Choosing The Right Cushion Cut Diamond

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Hello Liz,

Your website has been tremendously helpful to my fiance and I in our research for choosing a cushion cut diamond as a center stone for her engagement ring. We have decided on a 1.00ct – 1.10ct, G – D color, SI+ clarity, and of course, the best possible cut within our budget. As well, close to a 1.1 proportion for the dimensions.

I have narrowed down my search to 5 diamonds. Unfortunately, James Allen is unable to provide ASET or ideal scope images for these diamonds. So I am having difficulty making comparisons. Could you please provide some guidance as to which of these pieces has the best characteristics? Or if you can provide some ideas for alternatives, I would love to see them.

Below are links to the 5 diamonds that stand out to me.

1.01ct G VS1

1.01ct F VS1

1.01ct F VS2

1.02ct E VS1

1.01ct G VS1

Thank you. I really appreciate your help.

Regards,

Oliver

A:

Hello Oliver,

I’m so pleased to hear that ODBA has been of help to you and your fiance! That’s great that you have decided on a cushion cut diamond – I’m happy to help you finalize your selection.

Here’s my feedback on each of your diamonds:

Square Cushion Cut Diamonds (from left): 1.01ct G VS1, 1.01ct F VS1, 1.01ct F VS2, 1.02ct E VS1, and 1.01ct G VS1

1.01ct G VS1 for $4,620.00: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-598461

In terms of cut quality, this cushion is pretty nice. I like the overall scintillation and contrast patterning. As 1.01ct this cushion measures 6.05×5.77mm.

1.01ct F VS1 for $4,620.00: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-986084

This cushion shows a bit more dark contrast, especially in the corners. It has the same facet pattern in the pavilion as the previous 1.01ct, and is the same carat weight but measures 5.92×5.60m, which would make this a visually smaller diamond; this due to the depth being so deep.

1.01ct F VS2 for $4,590.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-HGDM12

This cushion also has heavy dark contrast. Though the ASET images shows a good amount of red, there is very little green and a lot of black/dark blue.

1.02ct E VS1 for $4,720.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C102-QC9HHP

This cushion has what is often referred to as a ‘crushed ice‘ effect that makes the cushion appear ‘watery’ in terms of light reflection. You’ll notice less overall distinct contrast areas and more grayish/blurry/watered down light reflection which also translates to light leakage and an overall less brilliant diamond.

1.01ct G VS1 for $4,540.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C101-6D313C

This cushion is the same as the first 1.01ct G VS1 from JA! This time we see the ASET image which confirms lots of red (direct light reflection) and minimal light leakage.

So, after reviewing all diamonds, I would definitely recommend the 1.01ct G VS1 from Enchanted Diamonds! It’s a beautiful diamond and we can confirm that the light performance is indeed ideal….and you save an extra $80!

I’ve included my affiliate link in the links above so that ODBA gets counted as your referral. If you click the link before you make your purchase, I would greatly appreciate it! If you need anything else, or have any additional questions – don’t hesitate to ask! I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks so much for your input! We’re in the final stages of selecting a diamond from Enchanted Diamonds. Could you kindly take a look at these shortlisted ones to see which you would recommend, if any, among them?

1.04 ct H-VS1

1.06 ct G-VS1

1.06 ct G-VS2

1.01 ct G-VS1

Would very much appreciate your insight again.

Cheers,

Oliver

A:

Sure Oliver, no problem.

Cushion Cut Diamonds (from left): 1.04ct H VS1, 1.06ct G VS1, 1.06ct G VS2, and 1.01ct G VS1 all from Enchanted Diamonds

The first 1.04ct H VS1 is gorgeous! I love the direct white light saturation with very minimal light leakage. This cushion also has great contrast.

The second 1.06ct G VS1 is nice but has less direct light reflection and definitely more light leakage. The result is that the white/dark areas do not pop with contrast when the diamond is in movement. When compared to the first diamond above, it is less brilliant and offers less scintillation.

The 1.06ct G VS2 is nice but when compared to the 1.04ct H VS1, it does show much more light leakage in the ASET image. However, I do like this one better than the 1.06ct G VS1 above.

And finally, the 1.01ct G VS1 has direct light reflection (red areas on ASET) spread evenly throughout the crown. This cushion measures 6.05×5.77mm which is a bit more ‘square’ in shape. However, the face up size will be less than the first 1.04ct H VS1 as this diamond measures a nice 6.31×5.78mm.

It is down to the 1.04ct H VS1

vs. the 1.01ct G VS1

Both diamonds show excellent light return and great contrast pattern. I actually prefer the 1.04ct H VS1 a tad more as it will face up bigger and has the traditional cushion shape, however I know you are looking for a more square cushion, so the 1.01ct G VS1 might work best for you. However, you can’t go wrong with either cushion cut diamond.

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions. I also included my affiliate links above. I would appreciate you clicking one of these before you purchase so that ODBA gets credit for your referral.

All the best,

Liz

Q:

Thanks so much Liz! We love both cushion cut diamonds! We’ll definitely click links before purchase to give you credit – you deserve it!

Thanks again for your great advice.

Best,

Oliver