A cushion cut diamond ring can really stand out on a hand, but there are so many different styles to choose from that it is often difficult to pick the right one. There are several factors to consider when you make such a selection, many of which will be reviewed in the information below. Here is a brief guide to help you choose the ring of your dreams.
Understanding What a Cushion Cut Is
A cushion cut diamond looks like a cushion – hence the name. It can be rectangular or square in form, but all of the diamonds have rounded corners. It is said to be a combination of emerald, princess, and oval cuts and should provide a desirable look for almost any recipient. However, this diamond does not sparkle as much as those other ones, which is one of the main reasons why people have opted for other designs in the modern world. The shape fizzled in popularity over time, but you can still find cushion cut diamond engagement rings today.
The Old Cushion Cuts vs. the New
This cut came around in the late 1800s, and it was often referred to as a pillow cut because of its shape. Most of the diamond rings cushions cut out there were made long ago, mainly because of growing trends towards other cuts over the years. Antique cushion cuts are usually less symmetrical than modern ones, mainly because of the way they are cut nowadays. The Hope Diamond is probably the most famous cushion cut stone in existence, and it remains a jewelry icon to this day. Although the popularity of the cushion cut diamond engagement ring may have faded over the years, there is no denying its beauty and versatility.
Typical Settings for Cushion Cut Rings
Cushion cut diamond rings are often designed with a square of diamonds or other stones around the center one. The small stones frame the larger one and give it more volume. This is similar to a halo setting, but it is in a square instead of a circle. Any stone can be used for the cushion or the center, depending on what the buyer desires.
There are some solitaire settings out there for your cushion cut diamond ring, which works well for small rings that do not have a lot of room for decoration. The mounting for this may be slightly different from that of a princess or round cut, mainly due to the rectangular shape of these stones. Square shaped cushion cuts will usually fit in generic settings though.
Cushion cut rings are normally not used in clusters with other cushion cuts, but they may be framed on both sides by baguettes, princess diamonds, or round stones. The stone may also be set above a channel of stones or bezel set ones that are embedded into the bands.
Common Cushion Cut Stones
While any stone can be made with a cushion cut, diamonds are the most seen. Other common stones you may come across like this include sapphires, amethysts, emeralds, citrines, quartzes, and garnets. These stones are usually set with diamonds on either side, and they are mounted in whatever precious metal a person desires. They are put in rings, necklaces, and other types of jewelry that you can find in stores and online.
Choosing the Right Ring for You
When it comes time to purchase a cushion cut diamond ring, you should first look at the size of stone you want to get. This should be determined by your personal desires as well as your budget. Once you have a stone size picked out, you can start shopping for mounts to accompany that. These can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. You can look at rings that are already put together, in which case you may have to look through antique stores to find something unique for you.
When you have everything selected, you may want to look around online to see if different retailers offer the same ring, mount, stone, etc. Some places may offer lower prices than others, so it is a good idea to think about comparison-shopping, especially when you are making a large investment like this.
Protecting Your Ring
Since most of the cushion cuts out there are antiques, it would be wise for you to take out jewelry insurance on the ring to protect its value. Get the ring appraised and keep documentation of that appraisal with your insurance paperwork for easy reference. You may be able to save money on insurance by bundling it with other forms of insurance you already have. If not, do another comparison online to find the best rates. Store your cushion cut diamond ring in a well-locked box away from the elements, and get it cleaned on a regular basis to ensure the integrity of the piece.