Diamonds, with their timeless allure and enduring symbolism, have captivated humanity for centuries. Among the various shapes available, the cushion cut stands out for its distinctive blend of vintage charm and modern elegance.
While the 4 Cs—carat, cut, clarity, and color—play pivotal roles in determining a diamond's overall quality, this discussion delves into the nuanced realm of color considerations specifically tailored to cushion shape diamonds.
Understanding the complexities of color within this unique cut is essential for those seeking a diamond that not only dazzles with brilliance but also exudes a captivating hue.
Before delving into the intricacies of color, it's imperative to comprehend the fundamental characteristics of cushion-cut diamonds. This square or rectangular shape with rounded corners combines the brilliance of round diamonds with a distinctive pillow-like appearance.
The cut typically features larger facets, enhancing the stone's ability to reflect light and display a unique play of colors. Unlike round diamonds, where color considerations are equally crucial, the cushion cut offers a canvas where color nuances are more perceptible due to its larger facets and open corners.
A cushion shape diamond color GIA color grading scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The cushion cut, with its unique facets, interacts with light differently compared to other cuts, influencing the way colors manifest within the stone.
Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the color scale and grading system is vital for those navigating the world of cushion-cut diamonds.
In the context of cushion-cut diamonds, the color grade significantly impacts the stone's rarity and market value. While colorless diamonds (D-F) are highly sought after for their pure, icy brilliance, near-colourless stones (G-J) also hold immense appeal. The subtle hints of color in near-colourless diamonds can contribute to a warm and inviting aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate a touch of warmth in their diamonds.
However, once you move into the faint yellow or brown shades (K and beyond), the presence of color becomes more apparent, affecting the diamond's overall beauty and market desirability.
The cut of a cushion shape diamond can play a crucial role in how color is perceived. A well-cut diamond with optimal proportions can enhance its brilliance and minimize the visibility of color. On the other hand, a poorly cut diamond may not reflect light as effectively, making any underlying color more noticeable.
When considering cushion cut diamonds, it's essential to strike a balance between cut quality and color to achieve a harmonious and visually appealing result.
Fluorescence, the phenomenon where a diamond emits a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, can also influence color perception. While faint to medium fluorescence is generally considered acceptable, strong fluorescence may cause a hazy or milky appearance, affecting the diamond's overall visual appeal.
Understanding how fluorescence interacts with cushion shape diamond color is crucial for making informed decisions about the desired characteristics of a diamond.
Choosing the ideal cushion shape diamond color ultimately depends on personal preferences. Some individuals prefer the crisp, colorless brilliance of D-F diamonds, while others appreciate the warmth and character found in near-colorless or faintly colored stones.
The key is to strike a balance that aligns with individual tastes and style preferences. Additionally, considering the metal setting for the diamond is essential, as it can influence how the color is perceived against the backdrop of the chosen metal.
Also Read: 7 Colored Diamonds That You Have Never Seen
Customers sometimes prefer the warmer tones of color grades G-H to the icy cool tones of color grades D-F, especially when set in rose or yellow gold.
The truth is, that the difference between these two color grade ranges is difficult to perceive in cushion cuts, especially to the naked eye.
For detailed information use the below table of cushion cut diamond color chart
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
| <0.50ct | D-G | H-I | J-K |
| 0.51-1.00ct | D-F | G | H-I |
| 1.00-2.00ct | D-F | D-F | G-H |
| >2.00ct | D-F | D-F | G |
In conclusion, the world of cushion cut diamonds unveils a captivating interplay of color, cut, and personal preferences. As individuals embark on the quest to find the perfect diamond, they are guided not only by the established principles of gemology but also by their own unique style and aesthetic sensibilities.
In this journey, the expertise and guidance of industry leaders such as V. Jayantilal & Co. become invaluable.
V. Jayantilal & Co., a renowned name synonymous with excellence in the diamond industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With a keen understanding of the nuances within the diamond market.
Its commitment to quality, coupled with a deep appreciation for the unique attributes of each diamond, ensures that those navigating the world of cushion cuts are guided by a trusted hand.
Choosing the ideal engagement ring involves more than just picking a setting; aside from the metal color and ring design, a couple frequently draws attention to the center diamond, which is truly the focal point of the ring. Contemporary engagement rings can showcase the bride's unique taste and the couple's preferred style. You may choose to start with the center diamond selection before deciding on a setting; there are many factors to take into account.
Check out some of our favorite cushion-cut diamond settings below!
The halo setting is a design where the cushion-cut diamond is encircled by a row of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This setting enhances the center stone's brilliance and perceived size.
Halo settings come in various styles, such as the traditional round halo, square halo, or double halo with two rows of accent stones for added dazzle.
