Cushion Cut Diamond With ASET Images

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Liz,

I’ve been educating myself on diamonds, have been to several local shops and seen some up close in person, and I’m still finding it difficult to get an ideal 1.0-1.2ct cushion cut diamond in my price range of $5-$7k. Cut, as you mention, is the most important factor. I’m looking for a cushion with a lot of “brilliance” and “fire”. Beyond that, I’d like to be in the D-G range for color, and clarity to be eye-clean. Accurate ASET images would be ideal. I’ve been to Enchanted Diamonds, and wish that they had more ASETs available for diamonds within my specifications. They list many with a cut score of 100, but do not have ASETs to confirm that claim. If your expertise can present some options, I would be very grateful!

Look forward to seeing what you can come up with,

Blake

A:

Hi Blake,

Thanks for contacting me. Cushion cut diamonds are notoriously difficult to purchase. Here are some tips:

1. There are many different facet patterns which elicit different ‘looks’ in light pattern, brilliance, and sparkle (see more re: how to buy cushion cut diamonds)
2. Different length/width ratios determine what ‘shape’ a cushion takes; for example the traditional ‘pillow’ shape vs. the more modern ‘square’ shape, each providing a different look
3. GIA distinguishes two different types of cuts for the cushion shape. The first is the Cushion Brilliant Cut which there are varying styles including ‘Antique’ style cushions with an open culet and chunky facet pattern (see this 1.092ct F SI1 for $7,594.00 as an example) or the more modern style (see this 1.01ct G VS2 for $6,141.00 as an example).
4. The other kind type of cut distinguished by GIA is the Cushion Modified Brilliant which refers to facets on the pavilion that were either added, deleted, or modified from the traditional round brilliant facet patterning. Examples of these would be the Super-Ideal perfectly symmetrical H&A cushions, like those offered by Brian Gavin Diamonds or the Blue Nile’s Signature Cushion diamonds (see this 1.003ct G VS1 for $7,928.00 from BGD and this 1.02ct G VS2 for $6,681.00 from Blue Nile to see what I mean)

The 1.09ct F SI1 is an excellent option from Victor Canera. This is a gorgeous high performance diamond with antique facet patterning inspired by Old Mine Brilliant (OMB) diamonds. It’s a gorgeous example of what cushions used to look like before the turn of the century.

The 1.003ct G VS1 is a super-ideal H&A from BGD and is a patented cut super-ideal diamond. These precisely cut diamonds have an equal balance of fire vs. brilliance resulting in superior scintillation/sparkle. This diamond has a gorgeous ‘G’ color with super clean VS1 clarity.

The 1.05ct G VS2 from Blue Nile is part of their ‘Signature’ cushion cut diamond collection and has a magnified image as part of the GCAL report. Though this H&A isn’t anywhere near as precise as the BGD patented cut, it is still a worthy option and fits within your budget and diamond requirements.

You will likely not find too many cushion cut diamonds with a corresponding ASET image online simply because cushions are not as popular as the round brilliant and the diamond market doesn’t go to these lengths to sell them.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Thank you so much for your assistance! Those were some solid options. Out of curiosity, and after reading your review of them, are there any stones you recommend from Enchanted Diamonds?

I particularly like the fact that they issue proprietary “cut” scores. Albeit, I’m not sure how accurate they are. They also have ASET images.

I also prefer the Modified Brilliant Cushions.

Best,

Blake

A:

Hi Blake,

Enchanted Diamond’s cut score is helpful most of the time but cannot be used as a final way to evaluate a diamond’s overall cut quality. The human eye is still the best judge of this and therefore we still need to assess each diamond individually. As you requested, here are some cushions that have an ASET image with high cut score that fits within your requested carat weight/color and budget requirements from Enchanted Diamonds:

1.01ct D VS1 for $5,290: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-9NACKW

Cut score on this is 100, but the ASET image shows a moderate amount of light leakage. Though this diamond fits your specs, I would feel more comfortable recommending another diamond.

or this 1.01ct E VVS1 for $6,620: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-1QG6E9

The cut score on this cushion is 96.9 but the ASET clearly shows much more direct light reflection (red) as well as discernible dark contrast patterning (blue). There is some light leakage under the crown facet on the right hand side, but it isn’t significant. I’d say this is a viable option for you.

and this 1.01ct G VS1 for $7,390: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-12FW9D

The cut score on this is also 96.9 but is similar in light performance to the 1.01ct above.

Various different Modified Brilliant Cushions and their various different facet pattern looks and resulting light reflection/brilliance. Diamonds from left (not to scale): 1.003ct G VS1 for $7,928.00, 1.01ct D VS1 for $5,290.00, 1.01ct E VVS1 for $7,050.00, or 1.01ct G VS1 for $7,390.00. The ASET image is an easy way to assess light performance (brilliance), optical symmetry (dark contrast), physical symmetry and the cutter’s expertise. For more information on assessing different ASET images please visit here.

Overall, the 1.003ct G VS1 is the most expensive at $7,928.00, but it obviously has the best cut and therefore will be the most brilliant and sparkle the most. My second favorite would be the 1.02ct G VS2 from Blue Nile.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have anymore questions.

Best,

Liz