Differences between Signature Cushion Cut Diamonds

“I’m trying to decide between several different types of Signature Cushion cut diamonds that exhibit hearts and arrows patterns, since I understand that the presence of a crisp and complete pattern of hearts and arrows is an indication that the diamond exhibits the highest degree of optical precision. I’ve conducted an extensive amount of research online about cushion cut diamonds, but can’t seem to find definitive proof that one brand of Signature Cushion cut diamond is better than another. Why should I purchase a Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamond over any of the other brands?”

Brian Gavin Signature hearts and arrows cushion cut diamonds:

Brian Gavin is famous throughout the diamond industry for saying “It’s all in the hearts” as a reference to how the degree of optical precision of a round brilliant cut diamond can be judged accurately and quickly by carefully evaluating the pattern of hearts and arrows through a hearts and arrows scope. However it takes more than a pretty pattern of hearts and arrows to make this 1.570 carat, I-color, VS-1 clarity, Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamond SIZZLE, the proportions of the diamond, as well as the specific facet pattern of our cushion cut diamond are also a major factor of performance!

GIA Excellent versus AGS Ideal-0 Cushion Cut Diamonds:

One of the biggest differences between Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamonds and the GIA Excellent Cushion cut diamonds, or AGS Ideal-0 Cushion cut diamonds produced by other companies is the thickness and consistency of the girdle edge; which is of critical importance because an overly thick girdle edge can look like an unsightly window into the side of the stone! But it can also make it difficult to set the diamond so that it remains tight in the setting.

But the fact that Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamonds are submitted to the American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL) instead of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for grading is an equally critical difference, because only the AGSL uses Angular Spectrum Evaluation Technology (ASET) as part of their Light Performance grading platform; and the fact of the matter is, that very few diamonds can pass the test! Which might explain why so many of our “competitors” do not submit their diamonds to the AGSL for grading.

There is a lot that an AGS ASET scan can tell you about a cushion cut diamond, the ASET image for this 1.570 carat, I-color, VS-1 clarity, Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamond contains lots of red, which represents the brightest light being reflected by the diamond. And the color green represents the second brightest light that is available to the diamond from within the room, being reflected throughout the diamond relatively evenly. The green spot in the middle of the diamond is caused by light striking the diamond at 45 degrees, which is the spot where red and green join together on the ASET Scope.

If the diamond were leaking light, as many cushion cut diamonds to because they are cut with poor proportions, or facet patterns that are irregular, then the image would contain lots of black, white, or translucent sections; which should not be confused with the color blue, which represents static contrast.

Notice that the vendor offering you that other brand of Signature Cushion cut diamond is not providing any ASET or Ideal Scope images, but take a real good look at how the kite shaped facets which are the bezel main facets of the diamond, are different in size and shape, and how much open white space is apparent between the bezel main facets, this diamond would clearly not perform well under an ASET or Ideal Scope, and thus the fact of the matter is that it simply is not comparable to a Brian Gavin Signature Cushion cut diamond – apparently the inherent value of Brian Gavin’s Signature is higher than that of other signatures.