Diamonds have long been cherished for their timeless beauty and unparalleled brilliance. Among the various diamond cuts available, the natural cushion cut stands out as a symbol of sophistication and grace. This article will provide you with accurate information about natural cushion cut diamonds and why they make an excellent choice for those seeking a distinctive and elegant piece of jewelry.
The natural cushion cut is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. Known for their softened edges, these diamonds exude a romantic and vintage charm.
The natural cushion cut diamond has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally known as the “mine cut,” it gained popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Why Choose a Natural Cushion Cut Diamond?
The cut’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and ability to complement various settings. The romantic and vintage aesthetics of natural cushion cut diamonds make them a preferred choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
The carat weight is basically the same measurement of how much the diamond weighs. The diamond’s weight plays a primary role in determining the price of the diamond. Followed by the other C’s of the 4C’s; Cut, Carat, Color, and Clarity. These factors determine the stone’s overall quality and visual appeal.
The clarity and color of a cushion cut diamond is something that the customer can choose on their own and by their preference. It should just be noted that the higher the color and clarity higher will be the prices. If you have a tight budget aim at the middle portion of the scale. The carat weight influences the size of the diamond.
The width and length can also determine the look of the stone from a face-up view. You can figure out the way it will look in terms of size, how big or small it is.
Length to Width and Ratio should be around 1.00 to 1.05 in the case of square diamonds. If you want a more rectangular shape then an L/W ratio of 1.15 to 1.20 will be appreciated. Avoid the L/W of 1.06 to 1.13 as it doesn’t seem pleasing and is considered to be inefficient for many designs.
Always look for good numbers when looking for cushion cut diamonds but don’t trust these parameters alone. Try going with references and recommendations. It’s important to be secure beforehand, hence go through every detail about your jewelry. If you have a picture of what type of stone you have in mind, that will tend to help both you and us.
Points to Remember for Cushion Cut.
It’s important to look for adequate features when you are looking for the perfect diamond to be set on a diamond ring or jewelry.
The few parameters are as follows:
Polish and symmetry: Good, Extremely good, excellent
Table: Below 70%
Depth: Below 70%
Cushion Cut Diamond Size Chart
Cushion cut diamonds, like other diamond shapes, are measured by their length, width, and depth. The size of a cushion cut diamond is typically expressed in terms of its carat weight. It is how the diamond is cut that determines the precise size.
This diamond size chart will give you a thorough approach to identifying your size. I hope this chart helpful is for the approximate millimeter dimensions and carat weights for cushion cut diamonds.
Pros of Cushion Cut Diamond
A cushion cut diamond is preferred all over the world because of its unique style, it tends to stand out.
Unique look compared to other cut diamonds for engagement or promise ring purposes.
Cushion cuts are relatively lower in cost than the usual round cut diamonds.
The promise of durability is due to soft edges; diamonds with sharp edges have a fear of getting chipped.
Choosing a cushion cut diamond not only is a vintage choice and elegant look but it also costs less compared to other cuts of diamonds. To give you an example; if you were to buy a cushion cut diamond ring, you may save yourself around 25% to 50% in comparison to if you were to buy a round brilliant cut diamond.
In case, you want a mix of royalty and modernity then a natural cushion-shaped diamond would suit you best. Who wouldn’t love a beautiful cushion diamond ring that compliments the hand on their finger?
Cons of Cushion Cut Diamond
Due to the larger facets and the way light interacts with the stone, inclusions or imperfections may be more noticeable in some cushion cut diamonds.
Cushion cuts can be less standardized compared to some other cuts, like the round brilliant cut.
Cushion diamonds are available in vast varieties and are called by different names. It would take a little more time to look for the perfect piece.
It has been stated that this diamond has a problem with retaining color. However, it can retain color more than other cut diamonds. We would suggest you should look for a diamond that lies within the scale of D-H on the color scale for diamonds (by GIA). These high-quality cushion cut diamonds are the most durable and don’t have an issue in retaining color.
