Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Before it became the cushion cut, this shape was referred to as the “mine cut”, a square diamond with rounded corners. The mine cut was named after the Brazilian diamond mines, which became known as the “old mines” after diamonds were also discovered in South Africa.As its name suggests, a cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners that resemble a pillow. Featuring 58 facets with a typical ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 for square shapes and 1.10 or greater for more rectangular shape. The light reflection of a cushion cut diamond will be ‘chunkier’ than modern diamonds which tend to feather the light, providing a unique, subdued sparkle. Famous uses of the cushion cut include the Cullinan II and the Hope Diamond.As techniques and cutting styles have evolved over the years, several variations of the cushion cut have been developed, such as the Cushion Modified Brilliant which typically has 64 facets. Although not as brilliant as round brilliants, cushion cuts have large facets allowing for a greater separation of white light into spectral colours.