Choosing The Best Between Cushion and Princess Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

When selecting your diamond engagement ring, nothing is more important than the shape of the diamond you choose. Well, that is the part of your diamond engagement ring that takes center stage. This diamond cut is always the point the design journey starts. So, whether it is the cushion cut or the princess cut, it determines the entire structure of your diamond engagement ring. 

Keep in mind that the whole structure of your diamond engagement ring comes as a complement to the centre gem. Therefore, selecting the best diamond to express you or your partner’s preference is vital. This is more than just choosing a ring for that big day.

A Brief Backstory

Over time, the development of diamond cuts produced for everyone out there presents a remarkable collection of cuts to pick from. First, we had the simple single cut that came in the 15th century. Then, there was the modern round brilliant cut diamond we have presently. In all, diamonds come in various shapes and sizes. 

Till this present day, the most prominent diamond cut remains the round cut. This cut holds a legendary prestige in the world of diamond cuts. Nonetheless, more couples seem to now tilt towards the glamour and loveliness of fancy diamond cuts.

This new trend is as we all seek ways to reflect our personality. We are all searching for something different when choosing our engagement rings. 

There is the powerful, yet delicate nature of both the princess cut and the cushion cut. They both deliver a modern, and stylish image. 

In this text, we explore the details of both the princess cut and the cushion cut. We will discover how both cuts compare. These are two diamond cuts with stunning refinements. These two cuts also deliver unusual features that may better fit an individual’s style or identity.

Introducing The Cushion Cut Diamond

The lovely cushion cut diamond comes with a special rounded square shape. This shape distinguishes it from other diamond cuts. More so, the cushion cut dates back to the 1700s. However, this is not in the form that we have come to live by presently.

In addition, the cut before the cushion cut was the old mine cut. This was a diamond shape developed by the polisher from Venice, Vincent Peruzzi. Thanks to Peruzzi, the number of facets rose from 17 in a round rose cut to 33 in a rounded square old mine cut. That set a new platform for this diamond cut to reveal its entire grandness.

To cut a round diamond using your hand requires extraordinary skill. Therefore, several jewellers chose the rounded square shape of a cushion cut as an easier version to work with. Hence, a modern cushion diamond comes with 58 facets. 

These facets are what generate such fierce sparkle and fire you see when set in your diamond engagement ring.

• Evolution of This Shape

For over two centuries, the cushion cut diamond remained the most prominent diamond cut. This is in like fashion to how the round brilliant cut is presently. 

However, this diamond cut suffered a drop in fame in the 19th century. But, in the last century, this cut made a long-awaited  huge comeback. Thanks to its revival in fame, it is once again a prominent diamond cut for rings. 

What must be noted is that this comeback is thanks to the labor of Marcel Tolkowsky in the 1920s. His crucial endeavors in improving these cushion cut diamonds set the tone for the now impressive diamond cut. 

It will help to note that the old mine cut had certain distinct features. These were the presence of:

• An elevated crown
• A huge culet
• A small table
• A deep pavilion

Furthermore, Tolkowsky formulated a procedure that helps to lessen the culet almost completely. That, in turn, will widen the table while decreasing the height of the crown. Due to the findings of Tolkowsky’s research, cushion cut diamonds now express stunning radiance.

Presently, the cushion cut diamond remains one of the best selling shapes out there.

Ratio Variations Of A Cushion Cut Diamond

A cushion cut diamond presents itself in a few ratio varieties of this single shape. Sometimes, it can come as a shorter square. And at other times, it looks like a rectangle. When it looks like a rectangle, we refer to it as an extended cushion. 

The main idea is that the ratio remains a crucial component to consider. So, when choosing a cushion cut for your diamond engagement ring, be sure your diamond carries that unique square shape. That’s if that shape is what you prefer. 

When the ratio is bad, your cushion cut diamond will either look like a round cut or a radiant cut.

Furthermore, the style you prefer for your cushion cut diamond is subjective. This is just like every other thing that deals with style. The decision is completely up to you. 

Do you want a classic cushion cut, or an extended cushion shape?

When you choose a square cushion cut, the best, “excellent” ratio falls somewhere between 1.00 to 1.03. Note that a ratio of 1.03 to 1.05 would still generate lovely proportions. 

If you prefer a narrowly rectangular-shaped cushion cut diamond, a ratio of 1.15-1.20 is perfect. Meanwhile, a ratio of 1.20 to 1.30 would not do bad as well. It will still give you a beautiful elongated effect.

Choosing A Cushion Cut Diamond For Your Diamond Engagement Ring 

Just like other diamonds, cut, clarity, carat and colour are very essential elements to check out when buying a diamond. But, when choosing a cushion cut diamond, you have a few extra crucial aspects to think about. You must consider all these extra factors before making your final decision.

The first choice will be between a classic cushion cut or a modified cushion cut. We believe that this is a totally personal decision to make. 

Then, there is the choice of whether you prefer a square cushion cut or an elongated cushion cut diamond. Your choice here rests solely on whether your style, design, and preference suits either of these two options.

