What is a cushion cut diamond?
The Cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangle-shaped diamond with rounded corners. which resembles a pillow. Cushion cut diamonds have less brilliance compared to other cuts like round diamonds but cushion cut has great fire where their unique charm lies romantic glow
The cushion cut diamond has been around for more than a century, and making it the most timeless and classic diamond shape, it originated from an old mined cut, which was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time it evolved into today’s name ” cushion cut” which offers better brilliance.
Features of cushion cut diamonds
Let’s explore the cushion-cut diamond and what makes this style unique..
- The cushion-cut diamond has more fire than round-cut diamonds due to its unique cutting pattern when light is reflected on the chunkier pattern. This effect gives the diamond a softer, more romantic glow, making it a timeless choice for those seeking a more classic look.
- The cut features rounded edges and rectangular sides that create a soft sparkle.
- The cushion cut also has a brilliant cut style, similar to a round-cut diamond. Modern cushion cuts are often modified with a “crushed ice” facet pattern.
- Cushion-cut diamonds ring offer vintage charm and modern style, perfect for engagement and statement jewelry.
History of cushion cut diamonds
The cushion diamond knows its facet. This historic cushion diamond cut was discovered in the 18th and early 19th centuries. After India’s diamond reserves were depleted, Brazil became the world’s primary diamond source. The Brazilian mines, known as the “old mines,” inspired the name Old Mine Cut.
During this period, diamond-cutting tools and techniques were limited; Brazil’s stone cutters took advantage of the maximum cut of the rough diamond as possible, rather than achieving maximum brilliance. This practice was common in Brazil’s diamond mines before South Africa became the largest producer in the late 19th century.
Pros & cons of Cushion-cut diamonds.
Before choosing a diamond keep a few things in mind, and check if they are suitable for you.
Pros
- The cushion cut has rounded edges so it’s more durable and can be worn daily.
- The cut has a brilliant fire and can have more fire than the round cut.
- Cushion cuts are more affordable than other brilliant-cut diamonds.
- This cut is popular for engagement rings and classic jewelry.
Cons
- The cushion cut design has a more open table so the imperfections can be visible easily.
- The diamonds have less sparkle compared to the round-cut diamond.
- The cushion cut design retains color very easily.
- Cushion-cut designs can appear smaller than other diamond shapes with the same carat weight due to their deeper cut.
The 4 c’s in cushion cut diamond
While buying a cushion cut diamond there are few things that the customer should check, like the 4c’s of the diamond.
Cut
The cushion cut features two distinctive facet styles: the chunky facet pattern offering a vintage look and the ice-crushed pattern offering a radiant sparkle. The well-cut cushion diamond’s ideal depth should be 60-68% for the best balance of brilliance, fire, and symmetry.
Color
The cushion-cut diamond reflects more color than other shapes. If you want a colorless diamond, opt for the options between D-F, but for a warmer glow, the G-J offers a balance of color and value.
Clarity
The cushion cut has a larger facet that makes the illusion more visible. For optimal clarity, you should consider the VS1 or VS2 grade and always ensure inclusion is not visible.
Carat
The cushion-cut diamond looks smaller than round diamonds in the same carat due to their deeper cut. The price of a cushion cut varies based on its carat weight. The bigger the carat weight, the higher the price.
The pricing of a cushion cut diamonds
The price of the cushion shape diamond depends on the color and clarity. For a decent carat of diamond quality, buyers should expect to invest a significant amount. However, adjusting the color and clarity can help manage the budget. Moreover, cushion-cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of similar quality.
Certifications of the diamond
When buying a cushion cut diamond, always ask for certification to ensure diamond quality. Diamonds should be certified by reputed gemological laboratories, i.e., GIA, IGI, and SIG. These certificates verify the diamonds based on the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and diamond weight.
Conclusion
The cushion-cut diamond is a vintage design that will have an everlasting impact on your jewelry collection. Perfect for an engagement ring, a pendant, or earrings, having a precious, timeless design as a family heirloom would be a great investment for the future.
