Antique and Modern Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

A cushion cut diamond engagement ring offers modern day brilliance coupled with vintage elegance. The shape resembles a pillow, rectangular with soft corners and gently curved sides. The modern cushion has 64 facets and is among one of the rarer diamonds. The immediate ancestor to the cushion is the Old Mine Cut, which had 58 larger facets in a steep crown with a moderately sized table. These profiles were greatly desired in their time and remained popular for over 200 years until the early 1900s.

The traditional modern cushion will have a length to width ratio of 1:1, but variations of the shape will range in lengths of 1.10 to 1.20 and many stones have been cut into a more round or oval shape. Modern standards are varied and different pavilion facets will dictate a chunkier pattern or splintery fire. One pattern has an extra row of pavilion facets and is classified as a “modified cushion cut” by the G.I.A. Other patterns include classifications such as "cushion brilliant" and "modified cushion brilliant".

Different Looks of Antique and Modern Cushions

Above are two Antique Cushions. The left ring represents a slightly larger length, so it has more of a rectangular shape. The ring on the right has less distinctive sides and presents more of a round silhouette. These diamonds have larger, distinctive facets than the modern cut stones below.

The two rings above have a modern cushion cut center diamond. The facet pattern in these two present more of a "crushed ice" or crystallized mosaic than the antique cuts. The left diamond has softer corners which looks more oval. Cushion cuts are often used for evergrowing popular yellow diamond rings. The diamond on the right has a 1:1 length to width ratio and a very gentle curve on the four sides of the diamond.

While colorless diamonds are preferable in many modern fancy cuts, many buyers prefer a warmer color representative of the vintage period. Cushion cut diamonds may vary visibly in size based on the depth percentages used. Stones with shallower angles on the crown may look larger when based on carat weight. Both observations apply to diamonds when viewed in the face up position. Inclusions may be easier to see in cushions that use larger facets and may be nearly invisible with more of a crushed ice look. Color, clarity and the silhouette is very subjective in this diamond.

If the cushion cut diamond is the ideal choice for your engagement ring, visit Mark Broumand to view his large portfolio of antique and modern cushion cut diamonds. You can also find cushion cut diamond earrings and bracelets to complement your new engagement ring purchase or existing jewelry collection.