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History of the Cushion Cut Moissanite and Diamond

Rose gold cushion cut moissanite ring with diamond halo on a rustic background, showcasing the history of cushion cut moissanite.

Delving into the history of the cushion cut moissanite, this article explores its unique style where gems are cut in rectangular or square shapes with soft, rounded corners, resembling a cushion. We’ll examine the origins and evolution of this distinct cut in both moissanites and diamonds.

Brief History of the Moissanite Cushion Cut

Cushion cut moissanite ring on a teal background, embodying the elegance of its historical design.

Nobel Prize-winning French scientist Henri Moissan first detected moissanite in trace amounts inside meteorites in 1893. Scientists couldn’t make moissanite in a lab until the late 90s, which meant it was out of reach for most people. [1]

Moissanite is made from silicon carbide with a chemical makeup almost indistinguishable from diamonds. It reflects light more brilliantly and flashes more colors than a diamond; however, its refractive index and dispersion are even more significant. [1]

The cushion cut is one of the most iconic shapes ever created, thanks to its broad facets and rounded edges. The combination of the captivating stone with the moissanite’s extraordinary brightness makes for a breathtaking engagement ring.

The cushion-cut moissanite is based on the Old Mine cut, an ancient diamond cut dating back to the 1700s. [2] The Old Mine cut was popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Nonetheless, the modern cushion-cut moissanite has more facets than the old mine cut, making it more brilliant and sparkling.

There are several functional advantages to selecting a cushion-cut moissanite engagement ring over an alternative, less eye-catching design. First, compared to a similarly sized and quality diamond ring, it is a lot cheaper. You may now affordably get a larger and more brilliant stone.

In addition, sourcing moissanite is ethical and does not harm society or the environment, as it is a conflict-free gem. On the other hand, diamond mining has been associated with abuses of human rights and damage to the environment. You may feel good about your moissanite band’s ethical and environmentally responsible production, so it’s an excellent choice for a commitment ring.

Paying Tribute to the Old Mine Cut

A luxurious cushion cut moissanite pendant surrounded by diamonds, showcasing its historical elegance.

An old diamond cut known as the Old Mine cut, which originated in the 1700s, inspired the facet pattern of the modern cushion cut patterns. [2] When diamond deposits in India, the gemstone’s source, started to dry in the 17th century, Brazil became the world’s leading diamond mining country, creating the most prized diamond cut. [3] The Old Mine cut was the most popular among Brazilian stone cutters because it retained the best carats in the unpolished crystals that were often found in diamond mines in Brazil.

The Hope Diamond, housed at the Smithsonian Institution’s Natural History Museum, is a classic example of a famous diamond with this historical cut. Another breathtaking example of the early Old Miner’s cut is the 410-carat Regent Diamond, which dates back to 1701. It is believed to have been cut by an Indian jeweler. Due to the early popularity of the cushion cut, several of the world’s most famous diamonds were created in this style.

The original mine cut was square with 58 facets and rounded edges. Because of how standard this cut was in the 1800s, it was used for most stones. The Hope Diamond weighs 45.52-carat and the Regent Diamond weighs 140.5 carats. [2]

The contemporary modern cushion cut diamonds came from this ancient mine cut, which drew influence from it and other less well-known cuts, including the table, Peruzzi, and candlelight cuts.

Diamond cuts have improved in both quality and style with advances in cutting technology, equipment, and expertise. As a result of these advancements, the contemporary cushion cut diamond was born, a stunning gemstone that combines elements of the round brilliant cut with the classic cushion cut.

Before round brilliant diamonds became the most popular cut in the early 20th century, the Old Mine cut was the most popular. Round corners, a squared-off form, a high crown, and a tiny table facet were hallmarks of the Old Mine cut diamond.

On the side of the pavilion, there is a deeper pavilion and an open culet. Those components may not provide the most dazzling light return compared to modern standards, but they were the gold standard of glitz back then. The time and effort saved by the cutters were a significant consideration when they settled on this cutting method.

Cushion-cut diamonds have been around for about two hundred years and have changed dramatically. The history of this industry began in the 17th century when natural diamonds were mostly mined in India and Brazil. An “Old Mine cut” was characteristic of diamonds mined in these nations.

A stunning cushion cut moissanite ring with a halo of diamonds, symbolizing the history of the cushion cut moissanite."

One of the main reasons old mine diamond cutting was so famous was their ability to sparkle even in low light. It maximized the carat retention of natural diamonds. The modern cushion cut style originated from this similar but refined method.

The new modern-day cushion cut moissanite and diamond cutting technique increases the fire and brilliance of the gems by using current cutting instruments and improved faceting processes. This new form has improvements over the previous one, such as a smaller crown and a more considerable table facet.

The Logan sapphire and Tiffany yellow diamond are a few well-known jewels with this cut. Among Tiffany’s Legacy Collection, the stunning engagement ring designs are the most famous.

Cushion-cut diamond engagement rings are popular nowadays due to their traditional and everlasting beauty. You can still get a fantastic appearance without compromising quality, and they allow more sparkle to come through than other shapes, making it the dream ring and the perfect for side stones in bridal settings.

Thanks to the cushion cut ring’s adaptability, it will look stunning in any metal or stone. Cushion-cut engagement rings are great for more than one reason: they’re less popular than round brilliant diamond rings. Since round-cut engagement rings are the most popular, you can expect to spend more for one.

Famous Antique Cushion Cut Diamonds

A cushion cut moissanite gemstone displayed in monochrome, highlighting its cut's historical significance.

