I have been staring at it for the past few days, I have grown to love it more, but I don''t know if it is chunky enough for me. The pictures almost make it look chunkier than it actually is. This is the first chunky cushion I have seen in person, so perhaps that is just a characteristic of them??? I love everything else about it, the size, shape, fluor. I hear people saying that sometimes you have to make a couple sacrafices, and I have been looking for what seems like forever. Oh, and the price is great!

Okay, on with the stats and pictures:

1.59 ct
I
VS2
7.75*6.80*4.30mm
Depth: 63.2%
Table: 63%
Symmetry: VG
Polish: VG
Girdle: Med to think
Culet: none
Fluor: Strong blue
Ratio: 1.14

Please let me know what you think.
Click to expand...
Well..., its not a chunky Cushion per-say but it has the characteristics..., it does look promising though for a Cushion cut.
I suggest you go out and see some more..., you seem to know what you want as far as chunky appearance..., they are out there
1.gif
.
 
It''s not a chunky cushion. But it is lovely, IMO. I agree that you should maybe go to a antique/vintage jewelry specialist and look at some older cushions (best bet for chunky browsing) and see what you thik.
 
Date: 2/17/2010 4:04:36 PM
Author:kristalulu
Hello!!

I just received this cushion from Blue Nile. I would really like your opinions. My dream is a chunky cushion, and Blue Nile was unable to send me pictures. So based on the stats and the GIA report I went out on a limb and snatched it up. As I have been staring at it for the past few days, I have grown to love it more, but I don't know if it is chunky enough for me. The pictures almost make it look chunkier than it actually is. This is the first chunky cushion I have seen in person, so perhaps that is just a characteristic of them??? I love everything else about it, the size, shape, fluor. I hear people saying that sometimes you have to make a couple sacrafices, and I have been looking for what seems like forever. Oh, and the price is great!

Okay, on with the stats and pictures:

1.59 ct
I
VS2
7.75*6.80*4.30mm
Depth: 63.2%
Table: 63%
Symmetry: VG
Polish: VG
Girdle: Med to think
Culet: none
Fluor: Strong blue
Ratio: 1.14

Please let me know what you think.
Click to expand...

Kirstalulu,



Choosing a cushion without an ASET and photograph or video is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That is why I reccomend working with a vendor that provides this information online so you don't have to keep calling in stones and paying shipping and insurance.

You may be confused why the plot on the GIA report clearly shows the antique 8 main thick facet pattern normally associated with a chunky faceted cushion, yet many posters have already commented that they don't feel the virtual facets are large enough to consider this stone a chunky cushion. The physical facets certainly qualify this stone as a chunky faceted cushion but due to the proportions of the stone the light return of this stone is not illustrating as bold and large sized flash as many of us would like to see in this cutting style.



Please find below a guide I put together about cushions it will help you choose which style of cushion cut you like best and provide videos of well cut examples of many of the types of cushions available as well as some reccomended vendors. If you post your budget and preferred specs we can help you with your search. You may after seeing other cushions decide you still like this stone best and then at least you will know you made an informed decision.

Good-luck,

CCL
-----------------------------
ChunkyCushionLover's Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds

Step 1 (Choose The Type of Cut)



Decide the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)



A great video illustrating the best in Cushion Brilliant Optics and a comparison between several varieties http://www.vimeo.com/9188543



i) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left)
c) 8 main old mine cushion http://www.vimeo.com/5310842
d) BGD modern 8 main cushion (the mains intersect at the corners) https://www.pricescope.com/forum/topic12849.html

ii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266-2.mov http://video.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/analysis/CXF7266.mov



iii) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922



iv) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return),
a) 4 Pavillion main facets (several varieties)
b) 8 mains (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922 Pictures and commentary here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-shocking-final-diamond-choice-i-gave-to-my-fiance-which-one-would-you-pick.121154/
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)


A helpful thread to see the plots and pictures of different types of cushions can be seen here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-cushion-by-any-other-name.36001/ (keep in mind pictures aren't as useful as videos and can only be used reliably to understand facet structure not light performance)

If you want to learn about cushions a great video by Jon at GOG can be watched here http://www.vimeo.com/7579666 and bonus footage here http://www.vimeo.com/7611843.



