The cushion cut fascinates more and more brides-to-be with its large appearance and stunning light reflection. But do you know how to identify a cushion-cut among the many diamond cuts in the market?
This article explains details about the cushion cut and discusses the evolution of this art.
What is a cushion-shaped diamond?
This cut is obtained by combining the square cut with the round cut. The resulting rounded edges make it resemble a cushion, thus its name. This cut is often chosen by those who want an engagement ring with a vintage air.
The cushion-cut has been around for over 200 years. The art of this cut, however, has gone through a series of modifications. Modern versions of the cushion cut can come as a rectangle or square with rounded corners, a cushion with a checkerboard pattern, or even fancy edged cuts called broken glass and crushed ice.
The evolution of the cushion-cut diamond
The cushion-cut was traditionally called the "mine cut" after Brazilian diamond mines. The shape was prevalent at the time because of its versatile applications in jewelry.
Today, when we see the term cushion of old mines, we know it refers to diamonds from the second half of the 18th and most of the 19th century. The first cushion cut diamonds were created by hand when advanced methods had not yet been invented, which is why old diamonds will always be less white and shinier than modern samples.
Marcel Tolkowsky introduced the new method of cutting cushion diamonds with "brilliant" facets. The new technique has allowed this particular diamond shape to achieve greater brilliance. That is why this is called a brilliant cushion.
This shape retains color very well and is used with rare-colored diamonds (yellow, cognac, and pink) or colored gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald).
What are the most popular diamond engagement rings?
The most classic engagement rings are the solitaire, the three stone, and the halo. The cushion-cut can be set in a variety of engagement rings to satisfy all tastes. It can be softened to an elegant and classic solitaire.
You can get the most sparkle with a halo of small diamonds around the center cushion stone; or even opt for the three-stone style, with a cushion in the center and emerald-cut stones on the sides.
What is the difference between a round cut and a cushion-cut diamond?
The round (or brilliant) cut is the most popular and successful cut in the market. Some consider it the perfect diamond because of its proportions, symmetry, and polishing, which maximizes its reflection and brilliance.
Round cutting is an exact science. When experts achieve three excellent marks working with a round stone, they confidently know the cut has reached maximum light reflection. On the other hand, the cushion-cut can reflect more light than an excellent round cut even after marked as good.
The cushion cut is a popular and trendy diamond. It has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets, which increase the stone's brilliance.
While the round cut is the most reflective, the intensity of colors propagates better throughout the stone with a cushion cut.
Explore Skeie's dazzling collection of cushion-cut engagement rings. Our professionals will provide you with wonderful tips to make the best purchase of diamonds.
Our friendly staff will help you identify the many facets of every cut and make sure you leave our store with a big smile and confidence! You can find us at 10 Oakway Center in Eugene, OR.