Because of its cut and shape, you’ll be able to see a cushion cut’s imperfections easily. Thus, it is suggested that you opt for a diamond with higher clarity; something on the line of VS2 and above (according to the clarity grading scale of GIA).
Cushion Cut Diamond vs Princess Cut Diamonds
Cushion cut is characterized by a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or cushion. Princess cut is square or rectangular as well, but with pointed corners, giving it a more modern and angular look.
Cushion cut features larger facets and often has a more brilliant, fiery appearance. The princess cut has smaller, more numerous facets, providing a high level of brilliance and sparkle.
The corners of a cushion cut are typically more rounded, which can be less prone to chipping compared to the pointed corners of a princess cut.
A cushion cut is often preferred by those who appreciate a classic, timeless look with a touch of vintage charm. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a romantic and elegant appearance. Princess cut appeals to individuals who prefer a more modern, geometric, and bold design. It’s known for its clean lines and contemporary appeal.
Ultimately, the choice between a cushion cut and a princess cut diamond comes down to personal preference, style, and the desired aesthetic.
How Can You Set Your Cushion Cut Diamond?
Even though there are various ways you can set your diamond and choose your own color for the band, some stones look the most beautiful in some particular settings. Hence, let us give you a brief as to which settings will a cushion cut diamond look good in.
4 Prong Setting
One of the best ways to set your favorite cushion cut diamond is in a 4 prong setting. This setting basically holds your stone well for better protection and security and on top of that, gives the most exposure to the cushion cut diamond, giving it a simple yet elegant look.
6 Prong Setting
If you want your diamond to appear bigger and be more secure then a 6 prong setting will get the job done. This setting is used to hold higher carat and higher L/W ratio cushion cut diamonds in a classy manner. You pair this style with thick white gold, platinum, or rose gold band and you will get a diamond ring that will make everyone look.
Halo Setting
The halo is a ring of smaller diamonds that encircle the center stone, accentuating its size and adding an extra layer of sparkle. It can create the illusion of a larger center stone, making the ring appear more extravagant without the need for a significantly larger diamond.
Bezel Setting
A Bezel setting is a type of structure in which the cushion diamond is made secure by having the metal wrap around on all sides of the stone. This does make the cushion cut diamond secure but it has a disadvantage. It prevents light from coming in and refracting from a major portion of the stone hence its brilliance doesn’t receive the proper appreciation.
The metal preferred to be paired with cushion cut diamonds are yellow gold, platinum, and rose gold. All of these metal bands/choices never fail to compliment the stone and give it a stunning look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, natural cushion cut diamonds offer a perfect blend of timeless elegance and romantic allure. Whether chosen for an engagement ring or another jewelry piece, these diamonds captivate with their unique brilliance and versatile appeal.
As you embark on the journey of selecting the perfect natural cushion cut diamond, consider your personal style, preferences, and the meaningful moments it will accompany.
FAQs
How can I verify the authenticity of a natural cushion cut diamond?
Ensure your diamond comes with proper certification. This documentation verifies the diamond’s authenticity, quality, and characteristics.
Are natural cushion cut diamonds more expensive?
While prices vary, natural cushion cut diamonds can be more affordable than other cuts. Factors like carat weight, cut, and clarity influence the overall cost.
What does a cushion cut diamond look like?
A cushion cut diamond resembles a square pillow with rounded corners. Its softened edges give it a romantic and vintage charm. The facets are arranged to enhance brilliance, creating a unique play of light within the stone.
How much is a 2 carat cushion cut diamond?
The price of a 2-carat natural cushion diamond can vary significantly based on factors like color, clarity, and cut quality. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,00 to $99,000 or more.
What is a modified cushion cut diamond?
A modified cushion-cut diamond refers to a variation of the traditional cushion cut, incorporating slight alterations in its facets or proportions. These modifications can enhance the stone’s brilliance or adjust its overall appearance.