Step 2 (Choose the 4Cs)



1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:



i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com


This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven't had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Example:



Budget: $10,000
Color: H and above
Clarity: SI1 and above (Anything Eyeclean from 6 feet away looking faceup)
Carat Weight: 1.3Ct+
Lw Ratio = 1 - 1.05 (I want square) or 1.1 - 1.3 (I want rectangular)
Cushion Brilliant (Modern) either 4 main or 8 main

Than we can help you narrow things down considerably.



Step 3 (View and post ASET Image and Photographs and/or see in person)



Ask the vendor for a Video and/or ASET image (http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp) of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down which of your selections we prefer and why.



Step 4 (View a side by side comparison at a vendor or appraisor for final selection)



If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourite stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase, you will just have to pay shipping. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor.
For such an expensive purchase $100 in shipping and $100 in appraisor time seems well worth it to make the most informed choice possible.

Happy Hunting,



CCL

 
It does look pretty, but I would not call it chunky.

Vintage or the AVC from Good Old Gold are what I would go for if I wanted chunky.
 
Hi Krista

You still have time to decide, like DiaGem says you could keep looking online and in stores to see if you find another you prefer. You could probably get a cushion with '' chunkier'' faceting and appearance and probably more efficient optical performance but its hard to judge from a photo. Thats what I would do anyway, hang onto this one a bit longer if you have the time with the return period and see what else is out there.
 
Thank you all for your posts and opinions! And CCL, thank you for all your information! Are you a jeweler?

I acually have contacted both Jon at GOG and Gary at ERD and nothing has shown up that I think to be THE ONE. I have decided that I don''t want to go as vintage as the AV cushions, and not modern, just a regular chunky cushion - that is why this is so hard!

I have decided this diamond isn''t the right one for me. If I don''t look at it and think its the more beautiful diamond I have ever seen than it isn''t right. I guess I''m just blinded by the size and price. And, friends that I have shown it to love it, but they themselves have splintery cuts - a round brilliant and a radiant. They don''t understand my love of chunks!

I live in the Cleveland area so I don''t know of any places around here that carry antique cushions, let alone any type of cushion. I called around and jewelers said that is not a type of stone they generally have. I will have to look more into it.

This is so frustrating! I know I will find it, it is out there!

These are my specs that I''m looking for:
Aside from carat weight, I would like dimentions of at least 7*6mm (preferably bigger
1.gif
)
Ratio around 1.15
As low as H color (but the lower the color, fluor would be nice)
Eye clean, or SI1 clarity
And a budget of $9000

Thank you again for all your help!
 
Date: 2/18/2010 9:10:59 AM
Author: kristalulu
Thank you all for your posts and opinions! And CCL, thank you for all your information! Are you a jeweler?

I acually have contacted both Jon at GOG and Gary at ERD and nothing has shown up that I think to be THE ONE. I have decided that I don''t want to go as vintage as the AV cushions, and not modern, just a regular chunky cushion - that is why this is so hard!

I have decided this diamond isn''t the right one for me. If I don''t look at it and think its the more beautiful diamond I have ever seen than it isn''t right. I guess I''m just blinded by the size and price. And, friends that I have shown it to love it, but they themselves have splintery cuts - a round brilliant and a radiant. They don''t understand my love of chunks!

I live in the Cleveland area so I don''t know of any places around here that carry antique cushions, let alone any type of cushion. I called around and jewelers said that is not a type of stone they generally have. I will have to look more into it.

This is so frustrating! I know I will find it, it is out there!

These are my specs that I''m looking for:
Aside from carat weight, I would like dimentions of at least 7*6mm (preferably bigger
1.gif
)
Ratio around 1.15
As low as H color (but the lower the color, fluor would be nice)
Eye clean, or SI1 clarity
And a budget of $9000

Thank you again for all your help!
Click to expand...
Krista

Sometimes it can take a while for the right diamond to come up, you will find it but it might take a bit of time. Let Mark and Jon keep looking for you and keep an eye out yourself.

Also you could try www.jewelsbyericagrace.com as they sometimes have some beautiful cushions available.
 
Date: 2/18/2010 9:10:59 AM
Author: kristalulu
Thank you all for your posts and opinions! And CCL, thank you for all your information! Are you a jeweler?

