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Cushion Shape Diamond Engagement Rings
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are soft with a vintage feel. Sometimes referred to as a pillow cut, Cushion cut diamonds have an open culet (the bottom point of the stone) – the result is a deep, luxurious diamond with a romantic effect and dazzling sparkle; in fact, a cushion cut diamond is one of the most sparkly diamond cuts.
This square diamond shape with rounded corners has 61 facets that create a soft, cushion like appearance. The cushion cut diamond gets its name from its shape, which resembles a cushion or a pillow and is renowned for its ability to showcase the diamond's colour and clarity, as well as its exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The result is a deep, luxurious gemstone with a romantic effect. The cushion cut was originally designed to be viewed by candlelight, and maintained enormous popularity for over 70 years during the Victorian period and is a modern interpretation of Princess cut diamond. The cushion cut is one of the most brilliant cuts of all square and rectangular shaped stones.
In recent years, the cushion cut diamond has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many individuals seeking its classic, vintage-inspired look. The cushion cut diamond offers a timeless elegance and a unique style that sets it apart from other diamond cuts. It is a romantic and versatile choice for engagement rings, capturing the beauty of old-world charm with a modern twist.
This collection of rings are meticulously crafted by hand to the highest standards, offering exquisite quality and sparkle. We offer a choice of both lab grown diamonds that come with a full diamond grading report from the IGI, GIA or GCAL or our signature gemstone, the Ethica Diamond.
Following the engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, we received a lot of questions about the main stone in Meghan’s ring, which is of course, a stunning cushion cut diamond.
Other celebrities who have chosen a cushion cut diamond for their engagement rings include Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston and Chrissy Teigen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cushion cut diamond?
A Cushion cut diamond is a diamond shape with rounded corners and a square or rectangular shape. It is often considered a vintage or antique diamond cut, known for its soft and romantic appearance.
The Cushion cut diamond gets its name from its resemblance to a cushion or pillow shape. It features larger facets and more pronounced brilliance, giving it a unique sparkle. The shape of the Cushion cut is versatile and can vary in terms of its proportions, with some diamonds having a more square shape and others having a more rectangular shape.
The Cushion cut diamond has a total of 58 facets, and its facet pattern can vary, including options such as the classic Cushion cut, the modified Cushion cut, and the crushed ice Cushion cut. These different facet patterns can affect the diamond's appearance, with some offering a chunkier, more defined look, while others provide a more crushed ice or scattered light appearance.
Cushion cut diamonds are known for their ability to showcase colour and hide inclusions well. Due to their larger facets, they can retain more colour in comparison to other diamond cuts. This can give them a warm and romantic glow, especially in lower colour grades.
Overall, Cushion cut diamonds have a timeless and elegant appeal. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces, offering a combination of vintage charm and modern sparkle.
How do I choose a cushion cut diamond?
Choosing a Cushion cut diamond involves considering several factors. Here are some steps to help you make a decision:
1. Decide on the 4Cs: The 4Cs of diamonds are cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Decide which of these factors are most important to you. For a Cushion cut, focus on a good cut grade to ensure a nice balance of brilliance and fire. Also, choose a colour grade that appeals to you, and consider eye-clean clarity to avoid visible flaws. The carat weight will depend on your personal preference and budget.
2. Choose a shape: Cushion cut diamonds can vary in shape, ranging from square to rectangular. Determine which shape you prefer and look for diamonds that match your preference.
3. Consider the proportions: Pay attention to the length-to-width ratio of the Cushion cut diamond you are considering. This can affect the appearance of the stone and how it looks when set in a ring. The recommended length-to-width ratio for a Cushion cut is usually between 1.00 and 1.10, but this can vary based on personal preference.
4. Check for symmetry and faceting: Look for a well-cut diamond with symmetrical facets that contribute to its overall brilliance and fire. The Cushion cut diamond should be evenly distributed and proportional, without any noticeable asymmetry.
5. Opt for a well-proportioned diamond: Look for a Cushion cut diamond with well-balanced proportions. This includes the table percentage (the flat top of the diamond), depth percentage (the height of the diamond), and crown and pavilion angles. These factors can impact the overall appearance and beauty of the diamond.
6. Consider fluorescence: Some Cushion cut diamonds may exhibit fluorescence, which refers to how the diamond reacts when exposed to ultraviolet light. While fluorescence can sometimes make a diamond appear milky or hazy, it can also enhance the colour or make the diamond appear more vibrant. Consider your preference for fluorescence when choosing your cushion cut diamond.
What is the best clarity grade for a cushion cut diamond?
When it comes to the clarity grade for a Cushion cut diamond, it is generally recommended to choose a clarity grade of VS1 or higher. This means that any inclusions or blemishes would only be noticeable under magnification. However, keep in mind that the appearance of inclusions can also vary based on their location and type. For example, a diamond with inclusions towards the edge or corners may be less noticeable than one with inclusions in the centre.
What is the best cut grade for a cushion cut diamond?
In terms of the best cut grade for a Cushion cut diamond, it is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, a good starting point is to look for a Cushion cut diamond with a cut grade of Excellent or Very Good. These cut grades indicate that the diamond has been cut to maximise its brilliance and fire. However, keep in mind that the specific proportions and faceting of the diamond can also influence its overall beauty.
Is the cushion cut diamond more sparkly than the round brilliant cut diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds can vary in terms of their brilliance compared to Round Brilliant diamonds. Both cuts can have excellent sparkle and fire, but their faceting patterns and overall shape can cause them to exhibit different types of brilliance.
Round Brilliant diamonds are known for their exceptional light performance and maximum sparkle. The 58 facets are carefully arranged to reflect and refract light in a way that creates a high level of brilliance and sparkle.
Cushion cut diamonds often have larger facets and a unique faceting pattern that can result in a different type of sparkle. They tend to have a more romantic and vintage appeal, with a combination of brilliance and a larger dispersion of light (known as "fire"), which creates colourful flashes of light.
Ultimately, the choice between a Cushion cut and a Round Brilliant cut comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a diamond with maximum sparkle and a modern look, a round brilliant cut may be your best option. If you appreciate a more vintage-inspired look with a combination of brilliance and fire, a Cushion cut diamond can be a great choice.
What is the history of the cushion cut?
The cushion cut diamond is one of the oldest diamond cuts, with a history that can be traced back to the 18th century. It was initially known as the "old mine cut" and was popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras and its timeless and elegant appeal makes it a very popular choice for an engagement ring.
During the early 20th century, the cushion cut diamond underwent some modifications to improve its light performance and increase its fire and brilliance. These modifications included adding additional facets and improving the overall proportions of the cut. The new and improved cushion cut diamond, known as the "modern cushion cut" or "modified cushion cut," gained popularity in the 20th century and continues to be a popular choice today.
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