Cushion cut engagement ring
Diamonds are cut in different shapes to show their brilliance in different forms. One such cut is termed as cushion cut diamond. It is an antique style and it was developed in the late 19th and early 20th century. The cushion cut diamonds are one of the most sought after type. Cushion cut diamonds were developed as early as 1800's. As the name indicates the cushion cut is similar to the structure of the pillow or the cushion and so the name. In a cushion cut the diamonds are cut in the rectangular or square shapes.
The degree of the rectangularity vary. It has rounded corners and possess larger facets when compared to any other diamond cuts. The larger facets increase the brilliance of the diamond under the candlelight. The cushion cut diamond has open culet which means that the diamond will have more depth, which means there will be more brilliance. The larger facets along with the open culet highlight the diamonds clarity, giving additional brilliance to the gem. The gentle rounded pillow shape gives a unique smooth look giving the diamond a reminiscent vintage and antique value. The cushion shape diamonds are very rare and costly, therefore it is mostly used as solitaire pieces in the jewelry rather than setting it with other gems. Incorporating it with the other gems in an elaborate piece would spoil its feature and the brilliance will not be that excellent as in the case of solitaire pieces.
The shape in no way affects the brilliance of the stone. In fact it enhances it. If the stone is cut well, its brilliance and value increases no matter what shape it is. The shape of the rough diamond crystal dictates in what shape the diamond can be cut. For example if the diamond crystal is large enough the diamond can be cut into cushion pattern. All the diamonds are cut for maximum brilliance. The shapes of the facets vary with the type of the cut made to the crystal. A round diamond is a symmetrical one and it reflects light from all the sides because of its shape. It reflects nearly all the light that enters the stone because of its symmetry. Whereas fancy shapes are cut to different proportions so the light is filtered in a different way. The cushion cut diamond are designed to catch the candle light in an extremely dazzling way that other diamond cuts do not. Therefore these cushion cut diamond can make your candle light dinner more romantic than does the others. When the other cut diamonds show brilliance mainly with harsh light the cushion cut diamond can dazzle just with low light.
In the earlier days the cushion cut were hand made therefore were lumpy and thick resulting in blocky pattern of light return which were not that very impressive. Now with advancement in laser technology the diamond cutting has advanced making the cushion cut diamonds extremely lively and brilliant.Unlike hand made cushion cuts the laser cut diamonds exhibit high degree of light return.
The cushion cut is an unusual diamond. It is an interesting alternative to oval and princess cut diamond. These cuts are relatively rare because these needs the crystal to be pretty large. Due to its rare quality the cost of the cushion cut diamond is high when compared to other type of cuts. The cushion cut is a combination of round and square outline with an softened square pillow type shape. The cushion cut diamond is squarer with equal proportion. The length and breath are of equal length. Sometime it may have an elongated outline depending on the crystal type. It has 58 brilliant style facets which reflects even the low candle light gloriously
The cushion cut diamond works well as a solitaire stone. Some jewelers pair them with baguettes which give it an wonderful look. The cushion cut diamonds are paired with baguette side stone giving the ring an excellent brilliance. A cushion cut diamond should always have at least four secure prongs. The cushion cut cannot be tension set because of its size and rare nature. It is always better to have more than four prongs to set the diamond to the ring. A sparkling cushion cut blue topaz will be best suited for your most glamorous evening wear while a cushion cut pink sapphire would suit your day wear favourites.
Many people sought to wear this diamond because of its rarity. One of the popular star who wears this cushion cut diamond engagement ring is Britney spears.She is a proud owner of two cushion cut diamonds.One is which she bought for herself for $40,000 before her wedding and the other is which she received from her husband Kevin Federline. Buying an antique engagement ring can add special meaning to your engagement. Moreover an antique piece always is an investment.
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