Radiant versus Cushion Cut Diamond

[sugary]

My dad just asked me to help pick out a ring for my mom. My mom never had an engagment ring because they eloped 32 years ago. While she has a beautiful band and other rings, we both think that she would really love to have an ER. My mom loves radiant and cushion cut diamonds. Dad wants to know what would really look great in an E-ring. He is thinking about 1.5 to 2.0 stone with side baguettes(this is the ring he was looking at) Mom''s ring size is a 5

http://www.uniondiamond.com/jewelry/jewelry.php?item_id=1665&action_type_id=2&pic_name=&shape_id=

Which stone do you think would look larger in the setting? Dad has absolutely no idea what else he should be concerned about in particular when he buys her a ring. ANy suggestions? Plus has anyone dealt with Union Diamonds on-line? Are they reputable?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/3/2009 12:47:11 PM
Author:sugary
My dad just asked me to help pick out a ring for my mom. My mom never had an engagment ring because they eloped 32 years ago. While she has a beautiful band and other rings, we both think that she would really love to have an ER. My mom loves radiant and cushion cut diamonds. Dad wants to know what would really look great in an E-ring. He is thinking about 1.5 to 2.0 stone with side baguettes(this is the ring he was looking at) Mom's ring size is a 5

http://www.uniondiamond.com/jewelry/jewelry.php?item_id=1665&action_type_id=2&pic_name=&shape_id=

Which stone do you think would look larger in the setting? Dad has absolutely no idea what else he should be concerned about in particular when he buys her a ring. ANy suggestions? Plus has anyone dealt with Union Diamonds on-line? Are they reputable?

Thanks for all your help.

Hi Sugary,

The thing with fancy shapes such as radiants and cushions, they really need to be seen to be judged, and I don't think UD will provide photographs or other images such as ASET/ Idealscope which are essential when buying online - although you can certainly ask them if they would do so. I would suggest if you want a cushion, contact Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com as he is known as the go to cushion guy. Radiants, any of the vendors which have in house diamonds as well as Mark T above could help such as WF, GOG etc.

Also radiants and cushions can vary tremendously so see if you can sneakily find out which diamond your Mom prefers out of cushion and radiant, and the shape of the diamond itself as cushions and rads can come in different shapes and can vary a lot. I am sure your Mom will be delighted though! With the setting you linked, I would think a radiant would look the best for that ring, just my opinion though.

 

[Tuckins1]

I think a radiant would look stunning on that setting! I like that a radiant had vary distinct straight lines that would play nicely with the side stones.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Although I absolutely love cushions, I think a radiant would look wonderful in that setting. The straight lines will go well.

 

[sugary]

Spoke with my mom on the phone earlier and she told me that she favors the radiant cut over the cushion cuts. I have read through a number of old threads on here and all I have found is that a good quality radiant will not be easy to find. Someone recommended a website radiantcut.com for the authority on radiant cut diamonds. Has anyone purchased a radiant diamond through them or one of their vendors?