How To Buy and Pair Cushion Cut Diamonds

Welcome to another By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been long overdue: the enchanting world of cushion cut diamonds. I know, I know—cushion cuts can be a bit of a mystery with all the different shapes and patterns out there. So, let’s clear things up once and for all!

First up, we’ll explore the difference between Cushion Brilliant and Crush Ice Brilliant cuts. If you’ve been shopping around or doing your research, you might have noticed there are countless variations of the cushion cut. It can be tricky to tell them apart, but don’t worry, I’m here to break it all down for you.

I’ll guide you on what to look for when choosing your cushion cut diamond. We'll cover how to get the most stunning finger coverage possible—because who doesn’t want their ring to steal the spotlight? And, of course, we can’t forget our fan favorite! Stick around until the end, and I’ll share my top tips for pairing wedding bands with your cushion cut engagement ring.

Ready to become a cushion cut connoisseur? Let’s get started!

Cushion Hybrid vs Cushion Brilliant Cushion Cut Diamond

Alright, let’s dive into the sparkling world of cushion cuts! First up, let’s break down the difference between Crush Ice Cushion and Cushion Brilliant. So, what’s the scoop? 

Crush Ice Cushion is an elongated cushion cut that’s known for its distinctive, icy sparkle. You might be surprised to learn that on the certificate, it’s simply labeled as Cushion Brilliant. But the real difference lies in the cut patterns.

The Crush Ice Cushion, with its elongated ratio of about 1.40, gives a more unique and elongated look. On the other hand, the Cushion Brilliant typically has a 1.16 ratio and features larger facets, giving it a sparkle more akin to that of a round diamond. The Cushion Brilliant, which is on top, has that classic sparkle with larger facets, while the Crush Ice Cushion, on the bottom, has a look that resembles, well, crushed ice—think of a sparkling snow globe!

Now, you might be wondering which one is better. Well, here’s the deal: there’s no “better” or “worse” when it comes to diamonds. It’s all about what tickles your fancy. If you love that dazzling, glittery effect, the Crush Ice might be your jam. If you prefer a more subdued, classic sparkle, the Cushion Brilliant could be your perfect match.

Ultimately, it’s all about personal preference. So whether you’re drawn to the ice-crushing sparkle or the classic cushion shine, you can’t go wrong. Let your sparkle shine in whatever way makes you happiest!

Avoid Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds Online
Finding the perfect cushion cut diamond online can be a real challenge! Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Cushion cuts are one of those tricky diamonds where online shopping might leave you scratching your head. 

Why? Well, many cushion cuts out there are quite deep, meaning a lot of the carat weight is hidden at the bottom. So, for instance, if you’re shopping for a two-carat cushion, you might find that it looks 30-40% smaller than expected due to this depth. It’s like buying a big chocolate bar and finding out it's mostly empty inside!

So, if you’re diving into the world of cushion cuts online, be cautious. Without seeing the diamond in person or knowing what to look for, you might end up with something that doesn’t quite match your expectations. For the best results, work with a jeweler who can guide you through the nuances of cushion cuts and ensure you get the sparkle and size you’re dreaming of.

How To Maximize Finger Coverage With a Cushion Cut 

Alright, let’s chat about finding the perfect cushion cut for your finger. This is where curation becomes super important!

When you’re looking for that ideal cushion cut, it’s all about the spread and how the diamond sits on your finger. 

Seasoned jewelers often talk about "spready diamonds" when referring to cushions, which typically means the diamond is a bit shallower but covers more area on your finger. This can be both good and bad. It’s great if it doesn’t mess with the sparkle or cause that pesky bow tie effect. But if it does impact the sparkle, that’s something to consider.

And let’s not forget about the antique cushion cuts! These beauties are often referred to as Old Mine cuts. 

They have a unique charm and history that’s absolutely worth exploring. If you’re into the classic, vintage vibe, I’ve made a whole video on antique cushion cuts. Trust me, it’s a must-see if you’re considering a cushion diamond with a bit of old-world flair!

So, when choosing your cushion cut, keep in mind the spread and the sparkle. And remember, whether it’s a modern cushion or an antique gem, the best choice is the one that makes you feel fabulous!

