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Radiant,Emerald,Princess,which has the better eye popping bling?

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Hughrock

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Was on this website 8 months ago seeking advice on buying a nice 3 to 4 carat diamond for a men''s ring(for me).I put the purchase off untill now and that may have work to my advantage because I hear diamond prices have gone down for small and larger stones. Maybe even by 20% because of the weak economy.

I can use some advice to help push forward my decision.In your opinion which of my listed shape stones, and in what order(1 thru 4), has the greater bling appearance to the eye and more suitable for a men''s ring, between the Cushion,Radiant,Emerald and Princess cuts? After spending some time reading this very helpful site I thought it might be to my advantage to give a jeweler specific measurements to work with, in order to obtain an ideal cut diamond.

I know many of you are very informed about the stats for a diamond that has a idea cut for light reflection and one that would be considered highly rated based on cutlet,girdle,table,depth, ideal scope reading,measurements? I would appreciate very much if some among you could give me the stats for ideal cuts for the above type diamonds.I believe the stats are different depending on type shape stone.

Polish,fluorescence and symmetry are a bit more easier to understand. After reading up on Cushion cuts I''m not clear on whether this type stone has a base standard of measurements to guide a buyer in picking a idea cut? Also I''m not quite clear on the difference between a Cushion Brilliant vs a Cushion modified Brilliant,and is one more desirable?

Thank you for your help!
 
For a man, my choice would be between emerald or chunky cushion first, radiant second and princess last.
Unfortunately, I dont have any numbers for these stones but I know that you have to rely more on ASET,
Idealscope and other images to actually see whats going on. Cushioncutnut (I think thats his name) has lots of
numbers/info on cushions because there are a whole different range of looks in that cut alone. I love GOGs
August Vintage Cushions (and they have one in your size)!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6381/


Love to see what you end up with. Another stone you might consider is the Octavia...they dont have anything
in your size though.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6856/
 
Date: 2/16/2010 4:28:25 PM
Author:Hughrock
Was on this website 8 months ago seeking advice on buying a nice 3 to 4 carat diamond for a men''s ring(for me).I put the purchase off untill now and that may have work to my advantage because I hear diamond prices have gone down for small and larger stones. Maybe even by 20% because of the weak economy.

I can use some advice to help push forward my decision.In your opinion which of my listed shape stones, and in what order(1 thru 4), has the greater bling appearance to the eye and more suitable for a men''s ring, between the Cushion,Radiant,Emerald and Princess cuts? After spending some time reading this very helpful site I thought it might be to my advantage to give a jeweler specific measurements to work with, in order to obtain an ideal cut diamond.

I know many of you are very informed about the stats for a diamond that has a idea cut for light reflection and one that would be considered highly rated based on cutlet,girdle,table,depth, ideal scope reading,measurements? I would appreciate very much if some among you could give me the stats for ideal cuts for the above type diamonds.I believe the stats are different depending on type shape stone.

Polish,fluorescence and symmetry are a bit more easier to understand. After reading up on Cushion cuts I''m not clear on whether this type stone has a base standard of measurements to guide a buyer in picking a idea cut? Also I''m not quite clear on the difference between a Cushion Brilliant vs a Cushion modified Brilliant,and is one more desirable?

Thank you for your help!

Nope, in fact the trade magazines and online journals are indicating that prices are increasing steadily...
 
Thank you for responding! I like the order in which you listed the best stone shape for a men''s ring. I''m curious to know which do you think is more impressive,the sparkle light reflection and fire from a Cushion cut or the appealing glass look & sparkle brilliance of a Emerald cut? Also, do all Radiant cuts have the crush ice appearence or does the cutting of the stone effect that?I''m wondering which of those four options(Emerald,Cushion,Princess and Radiant) has the largest top surface?

Thanks for posting those websites:)
 
Well that is not good news.I called up a few jewelers recently(Cartier,Graff,HW,GOG,Bluenile) and they did seem to suggest their business has been negatively effected by this long lasting recession.But maybe things are starting to turn around even for luxury comidities.A couple of those I phoned did offer discounts from their usual prices.We will see.
 
I'm a guy who wears a diamond and I think the emerald cut, asscher or Octavia asscher look more masculine than princess, radiant or cushion
IMHO larger bolder flashes look more masculine than more smaller flashes.

If eye-popping bling is what you want look no further than the Octavia asscher.
In fact the designer of the Octavia considered naming it Volcano, and now that I have one I fully understand why.
It blows your head off with bling.

I just got the Octavia asscher set.
Here is a link to a thread about the setting.
Pics on the hand are on page 2.

