Cushion Cut vs. Round Cut Diamonds: Understanding the Difference
Diamonds come in several different cuts, but cushion cut and round cut are the most popular. Both shapes are timeless and exude elegance, making them perfect for engagement rings. Though round and cushion cut diamonds are beautiful, it is crucial to understand how they compare in several categories. Choosing a stone that suits your personal taste is just one piece of the puzzle since certain other factors impact sparkle and price.
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If you are in the market for women’s diamond engagement rings, we’re here to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between cushion cut and round cut diamonds.
Cushion Cut
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Cushion cut diamonds resemble a pillow or cushion when viewed from above. This cut is based on an antique shape known as the “old mine cut,” which was specifically designed to reflect candlelight. Cushion cut stones are, on average, 25 percent less costly than round cut diamonds.
A typical cushion cut diamond has 58 facets, though that number may vary. This is significantly fewer than the number of facets on round cut diamonds, so these stones tend to be less sparkly. The larger facets may also make it easier to spot clarity inclusions. They also tend to show more color. However, those large facets also produce a lot of fire, or rainbow light.
Round Cut
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Round cut diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, and they pair beautifully with a 14K gold chain. Simple and sophisticated, these gems withstand the test of time and never go out of style. Thanks to their numerous and carefully placed facets, they reflect more light than any other cut. Round cut diamonds fit perfectly into any setting, making them extremely versatile.
Round cut diamonds are known for their brilliance, or white light. If you’re looking for a stone with maximum sparkle and shine, these stones are the way to go. A round cut also does a better job of hiding color and clarity inclusions than a cushion cut.
Which Is Better?
When it comes to choosing a diamond, no one cut is “better” than another. Like women’s gold chains, diamonds have several factors you should consider before making a purchase. Finding the perfect one all depends on your personal preferences and the remaining 3 Cs of diamond assessment. If you’re looking for a stone with a romantic, vintage feel, go for a cushion cut. A round cut diamond is a better choice if you are searching for something more classic and traditional.
Currently, the cushion cut is the more popular option. However, styles change with time, so choose whichever option you find most aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing the Perfect Diamond
When shopping for diamond jewelry, be mindful of the 4 Cs. Created by the Gemological Institute of America, the 4 Cs of diamonds include Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. Cut refers to the diamond’s shape and how well it was cut, carat refers to its weight, clarity measures how flawless a diamond is, and the color scale assesses a diamond’s whiteness. Finding the perfect stone for you requires striking an ideal balance of all these factors in a way that suits your budget.
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If you’re shopping for a cushion cut diamond, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. Pay close attention to the stone's length to width ratio. Ideally, it should have a ratio of 1.00 if you’re looking for a square stone, but a ratio of up to 1.05 will still appear perfectly square. If you prefer a more rectangular stone, look for a ratio greater than 1.10. While ratio is a personal preference, it’s important to note that not all cushion cut diamonds share the same shape.
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Also, consider the stone’s depth and table percentages. If either is too high, the diamond will have minimal sparkle. We recommend choosing cushion cut diamonds with depth and table percentages of 70 percent or less for maximum sparkle. Examine the facets, too. The number of facets in cushion cut diamonds varies. Stones with the traditional 58 facets have a chunky appearance. There are also cushion cut diamonds with additional facets arranged in double rows. These create what is known as a “crushed ice” look that increases sparkle and hides imperfections.
Conclusion
When choosing a cushion cut vs. round cut diamond, the decision mostly depends on personal preference. In the end, the most important thing is choosing a stone that you (or your intended recipient) will love and cherish for years to come. Browse our website to find the perfect diamond. Be sure to check out our gold plated chains, too!