Meet our Jewellers and Designers

Meet our team

  • Ernesto

    Ernesto

    CEO Jewellery Designer

  • Maria

    Maria

    Diamonds Specialist

  • Steff

    Steff

    Jewellery Designer

  • Silvana

    Silvana

    Jewellery Designer

FAQs About Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

What is a cushion cut diamond engagement ring?

A cushion cut diamond engagement ring features a diamond that is shaped like a square or rectangular pillow, with rounded corners and larger facets. The cut is a blend of square and round shapes, giving it a softer, more romantic appearance compared to sharper diamond shapes like princess cuts. Cushion cut diamonds have a vintage-inspired charm, as the cut has been around for over 200 years, but they also come with modern refinements that enhance their brilliance.

This cut is known for its ability to produce beautiful “fire,” or colourful light reflections, thanks to its larger facets. Cushion cut diamonds can come in various styles, including classic cushion cuts with larger facets, and “crushed ice” cushions that have smaller, more numerous facets for a different sparkle pattern. Their versatility and timeless elegance make cushion cut diamonds a popular choice for both classic and contemporary engagement ring styles.

Why choose a cushion cut diamond for an engagement ring?

Cushion cut diamonds are a great choice if you’re seeking a blend of classic style and modern sparkle. Their soft, rounded edges and vintage appeal give them a romantic look, reminiscent of the glamour of old Hollywood. The cushion cut’s ability to deliver both brilliance and fire—those colourful flashes of light—makes it a beautiful option for those who want a ring with a bit of sparkle but prefer a shape that isn’t as common as round or princess cuts.

One of the appealing aspects of cushion cut diamonds is their versatility. They can look stunning in various settings, from minimalist solitaires that highlight the diamond’s shape to more elaborate designs like halos or three-stone settings that add extra sparkle. Additionally, cushion cut diamonds tend to hide inclusions well, thanks to their faceting, which can make it easier to find a beautiful diamond at a lower clarity grade without noticeable imperfections.

The cushion cut’s slightly rounded square shape is also flattering on many hand shapes, offering a comfortable wear and a softer look. If you love the idea of a diamond that feels timeless but has a touch of uniqueness, a cushion cut diamond might be the perfect choice for your engagement ring.

 

How does a cushion cut diamond compare to other diamond shapes in terms of sparkle?

Cushion cut diamonds are known for their impressive sparkle, though their brilliance is a bit different from round brilliant cuts. They feature larger facets that can create beautiful flashes of light, known as “fire,” which makes them particularly stunning in softer lighting conditions like candlelight. However, they don’t produce the same type of continuous sparkle as round brilliant cuts, which are specifically designed to maximize light reflection.

The cushion cut’s sparkle is often described as “softer” or more “romantic” than the intense, brilliant flashes of a round diamond. Some cushion cut diamonds are referred to as “crushed ice” cuts, which have many small facets that create a sparkling effect similar to crushed ice, offering a more modern look. In contrast, classic cushion cuts have larger facets that produce broader flashes of light, giving the stone a slightly more antique feel.

Overall, while a cushion cut might not match the pure brilliance of a round diamond, it offers a unique blend of fire and depth that many people find captivating. If you’re drawn to a diamond with a warm, timeless glow and love the idea of a cut that stands out from the crowd, the cushion cut’s sparkle is sure to please.

What settings work best with cushion cut diamond engagement rings?

Cushion cut diamonds are versatile and can be beautifully set in a variety of ring styles. A classic choice is the solitaire setting, where the cushion cut diamond stands alone on a simple band, highlighting the diamond’s shape and natural beauty. This minimalist approach allows the cushion cut’s unique sparkle to shine without distraction.

For those who want to enhance the brilliance of a cushion cut, a halo setting is an excellent option. A halo involves surrounding the cushion cut diamond with a circle of smaller diamonds, making the centre stone appear larger and adding extra sparkle. The rounded edges of a halo complement the soft curves of a cushion cut perfectly, creating a romantic and glamorous look.

