What is a Cushion Cut?
Cushion-shaped diamonds merge the beauty of the Princess cut and Round brilliant-cut diamond shapes. This beautiful diamond cut combines a square, slightly rectangular outline with rounded corners. At the same time, the shape sparkles with between 58 to 64 brilliant style facets. Overall the cut resembles a pillow shape—giving rise to the name of this distinctive diamond shape.
This incredible diamond shape stands amongst other well-known diamond shapes available for engagement rings and diamond jewellery, most closely related to the classic round brilliant-cut and the popular Princess cut. At Serendipity Diamonds, we crafted a selection of cushion cut engagement rings in a range of styles, including the classic solitaire design.
Royal Diamonds and the Cushion Cut
Many famous examples of Cushion-cuts exist from the collections of Royalty. Many of these examples now reside in private collections and museums. For example, the Hope Diamond stands as one of the more notable examples, cut into a 45 carat gemstone, now resting in the Smithsonian Institute.
Round, Cushion and Princess Cut Diamonds Compared
Comparison of three popular diamond cuts. 0.70cts round brilliant-cut (left) Cushion cut (middle) and Princess cut (right).
The Origin of the Cushion Cut
‘Cushion,’ the generic name of the Old Mine Cut first appeared before the turn of the century. Today, most cushions come from newly cut diamonds as opposed to antique diamonds.
Many Old Mine Cut diamonds removed from antique jewellery exhibit the nicks and chips associated with vintage gemstones. Newly cut diamonds lack damage and wear. Moreover, most of the new Cushion-cut diamonds have improved symmetry due to modern diamond cutting techniques.
Unlike the first Cushion diamonds, modern round diamonds go through a process called cleaving to cut the rough into two pieces.
By comparison, Old Mine cut diamonds appeared lumpy owing to the cutting process. To explain, the diamond went through a process to grind the diamond down from the rough. As a result, they featured very thin girdles and bigger culets than today’s brilliant diamonds.
Choosing a Cushion for an engagement ring
Cushion cuts make popular in Vintage style diamond halo rings, used as centre stones. Alternatively, Cushion cut solitaire engagement rings feature a single diamond without any additional diamonds. Both styles are popular and appeal to individual tastes.
Example of a small cushion cut diamond within a halo of diamonds. Note the wedding ring shaped to fit around the setting.
Cushion Rings with a Diamond Halo
Many popular Cushion-cut halo engagement rings feature a Cushion-cut diamond at the centre, encircled by a single halo smaller diamonds. Jewellers favour round diamonds for halo and side stones. In fact, we rarely see Cushions cut into sizes below 0.15cts. A variety of halo designs exist, but a Cushion shaped halo will compliment the shape of the centre diamond. Look out for designs with a wedding-ring-friendly setting to make life easier when adding your wedding ring.
Three beautiful designs. Eclipse features a rub-over setting with a Cushion cut diamond, whereas Solette features a Cushion cut diamond with elegant Milgrain detail. Finally, Royale features a round stone, with a Cushion shaped halo setting.
Are Cushion cuts popular for engagement?
Round brilliant-cut diamonds remain the most popular diamond shape. Far fewer Cushion engagement rings exist compared to round diamond rings. Cushion cuts vary so much in their dimensions and proportions that they are more difficult to fit into standard setting sizes. For this reason, fewer jewellery stores offer cushion-cut diamond engagement rings.
Lab-grown Cushion cut diamonds
We provide both natural and lab-grown diamonds for many of our jewellery commissions. Although less common, it is possible for us to source lab-grown cushion cut diamonds for clients. Lab-created diamonds provide a lower-cost alternative with no visible difference between both options. Some clients query how we distinguish between both diamond types. To explain, most lab-grown diamonds feature a laser inscription, microscopically lasered onto the side (or girdle) of the diamond.
Which comes first, the setting or the diamond?
If you are considering a Cushion diamond for an engagement ring, it is more than likely your first step will involve looking at ring designs. Once you have an idea of your preferred ring style, the next step involves sourcing a suitable diamond. Part of our work involves sourcing the very best diamond to suit both your design and budget. We consider your ring design and match your budget to the best selection of diamonds. Buyers who purchase directly from our website typically expect to receive their completed ring within 4 weeks of placing their order. At the same time, we source a suitable diamond whilst we work on the ring mount itself.
Close up of a GIA certified Cushion cut diamond, 0.70 carats in weight.
Round diamonds and cushion-shaped settings
If you already have your diamond, we create just the settings for some clients. Some clients move existing diamonds from one ring design to a new design.
We have included an example above, set with a Blue Sapphire. The ‘Royale’ design is available with a diamond, Ruby, Blue, or Pink Sapphire.
Cushion cut Trilogy rings
Wedding ring friendly three stone engagement ring settings, featuring cushion, round, and Princess cut diamonds.
It is possible to find many beautiful three stone engagement rings set with a Cushion cut diamond. Smaller outer diamonds pair with a larger centre diamond. Designed with a wedding ring friendly setting, a Cushion cut trilogy ring makes an excellent alternative to solitaire and halo designs.
Do you have an idea? If you’re looking to create the perfect Cushion cut engagement ring—whether this is a solitaire single stone, a halo design or a three-stone Cushion design, please get in touch with us.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
