Cushion cut diamonds had been out of favor with jewelry buyers for quite a long time until just the last few years, when interest in all things vintage surged to an all-time high. The most popular type of diamond in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s, cushion cuts were not seen much at all in the last half of the 20th century. Now, antique cushion cut diamond engagement rings are in high demand again.
Often set in rose gold and paired with rose colored wedding rings, cushion cut diamond engagement rings have a very unique look to them. They have a rectangular or square shape, and the corners are very round, giving them a soft appearance. The name “cushion cut”, however, comes from their rounded looking tops, which look like a softly rounded pillow or cushion. The fire and sparkle present in today’s brilliant cut diamonds is not present in a cushion cut, but they do possess much more brilliance. This causes them to have a beautiful glow that seems to emanate from within the stone.
The facets of antique cushion cut diamond engagement rings are larger than those of modern brilliant cut diamonds, and so it is very easy to see the interior of the stone through these “windows”. For this reason, a very high quality diamond must be used that has few flaws, or flaws that are very small. The higher quality a diamond is of course, the higher the price will be, and that is why most cushion cut diamond rings are higher in price than comparably sized modern brilliant cuts.
An old cushion cut diamond ring will likely have six or more prongs, depending on the size of the diamond. Newer cushion cuts will likely have only four prongs, however. This is because more advanced tools and methods allow the diamond to be safely set in only four prongs today. If you find a ring with six prongs, it may be an antique, but be aware that some unscrupulous jewelers may set a new cushion cut stone in a six prong setting only to make it appear to be an older ring.
Cushion cut diamonds certainly are unique and beautiful, as well as expensive. Before you part with your hard earned money for an antique cushion cut diamond engagement ring, do a little research so you are armed with the knowledge you need to find that one perfect ring that is destined to become a treasured family heirloom.