Cushion cut engagement rings refer to the shape of the diamond. They are uniquely shaped and combine an antique cut with a sophisticated and romantic appeal. This style of engagement ring has been popular for a very long time. These rings are also described as pillow-cut because the softness of the edges, and candlelight cut because candlelight enhances the elegant beauty of these rings. The corners of these diamonds are rounded and they have larger facets. These two traits combine the beauty of the diamond from older times and give it a modern day twist, making it a popular choice.
After determining that the shape of cushion cut engagement rings are the perfect fit for personal style, there are now the Diamond 4C’s to take into consideration. These are cut, clarity, color, and carat. The cut and shape of a diamond are often confused, but the cut does not refer to the shape of the diamond. The cut actually refers to how the diamond has been cut in order to reflect the best light, or give it that fabulous sparkle. If the diamond has been cut properly, it will give off more reflection, but if cut wrong it will not have as much luster and shine.
Another thing to consider when looking for cushion cut engagement rings is clarity. Clarity refers to the imperfections that every diamond ring has. These imperfections are extremely small or microscopic and the diamonds with the least amount of imperfections have a higher clarity grade. Even when the diamond has a lower grade of clarity, it will have no negative effect on the beauty of the diamond. These small imperfections are what make each diamond different and a person can feel confident in knowing that although other diamonds may look similar to their own; they are not exactly the same.
The two final things to take into consideration when choosing the diamond are the carat and the color. When someone asks how many carats is your cushion cut engagement ring, they are referring to the weight of the diamond. Obviously if a diamond is cut properly then the more it weighs it also looks bigger. What not all people know is that diamonds are priced per carat and the bigger the diamond is the price per carat goes up. Meaning that the size of the diamond has a double effect the price per carat on a 2 carat diamond is higher than the price per carat of a 1 carat diamond and you multiply it in two...
Diamonds are graded from D-Z where D is most colorless and as we are getting closer to Z it becomes more yellow (but not enogh to be considered a yellow diamond). D is the highest grade possible when it comes to color and Z is the lowest and so do the prices. When buying cushion cut diamond we recommend not to go below G color and if the budget, especially if your engagement ring is made of white gold or platinum.
Sorry but there is no easy answer for that. All of the Diamond 4 C's have affect on the price of the diamond. Assuming that you are working with a limited budget you need to consider that if you reduce the quality of one of the C's you can increase the other and stay in the same price range. For example, you can choose a D color diamond (highest) but due to your budget you would have to settle for I1 clarity which is very low. A better use of your funds would be to choose a G color diamond and SI1 or even VS2 clarity.