Opinions on this Cushion Brilliant Diamond please

[Amber93]

Hi, I would really appreciate anyone's input on this cushion diamond. I did my research and its a cushion brilliant with 8 main facet. How does it look? Should I go for it or look for something else? Thank you in advance.

1.20 Carat cushion diamond

This cushion cut 1.2 carat F color vvs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[flyingpig]

Yeap. Cushion Brilliant with 8 mains.
Very nice for an elongated one, though there are some obstruction issues.

 

[Amber93]

@flyingpig Thank you for your input. In your opinion is the obstruction of major concern? Will it be evident in a ring? Should I try to find another diamond instead?

 

[flyingpig]

Cushion Brilliants are rare as you may have noticed it. Well cut ones are even rarer. And you are looking at a high clarity/color combo, which make your search even tougher. Plus, elongated cushions are always going to have some issues (obstruction and/or leakage)

Worth buying and taking a look in person if you are an American shopper (return for free, if you dislike)

 

[Amber93]

@flyingpig Thank you so much. You have been so helpful. I really appreciated it. Can I ask is an obstruction like this similar to a bow tie you would see in ovals or pears?

Also I have another picture of the diamond in different lighting if you don't mind taking a look and giving me your input. Thank you.

 

[flyingpig]

The diamond's appearance in the new photo is just as expected from the JA video. Good distribution of leakage and light return with persistent obstruction between the arrows at 12 and 6.
The obstruction is bit different from what you typically see in pears and ovals. Bowties often involve dark arrows. But in your cushion, it is just the lower girdle facets between the arrows, while the arrows (pavilion mains) appears fiery and bright mostly.

Like I said, at this point, it is a balancing game. Elongated [modified] brilliants simply have some sort of issue.

For an example, decent elongated cushion modified brilliant. Smaller and less concentrated obstruction than yours. Good distribution of brightess and leakage, but much leakier than your cushion brilliant. What do you value the most? Brightness? Light Distribution? Shape? Facet pattern? L/W ratio? All of the above?

1.31 Carat cushion modified diamond

This cushion modified cut 1.31 carat G color if clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Btw, I cannot find a single elongated cushion brilliant in your carat range.

The more I look at your original stone, the more I like it.

 

[Amber93]

@flyingpig Thank you so much!! This will be my first cushion diamond purchase and there's so much to learn. I know I prefer cushion brilliant over crushed ice and I like elongated over square. I like the cut and shape on my chosen diamond but I am just afraid the two area of obstruction will take away from the beauty of the stone. I don't want those two areas to consistently be dark like a bowtie. I know its really hard to find a good cut elongated cushion brilliant so this maybe the best I can find. I am ok with going down to g and vs1 or vs2 if there were better options out there. To answer your question on what I value most, I think I want a diamond that's elongated and sparkles the most. I have seen some "hybrid" cut cushion modified that have a decent amount of sparkle so I am willing to look into them in this doesn't work out. I know sometimes picture and videos don't do a diamond justice so I think I will take your advice and purchase the diamond to view in hand to make my decision.