Finding the right diamond for a special ring — especially if it’s an engagement ring — requires painstaking research. One of the biggest decisions you can make is the cut of the diamond. Different cuts produce a different level of sparkle, often known as fire. While round-cut diamonds offer the best level of fire, another popular choice with plenty of sparkle is the cushion-cut diamond. With hundreds of years of history including some of the most famous diamonds in the world, it’s no wonder cushion-cut gems continue to captivate us to this day.
Read our guide to everything you need to know about cushion-cut diamonds.
What Is a Cushion-Cut Diamond?
A cushion-cut diamond is a square or rectangular shaped diamond, reminiscent of a pillow or cushion. While it often has softly rounded edges or corners, it doesn’t have the fully circular shape of the well-known round diamond shape. However, it can offer some fantastic fire, similar to the level of a round-cut or princess-cut diamond. Let’s get technical for a second: cushion-cut diamonds usually have 58 facets, which means the flat planes that reflect and refract light. But sometimes, these gems are cut to have up to 64 facets.
Where the diamond has been deliberately cut to increase the number of facets, it’s often called “cushion cut brilliant,” or similar. “Crushed ice” is another option for cushion cuts and highlights that this diamond has a modified cut for additional brilliance. If you see this on a diamond ring description, you know you’ll be giving the gift of some serious sparkle. Even with the standard 58 facets, you’ll notice brilliant and gasp-worthy points of light and fire.
Cushion-Cut Diamonds vs. Other Popular Diamond Cuts
Cushion-cuts are popular because they have just as many facets as a round-cut or princess-cut diamond, so can offer almost as much sparkle. They’re also known for often having a purer color. Round-cut and princess-cut diamonds may use added brilliance to mask the fact that the color is not as consistent as expected. Because cushion-cut diamonds tend to have just a little less sparkle, they can’t mask an inconsistent gem coloring very well. Gem cutters will, therefore, tend to choose stones that have the same color throughout.
Oval-cut diamonds may be larger than cushion-cut diamonds in the same price range. However, they won’t have the same level of sparkle.
Radiant-cut diamonds can appear very similar to cushion-cut gems. However, radiant-cut stones nearly always have eight well-defined, straight edges which mark them as thoroughly modern. In contrast, cushion-cut diamonds can have rounded edges and may be either square or rectangular, giving them that much sought-after vintage look and feel. Even newer cushion-cut stones follow this style, for a softer styling that evokes nostalgia.
Take a look at this quick comparison table of cushion cuts versus other popular diamond cuts.
Characteristics to Look Out For
The chunky or antique cushion-cut stone will have noticeable facets that catch the light without disrupting the elegant shape of the stone. Look for stones with exceptional clarity and the color of your choice. Crushed ice alternatives won’t always have that same perfectly geometric look, because the eye is drawn by the sparkle. These diamonds are designed to be brilliant and highlight the fire within. Expertly cut cushion-cuts can show more fire than some round-cut diamonds, so look out for stones with excellent dispersion — the technical term for that fire all diamond shoppers are hunting for.
The History of the Cushion-Cut Diamond
Modern cushion-cuts are a descendant of the “old mine” cut. This was a square or rectangular cut with rounded edges used to take advantage of the shape of diamonds from mines in Brazil in the 1700s. The old mine cut helped make the diamonds brilliant without losing too much of the gem in the process. The technology at the time did not allow gem cutters to create the round cuts of today. So, these square or rectangular cuts were the best way to show off the innate qualities of the diamond.
Caption: This diagram shows an example of the old mine cut. The culet (B) at the base of the diamond is one of the biggest differences between this and the cushion cut, as gem cutters can now use advanced cutting techniques to bring this to a point instead. The table facet (A) is often larger on modern cushion cuts.
The round-cut gem overtook the cushion-cut diamond in popularity in the 20th century. Once the technology evolved to allow gem cutters to create a round diamond with superior sparkle, other cuts fell out of favor for a while. However, cushion-cut diamonds and vintage old mine cut stones are having a resurgence as buyers realize they’re often stunning pieces in their own right.
