16 Apr Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings: A Complete Guide
Seen Above: A custom-made diamond engagement ring featuring a cushion cut pink diamond in a halo setting.
If you are considering a custom diamond engagement ring in San Diego, you’ll need to decide on the cut of diamond for the center stone. The cushion cut is a classic style of cut that never goes out of fashion.
Known for its timeless beauty and unique shape, cushion cut diamonds have been cherished for centuries. If you’re considering a vintage-inspired engagement ring, then the cushion cut diamond is especially worth a closer look.
In this article from C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the history and characteristics of the cushion cut diamond, and explain why they continue to be a popular choice for custom engagement rings.
In fact, they are one of the diamond cuts our owner, La Jolla jewelry designer Carl Blackburn, loves working with most when designing engagement rings for couples in San Diego.
History & Popularity of Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion cut diamonds evolved from the “old mine cut,” which was prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. Old mine cut diamonds were named after the Brazilian and South African mines where they were most often found. These diamonds were characterized by a squarish shape with rounded corners, a high crown, a small table, and a large culet, cut to maximize carat weight rather than brilliance.
Throughout the 19th century, as diamond cutting techniques improved with the introduction of steam power and later electricity, the cushion cut underwent refinements. Cutters began to prioritize brilliance and fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum) over mere carat weight. The old mine cut gradually transformed into what we recognize today as the modern cushion cut, with better proportions and an increased focus on light performance.
During the 20th century, cushion cut diamonds faded in popularity as other diamond shapes took the spotlight, in particular the round brilliant cut. But they never completely went out of style, especially among women who love vintage and antique-inspired engagement ring designs.
With the advent of modern cutting technology and computer-aided design (CAD) in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the cushion cut has seen a resurgence in popularity, as cutters are able to enhance the cut’s light performance while preserving its classic appeal.
The Pros & Cons of Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond
One of the defining characteristics of cushion cut diamonds is their shape, which resembles a cushion or pillow. This shape is achieved through a combination of rounded corners and larger facets, resulting in a soft and romantic appearance. Cushion cut diamonds can have either a square or rectangular shape, offering versatility for various jewelry designs, especially engagement rings.
Like any diamond shape, cushion cut diamonds have their own set of advantages and considerations to keep in mind when making a purchase. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision and choose the right diamond for your engagement ring.
Pros
1. Unique Appeal: The cushion cut has a unique, vintage charm that stands out from more traditional cuts. Its soft edges and romantic feel make it a popular choice for those seeking an engagement ring with character and history.
2. Brilliance and Fire: While not as brilliant as the round cut, the cushion cut is known for its fiery appearance, thanks to its large facets. These facets can create a beautiful play of light, especially in well-cut stones, giving them a distinctive sparkle.
3. Versatility in Style: Cushion cuts can vary significantly in shape, from nearly square to a more elongated rectangle. This versatility means you can find a stone that perfectly suits your personal style and preference.
4. Durability: The rounded corners of cushion cut diamonds make them less prone to chipping than other more angular cuts. This makes the cushion cut a practical choice for everyday wear, such as an engagement ring.
5. Cost-Effective: When compared to round brilliant diamonds, cushion cuts can be more affordable per carat. This is partly because they retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process and are slightly less in demand than round brilliants.
Cons
1. Shows Color More Readily: Cushion cut diamonds tend to retain more color than round brilliants. If you’re looking for a diamond with little to no visible color, you might need to choose a higher color grade, which can increase the price.
2. Clarity Considerations: Due to their large, open facets, imperfections (or inclusions) in cushion cut diamonds can be more visible to the naked eye compared to other cuts. Opting for a higher clarity grade might be necessary if you want a stone without noticeable flaws.
3. Requires Careful Selection: The cut quality of cushion diamonds can vary more significantly than round brilliants. This variability means you might need to spend more time and effort in selecting a well-cut stone that displays the cut’s characteristic brilliance and fire effectively.
4. Less Standardized: Because the cushion cut comes in a variety of ratios and with different types of facet patterns (e.g., cushion brilliant vs. cushion modified brilliant), comparing stones can be challenging. It requires a bit more diamond knowledge to ensure you’re getting a good quality stone. But if you are working with C. Blackburn Jewelers to create a custom engagement ring, Carl Blackburn will ensure you get the finest stone for the best possible price.
5. Can Appear Smaller: Due to their cut and shape, cushion cut diamonds might appear smaller than round diamonds of the same carat weight when viewed from above. This is something to consider if the perceived size of the diamond is a significant factor for you.
How to Choose the Perfect Cushion Cut Diamond
Choosing the perfect cushion cut diamond involves considering the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — as well as the length to width ratio. These factors determine a diamond’s overall quality and value.
When it comes to cut, aim for a cushion cut diamond with excellent or very good cut grades. This ensures that the diamond has been expertly cut to maximize its beauty and brilliance. As for color, choose a diamond with a color grade that aligns with your preferences. If colorlessness is important to you, opt for a higher color grade, such as D or E. However, if you prefer a warmer diamond, a lower color grade may be suitable.
