what is a cushion cut stone

What Is a Cushion Cut Stone – Pros, Cons, Setting, and More

When shopping for a stone in the form of the cushion cut, it might surprise you that this marvelous shape is only the tenth most popular cut in the world. This breathtaking cut is undoubtedly deserving of a higher notch on the popularity totem pole and it is no surprise that it is still a widely sought after cut for engagement and wedding rings alike.

what is a cushion cut stone

If you are considering a Cushion cut stone, it is essential to be well informed of the pros and cons that come with the cut, the most suitable GIA grades for the cut, and the most sensical settings for the cut. This article will walk you through the in’s and outs, as well as the in between, of the Cushion cut.

What Is A Cushion Cut Stone?

The Cushion cut is one of the oldest documented diamond cuts and, as such, it is often associated with vintage and classic style rings. The vintage cut rose in popularity in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, then dropped off until the recent resurgence of popularity in the demand for vintage and classic style jewelry.

Generally speaking, a Cushion cut ring will have a rounded, rectangular “pillow-like” appearance – but looking more in depth, there are different styles of this particular cut.

While shopping for your Cushion cut stone, you might hear the terms “standard” Cushion cut or “modified” Cushion cut – in terms of a standard or modified Cushion cuts, the only difference is the history where the standard Cushion cut is the original and the modified cushion is its modern variation with minimal differences in appearance. This is important to know if you are in the market for a vintage ring where a modern variation of this classic cut should throw up a red flag.

dream engagement ring perfection cushion cut halo with thin band with diamonds on the band

The difference in stone appearance itself is seen in the variation between the chunky look and the crushed ice look. A chunky Cushion cut ring will have apparent distinction in the pattern of the facets. Although the chunky Cushion cut may sometimes get referred to as the antique Cushion cut due to its resemblance to the Old Miners cut, this is an inaccurate titles as this particular style cut is relatively modern. The crushed ice Cushion cut is actually much truer to an antique style cut – this cut has no discernible facet distinction which makes it appear similar to crushed ice.

Cushion Cut Stone Pros

Cushion cuts are regaining popularity with the growing demand for antique, or faux antique, jewelry. This gorgeous cut is reminiscent of the past, and this historical asset it possesses is one of the key components of its resurgence in popularity.

Other than being reminiscent of the past, this stunning cut disperses light through its 60 facet, creating an alluring and enticing rainbow effect of color created by the angles of the diamond. This cut compliments the quality of the stone effectively and is an easy choice for a bride that wants to accentuate a high quality diamond while still displaying a little bit of brilliance.

3 ct natural cushion cut authentic halo eternity engagement ring gia certified

Durability and sustainability are two additional factors that make this cut extremely desirable. Cushion cuts lack the sharp edges of other popular cuts, and as such, don’t chip or break as easily as many others.

Cushion Cut Stone Cons

The biggest negative associated with the Cushion cut is its lack of brilliance – but this negative is dependent on preference and may not be a negative for some. This lack of brilliance is tied into the historic relevance of the cut as it was specifically designed to subdue the brilliance resulting from candlelight, rather than to exhibit the brilliance created by sunlight and artificial lighting. That said, modern advanced in cutting technology and laser cutting have increased the brilliance of this modern cut, but it still lacks this factor when compared to some of the more popular cuts.

The cushion cut also has relatively large facets making this an unforgiving cut for poor quality diamonds and gemstones – with the necessity for a higher grade stone comes a heavier price tag, making the unaffordability of this cut a pretty big deterrent for the bride and groom to be on a budget.

cushion cut diamond what is a cushion cut stone

Clarity

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created an international diamond rating system that allows for a universal standard for determining a diamonds quality. An aspect of this quality is the diamonds clarity. A diamonds clarity is determined by its number of inclusions and/blemishes. All diamond will have some inclusions and blemishes, but a flawless diamond will be one where they can’t be seen when magnified by ten.

This list contains the clarity ratings as they determine the value of a diamond from the most expensive to the least:

Flawless (Fl) – No Inclusions.
Internally Flawless – (IF) No inclusions, only blemishes.
Very Very Slightly Included – (VVS1 and VVS2)  Contains inclusions but they are very difficult to see.
Slightly included (SI1 and SI2) – Noticeably included.
Included (I1, I2, I3) – Obviously included.

An ideal diamond for a Cushion Cut will be anything from VVS2 and up. Avoid Cushion cuts that fall into the categories of SI1, SI2, I1, I2 and I3.

best cushion cut diamond ring

Color

The GIA also grades diamonds on their color – or rather, lack of. This rating system does not include colored diamonds. Essentially, the ideal diamond is colorless while the least desirable is light yellow or brown.

These changes in color are extremely subtle, and may not even be noticeable to the naked eye, but they make a colossal impact on the price of a diamond so they are important.

This list contains a list of the color ratings, D being completely colorless and most valuable and Z being of color and the least valuable.

D, E, F – colorless
G, H, I, J – near colorless
K, L, M – faint color
N, O, P, Q, R – very light color
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z – light color

The ideal diamond for a brilliant round cut is colorless, so grades D, E, or F – however a nearly colorless grading that’s closer to the completely colorless spectrum, such as G, will also produce desirable results.

Setting

The ideal setting for a Cushion cut is a 4 prong setting. A 4 prong setting will allow light to cut through the diamond and maximize the brilliance that the cut is in need of. That said, for a larger diamond, a 6 prong setting might be necessary to avoid damage or looseness of the diamond itself.  We must also mention that, of course, a cushion cut can be applied to other stones as well, so let it be known that it is not exclusively for diamonds, but other stones as well.

A Bezel setting is popular amongst some for the Cushion cut but we do not recommend it. A bezel cut is one in which the metal of the band itself wraps around the stone – while secure, this setting takes away some light, which is a factor that this cut is in need of.

cushion cut ruby ring

What Is a Cushion Cut Stone – Recap

Ok, so, what do we know? The Cushion cut is the oldest cut for stones – because of this, despite modern attempts to alter its appearance, the cut does not display the brilliance and fire of other more modern cuts. What it lacks in brilliance, the Cushion cuts makes up in sophistication and allure. The modified Cushion cut is the modern version while the standard Cushion cut is the original – a modern Cushion in an antique ring is questionable at best. The Cushion cut demands for high quality diamonds due to the fact that the cut itself accentuates the flaws of a stone and it is best set in a 4 prong setting that allows for premium sunlight to help its brilliance.

But wait – don’t run to your nearest jeweler quite yet. Before you run out your door, here are a few additional tid bits to keep in mind:

1. If your Cushion cut stone is a diamond, deal only with reputable jewelers that will provide IGA certification.

2. If you’re buying a used or antique diamond studded ring, don’t listen to number one. The IGA hasn’t been around forever and diamonds have. Instead, in the instances of antique or used diamonds, ask for a certificate of authenticity or professional appraisal of the diamond you’re buying.

3. If a colored, or colorless, gemstone is you’re thing, we’re into it. Check out our extensive gemstone directory for ways to ensure your are purchasing the best quality authentic gemstone for your ring.

4. It never hurts to get a second opinion – if you’re confident in your purchase, this isn’t necessary, but if you’re like us and like play it safe, take your purchase to a professional jeweler or gemologist for a second opinion as to the quality of your stone.

5. You’re getting married! This should be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience in your life to date – while we absolutely promote the idea that knowledge is important, and that you should be well informed, we also want you to remember not to lose sight of your excitement and joy, so go on, go shopping for your engagement or wedding ring and don’t forget to have fun with it!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top