Link

Here is a long thread about the Octavia diamond itself, with pics starting at the bottom of pg 3.

Link

It may take you a while to find a diamond in that size.
If you like the Octavia call Jonathan at Good Old Gold; perhaps they could source rough of that size.
 
Date: 2/17/2010 2:08:50 AM
Author: kenny
I''m a guy who wears a diamond and I think the emerald cut, asscher or Octavia asscher look more masculine than princess, radiant or cushion

IMHO larger bolder flashes look more masculine than more smaller flashes.


If eye-popping bling is what you want look no further than the Octavia asscher.

In fact the designer of the Octavia considered naming it Volcano, and now that I have one I fully understand why.

It blows your head off with bling.


I just got the Octavia asscher set.

Here is a link to a thread about the setting.

Pics on the hand are on page 2.


Link


Here is a long thread about the Octavia diamond itself, with pics starting at the bottom of pg 3.


Link


It may take you a while to find a diamond in that size.

If you like the Octavia call Jonathan at Good Old Gold; perhaps they could source rough of that size.

Oh my goodness! I think that is the best looking ring I have ever seen on a guy! Amazing!!!!!
 
Hi kenny & Susimoo

Kenny that is a great looking stone and one to be proud of,very sparkly. I''m not decided on which type shaped stone to go with as yet and because this is a fun purchase(as oppose to a ering) I can kinda take my time and get it right.Originally I was going to buy a large diamond with the best of the 4C''s.I think part of the reason why I''ve waited to pull the trigger on this buy is because no one ring has everything I wanted.

But now I''m thinking why not get two rings and simply down grade my expectations for the second ring and use that one as a every day gem stone.My budget has not changed for the total purchase,$200K.But I''m thinking about a $150K larger stone with better specs, and a $50K divide. That might be the smartest thing to do considering I will not wear either every day and the expensive ring depending on the ocassion.

Kenny, so you feel the Cushion cut does not have ''that" masculine look I''m seeking in a stone? Is it the shape or something else that makes you feel that way? I wonder if many of the other posters share this same opinion? I think I''ve looked at so many stones over the months that my prospective may have become some what jaded. There are Cushion cuts that are rectangular,square shaped to almost rounded. It can after a while become a bit intimadating, especially when seeking a men''s ring because the jewelry market is just starting to cater to bling for guys.Equals fewer infomed sales people on this subject.

Let me ask this question.I know GOG is excellent for Cushions with a extensive inventory for that type cut but who is equally good to find a quality Radiant cut about 3 cts? Also do you think a slightly yellowish radiant can compare in beauty to a white radiant? Have any of you heard of the website called Brilliance dot com,and have you made a purchase from them? They seem to have a large selection of radiants. I very much appreciate the people here at Pricescope there is no place I could find so many people who are knowledgable about gem stones.You guys are great!

Thank you
 
I forgot to ask about Neil Lang.Do any of you know whether or not they do custom rings with clients who purchase the stone with a seperate vendor? I think their rings are very nice! I''m thinking about getting a nice stone from GOG and have Neil Lang make the ring.
 
If you''re looking for sheer bling, an equally well-cut EC or many cushions (thought it depends on what kind) will have a more subdued look than a radiant or princess. However, I also agree that--in part due to the lack of major sparkle--a step-cut like an EC or asscher is more masculine. This is even more so with a larger stone. However, if you are a guy who can pull off, like a major cockail-sized ring, that may not be a concern.
 
Another vote for the Octavia.
 
Date: 2/18/2010 3:19:33 PM
Author: Hest88
If you''re looking for sheer bling, an equally well-cut EC or many cushions (thought it depends on what kind) will have a more subdued look than a radiant or princess. However, I also agree that--in part due to the lack of major sparkle--a step-cut like an EC or asscher is more masculine. This is even more so with a larger stone. However, if you are a guy who can pull off, like a major cockail-sized ring, that may not be a concern.
Hi Hest88

I do like both the subdued apperence of an Emerald & asscher cut and that of the Radiants & Cushions with their sparkle performance. If I go with a sparkler size will have to be kept a bit smaller in order to keep it from looking like "a cocktail-size ring". Btw,you made me laugh when you commented on that lol.The ring design it self is going to play a big role in making a great over all impression.

I''m thinking a 3 ct should be ok.You did give me something to consider(sparkle in relation to size) and that was helpful. Maybe what I could do is buy a sparkler and also a step-up cut which would give me two different looking great rings.There is something about the Radiant cut that is quite appealing and it does not appear to be as flashy as a Round Brilliant or Cushion.

