Finding the perfect blend of antique designs and modern aesthetic appeal can be difficult, especially when it comes to diamond rings. Many people want to enjoy classic diamond cuts and settings that will never go out of style without feeling like they’ve invested in something that is too “old-fashioned.” Fortunately, the Cushion Cut diamond presents an excellent balance between old and new, but this is just one of many reasons that Cushion Cut diamond rings are so popular today.

If you’ve never seen or even heard of a Cushion Cut diamond before, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, what does a Cushion Cut diamond look like? Do Cushion Cut diamond rings cost more? What makes them so popular? What’s the difference between Cushion Cut and Round Cut diamonds? Finally, where can you find pre-owned Cushion Cut diamond rings at affordable prices?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a closer look at the history and aesthetic of Cushion Cut diamonds:

What Is A Cushion Cut Diamond?

The Cushion Cut is a type of diamond cut that features a square shape with rounded corners. It gets its name because the shape resembles a couch cushion or pillow. Modern Cushion Cut diamonds feature 58 facets (the same as a Brilliant Round Cut), which means that they disperse light well and have a brilliant sparkle. The Cushion Cut is also one of the more unique diamond cuts because it has several recognized variations. For example, the Cushion Modified Cut (also known as “Crushed Ice”) features shortened star facets that can change the way the diamond reflects light. The Cushion Cut variations can also be sub-categorized into Brilliant Cushion Cut, the Cushion Modified Hybrid Cut, and the Old Mine Cushion Cut.

The last of these sub-categorizations is extremely important to the entire history of the Cushion Cut. The Old Mine Cut offered a simple way for jewelers to cut diamonds in the 1700s and 1800s, making it one of the most popular and affordable cuts for more than 100 years. However, as diamond-cutting technology advanced, more complex variations of the Old Mine Cut emerged. The original Old Mine Cut is generally characterized by a small table and large facets when compared to more modern cuts. However, its popularity led to many variations of the original design, including the Cushion Cut, which shares its top-down shape with the Old Mine Cut.

Why Cushion Cut Diamonds Are So Popular

There are a lot of reasons to love and appreciate Cushion Cut diamonds. It’s not always easy to determine why certain diamond cuts are more or less popular at any given time, but that’s not the case with the Cushion Cut. Cushion Cut diamonds have become extremely popular over the last few decades, and here are a few reasons why:

• History - While some diamond cuts are relatively new creations, the Cushion Cut is a modern reimagining of the Old Mine Cut that originated in the 1700s. This means that the Cushion Cut has roots that date back roughly 300 years, making it a classic and a fascinating part of the history of diamond cutting.
• Brilliance - Most modern Cushion Cut diamonds are cut using the Brilliant style and have 58 facets. This means that they are exceptional at hiding inclusions and creating a sparkle effect. Plus, the Cushion Cut reflects both white and colored light very well, making it a stand-out for ring shoppers.
• Durability - Sharp corners increase the risk of chipping, cracking, or breakage. The rounded edges of the Cushion Cut are ideal for people who don’t want their ring to get damaged.
• Cost - While the Cushion Cut is not the most affordable cut on the market, it is more affordable than comparable Round Cut diamonds. By some estimates, Cushion Cut diamonds could be as much as 25% less expensive than Brilliant Round Cut diamonds of the same clarity, carat, and color.
• Variations - There are several variants of the “traditional” Cushion Cut, which means that you have more options to choose from. For example, you can pick a Crushed Ice Cushion Cut to get a bit more sparkle, or you can get a more modern adaption of the Old Mine Cut for a potentially lower price.
• Aesthetics - The reason that most ring shoppers gravitate toward Cushion Cut diamond rings is the simple fact that they have a very elegant and romantic appeal. By combining older cuts with newer methods to enhance brilliance and sparkle, the Cushion Cut feels like a classic that still looks dazzling in a contemporary setting.

Common Cushion Cut Diamond Ring Settings

There’s no “perfect” setting for a Cushion Cut diamond ring, though a pronged setting is usually the most common. The truth is that many of the most popular setting designs work very well with the square shape of a Cushion Cut diamond. That said, here are some of the most common ring settings you’ll see paired with Cushion Cut diamonds:

• 4-Prong Setting
• Halo Setting
• Bezel Setting
• Pave Setting

Cushion Cut Vs Round Cut Diamonds

A lot of people compare Cushion and Round Cut diamonds because they are similarly popular. Additionally, they often feature 58 facets and feature a lot of sparkle. However, there are some important distinctions to consider. Most noticeably, Cushion Cut has a different shape than Round Cut. As previously mentioned, Cushion Cut diamonds are square with rounded edges, while a Round Cut takes the shape of a circle.

Do Cushion Cut Diamonds Look Larger Than Round?

Yes, Cushion Cut diamonds can look larger than Round Cut diamonds, but this doesn’t guarantee that they always will. The reasons that the Cushion Cut may look bigger are that it usually has a larger table and longer facets than the Round Cut.

Are Cushion Cut Diamonds Cheaper Than Round?

Yes, in most cases, Cushion Cut diamonds tend to be less expensive than Round Cut diamonds. This makes Cushion Cut a great choice for people looking to save on an engagement ring.

The Sparkle

While the sparkle and brilliance of both kinds of diamonds are similar, Round Cut diamonds are often considered to be more “fiery” than Cushion Cut diamonds. This means that they reflect all the colors of the rainbow better.

How To Buy Or Sell Used Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

If you’re looking to buy or sell pre-owned Cushion Cut diamond engagement rings, the process has never been easier thanks to Have You Seen The Ring. At HYSTR, you can shop through tons of listings for used Cushion Cut diamond rings and bid on the ones you like. Once you and the seller come to an agreement, our certified gemologists will verify the authenticity of the ring and send it directly to you.

As a buyer, the process is just as easy and can be quite lucrative, especially compared to alternative selling methods and platforms. Simply upload some pictures of your ring with some identifying information. Then, wait for the bids to come in and find a price that meets (or exceeds) your expectations. We will ask you to ship the ring to us for authentication and, once the process is finished, we will send the ring to the buyer and send the payment to you!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on Cushion Cut diamond rings! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!