How To Buy A Cushion Cut Diamond

Diamonds are graded using the so-called “4 C’s”: cut, clarity, carat and color. The cut is what makes a diamond shine and sparkle and a cushion cut diamond is a good choice if you are looking for something truly sparkling and brilliant.

It is a common mistake to believe that the cut simply means the diamond’s shape, but it is more to do with the symmetry of the diamond and how its different facets relate to each other. A well-cut diamond attracts and reflects light, and sparkles in the unique diamond style. A shallow cut can make the diamond look like it is lacking life and does not sparkle, as diamonds should. A too deep cut can make some facets of the diamond look darker than others are, making the whole diamond look asymmetrical can.

Although round, brilliant cut diamonds are the most famous and most popular, there are several different ways to cut a diamond. The diamond cushion cut is a good alternative to the typical round cut and has been known for more than a hundred years.  The “cushion cut” is an antique cut, a mix between the late 19th century Old Mine Cut, and the more modern oval cutting style.

Also sometime called pillow cut diamonds, cushion cut diamonds have bigger facets than many other styles of diamonds and their corners are cut rounder. This style of cutting increases the brilliance of the stone. These diamonds are available in a variety of different shapes, from long rectangular shapes to square ones. Diamond cushion cuts have become popular in the recent years, and are available from diamond sellers, but for decades it was difficult to find them anywhere expect special auctions.

Your personal preferences are important when choosing the shape but typically, cushion cuts are divided into three so-called grades: ideal, very good and good. The first two categories are higher quality and the more expensive, but worth it if you do not have to worry about spending money. If you are on a tighter budget but are attracted to these diamonds, the “good” grade is less expensive. Because a cushion cut diamond has larger facets than other types this cut also attracts attention to the clarity of the stone, and it is important to choose a high clarity diamond for this cut.