8 replies to this topic

[pinkkirby]

Hi there. I am looking for cushion cut diamond and have been to quite a few stores. I feel I am still pretty confused and honestly, even with stones in front of me, I can't tell why one is better than another. Below is the spec. that I have narrowed down to:

1.2 - 1.5 carat
D/E
VS1 or above
cut = as good as it can be?
depth/table - absoultely no idea
budget for stone only 8~9k

I was told by the sales, VS1 vs VVS1... you can't tell the difference from naked eye. So better put your money else where such as the size. Color D/E you can tell when putting the stones side by side.

Depth should be 59 -62
table should be 54 - 62

However, when I search diamonds online (bluenile, jamesallen, etc) I can hardly find a depth/table that fit the criteria above. Is cushion cut on a different standard? I feel maybe the numbers above are for round shape?

I am seriously debating on buying online vs local jeweler, assuming online is cheaper, but I am afraid of issues such as re-sizing/exchange. What is everyone's opinion?

[davidelevi]

Forget any "rules" around table and depth. At best they are very very rough, and with cuts like cushion there is so much variability in faceting styles that you (or at the very least the dealer) really need to see the stone. For example, look here http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?sh...ost&p=21120 for a few types of cushion cutting styles. Ignore colour and size variations, just focus on the facet patterns, and you'll see that deciding simply based on the size of the table and depth is madness. These things LOOK different regardless of the numbers.

The sales person is correct that any clarity above VS2 you won't be able to appreciate without a lens; s/he is however incorrect about colour; in most lighting, observation angles and background conditions the average observer won't be able to differentiate between D and F, or even H. Particularly when the stone is set in a ring and looked at from above. Incidentally, many SI stones (and some I1s) are also eye-clean, meaning one won't see any inclusions without a loupe, especially after setting.

Online is usually cheaper because overheads are much lower, but the service you receive from some of the largest names (e.g. Bluenile) is not in my view adequate if you are purchasing something like a cushion, since in most cases they only act as middlemen and never see the diamond, never mind having 3 or 4 to look at and choose from. You are much better off to pick some dealer that has the stones, and even from an online perspective can help you with photos, videos and an expert eye. Also, bear in mind that advertising and selling online is something that many "normal" retailers use as an additional source of business, rather than their exclusive go-to-market channel

On resizing and exchange, most good online dealers have policies as good as or better than equivalent B&M stores, although of course the convenience of simply popping in with the ring and seeing someone in the face is worth something. Not to mention the time and cost of shipping.

[pinkkirby]

davidelevi, on Wednesday, Jun 16 2010, 07:44 AM, said:

Forget any "rules" around table and depth. At best they are very very rough, and with cuts like cushion there is so much variability in faceting styles that you (or at the very least the dealer) really need to see the stone. For example, look here [url="http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?showtopic=4831&view=findpost&p=21120"][url]http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?sh...ost&p=21120[/url][/url] for a few types of cushion cutting styles. Ignore colour and size variations, just focus on the facet patterns, and you'll see that deciding simply based on the size of the table and depth is madness. These things LOOK different regardless of the numbers.

The sales person is correct that any clarity above VS2 you won't be able to appreciate without a lens; s/he is however incorrect about colour; in most lighting, observation angles and background conditions the average observer won't be able to differentiate between D and F, or even H. Particularly when the stone is set in a ring and looked at from above. Incidentally, many SI stones (and some I1s) are also eye-clean, meaning one won't see any inclusions without a loupe, especially after setting.

Online is usually cheaper because overheads are much lower, but the service you receive from some of the largest names (e.g. Bluenile) is not in my view adequate if you are purchasing something like a cushion, since in most cases they only act as middlemen and never see the diamond, never mind having 3 or 4 to look at and choose from. You are much better off to pick some dealer that has the stones, and even from an online perspective can help you with photos, videos and an expert eye. Also, bear in mind that advertising and selling online is something that many "normal" retailers use as an additional source of business, rather than their exclusive go-to-market channel

On resizing and exchange, most good online dealers have policies as good as or better than equivalent B&M stores, although of course the convenience of simply popping in with the ring and seeing someone in the face is worth something. Not to mention the time and cost of shipping.

Thanks for the reply.

one more thing, about Fluorescence. I have read couple article that some people actually prefer small amount (faint?) is this true? I would assume I should be looking for one that's none...

[Britani17]

Hi Pinkkirby!

We have one in the specifications you listed. I have seen it in person and it is gorgeous. I agree that VVS1 and VS1 visually have no difference without the scope. When trying to get the best value for your money I usually suggest VS1 to SI1 and G-H in color. When the diamond is set in white gold or platinum it brings the whiteness out in the diamond. Here is the link and info on the stone. We specialize in engagement rings at a great value. Let me know if you are interested. info@dbof.com.

http://www.dbof.com/...-1-20-ct-d-vs1/

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[denverappraiser]

For my own taste, I rather like fluorescence (even fairly strong fluorescence) for two main reasons:

a ) It’s cool.
b ) It drives down the price.

Where you stand on this is up to you but it’s unpopular at the moment in the internet groupthink. I guess that makes for:

c ) It's unpopular with the Internet groupthink.

Neil

Edited by denverappraiser, 16 June 2010 - 11:01 AM.

[diamondsbylauren]

I agree with Davide- throw the depth and table numbers you listed away- they do nothing but hamper your search.
Many gorgeous cushions have tables and depths outside those narrow parameters.
I'm with Neil- I love many stones with fl- in fact I do find people that search for them.

[barry]

The numbers you've been given are a very general outline. Skilled cutters can bring out beauty with angle and percentage combinations that fall outside of current accepted dogma.

Shopping for Cushions or any fancy shape diamond on the Internet, requires from the selling Vendor at a minimum IMO, photos and a description of the stone(s). Otherwise you're flying blind.

[HeartAndStone]

Hi pinkkirby!

Coincidentally, that cool cushion cut from from DBOF is kinda pinkish..it looks very pretty Brit!

Cheers!

[diamondsbylauren]

mmmmm....pink cushions!