P.S. I''m a hugh history buff and a fan of the Showtime series The Tudors.As you may know back in the 1500''s in Europe, it was colored stones that were considered far more popular and prized.Rubys were worn by nobility and those with wealth.Men actually wore large Rubys in rings and pendants.

Don''t laugh but for a minute I have thought of buying a smaller(2 1/2 ct) Burmee''s ruby stone(my birth stone).But in 2010 I''m not sure how that would look in a men''s ring.I''ve seen many guys wear diamond rings ,but other than class rings never have seen a guy with a blood red ruby ring.
 
Can anyone tell me if Neil Lane does custom rings with clients who provide the stone?
 
What an amazing budget! I'm green with envy.
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I also vote for a large asscher or an Octavia. I agree with those that said the large, bolder flashes are more masculine. Though I think a large, well-cut princess could be masculine as well....nice, clean lines.

(And I think a blood red ruby ring could be stunning.)
 
Date: 2/18/2010 6:34:07 PM
Author: EBree
What an amazing budget! I''m green with envy.
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I also vote for a large asscher or an Octavia. I agree with those that said the large, bolder flashes are more masculine. Though I think a large, well-cut princess could be masculine as well....nice, clean lines.

(And I think a blood red ruby ring could be stunning.)

Thanks Ebree for your input.I have seen a couple NHL players wear large Asschers ear rings.A very cool looking stone! No wonder they are so popular.In your opinion which do you prefer Asscher or the Emerald cut and why for men''s rings?
 
I like the asscher better than an emerald for a man''s ring. Something about the square shape seems more masculine to me than the rectangle and it is a less common/recognizable cut so people would not be as familiar with it and associate with as much with a woman''s enagagement ring.

Not EBree but thought i''d answer anyways
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Date: 2/18/2010 2:13:56 PM
Author: Hughrock
Hi kenny & Susimoo


Kenny that is a great looking stone and one to be proud of,very sparkly. I'm not decided on which type shaped stone to go with as yet and because this is a fun purchase(as oppose to a ering) I can kinda take my time and get it right.Originally I was going to buy a large diamond with the best of the 4C's.I think part of the reason why I've waited to pull the trigger on this buy is because no one ring has everything I wanted.


But now I'm thinking why not get two rings and simply down grade my expectations for the second ring and use that one as a every day gem stone.My budget has not changed for the total purchase,$200K.But I'm thinking about a $150K larger stone with better specs, and a $50K divide. That might be the smartest thing to do considering I will not wear either every day and the expensive ring depending on the ocassion.


Kenny, so you feel the Cushion cut does not have 'that' masculine look I'm seeking in a stone? Is it the shape or something else that makes you feel that way? I wonder if many of the other posters share this same opinion? I think I've looked at so many stones over the months that my prospective may have become some what jaded. There are Cushion cuts that are rectangular,square shaped to almost rounded. It can after a while become a bit intimadating, especially when seeking a men's ring because the jewelry market is just starting to cater to bling for guys.Equals fewer infomed sales people on this subject.


Let me ask this question.I know GOG is excellent for Cushions with a extensive inventory for that type cut but who is equally good to find a quality Radiant cut about 3 cts? Also do you think a slightly yellowish radiant can compare in beauty to a white radiant? Have any of you heard of the website called Brilliance dot com,and have you made a purchase from them? They seem to have a large selection of radiants. I very much appreciate the people here at Pricescope there is no place I could find so many people who are knowledgable about gem stones.You guys are great!


Thank you

Thank you HR.
You should buy whatever cut you like.
Personally, I associate curves and lots of small facets with femininity, and square shapes and larger rectangular bars of color with masculinity.
It is silly of course.
It is not based on any science or facts; it's just my association.
Whether I or anyone feel certain cuts are more masculine or feminine really doesn't matter.
It's your money, and it's your finger.

But please, whatever cut you get, learn how to select a well-cut stone.
Cut is the most important, but the least understood, C when it comes to how beautifully it performs with light.

Besides, I think at some level fear of appearing feminine is a sign of insecurity.
If I was going to be ruled by fear I'd eschew all jewelry beyond tie clips and cufflinks.
We have one gentleman here who bought a full-on woman's diamond ring for himself.
To that I say, bless his strong and confident heart.

Of all the cushions, I have a weak spot for GOG's August Vintage Cushions. They are so bold!

I can't wait to see what you come up with with this wonderful budget.
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Date: 2/19/2010 12:02:01 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
I like the asscher better than an emerald for a man''s ring. Something about the square shape seems more masculine to me than the rectangle and it is a less common/recognizable cut so people would not be as familiar with it and associate with as much with a woman''s enagagement ring.