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within the diamond. Look for a cushion cut diamond with a clarity grade of VS2 or higher, as these diamonds typically have no visible inclusions to the naked eye.
The carat weight of your diamond will likely depend on your budget. The key is to choose a carat weight that fits your budget while still meeting your size preferences. If you can’t afford the carat size you truly desire, then you might consider a lab-grown cushion cut diamond.
As to the best diamond ration for cushion cut diamonds, a L/W Ratio of 1.00 – 1.05 is considered ideal for those seeking a classic square cushion cut. The diamond will appear square to the naked eye, with the slight elongation helping to enhance the stone’s brilliance without sacrificing the traditional square shape.
However, in some cases a women will choose a ratio of 1.20 and above, which creates a more pronounced rectangular (elongated) shaped diamond that makes the finger appear longer and more slender.
Choosing the Right Setting for a Cushion Cut Diamond
The setting you choose for your cushion cut diamond can greatly impact its overall appearance and style. There are various setting options that complement the unique shape of cushion cut diamonds, allowing you to showcase their beauty while adding a personal touch.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, we will go over with you all of the possible options, and look at any photographs of rings you may have saved for inspiration. One popular setting choice for cushion cut diamonds in San Diego is the classic solitaire setting. This setting features a single diamond held securely in place, allowing the cushion cut to take center stage. It’s a timeless and elegant choice that emphasizes the diamond’s shape and brilliance.
If you prefer a more intricate design, consider a halo setting for your cushion cut diamond. This setting is one that Carl Blackburn specializes in. It features a circle of smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone, adding extra sparkle and enhancing the overall look of the diamond. The halo setting also gives the illusion of a larger diamond and adds a touch of vintage-inspired glamour to your custom engagement ring.
Buying a Cushion Cut Diamond in San Diego
When buying a cushion cut diamond in San Diego, always buy from a reputable and trusted jeweler. Look for certifications from reputable gemological laboratories, such as GIA or AGS, to ensure that the diamond you’re purchasing has been accurately graded. It’s also recommended to view the diamond in person whenever possible, as this allows you to assess its appearance and quality firsthand.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, you can be confident that you’ll be getting a fine diamond at the closest possible price to a San Diego wholesale diamond. Thanks to Carl Blackburn’s extensive diamond network, which he has built over the past 30+ years, he is able to sell high quality cushion cut diamonds that usually beat the price of even the large online diamond retailers.
Carl also offers San Diego couples the option of setting their custom engagement ring with a lab-grown cushion cut diamond, which can save you up to 90% compared to the price of an earth-mined diamond — yet lab-grown diamonds are physically identical to natural diamonds, with the exact same chemical composition.
Famous Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Throughout history, there have been numerous famous engagement rings featuring cushion cut diamonds. These iconic pieces have captured the public’s attention and become symbols of love and romance.
Perhaps one of the most famous cushion cut engagement rings in recent times belongs to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry proposed to Meghan with a three-stone engagement ring featuring a cushion cut center diamond flanked by two round diamonds. The center stone is particularly meaningful, as it was sourced from Botswana, a country close to Harry’s heart. The side stones are from the personal collection of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Hollywood celebrities also have a fondness for cushion cut diamond engagement rings. For example, Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring from Kanye West was set with a staggering 15-carat cushion cut diamond set on a pavé band, designed by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. The simplicity of the design highlighted the beauty and size of the cushion cut diamond, making it a statement piece.
Sofia Vergara’s engagement ring from Joe Manganiello is another stunning example. Her ring features a large cushion cut diamond, estimated to be about 7 carats, set on a halo setting that enhances its size and sparkle. The band is adorned with diamonds, adding to the ring’s overall brilliance.
Lastly, Elizabeth Taylor’s very first engagement ring was a charming cushion-cut diamond ring, given to her when she was only 17 years old by U.S. Army Pilot William Pawley Jr in 1949.
Customizing a Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
One of the advantages of cushion cut diamonds is their versatility. When designing a custom engagement ring, a cushion cut diamond can be incorporated into various settings and styles — from modern to vintage.
Carl Blackburn of C. Blackburn Jewelers (La Jolla) makes custom made engagement rings set with cushion cut diamonds affordable for everyone, with prices beginning around $5,000 when the ring is set with a lab-grown diamond.
From deciding on classic design elements like filigree, milgraining, and engraving to selecting additional accent stones, Carl will guide you through the exciting process of making a one-of-a-kind engagement ring that perfectly showcases the beauty of your cushion cut diamond.
After the initial CAD drawings are worked up and approved, Carl will make for your fiancée a wearable resin model of her engagement ring, so that she is certain everything is perfect before the final casting.
Get started now by arranging a friendly meeting with Carl Blackburn at his boutique jewelry store C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla. Leave him a voicemail at 858-251-3006 or send him an email via the contact form below.