How about the important aspects to watch out for? Understand that the symmetry of a cushion cut is very vital. When the symmetry is outstanding, then, you expect the stone to be faultlessly steadied. For no reason should it be off-shape. 

Furthermore, the flanks of the diamond and the edges must reflect each other. That is the only way to create a symmetrical angle. Another aspect to put into consideration is the firmness of the girdle. Ensure that the girdle is not too slim. This is as that can put the diamond in a vulnerable state where it can chip easily.

Introducing The Princess Cut Diamond

The princess cut diamond carries a distinct feature that sets it aside from other diamond cuts.

First off, it comes with a geometric, and pointed square shape. This is a modern cut that comes with an angular, and a couple of strong lines. This cut retains a pyramidal shape thanks to its four bevelled sides. 

According to history, the princess cut diamond is a creation by Betazel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz in 1980. The cuts that led to this cut were the French cut and the quadrillion cut. Previously, the cut came in the form of a square-shaped diamond.

Moreover, the princess cut remains an incredibly famous shape for a diamond. It is the most common shape after the round cut, the cushion cut and the oval cut. Likewise, the princess cut is a distinctive diamond shape owing to its perfect blend of geometry and radiance. 

Additionally, this cut comes in angular diamond shapes like the emerald cut and the asscher cut. These rings do not include a lofty degree of scintillation. Also, as a step cut it generates glimmers of light rather than fire. 

Overall, the princess cut diamond is an unusual diamond thanks to its geometric square cut. Although, this cut presents an impressive degree of fire just like the round or the cushion cut diamond. When we compare all these geometric square cuts, the princess cut diamond still carries the most radiance.

Ratio Variations Of A Princess Cut Diamond

When you look at it with your naked eye, a princess cut diamond will appear like a perfect square. But, in the real sense, they’re mostly a little bit rectangular. More so, the best ratio for a princess cut stays somewhere right within 1.00 to 1.05. 

There, you would hardly be able to say if the diamond is a tad rectangular in the shape it presents. Meanwhile, a ratio of 1.06 to 1.12 comes out well also. In this ratio, you can easily discern the barely more rectangular structure.

Choosing A Princess Cut Diamond For Your Diamond Engagement Ring 

Before choosing a princess cut diamond, the distinctive standards of cut, color, clarity and carat come first. Thereafter, you consider how they matchup with the engagement ring layout. When you’re seeking a warmer metal shade like a yellow or rose gold, go for color grades G to H. They would still seem exceptionally ice white contrasting the warm tones of the metal flawlessly. 

When your preference is either white gold or platinum, the yellow shades of a lesser color grade diamond is obvious. Also, the clarity of the diamond should not come lower than SI. That way, you ensure that the radiance and fire that makes a princess cut diamond so adorable remain.

Lastly, when choosing a princess cut diamond, a table percentage that is higher than the depth percentage is not advisable. Yet, there is no right or wrong ratio for a princess cut diamond. Your eventual choice depends on what your personal preference is.

Pros Of The Cushion Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

• Incredible Sparkle

A cushion cut diamond contains amazing fire and sparkle. When you combine this with a delicate, different shape, they are a great option in place of the round cut.

• A Versatile Cut

Cushion cut diamonds remain a versatile diamond shape. These diamonds come in various distinct ratios and facet patterns. You have several options to try out.

• Affordable

Averagely, a one carat cushion cut diamond comes in cheaper. It comes in at 15 to 20% less than the price of another one carat round cut diamond. 

Cons Of The Cushion Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

• Size

A cushion cut diamond will most likely appear smaller per carat compared to a round or princess cut. 

Pros Of The Princess Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

• An Affordable Option

Princess cut diamond gives you an amazing diamond option compared to other diamond cuts at an affordable price.

• Size

Thanks to the size, a one carat princess-cut diamond will generate quite an impression on your finger!

• A Versatile Cut

The princess-cut diamond remains a very contemporary cut. Yet, it carries a classic feel with it at the same time. 

This diamond cut possesses a special geometric quality and a high level of radiance. Therefore, this diamond can feature various styles and settings.

Cons Of The Princess Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

• Highly Vulnerable

The princess cut diamond is very prone to damage no thanks to its pointed angular edges. When the edges aren’t protected, the diamond might chip.

Conclusion

Princess cut diamonds present a contemporary option for a proper centerpiece gemstone. It is an incredible and very trendy option. Thanks to its sharp lines it gives that fresh and elegant aura. This explains why celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Jaime Pressly chose this for their diamond engagement ring.

As for the cushion cut diamond, it has a vintage feel to itself. It is also a perfect match for a diamond engagement ring with an art deco aura. Celebrities like Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian also chose this lovely diamond cut for their rings. 

These two cuts are budget friendly options for every couple out there. They present an affordable yet stylish and grand alternative to the popular round brilliant cut.

Decide based on your preference which of the two you prefer for your diamond engagement ring. They are both great options.