History of Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut diamond is one of the most beloved and timeless diamond shapes in the world of fine jewelry. With its soft, rounded corners and brilliant faceting, this cut beautifully blends vintage charm with modern sparkle. At Robinson's Jewelers, we adore how cushion cuts capture the romance of bygone eras while remaining perfectly suited for contemporary engagement rings and statement pieces. Let's journey through the fascinating evolution of this iconic cut, from its origins as the old mine cut to today's dazzling brilliant variations.
The cushion cut's story begins in the 18th century with what jewelers now call the old mine cut. These early diamonds were hand-cut to maximize weight retention from rough stones, resulting in a distinctive shape with a high crown, small table, and large culet. The cut's name reflects its prevalence in jewelry from the "old mines" of India and Brazil, before African diamond sources were discovered. These diamonds had a charming, glittery appearance rather than the fiery brilliance we associate with modern cuts.
The Birth of the Cushion Cut
As cutting techniques advanced in the 19th century, the old mine cut gradually evolved into what we now recognize as the cushion cut. The new version maintained the original's rounded square shape but featured more symmetrical facets and better light performance. This transitional period created some of the most exquisite antique jewelry pieces treasured by collectors today. The cushion cut became particularly popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, often set in intricate filigree rings or paired with pearl accents.
The Modern Brilliant Cushion
In the 20th century, diamond cutters began applying the principles of the brilliant cut to the cushion shape, creating what we now call the cushion brilliant. This innovation added more facets - typically 58 - to enhance the diamond's fire and scintillation. The modern cushion brilliant combines the best of both worlds: the vintage appeal of the original cushion shape with the dazzling light performance today's buyers expect. At Robinson's Jewelers, we particularly love how this cut looks in halo settings, where the center stone's soft shape contrasts beautifully with the geometric sparkle of surrounding diamonds.
Why Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond?
Cushion cuts offer several unique advantages that make them perfect for bridal jewelry and special occasion pieces. Their larger facets and deep cut create exceptional brilliance, while the rounded corners make them more durable than sharp-cornered shapes like the princess cut. The cushion cut also tends to show color slightly more than round brilliants, which means a near-colorless stone can face up whiter than its grading suggests. For those who love vintage-inspired designs but want modern sparkle, the cushion brilliant is an ideal choice.
Cushion Cuts in Contemporary Jewelry
Today's designers are finding innovative ways to showcase cushion cut diamonds in both classic and avant-garde styles. We're seeing them set east-west in tennis bracelets, as center stones in three-stone rings symbolizing past, present and future, and even in striking drop earrings. At Robinson's Jewelers, we particularly love pairing cushion cut diamonds with rose gold for a warm, romantic look that nods to the cut's Victorian roots while feeling completely fresh and modern.
Caring for Your Cushion Cut Jewelry
Like all fine jewelry, cushion cut diamond pieces require proper care to maintain their beauty. We recommend professional cleaning every six months to keep your diamonds sparkling. For daily maintenance, a soft toothbrush with mild soapy water works well, especially for intricate pavé settings. Store your cushion cut jewelry separately to prevent scratches, and consider insurance for valuable pieces. Remember that the large facets of cushion cuts can show oil and dirt more noticeably than some other cuts, so regular gentle cleaning is especially important.
At Robinson's Jewelers, we're proud to offer an exquisite selection of cushion cut diamond jewelry, from anniversary bands to solitaire pendants. Whether you're drawn to the cut's historical significance or its romantic, soft-square silhouette, we'd love to help you find the perfect cushion cut piece to treasure for generations. Visit our showroom to see these luminous diamonds in person and experience their unique charm firsthand.