Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond

The Cushion Brilliant cut diamond is a captivating choice for those seeking a blend of classic elegance and modern sparkle. It bridges the gap between the antique cushion cut, known for its romantic softness, and the contemporary round brilliant, celebrated for its maximized brilliance. This hybrid cut aims to deliver superior light performance while retaining the distinctive softened square or rectangular shape that has charmed jewelry lovers for centuries.

Definition

The Cushion Brilliant cut is a modified diamond cut that combines features of the traditional cushion shape and the round brilliant cut. It typically features rounded corners and a more brilliant-faceted pavilion than older cushion cuts. The goal is to increase the diamond's sparkle and fire, making it appear more lively and dazzling, similar to a round brilliant, but within the romantic silhouette of a cushion shape.

Key Features

• Shape: A squarish or rectangular outline with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or cushion.
• Faceting: Features a greater number of facets than older cushion cuts, often with a pavilion designed for enhanced light reflection, similar to a round brilliant. Facet arrangements can vary but aim for maximum brilliance.
• Brilliance and Fire: Designed to exhibit strong brilliance (white light return) and fire (dispersion of light into spectral colors) due to its advanced faceting.
• Scintillation: Offers lively scintillation, meaning the play of light and dark areas as the diamond moves, contributing to its sparkle.
• Softened Edges: Unlike the sharp, precise corners of some cuts, the cushion brilliant offers a slightly softer, more forgiving edge, which can make it appear larger and reduce the risk of chipping.

Origin and History

The origins of the cushion cut trace back to the early 18th century with the introduction of the 'old mine cut'. This cut was popular for centuries and was the predominant diamond cut before the advent of modern cuts like the round brilliant. The 'old mine cut' was characterized by a deep pavilion, a small table, and rounded corners, reflecting the cutting techniques and rough diamond shapes available at the time. It offered significant fire but less brilliance compared to today's standards. The Cushion Brilliant is a more recent evolution, emerging as diamond cutting technology and understanding of light performance advanced. It seeks to retain the historical charm of the cushion shape while incorporating modern principles of maximizing brilliance and fire, thus appealing to a wider audience.

Types / Variations

While the term 'Cushion Brilliant' refers to a general style, there are variations primarily in the facet arrangement and overall proportions:

• Modified Cushion Brilliant: These cuts often feature a higher number of facets, particularly on the pavilion, designed to maximize brilliance and fire. The facet patterns can be quite intricate and vary between cutters.
• Cushion Modified Brilliant: This is a very common classification that differentiates from the Cushion Brilliant. It typically has a facet pattern on the pavilion that is arranged in a way that mimics the facets of a round brilliant cut, often resulting in more scintillation and fire.
• Cushion Brilliant: This term can sometimes refer to cushion cuts that more closely resemble the original brilliant cut faceting pattern but are still within the cushion outline. They might offer a slightly different visual character, perhaps with broader flashes of light.
• Cushion Square vs. Cushion Rectangle: The proportions of the cushion brilliant can vary, leading to shapes that are closer to a perfect square or more elongated rectangles. The choice depends on personal preference and how the diamond will be set.

How It's Made

Creating a Cushion Brilliant cut diamond involves precise planning and skilled craftsmanship. After selecting a suitable rough diamond, a master cutter maps out the facet placement to optimize both the shape and the light performance. The process involves:

• Blocking: The initial shaping of the rough diamond to establish the outline and primary facets.
• Bruting: Rounding the girdle to create the basic cushion shape with its characteristic rounded corners.
• Girdling: Creating the girdle plane.
• Polishing: This is the most critical stage for a Cushion Brilliant. The crown and pavilion facets are meticulously polished. For a Cushion Brilliant, the facet arrangement is designed to maximize light return and fire, often using techniques similar to those for round brilliants but adapted to the cushion outline. This might involve more complex faceting patterns on the pavilion and crown to enhance sparkle and reduce the appearance of inclusions.
• Girdle Faceting (Optional): Some Cushion Brilliants may have additional facets on the girdle for enhanced sparkle.

The cutter must balance the desired brilliance with the need to retain as much of the original rough diamond as possible (carat weight retention) and to minimize any internal flaws.

Grading & Quality Standards

Like other diamond cuts, Cushion Brilliant diamonds are graded based on the universally recognized 4Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. However, for the cut, specific considerations apply:

• Cut Grade: While the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) does not assign a specific cut grade for fancy shapes like the Cushion Brilliant in the same way it does for round brilliants, cutters strive for excellent proportions and symmetry. For other labs, the cut grade considers factors like depth percentage, table percentage, facet symmetry, and polish.
• Proportions: Ideal proportions will vary slightly based on the specific faceting pattern but generally aim for a balance that maximizes brilliance and minimizes light leakage. A common range for table percentage might be 58-70%, and for depth percentage, 60-75%.
• Symmetry: Evenly spaced and well-aligned facets are crucial for optimal light reflection and a pleasing appearance.
• Polish: A smooth, flawless surface on all facets is essential for maximum sparkle.

