Are Cushion Cut Engagement Rings a Good Choice?

Cushion cut engagement rings have derived the name based on their unique cut. These rings are simply awesome and can be one of the best options to go for with regards to engagement rings. Any woman would love to have such a ring on their fingers for the rest of her live.

However, deciding on an engagement ring is something that needs a good deal of careful consideration, which is why this article is aimed to clear things up and to help you understand whether you should think about the cushion cut engagement rings or some other variety of a diamond engagement ring.

The Popularity

Rings have been there on the market throughout history. However, cushion cut rings have been seen to be popular since the early 1990s and they are still quite popular among the people who are looking to spend some money on diamond jewelry.

The diamond set on such a ring has been known by a number of different names in the past, like candlelight diamonds, pillow cut diamonds, etc. All these names were based on the cut that this ring had to show the buyers.

Sometimes these rings can be very expensive, but you can get some discounts and deals on these rings from time to time as well! So get your budget ready for the purchase.

The Design

These rings have diamonds of a unique design set on them. Simply consider the name (and some of the earlier names) and you will understand how these diamonds look. These diamonds are seen to be rounded at the edges, and have an overall rectangular or square look. In other words, it looks like a pillow or a cushion. Some people have even stated that these diamonds look very “soft”!

Generally, you can get some very contemporary designs for such rings, as well as some of the classic vintage styles. It all depends on the person for whom the ring is being bought. This needs a good deal of consideration if you would want to purchase one of the best available cushion cut engagement rings.

Where to Buy

Finally, you also need to know where to buy these rings from. A reliable store is the first priority, whether it is online or offline. Try to get some information on how to judge a diamond and its quality using the 4 Cs, and then get onto the internet. Search for the online stores dealing in diamond jewelry, and go for one of the best brands available there.

Finally, make sure you get some sort of a warranty or certificate from the store for the cushion cut engagement rings in order to understand whether or not you can rely on the product that you are buying.

Buying Diamond Jewelry: Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Buying your engagement ring can be a very exciting thing to do, and buying diamond jewelry can be even more fun and therefore let us look at the cushion cut engagement rings. These engagement rings are something that can make your lady very happy any day and it is a great way to win over her heart!

The Name “Cushion Cut”

The unique cut of the diamond makes these rings much different from the other rings available in the market. The diamond looks very much like a cushion, or a pillow, which is how the “cushion cut” engagement rings get their names. However, if you look closely, you will see that the reason for their popularity is not the pillow shaped gem, but the brilliance of the cut.

The shape can vary from being a perfect square to more rectangular. These rings can be very expensive, and depends solely on two major factors, the clarity of the diamond and its size. The shape of the diamond used makes it more lustrous.

A closer look at these rings will show that these square or rectangular rings have rounded corners, which will only enhance the refraction and hence the shine and the brilliance of the stone. The cut of the diamond is also something that will decide its price here.

Engagement Rings

There are many reasons why someone may choose to go for the cushion cut engagement rings for their engagement. First of all, an engagement ring is not something that you will buy every now and then. It is a once in a lifetime matter. Therefore, buying an expensive diamond ring, with a stone as brilliant as the cushion cut diamond, can be a great idea to go for.

The looks of these rings can be something else that is worth a consideration. Now even though we have been talking only about diamond rings till now, you can also go for engagement rings with cushion cut gems like emerald, ruby, sapphire, canary, and even synthetic diamonds. These can also look great, and can bring down the cost as well.

Buying a Cushion Cut Ring

I have already pointed out that an engagement ring is something that you buy once in a lifetime, and therefore you must make sure what you are about to buy is something that will actually satisfy you. Therefore, make sure that the gemstone on the ring is something that would make you (and your partner) happy.

Ensure that the quality and craftsmanship of the ring that you are looking to buy is of the best quality available in the budget range that you are looking at. Finally, pay careful attention to the band (silver, gold, platinum, two tone, etc) when you are looking to buy the cushion cut engagement rings.

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut is perhaps the most romantic cut for a diamond ring. Cushion cut has been around since early 18^th century and is somewhat a fusion of the old mine cut and the modern oval cut. The gem appears like a small puffed up pillow, hence the ‘cushion cut’ name. Cushion cut engagement rings are ideal for the romantic-at-heart classic lady – she’s the one who’d truly appreciate the timeless beauty of cushion cut.  For years cushion cuts engagement rings have dominated the market and still have a special nostalgia associated with them. Cushion cut is also called candlelight cut.

As mentioned earlier, cushion cut is a fusion between old mine and oval cut. Cushion cut engagement rings will have diamonds in the shape of rectangles or squares with soft rounded edges giving the impression of a cushion. A cushion cut has approximately 60 facets which is a bit less than the modern cuts. Due to this property, cushion cut engagement rings have less brilliance compared to any ring with a modern cut diamond. The romantic glow of a cushion cut is due to large facets and depth.

Cushion cut is nicely suited for colored diamonds. A cushion cut colored solitaire just oozes oomph. The best metal for band may be platinum or white gold depending on your preference and budget. Usually a four-prong setting is used but it all boils down to the size of the stone.

Since cushion cut has large open facets, the stone should have high clarity and consistent color (if any) as any small impurity/flaw will be easily visible.Opt for a diamond with high clarity. The size or the carat is not an important factor with this cut – the grade of the diamond is the price deciding factor. Stones with high clarity, consistent color and cut will be expensive compared to opaque or cloudy ones. One should specially steer away from the cloudy ones as it mars the brilliance. Cushion cut falls short in brilliance compared to the newer cuts and opaqueness or cloudiness will further compromise this important quality.

A Candle Lit Proposal

Ever heard how every other notebook in the world is just a laptop and an Apple notebook is a Macbook? Quite similarly, diamond engagement rings are just engagement rings unless they happen to be cushion cut engagement rings. Cushion cut is also called candlelight cut for a reason; just arrange for some candles and pop open the box front of your sweetheart. The soft glow, the fiery brilliance of the diamond reflecting in her eyes and the smile on her lips will make the investment infinitely worthwhile.