Cushion Cut
Engagement Rings
Cushion cut engagement rings are treasured for their beautiful warm glow and enchanting charm. To find out if this classic style is just what you are looking for, use our helpful guide below which includes characteristics of the cut, pros and cons, best settings for a cushion cut ring and extra shopping tips. Characteristics of the Cushion Cut: The cushion cut is one of the oldest types of fancy diamond cuts – well over 300 years old – and the cushion cut diamond ring was one of the most popular styles from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. The soft edges of the cut have the ability to capture and reflect a rainbow of candlelight, and this cut was originally created to shimmer with an inner incandescence.
The cut may either result in a more rectangular or square shape, with an average number of 60 facets. Because of the soft pillow like shape the cut yields, this type of cut is sometimes called the pillow cut. Cushion cut diamonds and gemstones with a length-to-width ratio of 1.0 create a perfect square pillow – ratios higher than 1.0 are more rectangular while ratios of 1.25 have the slightly rectangular shape of the original antique cushion cut. Pros and Cons of Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: Cushion cut diamonds and gemstones have their own unique and elegant style which is very reminiscent of days gone by. Cushion cut engagement rings are also perfect for every day wear because the rounded edges of the cut are not prone to chipping or catching on clothes or hair. While cushion cut rings were once hard to come by, except through antique jewelers and estate sales, the cushion cut style is once again becoming quite fashionable. As a result of its increased popularity, cushion rings in various styles and sizes are now more widely available (see shopping tips below to find jewelers which carry cushion cut engagement rings). The biggest con of the cushion cut has to do with the fire and brilliance of the cut. Pillow cuts were originally made to sparkle and shimmer under the flickering flames of candlelight, and the fire and brilliance of this cut is slightly more subdued compared to other types of fancy cuts and the round brilliant cut. Instead, the cushion is beloved for its ability to disperse light – an effect which sometimes creates a kaleidoscope rainbow of colors. While newer advances in the cushion cut have increased the brilliance of the cut, the cushion will never achieve the stunning flashy effect of the round brilliant or – for example – the princess or the Asscher cut. If you are looking for a ring with eye catching bling, this may not be the right type of cut.
The cushion cut has large facets too – and larger facet sizes will highlight any inclusions or blemishes in a diamond or gemstone; the cut will also draw attention to any slight tints of color in a diamond particularly in sizes over 1.0 carat. Because of these characteristics, it is best to choose cushion cut engagement rings created with a diamond that is graded from a VS2 and up on the GIA Clarity Grade or a 6 and above on the AGS Clarity Grade. The best color diamond grades for this cut are a G and up on the GIA Color Grade and a 0.5 and up on the AGS Color Grade.
You can choose values that are lower on smaller diamonds, because any flaws will not be so apparent, but on larger carat sizes try to stick within these parameters. Best Settings for Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: The absolute best setting for a cushion cut diamond ring (and gemstone ring) is a 4 prong setting. This type of setting will securely hold and protect cushion cut gems without blocking the light – so this setting will maximize the brilliance and fire qualities of the cut. 6 prong settings are sometimes used to hold longer, larger or more rectangular shaped cushion cut diamonds and gemstones – but for the most part a 4 prong setting is enough to secure the gem. Contemporary cushion cut styles sometimes use a bezel setting which wraps around the entire gem, but this type of setting can block the light from entering a diamond – reducing the brilliance of the stone. Bezel settings do however look fantastic on cushion cut gemstones like sapphires, aquamarines, rubies and citrine. Shopping Tips and Precautions: To find quality cushion cut engagement rings, make sure that you receive a report from a reputable laboratory – usually from GIA or AGS - on the quality of the diamond or gemstone used in the ring with your purchase. Because cushion cut diamonds will magnify any flaws, keep the grade parameters listed above in mind when you are shopping for a cushion cut diamond ring. As with all ring purchases, shop for your ring through a retailer which offers at least a no-nonsense 30-day refund policy. Our recommendations for stunning, high quality, ethical, conflict free and low environmental impact cushion cut diamond and gemstone rings include: Blue Nile: One of the top online wedding and engagement ring companies, Blue Nile offers a huge selection of GIA certified cushion cut diamonds ranging in size from less than half a carat to well over four carats. Band metals are available in platinum and 18K white and yellow gold. Gemvara: Beautiful and affordable GIA certified cushion cut diamond rings are available through Gemvara, but this is also the place to visit if you are looking for a cushion cut gemstone engagement ring. Gemvara has a large selection of cushion cut gemstones including cushion cut sapphires, rubies, aquamarines, citrines, amethyst, blue topaz, garnet and iolite. Band metals are available in sterling silver, platinum, 18K white and yellow gold and 14K white and yellow gold. Brilliant Earth: This highly environmentally friendly jewelry boutique has a large selection of GIA certified cushion cut diamonds in sizes from less than a carat to a little over four carats – plus, Brilliant Earth sometimes has authentic antique cushion cut rings available through the antique ring collection. All rings are handmade in the USA and available in band metals which include platinum and 18K white and yellow gold (palladium is also available by special request). The Three Graces: One of the premier online antique jewelry companies, the Three Graces often has cushion cut antique engagement ring selections for sale. All rings are appraised and certified.
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