The infamous Cushion Cut, also known as the Old Mine cut, is known for its subtle and soft features. It dates back to the 1700s and has a lot of significance for the royal families as well. This cut was originally derived from the Old Mine cut, but as time passed, the Cushion Cut made its own place in the field of jewelry. In this blog, you will get the information you need about Cushion Cut Gemstones!
What is Cushion Cut?
Cushion-cut gemstones have a square or rectangular shape with rounded edges that resemble a pillow giving them their name. They typically have 58 facets. Although they are not as brilliant round cut, they have greater fire which would display more gemstone colors when viewed from different angles.
History and Origin of Cushion Cut
The Cushion Cut has a long history and is one of the oldest shapes that regained popularity. In the year 2013, they were the third most popular shape, according to a survey conducted by The Knot. They were popular from the 1700s till the 19th century.
The Cushion Cut that we see today is a progression of the of an early brilliant cut now known as the “Old Mine Cut”. The cut’s name was derived from the mines in Brazil. After the discovery of mines in South Africa, the mines which were earlier used came to be known as “Old Mines”, hence this name was derived from this incident.
The alluring Hope Diamond which is on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, is one such famous diamond that showcases the historical cushion cut. Another celebrated Regent Diamond, which is a 410-carat Indian-origin diamond is another beautiful example of early Old Miner’s cut dating back to 1701!
Benefits of Cushion Cut
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A Timeless Appeal- The Cushion Cut provides a classic appeal to the gemstones that have dated back centuries! In the 1700s, this cushion cut was the first choice of royals and aristocrats and remained popular throughout the Edwardian as well as Victorian Eras. It was said that it gained much more popularity in the Art Deco Era as compared to the Victorian and Edwardian Eras.
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Exceptional Brilliance- The remarkable sparkle and brilliance of is one of the most attractive features of the Cushion Cut. The size of the facet determines how the gemstone behaves under light. Small facets sparkle in bursts on the other hand larger ones emit broader sparkles.
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Unique and Versatile Shape- This cut is distinct as well as versatile and gives the freedom to choose with the provision of different styles and designs that are available. Although most of them are cut in the same brilliance as the round and princess cut, they can be cut in square or rectangle as well.
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Soft Corners to Avoid Damages- Apart from contributing to the shape’s timeless appeal, the soft edges also contribute to keeping them safe. They are more durable as the soft edges do not chip off easily. This makes the Cushion Cut a preferable choice for daily wear jewelry, especially engagement rings.
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Efficient Carat Weight Distribution throughout the Gemstone- The Cushion is known for its efficient distribution of weight throughout the gemstone as they often appears larger than other gemstone shapes of the same weight. The square form of the shape is in combination with the rounded corners gives the illusion of a larger surface area.
The Symbolism of Cushion Cut
Cushion-cut is known to evoke a sense of nostalgia hence they are popular among those who love vintage aesthetics. This shape symbolizes romance, charm, and warmth. The gentle curves add smoothness to the shape, giving it a calm appeal.
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Settings Suitable for Cushion Cut
Cushion-cut gemstones are considered a versatile shape and work well with multiple settings.
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Halo Setting- Halo is considered a class setting for Cushion Cut gemstones. It complements the aura of the gemstone. The small gemstones surrounding the gemstone would make it look even larger.
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Prong Setting- A four-prong setting would allow more light to pass through the gemstone, making it sparkle more and adding to the brilliance.
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Pave- A wave setting is one of the most subtle ways to showcase the softness of the cushion cut. The small cushion-cut gemstones set together in a paved setting are mostly preferred as wedding bands or eternity bands.
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Three-stone setting- In a three-stone setting, two other stones apart from the main cushion cut are placed on either side of the main gemstone.
Things to keep in mind before buying a Cushion Cut Gemstone
Choosing the right ratio according to one’s needs is important. In the case of a traditional cushion gemstone, a ratio of 1.0 to 1.05 is suggested.
In the case of a diamond, one must consider the color grade. Compared to a round diamond, it can exhibit a higher level of color saturation in this particular shape.
Depth and Table Percentages- The depth and table percentages are responsible for determining how well the light will reflect within the gemstone. According to experts the recommended cushion cut gemstones with depth and table percentages below 70%.
Looking out for fisheyes and odd reflections- The unique depth proportions of cushion-cut gemstones makes it vulnerable to a phenomena known as the ‘Fish Eye’. It occurs when the outermost edge of a gemstone (the girdle) is reflected under the large top table facet. It appears like a white halo or the ‘Fish Eye’.