The Cushion Cut dates back to the 1700s and was the most popular shape for a diamond for many years. Vincent Peruzzi, a Venetian polisher originally invented it when he increased the number of facets 17 to 33. In the 1920s, Marcel Tolkowski reworked the cutting method in a way that would expand the table and reduce the height of the crown.
The modern Cushion Cut now has 58 facets which give it the unique fire and brilliance it’s known for. The pavilion will have two different pattern types:
Classic Cut – This will have anywhere from four to eight facets that create a “hearts and arrows” pattern, similar toa round brilliant cut.
Modified Cushion – A cut that has an extra row of facets, giving a “crushed ice” effect.
With a Cushion Cut, the ratios can be a shorter square or resemble a rectangle (also called an elongated cushion). For a square, the ideal ratio is between 1.00-1.03, with 1.05 still being acceptable. Rectangular ratios fall between 1.15 to 1.20, but can go up to 1.30 and still be acceptable.
Examples of Cushion Cuts:
From modern and glamorous to soft and romantic, the choice is ultimately yours! Both are highly sought cuts and deliver beauty in their own ways. For help deciding, stop in to our Columbia, South Carolina store today!