Famous Cushion-Cut Diamonds
Did you know that the Hope Diamond is a cushion-cut gem? It most likely did not start off that way. The stone was first mined in India in the 1600s, but stolen and recut in the late 1700s — by which time, the cushion-cut was very popular.
There are also some fantastic examples of cushion-cut diamonds in the Napoleon Necklace. While the pendant gems are pear-shaped and oval, the main ring of diamonds that hangs close to the neck is packed with 28 old mine-cut diamonds. The overall weight of the stones is a jaw-dropping 263 carats.
Cushion-Cut Diamonds Today
Old mine-cut diamonds may have been limited by the technology of the day, but in the here and now, gem cutters use modern techniques to mimic these antique styles. We’re also lucky enough to still have plenty of the originals available, in the shape of genuine vintage engagement rings with stunning cushion-cut stones.
Plenty of celebrities opt for cushion-cut diamonds to propose to their significant others. Kim Kardashian West famously received a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring from Kanye. The 15-carat stone was huge, D-colored (essentially colorless), and flawless. It’s estimated that this striking ring is worth around $2 million.
Actor and filmmaker Zoe Kravitz is another celebrity toting an impressive cushion-cut diamond on their ring finger. Fiancé Channing Tatum popped the question with an elongated cushion-cut stone in a vintage-style gold bezel setting. Experts suggest that the ring is worth over half a million dollars.
Modern Family star Sofia Vergara wore a 7-carat cushion-cut diamond with a halo of smaller diamonds from then-fiancé Joe Manganiello — the couple have now split. The ring is worth a reported $500,000.
Why Is the Cushion-Cut Diamond So Popular?
With everyone from big stars to buyers just like you opting for the cushion-cut style over more conventional or modern cuts, it begs the question: What’s the big deal? Part of the sudden resurgence of these stunning stones is that vintage and antique styles are back in a big way. From deadstock sunglasses to repurposed vintage accessories, fashionistas from all walks of life are finding ways to bring the styles of the past firmly into the present.
The cushion-cut diamond falls firmly into the category of vintage, which is definitely a major factor in its revival. Large stones with plenty of fire but settings that are either antique or retro-styled are highly popular right now.
Another reason these stones are rising in popularity is that people are realizing that they can get a very sparkly diamond for a slightly lower price tag. Round-cut diamonds are still more expensive (in general) than equivalent carat-weight cushion-cut diamonds. Like its old mine predecessor, the cushion-cut is generally crafted with less waste, meaning it can often be sold for a little less. Engagement ring buyers are finding larger rings for less that still carry the weight of timeless elegance and style.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that this cut is designed to show off the fire of the diamond. Gem cutters of the 18th and 19th centuries would use this cut to bring the rough diamonds of Brazil to life. Today, that cut is just as brilliant as ever, with gem cutters cleverly adjusting the planes and depth of facets to draw out every last sparkle.
Choosing a Cushion-Cut Diamond
When you decide to opt for a cushion-cut diamond, there are several factors to consider. You can get a ring with a standalone stone, or you can get one set within a halo of other stones. This is a popular design, with either one or multiple rings of smaller diamonds or other stones like sapphires surrounding the central gem. The multiple gems can add even more sparkle to the ring; ideal for an engagement symbol.
However, there’s something to be said for the simplicity of a single stone — especially when it’s cut to capture and present the optimal fire of that diamond. Many vintage engagement rings focus on a single large stone in an elegant setting. Prong or claw settings that firmly grasp the stone in place are a popular choice for single stones, particularly because they highlight the diamond’s beauty with minimal distractions.
Vintage vs. Modern: Old Mine or Cushion-Cut
When looking at vintage stones, you’re likely to find that the old mine-cut diamonds have a smaller table facet — that’s the larger flat area on the top of the stone. Because of advanced cutting techniques, gem cutters can now create a larger table facet with smaller facets surrounding it. Similarly, modern cushion-cut stones tend to have lower crowns and shallower pavilions. Many buyers deliberately opt for a vintage cushion-cut or old mine-cut stone to gain the antique styling of a deeper pavilion or higher crown — a big stone that makes a bold statement. If you find diamonds with these characteristics, you may have a genuine antique on your hands. Take expert guidance and ensure you speak to a specialist to understand the worth of the diamond and if it’s right for you and your significant other.