I acually have contacted both Jon at GOG and Gary at ERD and nothing has shown up that I think to be THE ONE. I have decided that I don't want to go as vintage as the AV cushions, and not modern, just a regular chunky cushion - that is why this is so hard!

I have decided this diamond isn't the right one for me. If I don't look at it and think its the more beautiful diamond I have ever seen than it isn't right. I guess I'm just blinded by the size and price. And, friends that I have shown it to love it, but they themselves have splintery cuts - a round brilliant and a radiant. They don't understand my love of chunks!

I live in the Cleveland area so I don't know of any places around here that carry antique cushions, let alone any type of cushion. I called around and jewelers said that is not a type of stone they generally have. I will have to look more into it.

This is so frustrating! I know I will find it, it is out there!

These are my specs that I'm looking for:
Aside from carat weight, I would like dimentions of at least 7*6mm (preferably bigger
1.gif
)
Ratio around 1.15
As low as H color (but the lower the color, fluor would be nice)
Eye clean, or SI1 clarity
And a budget of $9000

Thank you again for all your help!
Click to expand...
Krista,

No not a jeweler but I have had two job offers in the last two weeks to join the trade
2.gif
.

I am not sure what you mean by not as vintage, if you can show an picure or video example of a cushion you do like I can try to help you find it or tell you what to tell the vendors.
Look in the Show Me the Ring Thread on cushions or halos, or some of the links I posted above and then we can help you further in this thread.
 
Lorelei and CCL - thank you! I''ve decided to take a deep breath and relax. If I''m patient, it will come...

CCL - two job offers?! That''s great, you would make a great diamond expert! You are very knowledgeable!

Here is a picture of my favorite diamond I have seen on Pricescope (Scarlet16''s beauty). To me it is not as chunky as an antique cushion, but more of a modern chunky cushion. I just love it!! It is so unique!

Scarlet16 chunky chunky.jpg
 
Ahh.. I think I finally understand what you are looking for. You don''t want the distinct facet patterns with very good or excellent symmetry. You don''t like the dinstinct Maltese cross. These are elements that many of us strive for which is why we love the August Vintage and why the August Vintage isn''t for you.

I really suggest you look at old cut stones. Try contacting Erica Grace - I really think they can help you.
 
Date: 2/21/2010 1:08:30 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
Ahh.. I think I finally understand what you are looking for. You don''t want the distinct facet patterns with very good or excellent symmetry. You don''t like the dinstinct Maltese cross. These are elements that many of us strive for which is why we love the August Vintage and why the August Vintage isn''t for you.

I really suggest you look at old cut stones. Try contacting Erica Grace - I really think they can help you.
Click to expand...
I think you are right Charmy, good observations.
 
CharmyPoo - Yes, you are right! I didn''t realize that till now. I do not like the large Maltese cross, and I for sure like the asymmetrical crazy chunks. I just looked on Erica Grace''s website with no avail, maybe I will give them a call tomorrow...

Thank you all so much! Pricescope is awesome!!
 
Date: 2/21/2010 4:04:47 PM
Author: kristalulu
CharmyPoo - Yes, you are right! I didn''t realize that till now. I do not like the large Maltese cross, and I for sure like the asymmetrical crazy chunks. I just looked on Erica Grace''s website with no avail, maybe I will give them a call tomorrow...

Thank you all so much! Pricescope is awesome!!
Click to expand...
Krista, I would definitely give EG a call, you never know what they might be able to locate for you.
 
Date: 2/21/2010 4:04:47 PM
Author: kristalulu
CharmyPoo - Yes, you are right! I didn't realize that till now. I do not like the large Maltese cross, and I for sure like the asymmetrical crazy chunks. I just looked on Erica Grace's website with no avail, maybe I will give them a call tomorrow...

Thank you all so much! Pricescope is awesome!!
Click to expand...

Krista,

1) That stone in the picture is not the same as the one you linked to the 1.61 from GOG. The stone you linked to is almost a perfect square, that one is quite rectangular.
2) You like larger virtual facets than any cushion modified brilliant(GIA naming) even the one you linked has smaller virtual facets(size of the flash or chunkyness) so I'd stick with cushion brilliants not cushion modified brilliants.
3) That outline of the stone is still quite modern with fairly straight edges, and the proportions of that crown are slightly on the shallow side,with a slightly larger table. A stone like that one is what I called Type II in this thread see https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-antique-rectangular-cushions-which-would-you-choose.135280/. The physical facets on that stone are quite symmetrical, the optical symmetry and slight obstruction in that stone near the culet is more consistant with a Modern Cut 8 main cushion brilliant cut in the antique style. ERD specilalizes in sourcing these type of stones, GOG can find them as well.

