Will my year long cushion search end tomorrow at ERD???

[Roxie Bling]

Hi all.

I have been searching for an 8 main (thin) cushion in around the 1.5 ct range for almost a year and Mark finally has one is stock for me to see tomorrow. It is an F, SI1, 57 table, 66.2 depth, 7.22 x 6.77.

I've been away from the forum for awhile, so I could really use a quick refresher on what I should ask for and look for.

Does Mark use ASET or any other imaging technology that I should ask for? I seem to recall he wasn't forthcoming in doing those.

I am a bit nervous that it is an S1 (I was hoping for VS2 maximum), so want to make sure I see clearly why it is graded S1. I've read stories here of people buying what they thought was an eye-clean stone, only to get it home and it has a big dark area on it. Any tips?

Really appreciate any input (or pep talk).

Thank you!

 

[bgray]

good luck. never been impressed with Engagement Ring Direct. (Mark). very little interest or willingness to provide additional information -plus i believe they source stones that have high profit to themselves. there is no reason that you shouldnt have had plenty of stones to choose from in a year that fit your requirements.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Hi all.

I have been searching for an 8 main (thin) cushion in around the 1.5 ct range for almost a year and Mark finally has one is stock for me to see tomorrow. It is an F, SI1, 57 table, 66.2 depth, 7.22 x 6.77.

Roxie that is not a square 8 main thin, too rectangular it will have quite a different appearance.
See middle row middle stone is square 8 main thin, far right is rectangular 8 main thin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UfJDCtyCgw&FMT=22

I've been away from the forum for awhile, so I could really use a quick refresher on what I should ask for and look for.

Ask for a sarin scan and a full .srn file post in the thread I am not too confident in their ability to take a proper ASET which would be nice if they put in a little more effort.Does Mark use ASET or any other imaging technology that I should ask for? I seem to recall he wasn't forthcoming in doing those.

Yes they will but aren't that great at photographing them.

I am a bit nervous that it is an S1 (I was hoping for VS2 maximum), so want to make sure I see clearly why it is graded S1. I've read stories here of people buying what they thought was an eye-clean stone, only to get it home and it has a big dark area on it. Any tips?

See it away from the strong lights under a table in natural light etc.

Really appreciate any input (or pep talk).
Biggest thing is, is this a 8 main thin or 8 main thick and what excactly is the look you are going for?

Thank you!

 

[Roxie Bling]

Trying to add a picture. I know it is not a true square by the dimensions given, but it doesn't appear extremely rectangular does it? I guess I'll see tomorrow.

I know the image is small, so let me know if you can even tell anything from the picture.

 

[CharmyPoo]

It does not look square to me at all. However, given your long wait I think it makes sense for you to take a look and see how it feels. I know we share a lot of rules and thoughts .. but at the end of the day it is what you feel comfortable with. There is no perfect stone and you can be waiting forever.

Your other options are to try to find a square H&A or wait until a new branded cut gets invented - I know there are a few in the works .. but that could be a really long wait.

For myself, I am waiting until my Leon ring with the AVC is done and then trying it on for a bit before I decide what to do with my current stone which may have a chance of going back into inventory.

 

[Roxie Bling]

See middle row middle stone is square 8 main thin, far right is rectangular 8 main thin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UfJDCtyCgw&FMT=22 [/color]

[/quote]

Very helpful to see all of those diamonds lined up together. How were you lucky enough to get all 9 together??? (and are any of them for sale?).

My meeting went well, but the diamond was not quite square enough, so I am pursuring other options. Thanks again for the feedback everyone.

Charmy... I'll fill out diamond adoption papers any time if you are ever ready to part with it.

 

[E B]

Hi Roxie,

Did Mark show you (or have you seen) this one? It isn't an 8-main, but it's square and may be worth a look?

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/DiamondCushionDetails.aspx?Item=16

Another:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/DiamondCushionDetails.aspx?Item=13

 

[anonymous1insocal]

good luck. never been impressed with Engagement Ring Direct. (Mark). very little interest or willingness to provide additional information -plus i believe they source stones that have high profit to themselves. there is no reason that you shouldnt have had plenty of stones to choose from in a year that fit your requirements.

I just completed the purchase of a stone and setting with them (will try to post pictures after the big day). My experience was the opposite--I worked with Gary and found him to be very helpful, often answering my emailed questions quickly and at off hours (and never becoming frustrated with my many questions). They gave me an aset (though I didn't ask for one), multiple pictures, and three online, high definition videos of my stone...

Having now seen the stone and setting in person, it is spectacular and totally kills anything else I saw in person in my area. I'm extremely pleased overall and got a very fair price. I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but frankly I am surprised by your comment and speculation of their profit margins given my very good overall experience.

 

[CharmyPoo]

good luck. never been impressed with Engagement Ring Direct. (Mark). very little interest or willingness to provide additional information -plus i believe they source stones that have high profit to themselves. there is no reason that you shouldnt have had plenty of stones to choose from in a year that fit your requirements.

To be fair, I actually find Mark's prices very competitive and he doesn't seem to be making a huge profit on the stones themselves. Roxie is looking for a very specific diamond and there just hasn't been a lot of 8-mains within her criteria. I haven't seen many (if any) over the past year.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

See middle row middle stone is square 8 main thin, far right is rectangular 8 main thin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UfJDCtyCgw&FMT=22 [/color]

Very helpful to see all of those diamonds lined up together. How were you lucky enough to get all 9 together??? (and are any of them for sale?).

Those are simulated videos based on sarin scans which I tiled side by side, none are currently for sale diamonds but most of those styles can be found today. You might try WF or GOG they both carry the SCHA now and may have other diamonds you might be interested in.

My meeting went well, but the diamond was not quite square enough, so I am pursuring other options. Thanks again for the feedback everyone.

Charmy... I'll fill out diamond adoption papers any time if you are ever ready to part with it.[/quote]

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Hi Roxie,

Did Mark show you (or have you seen) this one? It isn't an 8-main, but it's square and may be worth a look?

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/DiamondCushionDetails.aspx?Item=16

Another:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/DiamondCushionDetails.aspx?Item=13

Both are 8 main vintage style diamonds. They have very tall crowns(taller than AVCs) which some people like, but those CA/PA combinations are not ideal for maximizing bightness, but they may have enhanced fire.