Lovely Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut engagement rings were popular during the Victorian era.  But they have been coming back into style recently, in a trend led by celebrities.  Don't worry--it isn't just the rich and famous who can afford cushion cut engagement rings.  This unique style could be exactly what you are looking for for your own engagement ring.

The cushion cut is a modern brilliant cut, but it was inspired by a seventeenth century diamond cut called the "old mine" cut.  This cut used an overall square shape, with slightly rounded corners.  The shape and the facets of the diamond allow more light into the stone and create a remarkable sparkle.  The modern cushion cut diamonds use essentially the same design as old mine cuts, but it has been perfected with modern technology to give it a much more brilliant sparkle.

This cut doesn't have quite as many facets as most modern brilliant cuts.  That means that the cut has a more "open" appearance, and is more revealing of the internal features of the diamond.  So, when choosing a cushion cut diamond, finding very good clarity and color is important.  Internal flaws or yellowish tinges will be more apparent in cushion cut diamond engagement rings than in other diamond cuts.

Cushion cut diamonds have an antique look to them.  If you are into old-world class and Victorian styles, then this cut of diamond is probably something that will really appeal to you.  Antique cushion cut engagement rings featuring real old mine cut diamonds can still be found.  You can also get replica antiques, if you are looking for more affordable cushion cut engagement rings.

There are numerous styles for a cushion cut engagement ring.  One of the most popular is a simple and elegant solitaire setting.  Because of the uniqueness of the diamond's cut, and because it has to be very high quality, many people prefer to keep the design of the ring band and setting very simple to really showcase the diamond's cut, quality, and sparkle.

Typically, cushion cut engagement rings use the traditional prong setting.  This allows the diamond's full size to be seen, and it also allows more light to get into the diamond, allowing it so sparkle more brightly.

Another great way to add a lot of glamour to the ring is a pave setting.  Pave settings that circle around the ring band work well for this.  With a cushion cut pave engagement ring, it's important to keep the pave diamonds subtle, to as not to create an overwhelmingly flashy appearance to the ring.  The main cushion cut diamond will sparkle brightly enough, so pave diamonds are best added as a subtle accent.

So, whether your style is subtly elegant or flashy, antique or streamlined and modern, you can find a cushion cut engagement ring that will suit your tastes.

Since cushion cut engagement rings typically use larger diamonds, and since the diamonds need to be higher quality than those used in other cuts, this type of engagement ring can be a bit more expensive. Plus, they are less common and more difficult to find. 

You may find it difficult to find a good selection of cushion cut engagement rings are your local jewelry stores.  There are plenty of retailers online who sell them, though, and you always have the option of buying a loose cushion cut diamond and having it custom set into a ring band.

You can find affordable cushion cut engagement rings for under $1000.  These will typically have a diamond of under 1 carat, and a very simple solitaire setting.  These rings are a great way for anyone to get the cushion cut diamond of their dreams. 

For a couple thousand dollars more, diamonds will be in the 1 to 3 carat range, and you will be able to find other rings with pave settings or sidestones. 

Cushion cut engagement ring prices can get as expensive as you can imagine, as the diamonds get larger and more expensive in quality, but for under $5000, you can get a huge selection of very beautiful and unique cushion cut engagement rings.