Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

The cushion-cut, are known for their timeless character, which is among the most popular gemstone cuts in the industry. Best known for their balanced style, which holds that interesting middle ground between the other diamond cut varieties like the more popular round cut diamonds and other special diamond cuts. Cushion cuts, also known as old mine cuts, are defined by their elongated shape, which is slightly oval in shape, but with curves instead of sharp edges. Here we will outline the main features of the cushion cut, its strengths when it comes to making your gemstone choice for your engagement rings.

History of the Cushion Cut

The origins of the cushion cut go back hundreds of years, its first introduction sometime in the 1700s, with the early industrial mines of Brazil, that took over following the decline in Indian diamond mining. The cut gained popularity owing to its ability to maintain the carat of the stone, whilst being able to manifest the glow and glitter that diamond cuts are supposed to evoke from a rough uncut diamond. It was a popular choice in the Georgian and Victorian eras, but over the centuries things started to change with the addition of new improvements to the cut of stone. With notable changes forthcoming in the number of facets that are found in gemstone, the number going up from 58 to 64. This increase in the number of facets, whilst maintaining the overall shape of the stone was seen as an improvement, adding to the capacity of stone to interact with light. In modern times, with the growing popularity of diamonds in the world of fine jewellery, the need for a greater variety of designs in rings, notably engagement rings also drove the demand for novelty in terms of gemstones cuts. Whilst round and princess cuts have remained dominant, the cushion cut has risen in popularity as viable alternatives. With cushion cut engagement rings are the standout jewel that features the strengths of this gemstone cut.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Cushion Cut

As their name implies cushion-cut stones do resemble the outward shape of a comfortable cushion. However, there may be slight variations, with sharper or softer variations. Cushion cut stones can be found variations with culets or without them, along with varying sizes in the crown and the depth of the pavilion. A key strength of the cushion cut gemstone is its ability to enhance the fire of the stone. Fire in a diamond is the coloured sparkle that is visible when the stone is exposed to light. The light is broken down into different parts that correspond to the colours of the rainbow. Cushion cuts are renowned for their higher-level fire, which comes at the price of the gemstone’s brilliance. It is important to note that these gemstone features are only applicable when it comes to diamonds, as other popular gemstones do not exhibit these features. And cushion cut engagement rings exist as a top choice in the world of fine jewellery. 

Cushion Cut Stones Display Greater Level of Color

One of the key features of cushion-cut stones is that they display colour more strongly than other variants. This is possibly due to the number of facets in the stone, and its shape. Since diamonds are cut to reflect light, the larger facets of the stone, with lower brilliance means that the stone’s natural colour becomes more visible. Especially if the diamond falls on the lower level of the diamond colour scale. So when picking a cushion cut diamond, one needs to opt for a higher colour grade in the D – Z Diamond colour scale. Diamonds that are closer to the D is preferred, and no lower than H, as a weaker colour (i.e. more yellow to brown tone), will be more noticeable and less desirable, owing to their greater visibility.

Why Opt for Cushion Cut Stones

Cushion cut stones are one of the cheaper options in relation to its competition. As cushion cuts maintain a higher percentage of stone during the cutting process (almost 25 per cent more in contrast to variants like the round cut). As they have larger facets, however, this comes at the cost of the lower reflective capacity of the stone, as a larger number of facets, meaning they would be smaller in size. This apparent shortfall is offset by the price advantage, which in turn can be used to make an engagement ring that features a stone with a larger carat, thereby offsetting the lower brilliance for greater visibility. Cushion cut stones can also be viewed as a stylistic choice that is more differentiated from the rest, as other popular cuts like the round and princess dominate the market. Cushion cut stones hence can be a good option for those who are interested in going with unconventional engagement ring designs: such as antique or unique engagement rings. Depending on the quality of faceting and craftsmanship of the ring band, you might in possession of a top-quality ring, that depending on the carat and clarity of the stone.

Top Varieties of Cushion Cut Rings

When it comes to picking engagement rings that feature cushion stones, it is tempting to think that diamonds are the only option. This is understandable since gemstone cuts primarily come from the world of diamonds, which are the top gemstones in the world. The popularity of diamonds aside, gemstones like sapphires can also take advantage of this cut. Sapphire cushion cut ring is another popular option, where the corundum gemstone can act as a solid alternative to the carbon-based gemstone. In addition to gemstone variants that feature the cushion cut, this particular cut of the stone can also be found in a variety of ring types. Whilst engagement rings remain the most obvious choice, cushion cut wedding rings are also popular. Wedding rings, today are growing sophistication when it comes to style, notably via gemstone placements.