The cushion-cut diamond developed over time as a better understanding of diamonds became available. Because of its timeless elegance, a stunning cushion-cut diamond engagement ring will surely be a favorite among A-listers.

Several celebrities, including Naya Rivera, Ashley Tisdale, and Kelly Rowland, have chosen this classic design to symbolize their commitment to one another.

Even non-A-list celebrities often opt for eye-catching sparkle cushion-cut diamonds. Since its inception, its graceful shape has been cherished by couples. Since it combines traditional design elements with modern accents, this enduring diamond is an excellent choice for an engagement ring since it is unique and beautiful.

You can’t deny the famed cushion-cut diamonds’ enduring influence on the jewelry industry, whether it’s their graceful curves or glittering brightness. Consider a cushion-cut diamond worn by these celebrities if you want an engagement ring that will never go out of style.

Note that this diamond cut is also known by its less familiar names- the Pillow Cut and the Candlelight Cut.

Modern Cushion Cut Diamonds

Elegant cushion cut moissanite set in a rose gold band with pavé diamonds, reflecting the storied history of the cushion cut.

Modern cushion cut moissanites and diamonds feature classic and modern round brilliant cut elements, making them a one-of-a-kind gemstone. Curved sides, four to eight primary kite-shaped facets between the girdle and culet, and a square or squarish-rectangular form characterize modern cushion brilliant cut gemstones. Modified cushion cut brilliant gems feature more crown facets or more on the pavilion. For another square-shaped cut, we also recommend reading History of the Princess Cut.

One of the most dazzling moissanite and diamond shapes, the cushion cut lets more light into the stone. Because of this, you can be sure your cushion cut has a shiny appearance.

The cushion treatment is applied to many fancy-colored moissanites and diamonds, including bubble gum pink and canary yellow. For the most stunning appearance, experts advise choosing colorless moissanites and diamonds with a grade of H or better.

Modern cushion cut typically comes in various styles, each with its unique way of catching the light. The finished product may have a wide range of dimensions and shapes, although it often falls somewhere between a square with rounded corners and a more or less square form. An ideal option for the romantic would be a cushion-shaped diamond set in a delicate, feminine style.

How to Wear the Cushion Cut Moissanite and Diamond

For cushion settings, which let light into the gemstone and bring out its brightness, prong, and halo settings are perfect. A six-prong or double-prong setup for rectangular cushions is ideal, while a four-prong option lets in more light.

The prongs of cushion-cut moissanite or diamond set in platinum look beautiful and may enhance the stone’s sparkle. The halo setting accentuates the gem’s sparkle and protection, while the bezel reduces its size by blocking light.

Quick Tips for Cushion Cut Shoppers

Regarding carat size, rectangular cushion-cut moissanites and diamonds seem bigger than square ones, and high-quality elongated cushion-cut diamonds are more difficult to come by. This elongated cushion-cut diamond also tends to be more expensive than the square versions.

Crushed ice stones provide reflections that look like mirrors, making cushions a beautiful option for other fine jewelry. Also, cushions with a lot of bulk make pavilion aspects pop.

Here’s a video showing the elegance of the cushion-cut moissanite:

https://www.facebook.com/share/fEri8nKWELYwL82Y/?mibextid=roAVj8

Antique vs. Modified Brilliant Cushion Cuts

Two cushion cut moissanite gems on a grey backdrop, showcasing the history of the cushion cut moissanite.

The antique cushion cuts are different from other cushion cuts. The initial price is typically higher due to the scarcity of this cut. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity in the last year due to their decreased price and increased quality.

The antique cushion cut gives the stone a dome look and chunkier facets, even though it has a flat top. This cut also produces a lot of sparkle due to the more significant facets. Buyers may make the most of their cash since this cut effectively masks undesirable colors.

The softened, slightly pointed corners of a cushion cut give it a feminine air, while the sharply defined facets give it lots of fire. The aspects of even the most dazzling cushion cut are greater than those of other cuts.

In contrast to antique cushion cuts, modified brilliant cuts are designed to optimize refraction and brightness, so they may be a better choice if you’re looking for a gem with more considerable facets and a lot of sparkle.

While the antique cushion and modified brilliant cuts include “larger” faceting, the main distinction is the former’s presence or absence of “chunky” facets. Furthermore, contemporary sharp cushion cuts lack the antique cushions’ open, visible culet at the bottom and steeper crown.

Antique cushion cut diamonds and dazzling cushion cut diamonds both work well to mask certain hues. Buyers may go for less expensive diamonds and moissanites with more color while still enjoying the clarity of more costly stones; this is especially true when compared to crushed ice cushion cuts.

Pay close attention to the cut grade when dealing with naturally occurring hand-cut diamonds and moissanites. Most diamond cutters no longer bother with Old Mine cuts because of how much rough diamond is removed from the stone from beginning to end.

Final Thoughts

Characteristic of cushion-cut moissanites is their pillow-like form, which may be square or rectangular with rounded edges. This gemstone cutting style was inspired by the Old Mine cut which was fashionable during the Victorian and Edwardian eras and has been around for more than 200 years.

In contrast to contemporary cushion cuts, ancient cushion cut moissanites and diamonds have fewer facets, which gives them a softer, more romantic look. Cushion-cut gemstones have a wide range of stone forms and sizes.

FAQ

Does cushion moissanite look like diamond?

Yes, cushion-cut moissanite and cushion-cut diamond look very similar. The major difference between them is their chemical composition.

References

  1. Moissanite
  2. The History of Cushion-Cut Diamonds
  3. Diamond Mining in India

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