Things to know when buying a cushion cut diamond

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion modified brilliant cut. The cushion cut, also known as the pillow cut, is probably the oldest shapes that are still popular at present times. Cushions have distinguishable curved corners and are pillow-like in shape.

Throughout the history of the diamond industry, we had seen trends that were constantly changing and cutting styles that had continuously evolved. Fashion trends seem to take up cyclic patterns and interestingly, we see the same scenarios happening with diamond cuts.

Did you know that cushion cut diamonds actually went “out-of-fashion” in the last century? It was only in recent times where retro and antique cuts came back in vogue. From old European cuts to old miner cuts, these long forgotten vintage designs are finding their way back into the mainstream market in the 21st century.

With its history of centuries, the cushion cut is ubiquitous when you take a look at the different royal family jewels. Also, if you take a look at a list of the most renowned or the biggest cut gemstones, you will see that the cushion cut is surprisingly well represented.

Cushion Shaped Diamonds in the Modern Market

Modern Style Cushion – Present Day

Nowadays, the cushion cut is just re-living its renaissance. Due to appearances amongst the Hollywood celebrities, it has regained much of its long-lost popularity. In the past, antique cushions are known for their steeper crowns, smaller tables, and larger culets. Even though they are not as fiery or brilliant as the modern round brilliants, it has a romantic and classic appeal.

Modern cushions typically have small or no culets at all because most consumers want an appearance associated with round brilliants. Instead of the broad chunky facets patterning seen in older cutting styles, modern cushion cuts also portray an outlook that is made of smaller individual facets.

What Should You Keep in Mind About Diamond Acquisition in General?

1.) Make sure that your diamond has a certificate from one of the renowned institutes like GIA or AGS. I highly recommend that you do not get a cushion cut with a clarity rating that is lower than SI1. Like the emerald shape, cushions have a tendency to show off their flaws as they are often cut with a large table facet. (table %)

2.) Due to lower brilliance and scintillation, cushions tend to “show off” their body color as compared to the rounds. If you are sensitive to seeing color in your diamond, I suggest you get a stone with a minimum of G color so that the stone will face up white.

3.) If possible, try to look at the diamond before laying your money down. And if you are looking at it, make sure that there is a jeweler’s loupe between the diamond and your eyes. Or better still; get high resolution videos/photos so that you can cross-examine the stone with ease. The important point here is to inspect the diamond under magnification.

Did you know that there are predominantly 2 types of cushion facet structures? These 2 types of cushion faceting patterns display pin fire and broad fire styles of optical characteristic. To find out more about the differences between them read on…

Should I Choose a Broad Flash or Pinfire (crushed ice) Cushion Diamond?

Cushion cut diamonds resemble the shape of those typical pillows found in every living room – and no, they are not soft and fluffy. Since the 19th century, the cushion (candlelight) cut had seen several major developments to improve its light dispersion and brilliance. This was largely due to better understanding of cut mechanics and the invention of better cleaving processes.

Speaking a little more technically, we could say that the modern cushion cut is a transition and hybrid between the Old Miner and the round brilliant cut. However, you must pay attention to what you understand by “transition”. You should not imagine them as the accurate average between them as there exists a wide range of cushions with different flavors.

Let us take a closer look at how the light reflecting properties can yield entirely different looking diamonds.

Two Types of Modern Cushion Cut Diamonds

While the modern day cushion cut may not be as fiery or brilliant as the round brilliant cut diamond with its 57-58 facets, the curved corners bring about a romantic and classical appeal. In present day, there are many variations of the cutting style and the placement of additional pavilion facets can alter the diamond’s appearance significantly.

 Broader Flash Or Pinfire Scintillation Characteristics?

The main difference between these two types can be originated from the differing size of the facets. A number of large facets yield a broader flash of fire – on the other hand, tinier facets yield smaller bursts of fire. To illustrate the idea between these two basic types, let us fantasize a little and apply imaginary alternatives to these cut types.

Let us create our analogies using the semantic field of fire. A broader flash diamond can be associated with the huge smooth flames of camp fires. On the other hand, pinfire stones could be associated with the number of sparklers put close together. Both sources of light emit light, the difference lies mainly in the size of the chunks – or quanta, if we want to use scientific lingo.

Cushion Modified Brilliant DOES NOT Equal Crushed Ice Look

Many people automatically assume that broad flash diamonds belong to the Cushion Brilliant categorization whereas the “crushed ice” appearance belongs to the Cushion Modified Brilliant categorization. This isn’t true. GIA reports indicate modified brilliants as diamonds with different faceting structures. This is usually due to the placement of additional facets on the pavilion side of the stone.

It is important to note that a diamond labeled as a Modified Brilliant may not necessarily result in a diamond with a “crushed ice” look. You would need to view the diamond (at least with a picture or video to determine its characteristics

 

 

 

How to Make the Choice Between the Two Types?

My personal opinion is that broader flash diamonds have a much more elegant, laid back feeling to them. On the other hand, pinfire diamonds are much closer to the common stereotype of the ever-sparkling diamond. Both of them can convey elegance and power in a different way.

In my experience, well cut broad flash cushions tend to have better fire and dispersion than the crushed ice types. On the other hand, well cut crushed ice cushions tend to exhibit better brilliance when compared the chunky cushions. There isn’t any right or wrong choices here as it is up to your individual preference on which kind of look you prefer.