Cushion diamonds combine the brilliance and fire of a round cut stone with a squared shape. Until the 20th century, cushion cut diamonds were the most popular diamond shape, and have recently made a resurgence as one of the most popular shapes today.
Cushion stones come in a variety of pavilion patterns and are best chosen after viewing an image of the stone. These stones are available in a number of length-to-width ratios ranging from perfectly square (between 1.00 to 1.05) to rectangular (greater than 1.15). Because of their typically deeper dimensions, cushion stones may appear smaller than round or princess diamonds.
The facets of cushion stones are larger than round brilliant, and therefore draw attention to the diamond's clarity. The purchaser of a cushion stone should carefully consider the stone's clarity to ensure it is eye-clean from inclusions.
The following tables provide additional guidance for understanding the cut, color, and clarity of cushion stones.
CUSHION DIAMOND CUT GUIDE
| EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | GOOD | FAIR / POOR | |
| Table % | 60 - 67 | 58 - 59.9 or 67.1 - 70 |
55 - 57.9 or 70.1 - 71.9 |
< 54.9 or > 72 |
| Depth % | 60 - 67 | 58 - 59.9 or 67.1 - 70 |
55 - 57.9 or 70.1 - 71.9 |
< 54.9 or > 72 |
| Girdle | Very Thin - Slightly Thick | Very Thin to Thick | Very Thin to Very Thick or Ex. Thin to Ex. Thick | |
| Culet | None | Very Small | Small | > Medium |
OUR GIA GEMOLOGIST RECOMMENDS
The cut of a cushion diamond is the factor that most impacts the sparkle and appearance of the stone. Most diamond grading labs do not provide ait ratings, so use this table as a reference to determine how your stone will sparkle.
CUSHION DIAMOND CLARITY GUIDE
| EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | GOOD (Eye Clean) |
FAIR / POOR (Not Eye Clean) |
|
| < .50 Carats | FL - VS2 | VS2 - SI1 | SI2 | > I1 |
| .51 - 1.20 Carats | FL - VS1 | VS2 - SI1 | SI2 | > I1 |
| 1.21 - 2.00 Carats | FL - VS1 | VS2 - SI1 | SI2 | > I1 |
| > 2.00 Carats | FL - VVS2 | VS1 - VS2 | SI1 | > SI2 |
OUR GIA GEMOLOGIST RECOMMENDS
Cushion diamonds are less forgiving of small clarity flaws. A diamond that is a lower clarity, but still 100% eye-clean, represents the best value.
Our gemologist recommends that clients purchase a stone with VS 2-SI 2 clarity. The inclusions in these stones will only be visible under magnification.
CUSHION DIAMOND COLOR GUIDE
| EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | GOOD (Looks White) |
FAIR / POOR (Color is Eye-Visible) |
|
| < .50 Carats | D - G | H - I | J | > J |
| .51 - 1.20 Carats | D - G | H | I | > I |
| 1.21 - 2.00 Carats | D - G | H | I | > I |
| > 2.00 Carats | D - F | G - H | I | > I |
| Fluorescence | None - Faint | Medium | Strong to Very Strong | |
OUR GIA GEMOLOGIST RECOMMENDS
Cushion diamonds show less visible color than many other shapes. A diamond that is a lower color, but still appears white, represents the best value.
Our gemologist recommends that clients choose a stone with H -1 color. The color in these stones will be difficult to detect with an untrained eye.
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