Cushions are soft-sided shapes that have a wide interpretation. Some are short and squatty, some almost square. You'll see almost oval or round and downright funky. There are ones that look very close to the old miner cut, some with antique-looking "fat facets" and open culets (pronounced Q-lets) and still others with that crushed ice look. I think they are among the most difficult to picture without a picture because of the immense variety of cut interpretations.

They are classic and they are the hybrid of square/rectangle and oval/round. So if you can't decide what you want, you might very well decide on a cushion and be very happy.

   
Diamond Shapes Photos are property and courtesy of Diamondsbylauren.com.

Like all diamonds, the CUT is king and the most important aspect of a beautiful diamond. This is more of a beauty pageant of cushion cuts. You won't find information on crown angles, light return, recommended depth percentages or sparkle meter power. It either works for you, or it doesn't. I'm not a cutter or a dealer so a list of numbers won't mean much to me. Besides, I won't be looking at a list of numbers on my hand. I'll be looking at a diamond. And I want to love what I see.

  
Photos are property and courtesy of Diamondsbylauren.com.

Sometimes I love a high crown and a small table, sometimes it's the facet pattern that has me at hello. Often, it's something about how the ring meshes with the side stones. You can't pick side stones based on carat weight. You simply have to lay the stones side by side to see if the proportions are right. You eyeball it. I know you were looking for a sexier explanation. But that's it. And don't think because it sounds easy that is is. It's not something everyone does well.

Diamonds are like snowflakes. No two diamonds are exactly alike. And quite frankly, that's the beauty of a diamond.

  
  
Cushion Cut Ring Gallery. Photos are property and courtesy of Diamondsbylauren.com.
Other diamond articles: Emerald cuts, Pink Diamonds, GIA Reports,  Guide to buying diamonds online.

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