Cushion cut engagement rings offer old-world charm with modern brilliance. These soft-sided fancy diamond shapes are popular for their vintage style and symmetrical appearance.
Like other diamond shapes, a high-quality cushion cut ring requires excellent polish and symmetry.
Color
The cushion cut has soft, rounded edges that look classic. It also has a higher dispersion, or fire, than most other diamond shapes. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to see those beautiful colored flashes of light in their rings. As a result, the cushion cut is ideal for vintage-style and halo diamond rings.
Since they retain color so well, you can choose from a wide range of colors for your cushion cut engagement ring. However, it would be best to remember that the ring’s setting may affect the diamond’s color. For example, a yellow gold band can make a white diamond appear yellowish.
While clarity is less concerned for cushion cuts, you should stick with VS1 or VS2 clarity grades for your diamond. This is because this level of clarity will prevent any blemishes and inclusions from showing to the naked eye.
As with all fancy diamond cuts, checking out actual videos or ASET scope data is essential when shopping for cushion cut rings. This is because two diamonds with the same depth/table ratio can look very different. Generally, a diamond with a lower depth/table ratio will look smaller and more brittle, while one with a higher depth/table ratio will appear more significant and durable.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is dependent on personal preference. While some may purchase only a diamond with no blemishes or inclusions visible under 10x magnification, others will prefer a slightly lower grade. Because of the rounded corners of cushion-cut diamonds, the facets’ clarity characteristics are masked, making them more forgiving than other ‘fancy’ diamond shapes like round or princess cut.
The polish and symmetry of a diamond are also crucial for those looking to purchase a cushion-cut engagement ring. This refers to how well the diamond facets are aligned and how fine polish is applied. Choosing a diamond with good polish and symmetry will ensure your cushion-cut engagement ring is as sparkling as possible.
Some people purchase cushion cut engagement rings with a halo, adding an extra layer of sparkle to the center stone. While this option is very popular, some women prefer to skip the halo completely, allowing the diamond to shine on its own in a simple microwave band.
Because of their rounded corners and 58-64 brilliant-style facets, cushion-cut diamonds have an elegant and sophisticated appearance. They look beautiful as solitaires or in various settings, including halos and three-stone rings. Like all jewelry pieces, they must be cared for to keep them sparkling and dazzling.
Carat Weight
Diamonds and other gemstones have different densities. So, a 1ct diamond will appear larger than a 1ct sapphire of the same size due to its higher density. This is why many jewelers suggest you buy a ring with a lower-carat weight for a more affordable option.
A stone’s sparkle depends on its cut, clarity, and color grade, but the setting is also essential. It can make or break a diamond engagement ring’s look and feel.
Cushion cuts tend to have a softer glow than other shapes. So, if max sparkle is your priority, a round diamond might be a better choice.
Sticking to a color and clarity grade of H or higher would be best regarding cushion cuts. This will allow you to find an eye-clean stone with a beautiful sparkle when set in a ring. Anything above a G will have a dead look and is only really chosen for prestige.
Due to the way they are cut, cushion cuts require more polishing than other shapes. This is why you should only shop at retailers that offer a full suite of services, such as video and ASET scope data, to evaluate the cut of a stone before purchasing.
Setting
Regarding a cushion cut engagement ring, your chosen setting makes the most significant difference in how it looks. The shape of the diamond and its level of sparkle and beauty are all influenced by the style of setting you choose.
The most popular settings for cushion cut diamonds are halo designs that feature a row of smaller diamonds around the center stone. These enhance the sparkle and make for a beautiful ring. Another option is a bezel setting which is more classic and simple.
If you want to maximize the performance of your cushion cut, limit your search to diamonds with a depth percentage and table percentage below 70%. This will help prevent you from buying a poorly cut diamond.
When shopping for a cushion cut engagement ring, be sure to shop with a reputable jeweler with HD videos of each diamond and an excellent return policy.
