Square Cushion Cut Diamonds with $23K Budget

Q:

Hi Liz,

I’ve been on the market for 2.00 -2.00+ square cushion cut diamonds for a few months now have narrowed it down to what I think could work for me. I am relatively flexible on color and clarity, as long as it is eye-clean. I have been partial to hearts and arrows pattern from Brian Gavin but not sure if it’s good value. Brilliance and size are probably my biggest priorities. Here are a few of my choices that I’ve been able to narrow down to:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3671624

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.70-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3669606

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.001-i-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104094952005

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.871-h-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104096927015

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/favorites/diamonds#diamond=C254-237Z30147

Any advice or suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Kevin

A:

Hi Kevin,

I’m happy to help you.

You have selected some very nice square cushion cut diamonds! I took a look at all of them and prefer the 2.19ct F VS2: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.19-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3671624

or the BGD Cushions – of course!

The Enchanted Diamonds cushion and the 2.70ct H VVS2 from JA are not recommended. Their cut is not ideal, faceting is not symmetrical, and light reflection/brilliance is inferior.

I definitely feel that BGD’s cushions are worth the premium. Personally, I own a ‘K’ cushion and it faces up so white you’d never know it was this lower color grade. It is all down to Brian’s unique cut parameters that makes his cushion stand out. Here’s an article I published in case you were curious about my diamond: https://www.onlinediamondbuyingadvice.com/cushion-cut-diamond/

The 2.001ct I VS1 for $19,328.00: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.001-i-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104094952005?a_aid=diamondadvice is what I prefer as you’ll appreciate the size difference vs. the 1.871ct.

The only other option I can steer you towards is Victor Canera’s Antique Cushions. These are also a stunning cut! I recommend this beautiful 2.017ct H VS2 for $21,495.00: https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/55416k-2.017-h-vs2-ideal-antique-cushion#cmp=ODBA

I just love the chunky facets in his unique antique cushions! So dramatic and classy!

Let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Liz

Square Cushion Cut Diamonds With 1:1 Ratio (Square Outline)

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for such a prompt response and suggestions! I apologize for such a tardy one on my part but I have since been able to view at least the square cushion cut diamonds from JA and Enchanted Diamonds in person. I really like your antique cushion suggestions personally but I do know my girlfriend prefers the more contemporary cushions with a 1:1 length to width ratio. I have narrowed my selection to 3 diamonds one of which is the BG one you recommended in the order that I’m leaning towards:

1.) https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.001-i-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104094952005

2.) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.31-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3671609
3.) https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-5-Carat-G-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-1842436Z5

For the square cushion cut diamond from BG, my only reservations were regarding the AGS grading, including color since it is an I. I’ve been told that if I get this diamond graded at GIA (which I would likely do since they have an office here in New York City where I live) its performance may be lower given that the original grade was done in partnership with the dealer. Are these valid concerns or have I been going around the diamond block too much? The remaining two diamonds are likely ones where I am giving up some level of brilliance for size – just curious to know if you think what I am gaining here may be greater than what I’m giving up.

Thank you again so much for your help, I really appreciate your advice!

Regards,

Kevin

A:

Hi Kevin,

I took a look at all your square cushion cut diamonds. Without a doubt my favorite is the BGD cushion: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.001-i-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104094952005

This diamond is the best cut, hands down. With a superior cut, a diamond reflects light at it’s most brilliant. This cushion also has perfect optical symmetry (dark contrast areas).

As for your color question – I’d have to say that you are probably thinking about this too much. AGS’s color grades are accurate and comparable to GIA (I’ve not seen any major difference between the two) and with BGD you are getting a very high cut quality diamond that will definitely appear white when looking at it. Color saturation in his diamonds is perceived through the pavilion side view which is not really a concern. So, I’d say that you are perfectly fine with the ‘I’ color grade. Also, I wouldn’t bother getting it graded at GIA; but that is just my opinion and recommendation. AGS is highly reputed and insurance requirements do not necessitate a GIA lab report to cover any stones (always check your insurance policy for details).

Let me know if you still have any questions!

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

2.001ct I VS1 AGS graded Hearts and arrows super ideal Square Cushion Cut Diamonds from Brian Gavin Diamonds

Hi Liz,

Just a follow-up – I did end up purchasing the BG cushion as a loose stone. I intend to have it temporarily set for the proposal, then a customized one made by my (hopefully) fiance. Thank you for all your help and I will send a picture once all set!

Regards,

Kevin