Buying Guide

When choosing a Cushion Brilliant diamond, consider these factors:

• Shape Preference: Decide if you prefer a more square or rectangular cushion outline. Try to visualize them in settings like engagement rings to see how they complement the hand.
• Brilliance vs. Fire: Cushion Brilliants are designed for both. Look at diamonds under different lighting conditions to see how they perform. Some may lean more towards intense sparkle, others towards colorful fire.
• Inclusions: Due to the brilliance of this cut, some types of inclusions can be well-hidden. However, inclusions near the culet or along facet junctions might be more noticeable. Aim for VS (Very Slightly Included) or higher clarity grades for the best appearance, though some VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) or even SI1 (Slightly Included 1) stones can appear eye-clean.
• Color: Cushion Brilliants tend to show color more readily than round brilliants due to their larger, open facets. If you desire a colorless diamond, consider grades from G to D. If you don't mind a slight tint, grades H or I can offer better value and still appear white, especially when set in yellow or rose gold.
• Setting: This cut looks beautiful in various settings, from classic solitaire to intricate halo designs. A bezel setting can offer excellent protection for the rounded corners.

Price Range & Value Factors

The price of a Cushion Brilliant cut diamond is influenced by the 4Cs, with cut quality and the specific faceting pattern playing significant roles. Generally:

• Cut: A well-executed Cushion Brilliant with superior faceting for brilliance and fire will command a higher price than a poorly cut one of the same carat, color, and clarity.
• Carat Weight: As with all diamonds, larger carat weights are rarer and thus more expensive per carat.
• Color: Higher color grades (D-F) are significantly more expensive than lower grades (G-J).
• Clarity: Diamonds with fewer and smaller inclusions (FL, IF, VVS, VS) are pricier than those with more visible inclusions (SI, I).
• Rarity: While popular, Cushion Brilliant cuts are less common than round brilliants, which can sometimes influence their price, though their popularity often keeps them competitive.

Prices can range widely, from a few thousand dollars for smaller, lower-grade stones to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for large, high-quality diamonds.

Care and Maintenance

Cushion Brilliant diamonds require standard jewelry care:

• Cleaning: Gently clean with a soft brush, warm water, and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners (unless your jeweler confirms it's safe for your specific stone and setting), and abrasive materials.
• Storage: Store your diamond jewelry in a separate, soft-lined box or pouch to prevent scratching other items or being scratched.
• Protection: While the rounded corners offer some protection against chipping compared to cuts with sharp corners, avoid hard impacts or activities where the diamond could be struck forcefully.
• Professional Inspection: Have your jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified jeweler.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Sparkle: Offers exceptional brilliance and fire, rivaling that of a round brilliant.
• Shape: Romantic and elegant cushion silhouette with softened corners.
• Durability: Rounded corners offer better protection against chipping than cuts with sharp points.
• Value: Can sometimes offer better value per carat than a round brilliant of equivalent quality due to slightly lower demand or different rough diamond yields.
• Fire: Often displays beautiful, colorful flashes of fire.

Cons:

• Color Sensitivity: Tends to show color more readily than some other cuts.
• Inclusion Visibility: While generally good at hiding inclusions, certain types or placements can be more noticeable.
• Cut Variation: As it's a modified cut, the quality and appearance can vary significantly between different cutters and brands.
• Not Traditional: While popular, it's not as universally traditional as a round brilliant.

Famous Examples

While many Cushion Brilliant diamonds exist in private collections and bespoke jewelry, some notable diamonds have featured this shape, often evolving from older cushion cuts. The famous Regent Diamond, though an old cushion cut, possesses remarkable brilliance for its time. Many modern celebrity engagement rings feature Cushion Brilliant diamonds, often chosen for their combination of romantic shape and modern sparkle.

Common Misconceptions

• All Cushion Cuts are the Same: There are distinct differences between antique cushion cuts (like the old mine cut) and modern Cushion Brilliant cuts. The latter are engineered for superior sparkle.
• Cushion Cuts are Less Brilliant than Round Brilliants: A well-cut Cushion Brilliant can rival the brilliance of a round brilliant, offering a comparable level of sparkle within a different shape.
• They are More Prone to Chipping: The rounded corners of the cushion shape, including the Cushion Brilliant, actually offer better protection against chipping than cuts with sharp points.

Related Terms

• Cushion Cut
• Old Mine Cut
• Round Brilliant Cut
• Diamond Facets
• Diamond Brilliance
• Diamond Fire
• Diamond Scintillation
• Fancy Shape Diamonds

FAQs

What is the main difference between a Cushion Brilliant and a Cushion Modified Brilliant?

The Cushion Modified Brilliant typically has a facet pattern on the pavilion that is arranged to mimic the faceting of a round brilliant cut, often resulting in more scintillation. The Cushion Brilliant might have a more traditional brilliant-cut faceting pattern adapted to the cushion shape, which can sometimes emphasize broader flashes of light and color.

Are Cushion Brilliant diamonds more expensive than round brilliants?

Generally, round brilliant diamonds command the highest prices due to their universal popularity and the fact that they can be cut from rough with less waste. Cushion Brilliants are often priced slightly lower per carat than equivalent round brilliants, making them a potentially better value for their size and beauty.

How do I choose between a square or rectangular Cushion Brilliant?

This is purely a matter of personal preference and how the diamond will be worn. Square cushions offer a balanced look, while rectangular ones can elongate the appearance of the finger. Consider the setting and the overall aesthetic you desire.

Can inclusions be easily seen in a Cushion Brilliant diamond?

A well-cut Cushion Brilliant diamond, with its high brilliance, can effectively mask some inclusions. However, inclusions located near the center or along facet junctions might be more visible than in a less brilliant cut. It is always advisable to view the diamond in person or request high-resolution images and videos to assess clarity.