I find it interesting that you actual want the 4 mains (that make up the cross) to be broken up a bit and show some obstruction. That is consistent with a cushion brilliant with a slightly more shallow crown/pavillion combination. You will get more spread out of your diamond if you don't mind a little obstruction like in Scarlet16's stone.

7.73x6.73x4.29mm
L/W ratio: 1:1.15
Carat Weight: 1.66ct
Clarity: SI1
Polish: VG
Symmetry: G
No Flour
Table: 60%
Depth: 63.7%
Culet: medium

This stone was sourced by mark at Engagement Rings Direct.
-----------------------

In contrast true Antique stones like those sourced by EG tend to have more rounded edges, are cut deeper and have more assymetrical facets and light return.
I must also say that photograph highlights Leon Mege's delicate well shaped claw prongs and setting which is a beautiful compliment to that type of cut.
I would be very careful though in trying to judge optics from a photograph, photographs are best for seeing facet structure not light performance.

Btw a good comparison of the type II cushion which I think you prefer beside an August Vintage (Type III) can be found in this diamond http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6002/ in the video of this diamond from 1:15 - 1:20 comapring the two side by side. This should help you understand what I mean by the mains under the table being slightly broken up due to a shallow crown.

Good-luck with your search it will be interesting to see what Jon at GOG or Mark at ERD can come up with for you.






 
In contrast Antique stones tend to have more rounded edges, are cut deeper and have more assymetrical facets and light return

CCL - to be perfectly honest, I think what appeals to her is the assymetrical facets and light return that we frequently see in older cut stones. I don''t think she is necessarily looking for obstruction or straight edges that we commonly see in modern cut cushions (that are not AVC). AVCs don''t appeal to her because of the distinct maltese cross and the very good or excellent symmetry ratings they receive.
 
Hi, and thanks for your responses!

CCL - yes, I do know that the picture of Scarlet''s and the link to the 1.61 from GOG are different. I just like chunk pattern on both of those (but I do prefer the more rectangular over the square). I did look at your link to the Types of cushions, and I do prefer Type II for sure. It''s not that I am anti Maltese cross, just don''t want it to dominate the stone (and again, not be so symmetrical) . And, I think then I do like the more shallow crown/pavillion in a spread out diamond. Also, I looked to the GOG link you sent, and I have looked at that stone before. There is something about it I don''t like, it looks perhaps ''veiny'' or ''branch-like'', for lack of a better description.

Charmy - You are right, I''m not looking for super straight edges. Again, it would be something that if everything else was perfect, I would make an exception.

I feel that its one of those things that when I see it, I will know.
 
Date: 2/22/2010 9:37:17 AM
Author: kristalulu
Hi, and thanks for your responses!

CCL - yes, I do know that the picture of Scarlet''s and the link to the 1.61 from GOG are different. I just like chunk pattern on both of those (but I do prefer the more rectangular over the square). I did look at your link to the Types of cushions, and I do prefer Type II for sure. It''s not that I am anti Maltese cross, just don''t want it to dominate the stone (and again, not be so symmetrical) . And, I think then I do like the more shallow crown/pavillion in a spread out diamond. Also, I looked to the GOG link you sent, and I have looked at that stone before. There is something about it I don''t like, it looks perhaps ''veiny'' or ''branch-like'', for lack of a better description.

Charmy - You are right, I''m not looking for super straight edges. Again, it would be something that if everything else was perfect, I would make an exception.

I feel that its one of those things that when I see it, I will know.
Click to expand...
Thats often it. Charmy really helped you narrow down WHAT you want I think, that will be helpful to you in finding it.
 
Date: 2/22/2010 9:37:17 AM
Author: kristalulu
Hi, and thanks for your responses!