Not EBree but thought i''d answer anyways
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dreamer_dachsie

You are a welcome addition to this conversation. I think your observations are on target about the square shape diamonds and how fewer people know about the Asscher cut.That is a nice plus! Do you think the Asscher has a smaller top surface compared to Emeralds and that of the radiant? Curious to know if you''ve bought a diamond from one of the online vendors? If so how was that experience?

Thanks
 
Date: 2/19/2010 12:21:11 AM
Author: kenny


Date: 2/18/2010 2:13:56 PM
Author: Hughrock
Hi kenny & Susimoo


Kenny that is a great looking stone and one to be proud of,very sparkly. I''m not decided on which type shaped stone to go with as yet and because this is a fun purchase(as oppose to a ering) I can kinda take my time and get it right.Originally I was going to buy a large diamond with the best of the 4C''s.I think part of the reason why I''ve waited to pull the trigger on this buy is because no one ring has everything I wanted.


But now I''m thinking why not get two rings and simply down grade my expectations for the second ring and use that one as a every day gem stone.My budget has not changed for the total purchase,$200K.But I''m thinking about a $150K larger stone with better specs, and a $50K divide. That might be the smartest thing to do considering I will not wear either every day and the expensive ring depending on the ocassion.


Kenny, so you feel the Cushion cut does not have ''that'' masculine look I''m seeking in a stone? Is it the shape or something else that makes you feel that way? I wonder if many of the other posters share this same opinion? I think I''ve looked at so many stones over the months that my prospective may have become some what jaded. There are Cushion cuts that are rectangular,square shaped to almost rounded. It can after a while become a bit intimadating, especially when seeking a men''s ring because the jewelry market is just starting to cater to bling for guys.Equals fewer infomed sales people on this subject.


Let me ask this question.I know GOG is excellent for Cushions with a extensive inventory for that type cut but who is equally good to find a quality Radiant cut about 3 cts? Also do you think a slightly yellowish radiant can compare in beauty to a white radiant? Have any of you heard of the website called Brilliance dot com,and have you made a purchase from them? They seem to have a large selection of radiants. I very much appreciate the people here at Pricescope there is no place I could find so many people who are knowledgable about gem stones.You guys are great!


Thank you

Thank you HR.
You should buy whatever cut you like.
Personally, I associate curves and lots of small facets with femininity, and square shapes and larger rectangular bars of color with masculinity.
It is silly of course.
It is not based on any science or facts; it''s just my association.
Whether I or anyone feel certain cuts are more masculine or feminine really doesn''t matter.
It''s your money, and it''s your finger.

But please, whatever cut you get, learn how to select a well-cut stone.
Cut is the most important, but the least understood, C when it comes to how beautifully it performs with light.

Besides, I think at some level fear of appearing feminine is a sign of insecurity.
If I was going to be ruled by fear I''d eschew all jewelry beyond tie clips and cufflinks.
We have one gentleman here who bought a full-on woman''s diamond ring for himself.
To that I say, bless his strong and confident heart.

Of all the cushions, I have a weak spot for GOG''s August Vintage Cushions. They are so bold!

I can''t wait to see what you come up with with this wonderful budget.
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I agree how important it is to find that diamond which feel like the best fit.That is why I''m asking many question in order to make a informed decision. A heavy set ring makes the most sense to me because that is what has the greatest appeal to my eye.And you are right it is all down to personal preferrence.

My biggest hope is that I enjoy both these rings 10 years on as much as the day I buy them.When I direct my focus and questions on looking for a ring to my mind is masculine it does not infer anything about the other type of cuts.I hope you were not offended in any way.And to that guy who bought a ring which is normally worn by women,I say good on him! He knows what floats his boat. Mean while I''m still going through the pre buying stage.That is why I hope everyone on this board has patience with those of us that are learning the ropes.
 
Please,tell me what you think of these radiant diamonds.Are they any where near ideal cuts? Thank you

1) 4.40cts,F color,VVS2 clarity,Premium cut,Depth 67.7,Table 66.0,Girdle medium to slightly thick,Cutlet very small,Polish very good,Fluore faint,Measurements 9.62 x 9.14 x 6.19,length/width 1.05. $131K

2) 3.00cts,F color,Clarity VVS1,Premium cut,,Depth 69.4,Table 65.0,Girdle thick,Cutlet none,Polish Ex,Symmetry Ex,Fluoren none,Measurements 8.21 x 8.08 x 5.61,Length/Width 1.02. $65K

3)3.81cts E color,VVS2 Clarity,Premium cut,Depth 69.3,Table 66.0,Girdle medium, Cutlet none, polish Ex, Symmetry very good, Fluoren strong,Measurements 9.10 x 8.82 x 6.11, Length/Width 1.03, $72K.
 
