Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are considered a modern favourite among couples. Adored for their soft, romantic charm, they were a widely popular diamond standard in the 19th century. Today, cushion cut diamonds remain an elegant choice in jewellery. Learn the characteristics of cushion cut engagement rings below before deciding to get one for your momentous day.
The history of the cushion cut diamond traces back to the “Old Mine Cut,” which emerged in the 18th century. This cut was originally designed to highlight the diamond’s brilliance under candlelight, giving it a squarish shape with rounded corners and 58 facets. These diamonds were hand-cut, resulting in various symmetries and proportions.
The cushion cut’s romantic appeal made it highly valued among jewellers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more advanced diamond cutting techniques led to the transition from the Old Mine Cut to the cushion cut. The cushion cut had more refined proportions and symmetry than its precursor. During the Art Deco period in the 1920s to 1930s, the cushion cut became more popular for glamorous jewellery. Until today, the cushion cut diamond continues to attract jewellery buyers because of its vintage and contemporary appeal.
Cushion cut diamonds have several characteristics that distinguish them from other diamond cuts, such as:
Cushion cut diamonds come in different cutting styles, and no two cushion cut diamonds are the same. The standard cushion cut diamond resembles the Old Mine cut the most, showing an antique and classic feel with broader facets and sometimes more rounded sides. This cut is highly uncommon in the market. Modern modified cushion cuts, on the other hand, have features more closely associated with the brilliant round cut. This cut has an extra row of facets and has a more splinterier-looking appearance.
The cushion diamond shape allows it to show colours in high saturation due to its large facets that maximise light reflection. Fancy coloured cushion cut diamonds can be found in pink, blue, and yellow hues. If you prefer a colourless or white cushion diamond, select a higher colour grade ( H colour or better), especially if set in white gold or platinum.
Cushion cut diamonds give off a lot of sparkle due to being faceted with the brilliant cutting style. The majority of VS2 (Very Slightly Included) and some SI1 (Slightly Included) look flawless to the eye without magnification tools, with their inclusions masked by the diamond’s sparkle and scintillation. For cushion cut diamond engagement rings, VS1 or SI1 clarities offer an ideal balance between brilliance and budget.
Cushion cut diamonds can be found in various carat weights. Those with a more elongated shape tend to appear larger in carat size than the square cushion versions due to the larger surface area of the stone. Keep in mind that two cushion cut diamonds of similar or even the same carat may appear quite different visually.
Cushion cut diamond ring designs are dazzling choices for your engagement. Compared to other popular cuts, they have a number of differences in terms of brilliance, shape, and style. Here are some key comparisons to help you decide based on your taste and preference.
Compared to cushion cut diamonds, round cut diamonds have a perfectly circular and symmetrical shape, which maximises their brilliance. Cushion cut diamonds have more fire than rounds, or spectacular flashes of rainbow colours from light dispersion. Cushion cuts also come in various proportions, from square to elongated, offering more variety in style. When it comes to prices, cushion cut diamonds may be slightly more affordable due to less material loss during cutting.
The princess cut is known for its rectangular shape with sharp corners, giving it a modern geometric appearance. It is also highly valued for its brilliance and maximised light reflection, with around 50 to 76 intricate facets. Meanwhile, cushion cut diamonds have a softer glow that is suitable for those who love a more vintage style. Cushion cuts also have more rounded edges that make them less prone to chipping, while princess cuts may need more care due to their pointed corners. In terms of pricing, cushion cut engagement rings tend to have a more competitive price than princess cuts.
When comparing cushion and oval cut diamonds side by side, you may notice that the cushion cut diamond has a more enhanced brilliance and a touch of regalness. This is because the facets on a cushion-cut create a centralised source, while the oval cut has its sparkle dispersed across more surface area. This also makes the oval cut appear larger, as the length of the diamond creates an illusion of space. Generally, cushion cuts are often more budget-friendly than oval cuts, especially compared to oval diamonds that are well-cut to minimise the “bow-tie” effect or the dark shadow in the centre, which causes poor light reflection.
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings exude an elegant and vintage look for your unforgettable moment. Looking for a custom proposal rings? Ling Jewellery is ready to help you craft a bespoke design that truly resonates with you and your partner. Contact us today and let us be a part of your one-of-a-kind love story.
111 Somerset Road
#03-28 TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
* By Appointment Only
* Closed on Public Holidays
