Cushion Cut

Until recently, it was difficult to find Cushion Cut Diamonds for sale outside of specific sales and private auctions. Nowadays it seems cushion cuts are enjoying a small surge in popularity, especially in the American market and among stars and celebrities, and are again being offered by select diamond sellers. The cushion cut is an antique cut that most often resembles a cross between the Old Mine Cut (a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries) and a modern oval cut. This shape is also sometimes referred to as the pillow-cut or the candlelight diamond (a reference to cuts designed prior to electric lights, when diamonds sparkled in the light provided by candles). This cut has a smooth and romantic look which definitely makes it stand out from the other types of round brilliants. Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond Standards for choosing a cushion cut diamond vary widely. It is one of the cuts were personal taste has often more to do with that choice that price or any other factor, especially compared with most contemporary cuts. One can easily find cushion cuts that are nearly square, long rectangles, and with varying size tables and depth percentages. Usually sellers categorize their cushion cuts as falling into three cut "grades" -- Good, Very Good, and excellent. For those who are not on a tight budget, we recommend staying in the Very Good and excellent ranges. Because of the large open facets of the cushion cut, you should choose the highest clarity and color your budget affords. If you're looking for a stone that most closely matches the original cushion cut, opt for a length/width ratio of 1.25 - 1.30. Our minimum recommendations for buying cushion cut diamonds are as follows (remember, these recommendations are our opinion only… and your tastes may vary): Cut: Good -Color: G-Clarity: VS2 If you're on a tight budget, you can still find a nice stone going with slightly lower characteristic. You could of course purchase cheaper cushion cut diamonds by going below these minimums, yet there comes a moment when you should consider first the beauty of the stone, not only the cost. Cushion Cut Diamond Ring While not the traditional selection, cushion cut diamonds are a romantic stand out from the common round brilliant generally selected for engagement rings (often as a solitaire). Cushion cut diamonds do require a minimum four-pronged setting and larger stones will require additional prongs to keep the stone secure in its setting. In any case, the base of the cushion cut diamond will be made specially for the stone, following its exact dimensions. {gallery}cushioncut{/gallery}