Vintage Cushion: advice needed

[liawn2109]

Hi guys, I'm wanting to buy a vintage cushion (e.g. AVC), but I am quite new to buying diamonds online, so hopefully someone could answer my following questions. I also never saw any vintage cushion in person before, and I need to connect what I read about interpreting ASET images with whether the diamonds would look satisfying in real life. I am assuming AGSL Light Performance Map can be interpreted in the same way as ASET images. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I would really appreciate your response!

Just to make my following questions clearer, for illustrative and comparison purposes only, I'm going to refer to AGS reports of some AVC diamonds. I understand AVCs are excellently cut almost by definition, and any questions regarding their cut quality may be a bit nitpicking. I use them as examples because I have been looking at them too much lol. I hope this is fine. I also understand some of the questions may beg for personal preference/taste, but in any event I would appreciate your opinions or even feelings. As I said, I am quite new to this and please forgive the newbie questions.

1. In vintage cushion cut diamonds, some show contrast or shadow in a cross-like pattern (see below; is it from the crown facets?). Is this pattern desirable, if viewing in real life (i.e. regular daylight)?
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104095774012-PGR.PDF
2. Some may show contrast or shadow in an "X" pattern close to the center (maybe from the pavilion facets?) - would those appear desirable in real life?
3. In comparison, if any vintage cushion cut doesn't have that pattern (see below). Would those ones appear dull (i.e. undesirable), or would they appear brighter (i.e. desirable)?
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104093975002-PGR.PDF
4. How much light leakage is considered ok within "super-ideal" vintage cushions? Is there too much leakage around the corners?
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104096195031-PGR.PDF
5. I read somewhere some light leakage may enhance visual performance as it adds more "contrast" (in a general sense). Would the grey areas in the one below indicate undesirable leakage or is it ok?
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104096195018-PGR.PDF
6. If a lot of this depends on personal preference, what should I request from the vendor for me to understand my preference? videos?
7. Any recommendations for a custom jeweler who work with platinum? It will probably be a very simply design, but I need the tip of the diamond to touch my skin (a spiritual thing). Preferably in Ontario, Canada because I'm here.

Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[maryjane04]

If you are getting an AVC with the AGS000 then there shouldn't be any light leakage. It is a vintage cut with modern optics. Unlike antique or true vintage cushion cuts/old mine cuts which were cut by hand 100 years ago without the modern technology.

 

[ecf8503]

I had an AVC - the Maltese Cross under the table is very visible, the "X" that it creates, not so much. Great optics though!

 

[tyty333]

You probably should discuss all this with Rhino. He would probably have better answers. These AGS Light performance maps are computer
generated. You should look at the ASET image to see exactly what the stone is doing.

1. In vintage cushion cut diamonds, some show contrast or shadow in a cross-like pattern (see below; is it from the crown facets?). Is this pattern desirable, if viewing in real life (i.e. regular daylight)? It is caused by the pavilion angles. It is personal preference...what you like to see.
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104095774012-PGR.PDF
2. Some may show contrast or shadow in an "X" pattern close to the center (maybe from the pavilion facets?) - would those appear desirable in real life. I think they are hard to see in real life like some posted above.
3. In comparison, if any vintage cushion cut doesn't have that pattern (see below). Would those ones appear dull (i.e. undesirable), or would they appear brighter (i.e. desirable)? They probably show as the stone turns (in a video up close). No, would not appear dull. In my opinion, all AVCs appear bright under the table. I think you're over analyzing.
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104093975002-PGR.PDF
4. How much light leakage is considered ok within "super-ideal" vintage cushions? Is there too much leakage around the corners?
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104096195031-PGR.PDF No there is not. These are AGS000 stones with Ideal light return.
5. I read somewhere some light leakage may enhance visual performance as it adds more "contrast" (in a general sense). Would the grey areas in the one below indicate undesirable leakage or is it ok? That is extremely minor and it is fine. All AVCs will be fine.
   1. https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104096195018-PGR.PDF
6. If a lot of this depends on personal preference, what should I request from the vendor for me to understand my preference? videos? Yes, upclose videos which I think are already on the AVC sight but some that are more at normal viewing distance might be helpful. Look on youtube. Rhino has a lot of videos over there. Search for August Vintage Cushion.
7. Any recommendations for a custom jeweler who work with platinum? It will probably be a very simply design, but I need the tip of the diamond to touch my skin (a spiritual thing). Preferably in Ontario, Canada because I'm here. I've used David Klass (CA). They do a really good job at reasonable cost. I'm in US but maybe someone else will know some in Canada.

Call Rhino and speak with him. I know sometimes he can sound kind of like a Bull-sh$ter but you'll probably gain some useful information.

 

[liawn2109]

Thanks everyone for the replies! So it seems the AGSL Light Performance Map is somehow differently interpreted than the ASET images? (i.e. what is the grey area in the AGSL map?)

Like I said, I knew AVCs are top-tier, and I am only using AVCs as examples because I am considering them. I have also looked at Victor Canera, but based on the limited stones I looked at, the AVCs appeared to have better images.

Maybe I should talk to Rhino directly and ask for videos at normal viewing distance.

 

[LLJsmom]

Make sure you like the maltese cross look. IRL, that kept popping up at me, and I got bored of it really quickly. But again, all just a matter of preference. If you like the cushion shape but like the faceting of an OEC, there are some cushiony OECs out there, but they are not easy to find. The trusted vintage vendors may be able to track a couple down for you. Good luck!!

 

[tyty333]

Thanks everyone for the replies! So it seems the AGSL Light Performance Map is somehow differently interpreted than the ASET images? (i.e. what is the grey area in the AGSL map?)

I think the answer to the first question is NO. Its just that the AGS LPM is computer generated and not as accurate as the real ASET of the stone
(I believe ... Again, talk to Rhino to get the real low-down) The gray is leakage.

Like I said, I knew AVCs are top-tier, and I am only using AVCs as examples because I am considering them. I have also looked at Victor Canera, but based on the limited stones I looked at, the AVCs appeared to have better images.


Maybe I should talk to Rhino directly and ask for videos at normal viewing distance.

Look at Youtube first. There are lots of AVC videos there.

 

[molecule]

Make sure you like the maltese cross look. IRL, that kept popping up at me, and I got bored of it really quickly.

I do wish the star AVC pattern was still offered, but there may have been some copyright/patent issues

 

[Elise_k]

Hi,

As suggested above, I think you should ask Rhino. He was super patient with me.

Where in Ontario are you located? I have a jeweler who’s located in Toronto. He made my five stone band. If you’re interested, then I can pass the info along!

 

[liawn2109]

Hi,

As suggested above, I think you should ask Rhino. He was super patient with me.

Where in Ontario are you located? I have a jeweler who’s located in Toronto. He made my five stone band. If you’re interested, then I can pass the info along!

Hi Elise, I am in Toronto too! Would appreciate the info about the jeweler. Thanks!

 

[Elise_k]

Hi Elise, I am in Toronto too! Would appreciate the info about the jeweler. Thanks!

It’s Leif Benner in the distillery district. He’s great! I hope you like him.

Lisa

 

[liawn2109]

It’s Leif Benner in the distillery district. He’s great! I hope you like him.

Lisa

Thanks! I'm going to reach out to him.

 

[josieKat]

I'll mention that the maltese cross pattern can be more or less pronounced in a particular stone (similar to how some rare ones have more of a star). My AVC is slightly rectangular and I see more of an angel pattern than a maltese cross, which I don-t love the look of on the square stones.