Cushion Cut Engagement Ring Buying Guide

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

The cushion cut diamond has been around for over 200 years, and it remains one of the most commonly used cuts for engagement rings. Cushion cuts are characterized by rounded corners and large facets that are designed to make cushion engagement rings sparkle and shine.

Before you begin shopping for cushion engagement rings, make sure you become familiar with the tips in this buying guide:

The Four C’s

An important part of picking a cushion cut diamond is knowing what to look for when it comes to the four C’s. With this particular kind of diamond, you will need to pay close attention to the clarity and color, but not as much attention to the cut since cushions do not actually get a defined cut grade.

clarity and color grade recommendations for cushion diamonds

Cushion diamonds are much better at hiding inclusions than they are in disguising color. Because of this, you don’t need to spend more to get a higher clarity diamond if it’s not in your budget. You will get the best value for your cushion cut diamond when you choose either the SI1 or SI2 grade.

Now that you know how to choose the stone, it’s time to think about settings to create cushion engagement rings.

Cushion Solitaire Setting

Cushion cut diamonds are always brilliant, so they can light up the entire room even when placed in a simple solitaire setting. Keep it classic with a plain band, or add a new level of visual dynamic to your engagement ring with an ornate textured band wrapped around your finger, something similar to a twisted rope or vintage design for example.

Cushion Solitaire Setting

Cushion Halo Setting

Ladies who want a little extra sparkle will love cushion engagement rings with a halo setting. Pair this with a band set with smaller round cut diamonds, and your finger will dazzle from every angle. Cushion halos are exceedingly popular, even to the point that many people prefer a cushion shaped halo when they aren’t even getting a cushion cut diamond.

Cushion Halo Setting

Side Stone Settings

But if you feel like a halo might take away from the center stone, keep the diamonds circling around the band and skip the halo entirely. This gives you sparkle without the chance that something might distract from the beauty of your cushion cut diamond. Micropavé or scallop settings make for great side stone rings with cushion cut center diamonds.

Side Stone Settings

Colored Metals

Cushion cuts are versatile, so don’t be afraid to play with different metals when choosing your setting. Although platinum and white gold are the most popular, both rose and yellow gold pair beautifully with cushion cut stones. Rose gold instantly makes the ring feel more feminine and trendy, while yellow gold gives the ring an antique, vintage vibe.

Colored Metals

Copy Celebrity Styles

If you’re looking for a little inspiration as you try to find the perfect cushion cut engagement ring, look no further than Hollywood. Dozens of celebrities wear cushion cut engagement rings, so you have plenty of choices.

Cushion Cut Envy

Jennifer Garner received a 4.5-carat Harry Winston cushion cut engagement ring with one beautiful diamond on each side of the center stone from ex-husband Ben Affleck. Model Molly Sims proudly sports a Lorraine Schwartz cushion cut diamond in a halo setting paired with a thin band, and so does Giuliana Rancic, who wears a breathtaking cushion cut diamond in a halo setting.

As you can see by these celebrity examples, you’re not the only one who has fallen in love with the cushion cut. The second you slip a cushion diamond ring on your finger, you will understand why millions of women have fallen in love with this timeless and brilliant cut!

Cushion Cut Envy
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