I would love to see another Octavia go to another member of the board!
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HR at the top of this screen if you click on KNOWLEDGE, then select Advanced Tutorial, one of the choices on the left is Radiant cuts.
To help identify good cut that page has suggested ranges for important specs.

Click here for a shortcut to it.

At the bottom of that link is links to several threads about radiant cuts.

In addition to looking for a radiant with specs that fit into the best cut range, I would insist on seeing Idealscope and ASET pics of the actual radiant diamond to further evaluate its cut quality.
Post the pics here or learn how to interpret them yourself.

Idealscope info

ASET scope info

Contact the seller of the diamonds and tell him/her you will not consider purchasing any diamond without seeing these pics.
 
Date: 2/19/2010 7:36:32 AM
Author: Hughrock
Please,tell me what you think of these radiant diamonds.Are they any where near ideal cuts? Thank you

1) 4.40cts,F color,VVS2 clarity,Premium cut,Depth 67.7,Table 66.0,Girdle medium to slightly thick,Cutlet very small,Polish very good,Fluore faint,Measurements 9.62 x 9.14 x 6.19,length/width 1.05. $131K

2) 3.00cts,F color,Clarity VVS1,Premium cut,,Depth 69.4,Table 65.0,Girdle thick,Cutlet none,Polish Ex,Symmetry Ex,Fluoren none,Measurements 8.21 x 8.08 x 5.61,Length/Width 1.02. $65K

3)3.81cts E color,VVS2 Clarity,Premium cut,Depth 69.3,Table 66.0,Girdle medium, Cutlet none, polish Ex, Symmetry very good, Fluoren strong,Measurements 9.10 x 8.82 x 6.11, Length/Width 1.03, $72K.
HI:

If you choose a radiant, I would suggest sticking to a "higher" color as above, since they have a propensity to hold body color. I have a 5 carat radiant stone is an H color and I can see, in certain lighting, hints of color.

cheers--Sharon
 
Date: 2/19/2010 12:02:01 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
I like the asscher better than an emerald for a man's ring. Something about the square shape seems more masculine to me than the rectangle and it is a less common/recognizable cut so people would not be as familiar with it and associate with as much with a woman's enagagement ring.

Not EBree but thought i'd answer anyways
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I completely agree with dreamer_dachsie. I also like a princess cut for a man's ring because the sharp corners can look masculine, and the square shape looks great and works well in a tension setting.

Do you know what kind of a setting you'd like to put the diamond(s) in? I really like the idea of two different rings with different cuts.
 
A lot of men will be put off wearing a diamond called "Princess".

They shouldn't.
It's just a name - but there it is.

To many, a man wearing any diamond is a bit of a stretch.
Even many PSers have said as much.
 
Maybe Karl can invent the "Prince" or the "King" cut!
 
Date: 2/19/2010 3:49:45 PM
Author: AprilBaby
Maybe Karl can invent the ''Prince'' or the ''King'' cut!

But if Karl designed it, it would be so fine that all the ladies would want to wear it too.
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Date: 2/19/2010 1:54:41 PM
Author: kenny
HR at the top of this screen if you click on KNOWLEDGE, then select Advanced Tutorial, one of the choices on the left is Radiant cuts.
To help identify good cut that page has suggested ranges for important specs.

Click here for a shortcut to it.

At the bottom of that link is links to several threads about radiant cuts.

In addition to looking for a radiant with specs that fit into the best cut range, I would insist on seeing Idealscope and ASET pics of the actual radiant diamond to further evaluate its cut quality.
Post the pics here or learn how to interpret them yourself.

Idealscope info

ASET scope info

Contact the seller of the diamonds and tell him/her you will not consider purchasing any diamond without seeing these pics.
Kenny

Thanks for posting the above information I''m sure it will help me locate a great stone. They say if you cast your line often enough a good catch is just a matter of time.Well,today I found the perfect ring design. It meets all the demands I''m looking for,it is elegant,heavy and masculine. It is ideal for a square shaped diamond,and this particular ring has a emerald cut stone. The ring is made by a high end jeweler. One word to describe the ring. WOW!!

So if I don''t buy the ring/w diamond from them I will use that design to have something similar made for me by one of the vendors on this site or a third option. Speaking of which,the diamond specs that I posted earlier were from a vendor that is advertising on pricescope.I will do my homework and see how good they are in providing quality stones with ideal quality specs.

Leaning heavily with the Emerald or Asscher cut stone for my larger purchase$150K,and maybe the Radiant for my every day ring.
 
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