Is the Cushion Engagement Ring Cut Right for You?

There is growing popularity and interest in this unique engagement ring cut that is somewhere between a rectangle and an oval. While some see the cushion cut as distinctively modern, this classic style is in fact anything but.

The cushion cut was incredibly popular as an engagement ring cut during the majority of the nineteenth century and right through to the early part of the twentieth century, when it was superseded by more modern alternatives. Known as the cushion cut, it is actually sometimes called the antique cushion cut in recognition of its historical roots, originally inspired by the old mine cut, which was a square shape with rounded corners, deeply cut with a high crown, small table and large facets. The modern cushion cut is actually a mixture between the old mine cut and a modern oval.

Although some modern cushion cut diamonds are given different faceting treatments, producing interesting checkerboard or even concave facets, the style is generally recognised for its open culet and rectangular to square shape, with rounded corners and an unusual facet plan that gives the gemstone depth. This contrasts quite strongly with many of today’s brilliant cuts that are mainly designed to maximise the light that the gemstone receives. However, while this particular engagement ring cut may not be quite as fiery or brilliant as the more modern alternatives, it does succeed in highlighting a gem’s luster with its classically romantic look.

Many of the most famous gemstones in the world are cushion cut diamonds and include the blue Hope Diamond at 45.54 carats, the Regent Diamond at 140.5 carats and the yellow Tiffany Diamond at 128.54 at carats. The largest blue sapphire in the world, the 432-carat Logan Sapphire, displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, is fashioned into that familiar cushion shape. In 2003, the cushion cut’s popularity as an engagement ring cut was established, with Tiffany’s Legacy Collection naming the cushion cut as one of their five iconic engagement ring styles.

Despite this recognition and its important place in the history of gemstones, a diamond cut into a cushion style is still considered unusual in today’s selection of engagement ring designs and is actually quite hard to find. However, don’t let this put you off this engagement ring cut, which incidentally is also known as the ‘pillow cut’ or ‘candlelight diamond’ and is still one of the most beautiful cuts available on the market today.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best engagement ring cut to precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.