The cushion-cut diamond's shape complements the halo setting beautifully, as the rounded corners of the diamond contrast with the angular shape of the halo. The cushion-cut diamond rings always look amazing in a halo setting, where smaller accent diamonds encircle the center stone and add dazzling sparkle to the overall design. Because it accentuates the cushion-cut diamond rings and makes it appear larger than its actual size, this is a great setting to make the most of your budget.
There are various styles of halo settings, but the most popular is the micropavé halo setting, where each accent diamond is set with a scalloped edge for optimum sparkle!
A solitaire setting features a single cushion-cut diamond mounted on a plain band with no additional accent stones or embellishments. This minimalist and timeless design allows the cushion-cut diamond to take center stage, drawing all attention to its unique shape and sparkle.
The cushion-cut diamond rings shine brightly in the solitaire setting. has a smooth, tapered, polished shank that draws attention to the center diamond and highlights its beauty. Thanks to its simplicity, the solitaire setting is one of the least expensive setting styles, which means you can dedicate a larger portion of your budget to choosing a bigger or better quality center diamond.
The three-stone setting incorporates a cushion-cut diamond as the central stone, flanked by two smaller diamonds or gemstones on either side. The three stones symbolize the past, present, and future of a relationship, making it a sentimental and meaningful choice for cushion-cut wedding rings.
The cushion-cut diamond rings in the three-stone setting not only add elegance and sparkle but also represent the enduring love and commitment shared between partners. This timeless design is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their journey together and create a lasting reminder of their special bond.
In a paved setting, the band of the ring is adorned with numerous small diamonds set closely together, creating a paved or "paved with diamonds" appearance. This cushion-cut diamond ring setting adds an abundance of sparkle and complements the cushion-cut diamond by providing a striking contrast between the center stone and the smaller accent diamonds.
Vintage-style Cushion-shaped diamond settings often feature intricate details like filigree, milgrain, and engraving on the band, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance. These vintage elements can enhance the timeless appeal of the cushion-cut diamond, giving the ring a sense of history and character.
A split shank setting splits the band of the ring as it approaches the center stone, creating a "Y" or "V" shape. This design offers a modern twist on a classic look and can make the cushion-cut diamond appear more prominent by providing open space around it.
A bezel setting involves a metal rim that encircles the girdle (the widest part) of the cushion-cut diamond, holding it securely in place. This setting offers protection to the diamond and imparts a contemporary, sleek appearance to the ring, with the metal framing the stone.
The bezel setting is known for its durability and is a popular choice for those seeking a more modern and minimalist design. Additionally, this setting can also enhance the diamond's brilliance by reflecting light back onto the stone, creating a stunning display of sparkle.
A double halo setting features two concentric rows of diamonds encircling the center stone, creating a visually stunning effect. This choice amplifies the brilliance of the cushion-cut diamond and adds an extra layer of glamour and opulence to the ring.
A tension setting appears to suspend the cushion-cut diamond between the two ends of the band without any visible prongs or settings. This contemporary and minimalist option creates a unique and innovative look, allowing the diamond to appear as if it's floating.
The tension setting not only enhances the diamond's brilliance by maximizing its exposure to light, but it also offers a secure and sturdy hold. This modern design choice is perfect for those seeking a sleek and sophisticated engagement ring that showcases the diamond's beauty in a captivating way.
An East-West setting positions the cushion-cut diamond horizontally along the band, making the diamond's length the focal point. This orientation creates an unconventional and eye-catching design that showcases the unique proportions of the cushion-cut diamond.
When selecting a cushion-cut engagement ring setting, it's important to consider the recipient's style preferences, lifestyle, and the practicality of the chosen design. Additionally, the choice of metal (e.g., white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum) can influence the overall look and feel of the ring.
Ultimately, the ideal setting is one that not only complements the cushion-cut diamond but also holds personal significance and reflects the recipient's individual style and taste.
If you’re looking for both beauty and budget, you’ll be happy to learn that cushion cuts are often priced less than the same carat size and clarity of a round brilliant diamond.
Since round brilliant cuts are more in demand, their carat prices are typically higher. Here’s something else to be happy about. The multifaceted pattern of the cushion diamond hides the internal inclusion you can go down on a clarity grade and still get a stunning cushion cut diamond.
Cushion diamonds do show the actual face-up color of the diamond. Thus, purchase the best color grade that fits within your budget.
At V. Jayantilal & Co, you will find yourself entranced by our high-quality cushion cut diamond. Your choice of cushion-cut diamond engagement ring setting represents a lifetime of commitment filled with treasured moments and recollections.
The best setting for cushion cut diamonds is one that suits your style the most. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to engagement ring design, as each piece tells a personal story.
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!
