Please Help Me Find a 3C Cushion!

[chrisan]

Just got back from GOG- David found a 3.03, H, Vvs2- that was our favorite. He will make a webpage for the stone on Tuesday. Met with Chris from ERD and it's was very informative. Still no news about the JA diamond, they said they'll know by Tuesday. I will post ASET of our favorites mid week next week- thanks again and hope you are having a good weekend! Sorry so curt, using iPhone- hate typing on such small screen!

 

[Gypsy]

Great news on the GOG diamond. Can't wait to see the listing. Thank you for the update. Look forward to hearing more on Tuesday!

 

[chrisan]

Just got the ASET for the two other diamonds I put on reserve at JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.26-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-165665 3.26 H- VS 1, 8 main


and

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.72-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-168719 2.72 G VS 2


Is it me, or do these look awful?

This is what the gemologist says:
"I'm happy to say that you have two really nice options to choose from. The gemologist's favorite is diamond 165665, which possesses great fire, brilliance, and scintillation. It's completely eye clean and has a true "H" color, which appears white. It has a gorgeous faceting pattern and a nice, soft cushion outline. This is the diamond I encourage you to consider, as I'm sure you'll find it to look breathtaking when you see it in person.

Diamond 168719 is very bright and lively in its own right and ranks second for light performance. It has a true "G" color and the gemologist feels that most people will view it as eye clean. However, they did want to say that a trained/skilled eye might be able to pick up on the crystal if given the chance to look closely. If you feel you have a sharp eye, this will be something to consider if you are only interested in eye clean diamonds."

 

[Gypsy]

Huh. YES those are VERY dissappointing ASETs. It could be the diamond size is not giving allowing for the scope to go it's work (that happens with larger diamonds sometimes, the scope is small ). I'm kinda shocked at the 8 main ASET. That's a very unusual ASET for a stone with that faceting and that kind of video.

UNLESS you wanted to just have them ship it to you (they have a 60 day return policy and pay shipping BOTH ways, so there is no risk) and then take it in and see it next to the GOG one you liked in person just for comparison and see what you think of them in person-- I'd disqualify since they don't allow viewings in NYC.

So... is the GOG stone listing up yet?

 

[chrisan]

ASETs are Here!!!

Okay, so we met with Chris from ERD tonight and he managed to get the 3.21 I- VS1, 8 main!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/3.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-165668
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/3.21-carat-i-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-172879.html

He also showed us a couple of nice 2.5 c cushions:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.51-carat-g-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-172880.html 2.51 G- VS 1, X Factor
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/2.54-carat-g-vs1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-169234.html 2.54 G- VS 1, Royal Chandelier

Here is our favorite cushion from GOG:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11870 3.03c H VVS2, 4 main, Med Fluorescence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kwGLngHbo&feature=youtu.be video

We have a preference but would love to know what the experts think!

 

[Gypsy]

That GOG 4 main is really interesting. For me, that video really showed some cool faceting and it is a super bright stone. And the facets dance nicely as it moves.


I don't know. I like 8 mains in general, but I think that if it were me, I'd buy the GOG stone. It's almost 9x8 (so close as it doesn't matter). And the elongated shape is so flattering. And it's an H color. And has medium blue fluorescence to boot.

Win/win/win if you ask me.

Plus, you loved it in person, and that REALLY means a lot with fancies. They have personalities and if you like a certain stone... and the ASET and everything confirm that it's a great stone, then I think that trumps everything.

(What did you think of the 8 main I in person at ERD by the way, I'm curious).

 

[chrisan]

Thanks Gypsy! The 3.21 I- VS 1 was nice, but not as brilliant as the 2.5c cushions Chris showed us- 8 main certainly does not mean better. If anything, the 3.26 H, 3.21 I, and a 8 main David showed us have all been disappointing.

I found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS9grmhZteM

and it looks beautiful! I think it must be sold by now Do you think it's comparable to the 3.03 H VVS2?

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks Gypsy! The 3.21 I- VS 1 was nice, but not as brilliant as the 2.5c cushions Chris showed us- 8 main certainly does not mean better. If anything, the 3.26 H, 3.21 I, and a 8 main David showed us have all been disappointing.

I found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS9grmhZteM

and it looks beautiful! I think it must be sold by now Do you think it's comparable to the 3.03 H VVS2?

I have no idea if it is sold by now. Maybe you can call and ask? If it is not then ask for a video comparing the two head to head.

I really like that 4 main though. It's a very lively stone and the way the light bounces and moves... it really dances.

 

[chrisan]

Thanks Gypsy- It's good to have your blessing! We left GOG thinking "this might be the one" and didn't really feel that way last night, but it was still hard to compare stones when you don't have them side to side. So it was good to have all the ASET.
The 3.21 I VS1 was not very impressive, although the two 2.5c were well cut stones- but the X- factor, I don't think my eye is drawn to that kind of facet structure (a little splintery in the center) and while the Royal Chandelier was truly a very beautiful stone I just wasn't sure it was my style- it's more of a vintage/ antique style than modern, and more rounded outline than rectangular. However, I preferred it to AVC b/c the facets are not quite as large. Chris was amazing in his persistence- he called for the 3.21 I tirelessly- I highly recommend both GOG and ERD without any reservations because they really know their stones and try to get you the best cut one within your budget. JA, is another story, I don't think I would use them again, especially for cushions. Not only because the stones turned out to be duds, but they just don't seem to care as much- I still haven't heard back about the 3.21 I VS 1 I placed on hold through them over a week ago, even though I've seen it in person through ERD in the meantime.

Okay so now the question I have is about setting.

Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch?
SK is in the city so that is a plus, but I think both is better known for their intricate halo work and I am not a halo girl- which has the cleaner and more elegant aesthetic you think? I found a thread that SK cast some of his parts instead of hand forging. Would VK be better with this project? Would it be worth it for me to send it to CA? TIA for your patience.

 

[Gypsy]

My own halo is by Steven and is handforged.

If you ask him for completely handforged, he will give you that. And without any fuss.

I would work with either for the ring you want. I personally think that since you are in NYC you should make an appointment and meet Steven and see what you think. He's not warm and cuddly but his work is exceptional and his customer service ethic is fantastic.

In the meantime get a quote from Victor and talk to him as well.

I don't think there is a bad choice here. Both can execute your setting magnificently.

 

[chrisan]

Thank you Gypsy- Did the wire transfer for the GOG 3.03 H VVS2 stone this afternoon. The one in the video is no longer available- but I think the stone we got is better!

David sent me the link of the one that's no longer available:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11665

So I think we made the right decision

Got a gracious email from Josh @ JA- turns out he read this thread (like many vendors). Anyway, I think their service is still valuable for people who want to shop online- I'm just lucky that I can see the stones in person through GOG and ERD- but I understand not everyone can.

 

[Gypsy]

Congratulations!! I can't wait to see the finished ring!

It's going to be stunning. Let me know who you decide to go with for the setting.