Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ring

[-B-]

Hi everyone!
This is my first post, though I have been lurking for a while.
My DH has given me he go-ahead for a RHR for my 40th birthday (he doesn't believe in upgrading ) - a 1.5ct centre stone in a double halo.
I have been waiting for the right stone to come along for a couple of months - it is much harder to source them here in Oz - and it looks like we may have found one.
Would any of the amazing experts out there please have a look at the certificate and let me know what they think of the stone and if there is anything I need to be aware of or check when I see the diamond in person? (I have been doing my research here, so I know cushion cuts are notoriously difficult to assess on paper, but thought it may be a good place to start.)
Thank you!!

 

[-B-]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Sorry - the image of the certificate seems a little blurry (and I have no idea how to attach it so it is clear). The diamond is modified brilliant cushion 1.51ct, G SI1. The table is 56%, the depth is 68.5%. The stone dimensions are 7.2x6.29x4.31. There are no inclusions in the table, only a couple of feathers, one on each side of the diamond. Thanks again.

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Hi everyone!
This is my first post, though I have been lurking for a while.
My DH has given me he go-ahead for a RHR for my 40th birthday (he doesn't believe in upgrading ) - a 1.5ct centre stone in a double halo.
I have been waiting for the right stone to come along for a couple of months - it is much harder to source them here in Oz - and it looks like we may have found one.
Would any of the amazing experts out there please have a look at the certificate and let me know what they think of the stone and if there is anything I need to be aware of or check when I see the diamond in person? (I have been doing my research here, so I know cushion cuts are notoriously difficult to assess on paper, but thought it may be a good place to start.)
Thank you!!

Hi -B- and welcome!

Many congratulations on your 40th birthday, what a nice husband to agree to you getting a RHR with such a sizeable diamond... It sounds as if you have definitely done your homework and realize that you can't really begin to assess a cushion on paper...I think the best way to proceed, given that I take from your post that you have studied up on these shapes and you know what type you want, faceting, shape and so on, is to go and view it for yourself in the first instance. Ask if the seller has an ASET scope you can use, I trust you are familiar with how these work? If not, here is a good overview.

http://www.winkjones.com/index.php?page=education-performance

If the seller doesn't have an ASET scope, you can order one from the following link but I don't know how quickly you could get it...

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y

I can't see any major flags with this diamond but I would say check it is eye clean to your specifications by inspecting the stone in lighting conditions other than those bright lights inside the store. Inclusions can pop out in some lights more than others. Also, check the feather isn't a potential durability issue due to its location, it is probably absolutely fine but best to check, the girdle might be thicker than is preferable but that's not necessarily a deal breaker if the stone looks great and everything else checks out.

I really hope it works out for you, let us know how you get on!

 

[-B-]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Thank you Lorelei.
I am hopefully going to see the diamond this week. I did notice that the girdle was a little thick (the diamond also seems a little deep?). The diamond merchant assures me that this stone is a real sparkler.
That is great advice - I will definitely ask about the ASET scope and further investigate the inclusions.
I will keep you posted. If anyone has any other opinions/advice, please feel free to share as I am very keen to learn!

 

[-B-]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

So I've seen the diamond today. I also viewed a 1.51 EVS2 for comparison (same price point).
Truth is, there was no comparison. The 1.51GSI1 was a firecracker. I really struggled to see the inclusions with the loupe (in fact, I could only see one of them), and the stone was incredibly bright. The EVS2 was watery and there were inclusions in the table.
So I am now the proud owner of the GSI1. I have taken some photos, but I obviously have a lot to learn about photographing diamonds!
It has gone straight to the jeweller to be set and should be mine in about 3 weeks.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Can't tell you much about it from the pictures. But if you think it's a fire cracker and you like it.... maybe take it to a good INDEPENDENT appraiser and get it checked out and get an ASET.

 

[-B-]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Can't tell you much about it from the pictures. But if you think it's a fire cracker and you like it.... maybe take it to a good INDEPENDENT appraiser and get it checked out and get an ASET.

Thanks Gypsy. I agree, the photos are a bit rubbish. Are you recommending a second opinion because you are concerned or because it is the smart thing to do?

 

[BloomsburyHouse]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

If you love it - buy it! It looks fine on paper. Good luck!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Please help to choose cushion diamond for my birthday ri

Smart thing to do.