Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings - Vintage Style and Romance

The Beauty and History of Antique Cushion Cut Diamonds

If you are looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind engagement ring, considering an antique or vintage style diamond is a beautiful option. Cushion cut diamonds, also known as old mine cut diamonds, have a romantic history and create gorgeous antique style engagement rings and jewelry.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond, sometimes called a pillow cut diamond, has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets. This gives the diamond a "cushion" like appearance. Cushion cuts have an elegant, vintage look while still providing the brilliance of a modern round brilliant cut.

Cushion cut diamonds were very popular in the late 1800s through the early 1900s, so they have an antique and romantic feeling. The old mines where these diamonds were originally cut were located in Africa and India. The cushion shape allowed jewelers to maximize the carat weight from rough diamonds found in the mines at that time.

History of Old Mine Cuts

Old mine cut diamonds date back to the late 19th century. During earlier times, diamond cutting was done by hand, so there was more variation in angles and facets. Old mine cushion diamonds have larger and deeper facets that give them a charming, vintage appearance.

The earliest mine cut diamonds had very little symmetry. But jewelers started modifying the cushions into a more standardized shape and faceting style. By the early 1900s, old European and old mine cushion cuts had an established number of facets and proportions.

After the development of modern round brilliant cuts in 1919, cushion cuts fell out of popularity for decades. But there has been a resurgence of interest in antique cushion diamonds in recent years. Their romantic look makes them perfect for vintage inspired engagement rings.

Styles of Cushion Cut Diamonds

There are a few types of cushion cut diamonds to know about:

• Old Mine Cut - Originating in the late 1800s, these have a pronounced rectangular shape, larger facets, and a smaller table. Excellent for antique style rings.
• Old European Cut - Popular in the early 1900s, these are more squared in shape with smaller facets than old mine cuts. Also called a Euro cushion.
• Modern Cushion - Cushions cut after the 1970s have more brilliance, precision cutting, and often a rounded shape. The antique look can be recreated with an old mine cut setting.

Choosing an Antique Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

There are a few things to look for when selecting a cushion cut diamond ring with an antique style:

• Old mine or Old European cuts have the most vintage appearance. Look for larger facets and warm color grades like K-M.
• A simple claw or tiffany setting with an engraving or milgrain edge has an antique feel. Halo settings also complement cushion cuts beautifully.
• Consider rose or yellow gold. Platinum became popular in the 20th century. Earlier cushion cuts would have been set in warm toned metals.
• Look for dimensions that maximize the carat weight - a length to width ratio around 1.15-1.20. Antique cushions are often slightly rectangular.

It's also important to pay attention to quality and craftsmanship. While antique cuts have imperfections, you still want excellent polish and symmetry for beauty and durability.

Where to Buy Vintage Cushion Cut Diamond Rings

There are a few options for finding antique cushion cut diamonds:

• Estate Jewelers - Many carry genuine antique and vintage engagement rings from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras.
• Online Vintage Retailers - Online jewelry stores like Lang Antiques, Trumpet & Horn, and EraGem specialize in antique and vintage jewelry.
• Private Dealers - You may be able to source a high quality antique cushion from a diamond dealer or private collector.
• Custom Design - Work with a jeweler to design a custom ring using an old mine cushion diamond you source.

Take time to carefully inspect any antique cuts being considered. An appraisal can verify the age of the diamond and setting. Buying from a reputable vintage jeweler ensures you are getting a high quality heirloom piece.

Antique Diamond Rings are Full of Romance and History

An old mine cushion cut or old European cut diamond has a Look that is full of charm and uniqueness. With its long history and romantic feeling, a vintage cushion creates timeless engagement rings and jewelry perfect for any bride-to-be.

Next time you are looking for something special, consider the antique beauty and elegance of a cushion cut diamond. An heirloom like this will be treasured for generations to come.

FAQs

What are the main differences between old mine cuts and old European cuts?

Old mine cuts tend to have a more pronounced rectangular shape, larger facets, and a smaller table. Old European cuts (also called Euro cushions) have a more squared shape, smaller facets, and were popular slightly later, in the early 1900s.

What color grades work best for antique style cushion cuts?

Warmer colors like K-M help give an antique cushion cut diamond a vintage look. The slight tint complements the larger facets. Near colorless grades will also work beautifully, but may have a more modern appearance.

Should I buy an actual antique cushion cut or have one custom cut?

If your budget allows, purchasing a genuine antique or vintage cushion can get you the most romantic, heirloom quality look. But having a jeweler custom cut a diamond for you allows you to get the exact shape and specifications you want.

What metal should I choose for an antique-style setting?

Rose or yellow gold pair best with vintage cushion cuts. Platinum became popular in the 20th century, so would not have been used in earlier eras. However, platinum can still work well - just aim for a more ornate, antique-inspired setting style.