If you’re looking for something that evokes sophisticated style but with a sense of modernity, an elongated cushion-cut stone could be the option for you. The rising trend for these striking, rectangular stones is seen in celebrity engagement rings and other statement pieces. Moving away from the more square shape of the old mine cut, these stones have noticeably extended long sides. They’re often purposefully placed to dramatically stand out from the ring setting.
Color, Clarity, and Carat
As with all diamond rings, carefully consider the color, clarity, and weight before you buy. Clear diamonds will be graded D, E, or F, but anything from G to J is also practically colorless. You may also find cushion-cut diamonds in a range of stunning colors, from pinks to blues.
Clarity is an important factor in a diamond engagement ring. You don’t have to opt for flawless diamonds — in fact, these are very rare. VS1 and VS2 (very slightly included) are usually considered “eye clear” and perfectly beautiful for an engagement ring. Many antique cushion-cut rings are rated VS1/VS2 and retain their original sparkle perfectly.
Weight is measured in carats and should be determined by your budget and personal taste. Generally, the bigger the stone, the higher the carat weight. Some stones are cut to appear larger while costing less. Cushion-cut diamonds are often a good choice if you’re looking for value, as the large table facet creates the impression of size.
How to Care for Your Cushion-Cut Diamond Jewelry
If you’ve opted for an antique diamond ring, you know that this piece of jewelry has already stood the test of time. You can ensure that it lasts for many more years to come by following these simple care tips.
Daily Protection
An engagement ring is, of course, designed to be worn all the time. However, there are some chemicals and substances you may want to avoid. If you work in an environment where you have to use strong sanitizers or abrasive cleaners, take your ring off and put it somewhere safe. These types of chemicals could dull the metal of your ring or even permanently damage it.
The diamond itself is one of the hardest substances on earth — in fact, it’s the hardest naturally occurring material. However, some chemicals can cause damage to diamonds over time. Take your ring off and place it somewhere safe when cleaning, swimming in chlorinated water, or handling hazardous chemicals. Alternatively, wear gloves when dealing with harsh substances.
Storing Diamond Jewelry
Ideally, each of your pieces of diamond jewelry should have its own case. These cases should be lined with a soft material and should close fully to prevent dust from gathering on the ring setting. A jewelry box is okay, however, you should always keep your diamonds away from other gems, particularly other diamonds. After all, what’s the only thing that can truly damage a diamond? That’s right — it’s another diamond. Having stones together in a single box or cabinet is likely to lead to permanent scratches or chips.
If you have other precious stones like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, they can also be damaged by diamonds that aren’t stored securely. As beautiful as they are, diamonds are a lot like people — they need their personal space.
Regular Cleaning
If you decide to clean your diamond rings yourself, just use mild dish soap. As mentioned above, always avoid harsh or astringent chemicals as these can damage the ring setting and, in some cases, even the stone itself. If there are noticeable marks or dirt caught in the setting, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or any small brush with a similar texture. Gently move the bristles around the ring to remove dirt from around the stone and metal of the ring. Once your ring is clean, rinse it thoroughly with cool, clean water and pat dry.
Top tip: Gather your water and materials and move away from the sink to prevent disasters like losing a ring down the drain. You can also get your rings professionally cleaned by a jeweler.
Contact an Expert on Cushion-Cut Diamonds
Do you need a cushion-cut diamond for an engagement ring, gift, or piece of statement jewelry? The experts here at Estate Diamond Jewelry are on hand to guide you through the selection process. We can help you explore exquisite, genuinely vintage pieces like the Glenridge Ring or the sapphire-haloed Mosley Ring.
Contact us today to find out how we can assist you.
