The Timeless Beauty and Allure of Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

The Allure of Cushion Cut Diamond Rings

Diamond rings have long been a symbol of love and commitment. With so many diamond shapes and settings to choose from, selecting the perfect ring can feel overwhelming. Recently, cushion cut diamonds have surged in popularity among brides-to-be and jewelry aficionados alike. What is it about these sparkling gems that makes them so sought-after?

The History of Cushion Cuts

Cushion cut diamonds (also sometimes called pillow cut diamonds) have a long history dating back to the 18th century. These rounded square or rectangular shaped diamonds were very popular in antique and vintage jewelry. Unlike modern cushion cut diamonds that have a soft pillow shape, antique cushions had higher crowns and larger culets resulting in a boxier look.

Today's cushion cut diamond has evolved to have a softer outline and larger facets that optimize light performance. Modern cushion cut diamonds have an elegant, open shape with broad planes and rounded corners that many find incredibly eye-catching.

What Makes Cushion Cuts Unique?

One of the things that makes cushion cut diamonds so special is their versatility. Cushion cuts can be fashioned in many different ways while still retaining their signature pillow shape.

There are two main styles of modern cushion cuts:

• Cushion brilliant cut - This classic style has larger facets that create more brilliance and fire.
• Cushion modified brilliant cut - This has fewer, larger facets for a clean and contemporary look.

Within these two categories, cushion cuts can have different proportions that affect their face-up appearance. Wider cushions appear more square, while lengthier cushions look more rectangular. Customizing a cushion's cut helps achieve a look that's unique and personal.

Why Are Cushion Cuts So Popular?

There are several reasons cushion cut diamond rings have become a top choice among bridal sets and fashion jewelry:

• Vintage appeal - Their history-inspired shape gives cushion cuts an heirloom look and feel.
• Increased brilliance - The rounded edges cause light to reflect intensely for exceptional sparkle.
• Dimensionality - Cushion cuts appear less flat than some shapes for better optical depth.
• Beauty in color - The large facets showcase color beautifully in colored diamonds.
• Versatility - Cushion cuts suit any style, from classic to modern to alternative.

Cushion cuts are ideal for maximizing carat weight while appearing large face-up. Their pillow shape also provides security, protecting vulnerable corners from chipping.

Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond Ring

From vintage-style settings to modern designs, cushion cut diamonds pair beautifully with many ring styles. Here are some tips for selecting a stunning cushion cut diamond ring:

Consider the Setting

Opt for a setting that protects the corners and edges of the cushion cut. Prong or halo settings are great choices that accentuate the diamond's shape. For a vintage look, a bezel setting or embellished mounting complements the cushion's natural charm.

Focus on Cut Quality

Cut has a huge impact on a cushion cut's sparkle and brilliance. Look for excellent symmetry and angles, ideally with a depth percentage between 58-63% and table percentage between 58-68%. Review cut grades from GIA or AGS reports for an expert analysis.

Choose the Right Color

Colorless or near colorless diamonds allow the most light return for maximum fire and sparkle. But if prioritizing carat weight, consider high quality J Color or G Color cushions to find a beautiful balance of size and value.

Mind the Setting

Micro-prongs or bead set accents surrounding a center cushion cut maximize light return for next-level sparkle. Multiple smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone can also make the main diamond appear larger.

Get the Best Clarity

With their large, open facets, cushion cuts show inclusions more easily than some shapes. Select an eye-clean clarity grade like VS2 or VS1 to get an impeccable, flawless-looking stone.

Champagne Diamonds Take the Spotlight

Beyond traditional white diamonds, champagne diamonds are also gaining popularity. Champagne diamonds exhibit a warm, golden bronze color reminiscent of the bubbly beverage they're named after. Their lush hue makes champagne cushion cut diamonds perfect for vintage inspired jewelry with an antique feel.

Champagne diamonds get their golden color from the presence of nitrogen during formation. Their color is rated on a scale of C1-C7 by the GIA, with C7 diamonds having the deepest saturation. The most desirable and valuable champagne diamonds fall in the C4-C7 range.

The warm glow of champagne diamonds is incredibly flattering against all skin tones. Their unique color provides stunning presence that feels both traditional yet strikingly modern. From solitaire champagne cushion rings to bold statement pieces, the vintage charm of champagne cushion cuts feels fresh and contemporary.

The Enduring Beauty of Cushion Cuts

Cushion cut diamond rings offer timeless beauty and style. With their dazzling brilliance, classically romantic shape, and vintage-inspired glamour, it's no wonder cushion cuts are becoming a top choice for engagements, weddings and jewelry that shines through the decades. Whether set with classic white diamonds or trendy champagne diamonds, cushion cut rings make an eternally elegant statement about forever love.

FAQs

What are the most popular cushion cut diamond ring settings?

The most popular settings for cushion cut diamonds are halo settings, solitaire settings, three stone settings, and vintage/antique-inspired settings like art deco styles. Halo settings accentuate the center stone by encircling it with a ring of smaller diamonds.

What size cushion diamond looks the biggest?

Cushion cut diamonds can face up nearly 10% larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. Focus on cut quality over size—well-cut 1 carat cushions can look as big as poorly cut 1.5 carat cushions.

What are the best clarity grades for cushion diamonds?

VS2 and VS1 clarity grades are ideal for cushion cuts. They deliver an eye-clean stone without inclusions being visible to the naked eye. VVS2 is also a safe bet, while lower clarity stones may show imperfections.

What metal goes best with champagne diamonds?

Yellow gold is extremely flattering with champagne diamonds, complementing their warm color beautifully. White metals like platinum and white gold also allow the stone's color to truly pop.

Are champagne diamonds natural or treated?

Champagne diamonds get their color naturally from nitrogen impurities present during their formation. Their color is not the result of artificial treatment or radiation exposure like some colored diamonds.