A cushion cut diamond is a popular diamond cut that has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest cuts of diamonds, dating back to the 18th century. The cushion cut is known for its rounded corners, soft edges, and pillow-like appearance. This cut has a vintage feel and is still very popular today.
What Are Cushion Cut Diamonds?
Cushion cut diamonds are a popular choice in the jewelry industry for multiple pieces such engagement rings, wedding bands, and other types of jewelry. The cushion cut is known for its brilliance, fire, and unique vintage style. This cut has a timeless appeal and is still very popular today, especially in vintage and antique-style jewelry.
Brief History of a Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut diamond has been around since the 18th century, and it was one of the most popular diamond cuts until the early 20th century. The cushion cut has gone through several modifications over the years, but it has always maintained its pillow-like appearance. Cushion cut diamonds were very popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and during the Art Deco period, the cushion cut was modified to have a more streamlined appearance, with fewer facets and a larger table.
It only became less popular in the mid-20th century when round brilliant cut diamonds became the norm. However, cushion cut diamonds have made a comeback in recent years, and they are now very popular in vintage and antique-style jewelry.
Characteristics Of Cushion Cut Diamonds
Basic Shape of Cushion Cut Diamond
Cushion cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. They have a pillow-like appearance, hence the name "cushion cut." The cushion cut is a very versatile cut, and it can be modified to suit different styles and preferences. It has a total of 58 facets, including the table, crown, girdle, and pavilion that are all larger than those on a round brilliant cut diamond, which gives it a unique sparkle and fire.
The Culet and Girdle
The culet of a cushion cut diamond is a small flat facet at the bottom of the diamond. It is usually very small or non-existent in modern cushion cut diamonds. The girdle is the outer edge of the diamond, and it can be faceted or polished.
Different Types of Cushion Cut Diamonds
- The classic cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05. It has a pillow-like appearance with larger facets and a smaller table.
- The modified cushion cut diamond has a more elongated shape with a length-to-width ratio of 1.10 or higher. It has a larger table and smaller facets than the classic cushion cut diamond, which gives it a more modern appearance.
Cushion Cut Diamond vs Other Cuts
The Cushion Cut vs Round Cut Diamond
The cushion cut diamond has a softer, more romantic appearance than the round brilliant cut diamond. It has larger facets and a smaller table, which gives it a unique sparkle and fire. The round brilliant cut diamond, on the other hand, has a more classic and traditional look, with a higher number of smaller facets that create a lot of brilliance.
The Cushion Cut vs Princess Cut Diamond
The princess cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners and a more modern appearance. It has a higher number of smaller facets that create a lot of brilliance, while the cushion cut diamond has larger facets and a more vintage feel.
Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond
When choosing a cushion cut diamond, it is essential to consider the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut of the diamond will determine how well it reflects light and how sparkly it appears. The color of the diamond will affect its overall appearance, with colorless diamonds being the most valuable. The clarity of the diamond will affect how clear and flawless it appears, with fewer inclusions being more valuable. The carat weight of the diamond will affect its size and overall value.
Buying a Cushion Cut Diamond
Some factors to consider when buying a cushion cut diamond include the shape and size of the diamond, the setting, and the price. It is important to choose a diamond shape and size that suits your personal style and preferences. The setting will also play a significant role in the overall appearance of the diamond, and it is important to choose a setting that complements the diamond and enhances its beauty. The price will depend on the diamond's quality, size, and other factors, so it is important to set a budget and stick to it.
Conclusion
Diamond Designs offers a vast selection of cushion cut diamonds, ensuring you find the perfect diamond that fits your style and budget. Understanding the characteristics of cushion cut diamonds, what to consider when selecting one, and how to care for it can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a cushion cut diamond from Diamond Designs. With their commitment to customer satisfaction, Diamond Designs is an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality diamond jewelry. Visit their website and make an appointment today!