Cushion cut diamonds, also known as mine cut or old mine cut diamonds, get their name from their shape that looks like a pillow. So, what precisely is a cushion cut diamond?
These loose diamonds are square or rectangular in shape, but their edges are rounded, unlike princess cut diamonds. Cushion diamonds have more fire but less brilliance than round brilliant diamonds.
Whether it’s because of this fire or because of its distinctive soft, rounded corners with a square shape, the cushion cut has risen to become the third most popular diamond shape in the world, after round brilliant and princess cut.
So, you might hear of the word “Cushion brilliant” or “cushion modified” during your search of cushion engagement ring. What does it mean? What are the differences between these two cushion cut diamonds?
We could look at the picture above as reference to decipher.
| Cushion brilliant diamonds | Cushion modified brilliants | |
| Facets arrangement | Similar to round brilliant cut | Cushion variation brilliant cut |
| Pavilion | Extend from the centre of the diamond out toward the girdle (outer edge) | Contains an extra row of facets just below the girdle, where the facets on the pavilion do not actually reach the girdle |
| Pavilion resembles | Resemble a star | Resemble a flower |
| Appearance | Has the appearance of round cut diamonds with a pillow like or cushion shape | Have “sparkling water” or “crushed ice” appearance, with exceptional sparkles |
| Segment | Popular and desirable | Less known to mass market, price could be better |
Facets Arrangement
The facets arrangement of a cushion brilliant cut diamond will be similar to a round brilliant cut diamond. It has a cut with 58 facets total. The size, placement and symmetry of the facets impact how well the diamond refracts and reflects light.
On the other hand, a cushion modified brilliant has an extra row of facets just below the girdle, simulating a flower shape, while the facets on the pavilion do not exactly reach the girdle.
Pavilion
The space beneath the girdle is known as the pavilion. The visible “V” shape of the diamond’s base is often this component of the diamond’s anatomy. The pavilion is the section of the stone that reflects light back through the crown toward the observer, acting “behind the scenes.”
For a cushion brilliant cut diamond, the pavilion extends form the center of the diamond out towards the girdle (outer edge). It resembles a star.
For a cushion modified brilliant cut diamond, it contains an extra row of facets just below the girdle, where the facets on the pavilion do not actually reach the girdle. It will look like a flower.
Image by: eClarity. Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut
The appearance of a cushion brilliant cut has similar qualities as a round cut diamond with a pillow like or cushion shape.
Image by: eClarity. Cushion Brilliant Cut
However, the appearance of a cushion modified brilliant cut looks like sparkling water or a crushed ice appearance, with exceptional sparkles.
Image by: eClarity. Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut
How do you make your choice?
Cushion brilliant cut is popular and desirable whereas cushion modified brilliant cut is less known to the mass market, thus the price is steeper than a cushion brilliant cut.
Have you found your favourite cushion cut diamond? We hope you now know more about the cushion cut diamond after reading this article.
If you need more in information, you can always discuss with a gemologist, or schedule an appointment to see and try on more than 500 designs of engagement ring at eClarity. eClarity is voted number 1 by SingaporeBrides readers (https://singaporebrides.com/d/eclarity-diamonds). To know more, visit eClarity.com.sg, register for webinars eClarity.com.sg/register-for-webinars, or schedule an appointment at (65) 9833-1220.
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