7 replies to this topic

[jae]

Hi, I've started my search for an engagement ring and was wondering how does the cut affect the diamond's brilliance for a cushion cut? Is it like a round where the better the cut the better the brilliance? Thanks.

[davidelevi]

Yes. However - unlike in rounds - there is no reliable cut quality grading for cushion cuts (or indeed any other fancy shape except princess). You need to see the stone, or you need to trust the seller's word; from this point of view, drop-shippers like Blue Nile are at a distinct disadvantage.

[jae]

Thanks davidelevi for the reply. I've seen the diamond in person but haven't seen it under natural lighting conditions. I'm trying to compare it to diamonds I've seen elsewhere which showed a lot of brilliance but were in the sun light or floor display lights. Thus, I'm trying to figure out just how brilliant the diamond I'm most interested will perform. Any ideas?

Edited by jae, 01 November 2009 - 02:19 PM.

[davidelevi]

Short of leaving a credit card with one shop and bringing the stones next to each other, or developing photographic memory, no.

Even if you can't use natural light, ask the jeweller to allow you in a back room or somewhere with fluorescent or diffused light, rather than spotlights. Most pieces of glass look pretty good under halogen spotlights. Also, try to normalise as much as possible the environment. Look at the diamonds on a white sheet of paper or matt cardboard to assess colour, and use the valley between the back of two fingers to assess brilliance and fire in an environment that is as close as possible to the intended destination

[diamondsbylauren]

HI Jae,
Are you searchijg for a modern cushion, or one that looks old ( with "chuunky flashes")

[jae]

diamondsbylauren, on Monday, Nov 2 2009, 02:08 PM, said:

HI Jae,
Are you searchijg for a modern cushion, or one that looks old ( with "chuunky flashes")

Hi, what's the difference? Does the modern cushion look like it has crushed ice on the inside? If so, I'd say no.

[davidelevi]

Take a look here - ignore colour, focus on the patterns of light/cutting style

http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?sh...ost&p=21120

these are all modern (relatively small facets), but all look different. The one in the middle is the closest to an "antique", although it's quite different

[Britani17]

jae, on Sunday, Nov 1 2009, 02:14 PM, said:

Hi, I've started my search for an engagement ring and was wondering how does the cut affect the diamond's brilliance for a cushion cut? Is it like a round where the better the cut the better the brilliance? Thanks.

Cut is important in any shape you pick, and especially in fancy cuts because you have shape appeal. Here is an example of a not so good cut next to a well cut cushion. This is why it is very important to see what you're buying whether by pictures or in person. Hope this helps

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