What are the Different Types of Cushion Cut Diamonds?

Cushion cut diamonds are an increasingly popular type of diamond cut in the jewelry market. These diamonds are a hybrid of square-cut diamonds and the famous round cut diamond. These diamonds have been around for a long time, dating back to the 18th century.

Before the round shape gained so much prominence, this type of diamond, which used to be referred to as the old mine cut, was the dominant diamond cut on the market and could be seen on the fingers of almost every married woman.

The different types of cushion cuts

The primary feature of every cushion cut is the baseline square with the rounded corners creating the famous pillow shape. There are, however, multiple variations of this diamond. This is why we’re going to break down the types of cushion cut diamonds for you.

• Elongated cushion cut

This form of cut is the most common outside of the regular cushion cut. You may have guessed it, but this is just the square stone stretched. A square that is stretched is, of course, a rectangle. Instead of the small square shape on the perch of a ring, you get this slightly longer stone, which truly stands out.

• Square cushion cut

It does what it says on the tin! A standard square diamond with four sides of equal length, but as mentioned in the introduction, the corners are rounded to create a pillow shape. The tried and trusted cut which has been used for hundreds of years.

• Antique cushion cut

This is probably the rarest form of the cushion cut. This is due to the fact that for a diamond to be declared an antique cushion cut, it needs to have been hand-cut by a jeweler. It forms the same shape as a regular cushion cut, but these are usually produced via cutting machines. Handcrafted diamonds are a rarity in modern times. If you can get a hand-crafted diamond, you are truly blessed.

Facet types

There’s more to this? Oh yes there is. When diamonds are crafted, jewelers are nothing if not thorough. Facets is the term used to describe the way diamonds are cut in the transition between primitive stone and a well-refined gem. 

Here are the three types of facets you’ll find on a cushion cut diamond:

• Brilliant cut

Cushion brilliant cut diamonds are very similar to that of round brilliant cut diamonds. The facets extend from the center of the diamond and gradually extend out to the edge. This all combines to resemble a star pattern.

• Crushed ice cut

This cut is designed very specifically to look like shattered glass or, as the name would suggest, crushed ice. Unlike with the brilliant cut, the crushed ice cut is usually only found on cushion cut diamonds, another great reason to go for one of these spectacular stones

• Modified cushion cut

This cut is similar to the brilliant cut but varies slightly due to the fact that the facets only reach the girdle (outer edge) of the diamond. Once this outer edge is hit, a new row of facets forms to produce a flower-esque shape rather than the original star shape.

Summary