Cushion Cut

Cushion Cut is a style of diamond cutting characterised by a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, giving the stone a soft, cushion-like outline. Cushion-shaped diamonds have been used for centuries, and the term encompasses a number of historical and modern cutting styles.

Antique cushion-shaped diamonds are particularly associated with the Georgian and Victorian periods. Earlier examples were generally hand cut and can show irregular outlines, high crowns, small tables and broad facets. Some antique cushion cuts are sometimes described as cushion-shaped old mine cuts, reflecting the fact that the boundaries between historical cutting styles are not always precise.

Modern cushion cuts are generally more symmetrical and precisely proportioned. They may have either a brilliant-style or modified brilliant facet arrangement, producing a range of appearances from broad, chunky flashes of light to a more brilliant, contemporary sparkle.

The rounded corners of a cushion cut give it a softer appearance than square or rectangular cuts with sharp corners. Its larger facets can also create attractive flashes of light and, particularly in antique examples, a distinctive romantic character.

Cushion Cut should not be confused with Old European Cut. Cushion describes primarily the outline or shape of the diamond — square or rectangular with rounded corners — whereas Old European Cut describes a specific antique round cutting style, characterised by a circular outline, high crown, small table, deep pavilion and prominent culet. An antique diamond can therefore be cushion shaped and have an old mine-style cut, but an Old European Cut is normally round.

At Weldons, antique cushion-shaped diamonds are appreciated for their individuality, historical character and distinctive broad flashes of light. Slight variations in outline, symmetry and faceting are often characteristic of hand cutting and form part of the charm of antique diamonds.

Shape: Square or rectangular with rounded corners
Historical use: Particularly Georgian and Victorian jewellery
Antique characteristics: Hand-cut, high crown, small table, broad facets and individual proportions
Modern examples: Brilliant-style or modified brilliant faceting
Characteristic appearance: Soft outline with broad, distinctive flashes of light

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Weldons

We love jewellery!! Weldons is a fourth generation family jewellers with over 100 years experience in supplying top grade certificated diamonds and rare and unusual pieces of jewellery for every occasion. We specialise in one-off pieces of vintage and estate jewellery, engagement rings and anniversary rings. We also stock one of the widest ranges of antique Irish silver in the world, from rare 17th and 18th century pieces to modern giftware and tableware.