Downsides of Having a Shallow Diamond

One thing to watch out for with cushion cut diamonds is light leakage. If the stone is too shallow, it might not sparkle as much and could lose some of its brilliance. But here’s the thing: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve seen some truly gigantic cushions with deep cuts that people absolutely adore because of their unique sparkle and pattern.

When choosing your cushion cut, the key is how it looks on your finger. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I highly recommend seeing the stone in person if you can. Don’t dive in blindly! Check the measurements to ensure it’s the kind of spread you’re looking for, and avoid overly deep cushions that might not give you the top coverage you want.

I often get requests for upgrades, like moving from a two-carat round to a 2.5-carat cushion, and sometimes I have to say, “No.” Why? Because unless the cushion is a very shallow, elongated cut, it might actually appear smaller than the round you already have. 

So, do your homework and make sure the cushion cut you choose aligns with your vision. Don’t let a stunning Pinterest photo set you up for disappointment—focus on getting the real thing that matches your dreams!

How To Pair a Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Alright, let’s dive into one of my favorite topics—pairing your cushion cut engagement ring with the perfect wedding band! 

First up, a classic choice: a matching cushion cut band. I’m absolutely in love with our new Victoria band, which features a low-profile setting. Often, cushion cut bands are thick and chunky, thanks to the depth of the stones. But with Victoria, we’ve created a sleek, elegant design that’s just to die for. It’s a 3mm band, designed to sit beautifully alongside your engagement ring. 

And speaking of the engagement ring, it’s adorned with a 2.4mm French pavé band and our signature tulip setting in two-tone. The match is just perfect—talk about symmetry goals!

Now, if you’re not into the cushion-on-cushion look, no worries. Our round diamond band, the Sophia, pairs beautifully with a cushion cut engagement ring. It’s versatile and adds a different kind of sparkle that complements the cushion shape perfectly. So whether you’re all about that cushion cut symmetry or prefer a bit of round sparkle, there’s a wedding band out there to make your engagement ring truly shine!

Lab Grown vs Natural Cushion Cut Diamond

When it comes to cushion cut diamonds, choosing between natural and lab-grown can be quite the adventure! So, what’s the difference and which is better?

For lab-grown cushions, the game is pretty flexible. With the abundance of rough material available, you can pretty much get any pattern or shape you desire—be it a brilliant cut or an elongated style. The customizability is fantastic!

However, natural cushion cuts are a different story. Because the rough material is more limited and valuable, it’s rarer to find natural cushions cut in the brilliant style. This is because cutting a cushion in this way tends to waste more of the rough material compared to other styles like modified brilliant or deeper cuts.

So, if you spot a perfectly cut lab-grown cushion and wish for the same in a natural diamond, you might not always find an exact match. It's a good thing to keep in mind while shopping! Whether you’re leaning towards natural or lab-grown, understanding these differences can help you find the cushion cut that’s just right for you.

3.25ct Cushion Cut Double Hidden Halo

I’m excited to show you our Haley collection, featuring an elongated cushion cut! This ring is a part of our extra-low profile collection, which I absolutely adore.

With a three-carat diamond, especially with an elongated stone, this setting is fantastic. It’s designed to sit close to the finger, minimizing any protrusion and reducing the chance of hitting things as you go about your day. This low-profile design ensures that your beautiful cushion cut shines without getting in the way of your daily activities. 

So if you’re considering an elongated cushion cut, this type of setting is a top choice for both style and practicality!

How To Pair an Extra Low Profile Ring
When it comes to pairing a lower-profile ring with a wedding band, there’s one crucial thing to keep in mind: getting that perfect fit. 

If you choose a traditional straight band, it might not sit flush with your engagement ring, and trust me, I’ve covered this in almost every blog I make!

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our contour band is the ideal solution. 

It’s custom-made to fit every single stone shape we offer. For example, this one was crafted for an oval, but we can make a contour band that perfectly fits a cushion cut, too. It’ll sit flush with your engagement ring, leaving no gap, even if you prefer a thicker band.

For those who love a more delicate touch, we also offer open claw or V-shaped bands. These options are great for a dainty look while ensuring a perfect flush fit.

Phew, that’s a lot of info! I truly adore our cushion collection and hope this helps you in your search for the perfect ring. Remember to ask the right questions and do your homework, so you get exactly the look you’re dreaming of!