Diamonds: Cushion Cut Diamonds
The Cushion Cut Diamond was an extremely popular diamond shape a century ago. Cushion cut diamonds have a romantic look about them and have once again become extremely popular as a diamond choice especially with Hollywood movies stars and celebrities.
Cushion cut diamonds have a romantic look about them unlike other fancy shape diamonds. Cushion cut diamonds have lended themselves to the ‘Halo’ and ‘micro pave’ ring designs which are at present hugely popular.
Cushion cut diamonds are also sometimes referred to as “pillow-cut” diamonds. Modern cushion cuts are based on the antique cushion cuts, which are a combination of a round and square outline with a softened square or “pillow” shape.
Some of the most famous diamonds in the world are cushion cut diamonds. These include the Hope Diamond, the Cullinan II and the tiffany Yellow.
Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets highlight the diamond’s clarity, so if you choose a Cushion cut diamond with a SI clarity grade, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate.
Cushion cut diamonds can vary in the degree of rectangular shape that they have. For cushion cut diamonds that have an almost square look but elegant and classical charm a length to width ratio of 1.1 – 1.2 is best.
Cushion cut diamonds are an interesting alternative to oval shape diamonds or a modern princess cut diamond. The cushion cut diamond has the ability to display a high degree of returning light and brilliance and a sparkle which is dazzling. Cushion cut diamonds come to life, yet they still possess a dreamy quality.
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Cushion Cut Diamonds – Antique as well as contemporary
As you might be aware, there are 10 diamond shapes that are extremely popular all around the world
1. Round cut
2. Princess cut
3. Emerald cut
4. Radiant cut
5. Asscher cut
6. Oval cut
7. Marquise cut
8. Heart cut
9. Pear cut, and
10. Cushion cut
Of these, the round, princess and emerald cuts are the best choices for engagement rings; and the asscher, oval, marquise, and pear cut are generally used in designer jewelry, and when the stone is colored. Heart cut diamonds are a class apart and they are usually bought during special occasion like Valentine’s day and so on.
So, that leaves us with the Cushion cut diamond, and let’s see why they have a special place in the diamond hall of fame. Here are some very interesting facts about cushion cut diamonds.
• This is one of the most respected and recognized cuts of diamonds – especially in antique diamonds. This is probably the only cut which was accepted all over right from the early 19th century. When you compare that with the princess cut, which was invented in 1960, you will realize how valued this cut really has to be.
• Most of the heirloom diamonds in old families all over the United States and Europe were cushion cut, leading to the style becoming a very popular one at auctions and estate deals all over the world.
• Many cushion cut diamonds have been refashioned by modern jewelers into other contemporary cuts, so that they would appeal to the current generation of diamond lovers.
• The cushion cut is also known as the pillow cut or the candle light cut, as the shape resembles that of a pillow (or a cushion), and the light reflected out of the diamond resembles the light emanating from a lit candle.
• The cut and the light reflected out of a cushion cut diamond is not as fiery or brilliant as say a round cut or even a princess cut, but the soft romantic feeling that a cushion cut diamond gives is absolutely unmatchable by any other kind of a diamond cut.
• The cushion cut is an offshoot of the old mine cut, which was very popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The old mine cut was a deep cut with large facets; and as people started preferring smaller cut diamonds, the depth and the facet size was reduced to make the shape more like an oval cut diamond. It is this combination that is known as a cushion cut diamond.
• Another reason why the diamond has the name of a ‘candle light’ diamond is because in the earlier times, there were no electric lights, and diamonds used to be cut in the light provided by candles. The soft glow that used to emanate from these cushion cut diamonds could not be matched by the old mine cut or even some of the more modern cuts. Hence, these diamonds became the standard gift for romantic occasions like anniversaries, proposals, and other such special days.
• Getting good cushion cut diamonds at diamond stores is not too easy, as a lot of jewelers do not stock this cut. Even if they do, they will have just a couple of stones, and that is too little choice for you to choose from. However, reputed online diamond retailing stores like www.diamondsonweb.com have a collection that is both exquisite and affordable. That is understandable, as they have been in the diamond trade for over 25 years and their warehouses house some of the largest collections of brilliant cut diamonds.
• When you buy online, you will also have access to some amazing offers, which will save you a lot of money in the setting and side stones (if required). Anyway the diamonds are pretty economical when you compare them to the street prices. With the savings in the settings, you stand to get a deal which is 30-40% better than at your regular jeweler – with a money back policy in place, if you are not happy!
Try it out, and surprise your loved one.
Asheley Khan has a degree in Journalism. An expert writer by profession who has written many articles about Diamonds, Wedding Rings and Diamond Jewelry that has been published on blogs, magazines and journals.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/cushion-cut-diamonds-antique-as-well-as-contemporary-796886.html
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