Optimal Characteristics of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Clarity

• Clarity is a primary concern when choosing a cushion-cut stone because the larger facets of this type of cut make inclusions more visible. Choose a diamond that is a minimum of SI2 on the diamond clarity scale. A rating of SI2 ensures that only slight inclusions are visible with the naked eye. If a cushion-cut diamond is graded lower in clarity, the inclusions can be quite prominent due to the larger facets.

Color

• Since its facets do not create the brilliance associated with many other diamond cuts, color is the second most important characteristic of a cushion-cut diamond. There will not be as much sparkle and fire to disguise or distract from a lower-colored stone. If you want the diamond to appear white, the color grade of the cushion-cut diamond should ideally be no lower than the G to I range. Diamonds graded G through I are nearly colorless to the untrained, naked eye. The only stones with less color are graded D through F.

Carat

• Smaller cushion-cut diamonds are difficult to find, as the large planes and facets are better obtained when cutting a larger stone. To fully appreciate the faceting pattern of a cushion-cut diamond, choose one that is no smaller than three-fourths of a carat. Any smaller and it will be harder to appreciate the unique character of your stone's cut.

Cut

• The measurements of a cushion-cut diamond vary from stone to stone. Some may be more rectangular, others are more square. Even the experts cannot agree on the optimal ratio of a cushion-cut diamond's length to its width. The Diamond Buying Guide recommends a cushion-cut diamond that features a length-to-width ratio of 1.20 to 1.30, while Blue Nile advocates a length-to-width ratio of 1.0 to 1.05. The ratio is a matter of personal preference, but be sure to choose a diamond with a cut quality grade of no less than "Good." Any lower and your diamond will not reflect light to its fullest potential.