The cushion cut is among the ten most popular diamond shapes and is a favourite among modern brides and celebrities. The earliest diamond cut, known as the old mine cut, gave rise to the timeless, opulent diamond shape known as the cushion cut.
This combination of old and new makes it vintage yet modern and desirable as an engagement ring for many women. It’s famously known to have a soft pillow-like shape, which is where the name cushion was born.
So, if you are thinking about buying a cushion-cut diamond, you have come to the right place. You will learn in this article what to look for when selecting a stunning cushion-cut diamond that sparkles and shines.
Let's dive in...
The cushion cut combines the elegance of a square-cut diamond with the ethereal beauty of a round diamond, yet there isn't really a grading system for these gems. Its rounded corners and soft square form give it the appearance of a cushion.
The cushion cut has been around for more than 200 years, despite the fact that it may be one of the most well-liked diamond shapes today. However, it was more commonly referred to as a "mine cut" in the 19th century. previous mine-cut diamonds had 58 facets, while more recent ones had 64. This is the primary distinction between previous mine-cut diamonds and today's diamonds.
The choice of round-cut versus cushion-cut might affect your purchase because of their considerable differences.
Known as the “miner cut” or “chunky cushion,” the old mine cut antique cushion was the main shape of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. What’s unique about it is that it’s rare and has many different looks. The old mine-cut antique cushion is characterized by its large, open culet and high crown, giving it a distinctive chunky appearance. Its facets are usually larger and fewer in number compared to modern diamond cuts, resulting in a unique play of light and a romantic vintage charm. This cut was popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the design preferences of those eras.
The main distinguishing characteristic of the cushion-modified cut is the additional row of facets. The sight of crushed ice also gives off a sparkling charm. This extra row of facets enhances the cushion-modified cut's brilliance and scintillation, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum sparkle. Additionally, the crushed ice appearance adds a unique and modern touch to the traditional cushion cut, giving it a contemporary and eye-catching allure.
The brilliant-cut diamond has bigger but fewer facets, making it rarer than the modified cut. It shines more, like a round brilliant cut, though. It typically has an elongated form with a length-to-width ratio of 1.10 to 1.25. The modified brilliant-cut diamond, on the other hand, is more commonly seen due to its versatility and popularity. It is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.
The square cushion cut diamond, as its name suggests, has sides that are all the same length, giving it the appearance of a geometric square. Instead of having sharp corners, this cut features rounded ones. The square cushion cut diamond is known for its ability to combine the elegance of a cushion cut with the modern appeal of a square shape. This unique combination creates a timeless and sophisticated look that is highly sought after in engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.
These diamonds, which are often referred to as rectangular cushion cuts, have an extended form and are mounted vertically. The length is always taller than the width of the diamond. The elongated shape of the cushion-cut diamond gives it a unique and elegant appearance. This shape is particularly popular for engagement rings, as it creates a stunning and sophisticated look on the finger.
Cushion diamonds have a special diamond quality, just like the 4Cs of every fancy-cut diamond. Here are the Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color of cushion-cut diamonds.
Due to the significance of carat weight, cushion-cut diamond prices might fluctuate. A bigger weight will attract higher price points because larger diamonds are most popular for engagement rings and are more appealing and expensive.
The cut quality of a cushion-cut diamond determines its quality. The many facets on the surface of a cushion-cut diamond give it a brilliant look. A well-cut diamond should have a depth and table of less than 70%, symmetry, and polish of at least very good.
Most VS2 and a small fraction of SI1 cushion-cut diamonds appear eye-clean, with their flaws hidden by the diamond's brilliance and scintillation. Modern cushion-shaped diamonds sparkle due to their well-cut facets. To increase their clarity, inclusions are present in almost all diamonds. The diamond must be thoroughly examined because there will be more inclusions visible in bigger stones. Always aim for the lowest eye-cleansing clarity possible.
Also Read: Understanding the 4C's of Diamond - A Comprehensive Guide
While the cut quality of a diamond is the most crucial component of its attractiveness, the color grade must also be studied properly. Cushion diamonds exhibit more color than round brilliants, although their brilliance and dispersion aid in color concealment.
When choosing a cushion-cut diamond to be put in a white gold engagement ring, stick to a colour grade of H or better. On a tight budget, one can get away with I or even J-colored diamonds and still have a white look.
Cushion cut standards vary more than most other forms, and personal preference will determine the choice. While less brilliant than round brilliant diamonds, cushion-cut diamonds can have more fire, which increases their allure. One of three fundamental pavilion facet designs characterizes modern cushion cutting. The third design features an additional row of facets on the pavilion and is classified as a "Modified" cushion cut by the GIA. These modified cuts have a "crushed ice" or needle-like facet pattern, which is more akin to a radiant cut than a standard cushion cut.
The crushed ice or needle-like facet pattern of the modified cushion cut jewellery gives it a unique and distinctive appearance. This design choice can enhance the diamond's brilliance and create a mesmerizing play of light. Additionally, the modified cushion cut is often favored by those who appreciate a more contemporary and unconventional look in their diamond jewellery.
Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know in depth regarding cushion-cut diamonds in-depth, it is important to know where to purchase a cushion-cut diamond. You will find a cushion cut diamond from V. Jayantilal & Co., Mined and cut with brilliance, diamonds here are most valued for their charm and brilliance.
I hope this article has helped, and if you have any questions or need a second opinion on a diamond, feel free to contact us!
