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.