For decades, cushion cut diamonds have been a classic choice because of their gentle, pillow-like look. This adaptable diamond shape is a popular option for engagement rings and other fine jewellery because it combines classic charm with contemporary elegance.
Let’s check out a guide about cushion cut diamonds.
The Timeless Shape: Why It’s the Romantic Favourite
The cushion cut diamond, often referred to as the pillow cut, is a classic shape with soft, rounded edges and a square or rectangular outline. Its wider facets and rounded corners create a softer, vintage-inspired aesthetic, making it a timeless choice for engagement rings. The shape’s depth and shine further enhance its romantic allure.
History of the Cushion Cut Diamonds
The modern cushion cut evolved from the old mine cut, which dates back to the diamond industry of the 1700s in Brazil. Brazilian stonecutters favoured the old mine cut for its ability to preserve carat weight. This square shape with rounded corners and 58 facets became highly popular, with many famous diamonds, such as the Hope and Regent Diamonds, featuring early versions of this cut. As diamond cutting technology advanced, the modern cushion cut emerged, combining elements of the old mine cut with influences from other cuts, like the Peruzzi and round brilliant cuts, leading to the magnificent diamond that we are familiar with today.
Elongated vs. Classic Cushion Cut
The traditional cushion cut and the extended cushion cut are the two main types of cushion cut diamonds.
- Classic Cushion Cut: This style is more symmetrical and balanced, with a square-like form and rounded edges. It is the classic cushion cut design that has been in vogue for decades. With the bigger facets of the stone reflecting light in a way that produces a warm, radiant brightness, this form tends to offer a gentle, antique appearance.
- Elongated Cushion Cut: With a rectangular shape, this style offers a larger surface area, creating a sleeker, more modern look. Because the longer form creates a bigger surface area, this style is frequently chosen to make the diamond look larger. For those who want a modern, sophisticated style with a little more focus on size, this is a fantastic option.
Cushion Cut Diamond Facet Styles
Chunky ice cushion and crushed ice cushion are the two different facet types of cushion cut diamonds. Each design offers a variety of appearances to accommodate individual tastes while influencing the diamond’s shine and aesthetic appeal.
Chunky Ice Cushion
Large, striking facets in the chunky ice cushion cut give the diamond a timeless, vintage appearance. A flaming brightness that is ideal for designs with a vintage feel is produced by the bigger facets, which produce unique flashes of light. The diamond appears rich and big because of its striking light reflection.
- Sparkle: Intense, fiery flashes of light.
- Visual Appeal: Warm, vintage glow with dramatic light play.
- Good for: Those seeking a classic, romantic look with an antique feel.
Crushed Ice Cushion
Smaller, closely spaced facets in the crushed ice cushion cut produce a contemporary, vivid shine. This design creates a dispersed brightness that resembles crushed ice, providing a stunning impression with constant, delicate shine from every direction.
- Sparkle: Subtle, scattered brilliance with lively sparkle.
- Visual Appeal: Modern and fresh with dynamic light play.
Good for: Those who prefer a contemporary, energetic sparkle.
Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond Proportions
To maximize the value of a cushion cut diamond, it is crucial to take into account its dimensions, which have a big influence on the stone’s look and light performance. The best practices for cushion cut diamonds are as follows:
- Cushion Diamond Ratio: The ratio refers to the length-to-width measurement of the diamond. The cushion diamond ratio is between 1.00 to 1.10 for a square cushion cut. For an elongated cushion, a good ratio is up to 1.50 and above.
- Depth: The depth percentage is the height of the diamond from its table to the culet. The optimal depth range for cushion cut diamonds is 61% to 70%. If the depth is too shallow, the diamond may lose brilliance, while a deeper diamond can reduce the table’s size, affecting its sparkle.
- Table: The diamond’s flat surface is called the table. The optimal table percentage for cushion cuts is between 61% and 67%. The brightness can be enhanced by a larger table, although an overly large size may look less dynamic.
Choosing Clarity & Colour: What’s the Right Grade?
Cushion cut diamonds tend to showcase clarity and color more prominently than some other diamond cuts, making it important to choose a diamond with a suitable grade.
- Clarity: Given that diamonds contain inherent flaws known as clarity characteristics, the clarity of cushion cut diamonds is a matter of taste. Because of its facet structure, cushion cuts can conceal some of these imperfections, enabling a somewhat lower clarity grade. It is advised to select diamonds of SI1 clarity or above to guarantee brilliance.
- Colour: Cushion cut diamond colour is a matter of personal preference. Since it can be challenging to distinguish between D-F and G-H in cushion cuts, many consumers choose the warmer tones of G-H colour grades, particularly in rose gold or yellow.
- D-F: Colourless to near-colourless
- G-H: Near-colourless with a slight warmth
Size Matters: Cushion Diamond Size Chart
The carat weights and sizes of cushion cut diamonds vary. The proportions of the cut and the stone’s total size might affect how they look. Here is a cushion diamond size chart.
Princess vs. Cushion: Most Confused Shapes
Whether a princess cut or cushion cut diamond is a better option is one of the most commonly asked topics. Here is a comparison between them:
Because of their bigger facets and rounded edges, cushion cut diamonds offer a softer, more antique appearance. Princess cuts, on the other hand, have a square form, sharp edges, and more brightness because of their complex faceting. The cushion shape has a more romantic, vintage charm, whereas princess designs are typically brighter.
Pros and Cons of Cushion Cut Diamonds
Popular Cushion Diamond Settings
To showcase its distinct form and brightness, cushion cut diamonds can be set in a variety of ways. Typical locations include:
- Halo Setting: The cushion cut diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, which intensifies its brightness and enlarges the focal stone.
- Three-Stone Setting: Two smaller stones surround a cushion-cut diamond in this timeless design, which adds additional glitz and meaning.
- Solitaire Setting: The inherent beauty and vintage vibe of a cushion cut diamond are accentuated by its placement on a plain ring.
- Pavé Setting: To highlight the cushion cut stone and provide more glitter, tiny diamonds are put within the ring.
Cushion Cut Engagement Ring Designs
Here are some stunning engagement rings featuring cushion cut diamonds:
For anybody looking to strike a balance between brilliance and romanticism, cushion cut diamonds are a stunning and classic option. There is a cushion cut diamond to fit every taste, whether you’re searching for an elongated or square cushion, or a traditional or crushed ice facet design. Your cushion cut diamond will become an enduring symbol of love, refinement, and elegance if the proportions, clarity, and colour are carefully considered.