There’s so much to love about cushion-cut gems. They look utterly unique and elegant thanks to their soft, rounded edges. And, rings embellished with cushion-cut gemstones are experiencing a major comeback in recent times. But is this cut a good choice for an engagement ring? ABSOLUTELY!
If you’re considering buying a cushion-cut engagement ring for your S.O., we’ve listed everything you need to know before making that purchase! Plus, we’ve also picked out 5 cushion-cut sparklers perfect for every kind of bride!
What is The Cushion-Cut?
Cushion-cut gems are essentially rectangular or square with rounded edges and a soft, pillowy appearance. Hence, this cut is also called the pillow-cut. And yes, pillow-cut engagement rings are definitely a popular choice amongst brides-to-be. Cushion-cut stones typically comprise 58 or 64 facets and are quite sparkly.
A Little History…
Yes, this shape is sought-after today, but did you know it has been around for more than 200 years? Cushion-cut also happens to be one of the oldest gemstone cuts. It’s believed that this shape was invented in the 18th century. It was then known as the “mine cut” after Brazilian miners who cut these diamonds by hand. Certainly an intriguing fact about one of your favorite diamond cuts!
This shape was so popular in the 19th century that not just diamonds, even colored gems, were cut in this manner. Fun fact: Many of the world’s famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and Regent Diamond, are cushion-cut. The cushion-cut was universally loved for gemstones until the early 20th century after the brilliant round-cut was introduced.
Lately, the cushion has made a triumphant return to prominence and has evolved thanks to better diamond-cutting tools and technology. Many modern cushion-cut gemstones include 64 facets instead of the original 58. Today, you can also buy cushion-cut stones that are either square or rectangular, sharp and defined, or soft and pillowy, depending on your preference.
What We Love (And Don’t) About Cushion-Cut Gemstones
Wondering if a cushion-cut gem is the right pick for your girl? After all, it is important to know about the cushion-cut engagement ring pros and cons before you make a decision. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages…
Cushion-Cut Gemstones: Pros
- One of the biggest advantages of opting for the cushion-cut is that it offers a lot of brilliance and fire due to its faceting. In fact, it delivers more fire than round-cut gems and reflects light and color wonderfully. If you want the ring to sparkle a lot (and who doesn’t?), you should choose this shape.
- Cushion-cut rings have a classic romantic appearance. They are an apt choice for the bride who prefers modern pieces with a hint of old-world charm.
- Shopping on a budget? The good news is that cushion gems are less expensive per carat than round-cut gemstones. And today, with so many variations and shapes available, you can choose a ring that aligns with your partner’s personal style.
- Cushion-cut stones don’t have any sharp edges or corners because of their soft, rounded shape. This means it is less likely to snag onto clothing or get chipped, making cushion-cut engagement rings perfect for everyday wear.
- Cushion-cut tends to hold color better than most of the other cuts. This makes it a fabulous choice for colored gemstone engagement rings as it brings out the color beautifully.
Cushion-Cut Gemstones: Cons
- Cushion-cut stones tend to appear smaller than other shapes when viewed from the top. This is mainly because gems are cut deeper and carry more of their weight at the bottom of the stone (girdle), where it can’t be seen. However, you can still maximize the carat weight by opting for a cushion-cut rectangular shape for the ring.
- While cushion-cut is a great choice for colored gemstones, in diamonds, it may highlight the yellowish tints present in the stone. Hence, you may need to choose diamonds of a higher grade. We’d recommend you select stones between D – H if you want icy white brilliance for your gem.
All in all, cushion-cut is a great choice for engagement rings. That’s why we took the liberty of rounding up a list of the 5 prettiest cushion-cut rings for every kind of bride! Presenting the best cushion-cut engagement rings sure to make her swoon:
1. London Blue Topaz Solitaire Ring
Go down on one knee and show her she’s the only one for you with this stunning London blue topaz sparkler. This cushion-cut engagement ring on her hand will certainly put a smile on her face.
2. Ruby Double Halo Ring
Tell her that you love her glamorous and dramatic side as much as you love her romantic side with this gorgeous ruby double halo ring.
3. Emerald Three-Stone Tapered Shank Ring
This sparkler spells evergreen romance + eternal love in the most brilliant manner.
4. Pink Tourmaline Vintage-Inspired Ring
The sweetest girl in your life deserves the sweetest ring, right? Give her a fairytale proposal she’ll never forget with this charming pink tourmaline ring. This cushion-cut gemstone engagement ring is so dreamy, she’ll never want to take it off.
5. Blue Sapphire Infinity Twist Ring
Showing that you love her to infinity and beyond just got a whole lot easier thanks to this exquisite blue sapphire ring. Plus, if the latest engagement ring trends are anything to go by (and they are), a colored gemstone ring is certainly a winner!
Need more options? Head on to Angara right away to view our entire collection of cushion-cut rings. We’re sure you’ll find the one that’s just her style!
