Choosing an interesting cut is one of the most exciting parts about buying diamond jewelry. And although the two things are closely related, the shape and the cut of a diamond are not the same. Whereas the cut of a diamond refers to the number, placement and proportion of the facets around the gemstone, the shape refers to its overall form.
The Cushion cut is a combination of the modern Oval cut and a deep cut with large facets, known as the Old Mine cut which was popular in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And because it was a shape popularised before the introduction of electric lights, the Cushion cut is also known as the Candlelight cut because that was the lighting under which it sparkled!
Overall, the Cushion cut produces a squarish shape diamond with rounded corners. The recommended width to length ratio for this cut is 1.25 to 1.30 for a rectangular pillow effect and between 1.00 and 1.05 for a square cushion! It has 64 large and open facets which allow the interior of the gemstone to be clearly seen. For this reason it is more important to choose a high clarity rather than a high carat diamond.
This cut also suits diamonds with good color such as blue and yellow diamonds and even black diamonds, although these are obviously an unusual choice for an engagement ring! The Cushion cut also a wonderful cut for colored gemstones and was the first cut to be used to facet Sri Lankan rubies and "Ceylon" sapphires.
Although the resultant gemstone is not as brilliant and full of fire as the Princess or the Round Brilliant cut, there is still a lot of sparkle. However, what makes this cut so special is the amount of luster, or surface reflection effect, it delivers from the gemstone. In fact, along with a Princess cut, the Cushion is the only other cut which maximises the luster of a gemstone.
Whilst any shape of diamond can be chosen for an engagement ring, it is much more special if the shape means something to, or reflects the personality of the wearer in some way. The Cushion cut, or Pillow cut, resembles a cushion or a square pillow and is commonly considered to be a delightfully romantic shape! And this makes a Cushion cut diamond a superb choice for an engagement ring!