A cushion cut diamond adds a vintage appeal to an engagement ring, and many couples favor these unique cuts because of their association with antique engagement rings. However, a cushion cut works just as well with contemporary engagement ring designs, but adds a vintage, romantic appeal for a stunning ring your bride-to-be will love.

What are Cushion Cuts?

Cushion cuts are aptly named and are characterized by rounded corners and a square or rectangular shape with a “puffy” appearance, kind of like an overstuffed chair cushion.

This type of diamond cut is quite popular, especially as an alternative to more traditional cuts such as princess, emerald or oval shapes. In fact, cushion cuts take inspiration from all three of those shapes for a unique and distinctive stone perfect for any bride-to-be’s engagement ring.

They are especially popular cuts for vintage rings, as cushion cuts became very widespread during the late 1800′s and early 1900′s. In fact, even though contemporary cushion cuts are available, it will be difficult to find this type of cut outside of a vintage or antique ring.

The Quality

It is very important to judge the quality of a cushion cut diamond very carefully. Because cushion cuts have fewer facets, they will not sparkle as brilliantly as other diamond cuts. Additionally, fewer facets means that any flaws or imperfections present in the stone will be much more visible.

Because of this, it is critical that you examine a cushion cut diamond very carefully for any obvious flaws that will detract from the overall beauty of the stone. Even flaws that would be considered minor have a tendency to be more noticeable with a cushion cut.

Styles

Cushion cuts are still relatively rare in contemporary rings. Even so, they work well as solitaire engagement rings because the cut is so unique that the ring will not need any other accents or embellishments that would detract from the beauty of the diamond.

However, you certainly can incorporate accent stones into your engagement ring design even with a cushion cut. Many brides-to-be accent a cushion cut central diamond with smaller oval diamonds on each side for a sparkling, brilliant appearance.

Finding a Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

As mentioned previously, it is quite difficult to find cushion cut diamonds outside of vintage or antique rings from the 1900′s. Your best bet is to purchase a loose cushion cut stone and have it set into an appropriate mounting according to your bride-to-be’s preferences and your budget.

If you are happy with an antique or vintage ring, you can also search out various pawn shops, antique stores, estate sales or online retailers for a true vintage cushion cut diamond engagement ring as well.

Trends come and go, and cushion cut diamonds are finally starting to come back in modern engagement ring designs today. Cushion cuts are sophisticated, elegant and a lovely alternative to traditional diamond cuts and for the bride-to-be who desires vintage appeal without sacrificing beauty, a cushion cut engagement ring may be the perfect choice.

View our selection of modern and antique enagagement rings in EngagementRings.org.