CCL - yes, I do know that the picture of Scarlet's and the link to the 1.61 from GOG are different. I just like chunk pattern on both of those (but I do prefer the more rectangular over the square). I did look at your link to the Types of cushions, and I do prefer Type II for sure. It's not that I am anti Maltese cross, just don't want it to dominate the stone (and again, not be so symmetrical) . And, I think then I do like the more shallow crown/pavillion in a spread out diamond. Also, I looked to the GOG link you sent, and I have looked at that stone before. There is something about it I don't like, it looks perhaps 'veiny' or 'branch-like', for lack of a better description.

Charmy - You are right, I'm not looking for super straight edges. Again, it would be something that if everything else was perfect, I would make an exception.

I feel that its one of those things that when I see it, I will know.
Click to expand...
Kirstalulu,

You started off on PS with two ERD stones, we never got a chance to see them properly as those were really small pictures and ERD has never taken great photographs, their lense is always too close to the diamond so all of their images come out dark.

I think you were on the right track there, I encourage you to go see ERD(manhatten) or GOG(Long Island) and see stones in person. Give them the specs and picture of Scarlet16's stone as a reference so they can call in potential picks before you go.

I have seen a lot of confusion here in this thread about interpreting pictures, you may be reading things into the appearance of the stones that isn't present. For example dark areas in a stone may just be the obstruction from the camera lense, the stone will not be nearly as dark and may actually be lit up in those areas in different lighting.

Just in case you might actually like the true antique look take a look at oldworlddiamonds.com and you will see lots of pictures of various antique stones, this will give you an idea about the facet structure and shape outline of antique stones. Adam at OWD is a good resource so it might be worth paying him a visit, he is also in New York City.

Regards,
CCL
 
Hello! I have good news to report: Gary at ERD found me a beautiful cushion!!!! Now, it doesn''t look like Scarlet16''s but it is still beautiful! I can''t stop looking at pictures of it, and even my boyfriend commented on how pretty it is (strange for him). I know this may be a silly question, but will the black cross always be black in all angles?

Please let me know what you think. Thank you!!

Stats:
1.43ct
G
VVS2
7.68*6.63*4.19 (ratio 1.16)
Ex polish
VG symmetry
VG cut
Table: 60%
Depth: 63.2%
Small culet
No fluor
Girdle is thin to slightly thick

ERD 1.43 G VVS2.jpg
 
It looks like a lovely diamond to me. It has a clear maltese cross pattern - I am surprised you like it.
 
Date: 3/8/2010 5:56:12 PM
Author: kristalulu
Hello! I have good news to report: Gary at ERD found me a beautiful cushion!!!! Now, it doesn''t look like Scarlet16''s but it is still beautiful! I can''t stop looking at pictures of it, and even my boyfriend commented on how pretty it is (strange for him). I know this may be a silly question, but will the black cross always be black in all angles?

[snip]
Click to expand...
What does Mark say?
 
Date: 3/8/2010 5:56:12 PM
Author: kristalulu
Hello! I have good news to report: Gary at ERD found me a beautiful cushion!!!! Now, it doesn''t look like Scarlet16''s but it is still beautiful! I can''t stop looking at pictures of it, and even my boyfriend commented on how pretty it is (strange for him). I know this may be a silly question, but will the black cross always be black in all angles?

Please let me know what you think. Thank you!!

Stats:
1.43ct
G
VVS2
7.68*6.63*4.19 (ratio 1.16)
Ex polish
VG symmetry
VG cut
Table: 60%
Depth: 63.2%
Small culet
No fluor
Girdle is thin to slightly thick
Click to expand...
Get Gary to use the new ERD ASET camera that would be the best way to know and then we can tell you more about the light performance.
My guess no and that black is there because of obstruction from the camera lense and it won''t be nearly as noticeable in real life.
 
I know! I think I realized that nothing is going to be PERFECT. Good cushions are hard to come by these days, and I discovered that the cutter of Scarlet''s diamond doesn''t cut them anymore. So, I either wait forever or sacrafice something. I know that maltese crosses are typical of cushions, and more people want them, so to find one that doesn''t have it is a rarity.
 
Mark hasn''t said anything. Dan looked at it, and he said it was a pretty stone. Last time I asked Gary for an ASET he gave my crap about it. I will push him for it, I''m supposed to call him tonight.
 
That''s a pretty cushion!
 
I honestly think this stone is really pretty and much prettier than the other option - looks like ERD has 3 pretty chunky cushions available now! Any chance you can see it in person before making a decision?

PS: Can you see if you can get a side view of the diamond?
 
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