Another popular setting is the three-stone style, where the cushion cut is flanked by two smaller stones, such as tapered baguettes or round diamonds. This design symbolises a couple’s past, present, and future together and can add depth and dimension to the ring.

Additionally, cushion cut diamonds look stunning in vintage-inspired settings with intricate detailing like milgrain or filigree work, adding to their classic charm. Whether you prefer a sleek, contemporary look or a more ornate, vintage style, cushion cut diamonds adapt well to different settings, allowing you to create a ring that matches your vision.

Are cushion cut diamonds more affordable than round diamonds?

Yes, cushion cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This price difference comes from a few factors, including the cutting process. Cushion cut diamonds retain more of the original rough diamond during cutting, resulting in less material waste. In contrast, round diamonds require more of the rough stone to be removed to achieve their perfect circular shape, making them more costly to produce.

Additionally, round diamonds tend to be in higher demand, which drives up their price per carat. Because cushion cuts are less common and not as highly sought after as round diamonds, they often come with a more budget-friendly price tag. This makes cushion cut diamonds an excellent option for those looking to maximize size and quality without paying a premium.

The cushion cut’s slightly larger surface area can also create the illusion of a bigger diamond, especially when set in a halo or surrounded by other diamonds. This allows you to get a beautiful, eye-catching engagement ring while staying within your budget. If you love the idea of a diamond with classic appeal and a bit of uniqueness, the cushion cut offers great value for its stunning appearance.

 

What should I consider when buying a cushion cut diamond?

When buying a cushion cut diamond, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose a beautiful stone. First, pay attention to the cut quality, as this will significantly impact the diamond’s sparkle. While the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) doesn’t provide an official cut grade for cushion cuts, looking for well-proportioned stones with good symmetry can help ensure a beautiful result.

The shape of the cushion cut can vary, ranging from more square to more rectangular. The length-to-width ratio will determine this, with a ratio closer to 1.00 being more square and a higher ratio creating a more rectangular shape. The choice between these shapes is largely a matter of personal preference and what you feel suits your style best.

Clarity is also an important consideration, though cushion cut diamonds tend to hide inclusions better than some other cuts due to their faceting. A clarity grade of VS2 or higher can be a good balance to ensure the diamond appears clean to the naked eye without having to pay for a completely flawless stone.

When it comes to colour, cushion cuts can show colour more than round diamonds, so opting for a higher colour grade (such as G or H) can help keep the diamond looking bright and white, especially if you are setting it in a white gold or platinum band. However, if you’re choosing a yellow or rose gold setting, you might be able to go slightly lower in colour without noticing a significant difference.

Finally, consider whether you prefer a “classic” cushion cut with larger facets or a “crushed ice” style, which has a more modern sparkle pattern. Seeing both styles in person or through high-quality images can help you decide which type of cushion cut appeals to you the most. By considering these factors, you can find a cushion cut diamond that perfectly suits your style and ensures your engagement ring is as beautiful as possible.

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Google Reviews

Very smooth and easy experience dealing with Ernesto. He melted my old gold and custom made me a necklace that turned out exactly how I wanted it and to great quality. Highly recommend.

- Diab Finianos

The best and most honest jeweler in Sydney , Ernesto is a pleasure to deal with and so are all his staff. I highly recommend Ernesto and his team for quality service and jewellery.

- Steve

Ernesto is the best person to deal with. He will assist and help you with anything possible and he is very easy going with the best prices and always looks after his clients. Highly recommend.

- Matthew Khouchaba

Ernesto and Maria have always provided me with the best service and quality jewelry for years. Highly recommend, best in the business.

- Jeanpaul Maugeri

Always a pleasure to deal with Maria and Ernesto bought both the wedding ring and band from here great quality and great deal thankyou again

- Sam and Sarah

I have to say best dicision I ever made. Ernesto was so helpful and if I could give him more than five stars I would.

- Norman Ghannoum

Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery

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