Along with round, princess cut and oval shaped diamonds, Cushion shaped diamonds are among the most well-known cuts.

A Cushion cut diamond has a square or square-rectangular shape with rounded corners and 58 brilliant-style facets that resemble a pillow shape. Cushion Cuts have very thin girdles and bigger culets than today’s full-cut diamonds.  Older Cushion Cut stones return light in blocky patterns; newly cut ones return light in needle like patterns.

Beginnings and rise in popularity of cushion cut diamonds

When the cushion cut was developed a few hundred years ago, the dominant style of diamond faceting was known as step-cutting. During the 17th century, cutters began to experiment with perpendicular (as opposed to horizontal) facets that acted as reflectors to give stones greater brilliance and fire.  This new style became known as “brilliant cutting” because of the noticeably greater glitter it gave to diamonds. The term brilliant is French in origin and was, at first, used to describe the ends achieved with the new cutting style. Once the first true round brilliant was introduced in the late 19th century, it replaced the antique cushion. Nowadays, all cushion cuts that were produced before the round brilliant are called “old miners” and all early round brilliants are called “old European cuts.”

Cushion Cuts first became popular again about ten years ago, and their popularity has increased as designers and antique dealers continue to use them. Recently, cushion cut diamonds are especially being used in larger-carat earrings and also as a center stone in engagement rings. To some modern jewellery designers in Sydney the cushion cut is seen as an antique style, while some see it as an enduring classical style that can be adapted to the present.

Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds – What you need to know

Cushion Cuts offer a lot of weight at a moderate price compared to that of a Round brilliant cut diamond. Larger Cushion Cut diamonds sell for about 30 percent less than full-cuts of the same weight. The most popular sizes are .75 to 1.5 carats. The availability of 2 carats and up is a problem because of the high demand for larger stones, both by antique dealers for replacement or repair and by jewellery designers.

When buying a cushion shape diamond, look for good clarity and colour. Because Cushion Cuts have very thin girdles, girdles on older ones are often chipped. Look for Cushion Cuts that are symmetrical; ones that are uneven may be difficult to use. Experienced jewellery designers will choose a mounting that’s appropriate for the softer reflections and refractions of a Cushion Cut.

The Princess cut is the second most popular cut shape for diamonds after the round brilliant cut. The face-up shape of the princess cut is square or rectangular and the profile or side-on shape is similar to that of an upside down pyramid. The princess cut is a new diamond cut, having been created in the 1960s. It has gained in popularity in recent years as a more distinctive alternative to the more popular round brilliant cut. A princess cut with the same width as the diameter of a round brilliant will weigh more as it has four corners which would otherwise have been cut off and rounded to form a round brilliant.

The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a square modified brilliant. However, while displaying the same high degree of brilliance, its faceting style is unique and completely different from that of a round brilliant. Effectively, the Princess cut combines the high degree of light return of a round brilliant cut with a distinctive square or rectangular shape.

The square princess cut diamond is usually slightly cheaper than round brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight because it retains about 80% of the rough diamond, as opposed to the round brilliant which retains only about 50% of the rough. The ability to retain more crystal weight makes this shape popular amongst diamond cutters.

The name “Princess Cut” was originally used in connection with another diamond cut, otherwise known as the “Profile” cut, designed by Arpad Nagy, a London cutter, in 1961. The same name was later used and made popular by Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and Israel Itzkowitz in Israel in 1979. A similar cut with only 49 facets, as opposed to the original 58 facets of the princess cut, was later branded the “Quadrillion” and initially distributed by Ambar Diamonds in Los Angeles. Three years of optical research yielded a square stone with faceting similar to that of a round brilliant cut diamond.

When you want to buy a diamond, there are a lot of different type of diamond cuts and shapes available. Of all the diamond shapes, the Round cut diamond is the most well-known and is most often used in engagement rings and wedding rings. Though its shape is very simple, its brilliance and elegance is unmatched.

The Round cut diamond is often referred to as the Round Brilliant Cut or Brilliant Cut.

With over three quarter of all diamonds used in jewellery designs being a Round Brilliant Cut diamond, we can argue that it is not only the most recognisable cut but also the most popular diamond cut. This is because a round diamond has the greatest brilliance and fire when compared to the other diamond shapes.

The Round Brilliant Cut was developed by Marcel Tolkowsky around 1919 as part of his PhD thesis in mathematics. Tolkowsky developed the Round Brilliant Cut by considering variables such as the index of refraction and covalent bond angles in his calculation that produces the maximum fire and brilliance of the stone.

Even, nearly 200 years later, the Round diamond is still the most popular choice for people buying a diamond, followed by the Princess Cut diamond. The Princess Cut diamond is square in shape and due to its shape; it does not sparkle as much as the Round diamond.

Why Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Are More Expensive Than Other Cuts

Rough diamonds are formed in an octahedron shape. When the rough is cut in half, you are left with 2 square faced halves. For a diamond cutter to transform the rough into a round brilliant cut diamond, roughly 35% of the diamond is lost therefore there is a lot of wastage and money lost in the process.

Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

One reason Round Cut diamonds are popular in engagement rings, is because the shape does not limit the designing of the engagement ring. It can be used with any other diamond shape, be positioned on its own, which we call a solitaire ring or be displayed in a three stone setting. The round cut diamond can also be used as accent stones for pave and channel settings.

Buying A Round Diamond – What You Need To Know

Before going out and buying a round cut diamond, it is a good idea to try to find out which diamond shape your significant other preferred. Obviously you want to buy for her the diamond and diamond ring she has always dreamt about. If you are trying to keep the process a secret, ask a friend of hers to find out for you.

As far as the diamond is concerned, of course a GIA certified diamond is a necessity; this eliminates the worry and the heartache of doubting your supplier. A GIA certificate tells you what the diamond is how well it is cut, it’s polish and Symmetry and whether the diamond has fluorescence. Most GIA certified diamonds have their certificate number lazer inscribed on the girdle of the diamond.

Triple Excellent Cuts Explained

Only with round brilliant cut diamonds does GIA specify cut (total brilliance) the cut of the diamond determines how much light is transferred through the diamond back to the viewers vision. Cuts can be good very good or excellent, the best being excellent. The difference between a very good cut and an excellent cut diamond is minimal to an untrained eye. However it would make a difference to the overall price of the diamond.

The other elements that can be excellent are the polish and Symmetry, the polish in the diamond is the smoothness of each and every facet, after cutting a diamond into it’s 57 o facets, the diamond cutter goes over each facet in the diamond and makes sure that there are no polishing lines left on the facets, provided that there are no polishing lines left on any of the 57 facets the diamond is graded as having an excellent polish.

Think of Symmetry as dissecting anything and having two parts that are similar in every way. Same with a diamond if dissected into two, both sides should be exactly and equally similar, in a Round brilliant cut, if the diamond is cut into 8 equal parts all facets on all the 8 parts should be exactly similar for the diamond to be called excellent in it’s symmetry.

Does excellent symmetry mean that the diamond sparkles more. The answer is No. The diamond is brighter when the angle of the pavilion is at it’s optimum, so is the angle of the crown, and the overall depth of the diamond is in perfect proportion to the size of the table, hence capturing and reflecting every bit of light that has gone into the diamond.

Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. Fluorescence in diamonds is the visible light some diamonds emit when they are put under UV (Ultraviolet) rays. As listed on GIA certificates, fluorescence refers to the intensity, or strength, of the diamonds reaction to the long wave Ultraviolet light.

Is Fluorescence common?

To put it simply, Yes. Of all the diamonds that have been submitted to GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) 25% to 35% of them have some level of fluorescence.

What effect does fluorescence have on how my diamond looks?

GIA studies have shown that for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no noticeable effect on appearance. Less than 0.2% of diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence exhibit a hazy or oily look.

Are diamonds weaker if they have fluorescence?

No. A diamond with fluorescence is as strong as one that does not contain fluorescence.

We hope you find this article useful. At Australian Diamond Brokers, we have expert diamond graders onsite who can answer all your questions about diamonds and buying diamonds. You can contact us by email, phoning in or visit us at our store without fear of being forced to buy anything.

If you are searching for “diamonds Auckland”, then you have come to the right website. Australian Diamond Brokers sell diamonds all over Australia including Auckland.

Diamonds Auckland – Buying or Searching Is Easy

	Use our diamond search form to select your desired diamond or diamonds. Once you’ve found a diamond that you like, contact us by completing the enquiry form for that diamond.
	If you don’t have time to use our extensive diamond search and you know what you want, you can send an email to sales@australiandiamondbrokers.com and we will reply to you shortly. Or use the Chat feature located on the top left of our website.
	You can also call us on 02 9232 2328 to speak to our friendly staff.

Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers

When you buy Diamonds Auckland from Australian Diamond Brokers, we will:

• Give you free unbiased advice for you to make the right buying decision
• Give you the best price for our quality certified diamonds
• Ship them out to you via secured courier or mail within 24 hours provided they are in stock
• Design a ring to go with your diamond or diamonds. Or check our Diamond Jewellery page for our existing jewellery designs.

What makes Australian Diamond Brokers different?

• Design
• Quality
• Certified diamond graders in-house
• Price
• Value for money
• Care and Attention
• Service, contact, communication
• Knowledge and experience

Don’t limit yourself to a small number of diamond brokers in Auckland. Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers.

When you think “diamonds Auckland”, think Australian Diamond Brokers. What can we do for your today?

Diamonds in Auckland | Diamonds Auckland | Auckland Diamonds

If you are searching for “diamonds Gold Coast”, then you have come to the right website. Australian Diamond Brokers sell diamonds all over Australia including Gold Coast.

Diamonds Gold Coast – Buying or Searching Is Easy

	Use our diamond search form to select your desired diamond or diamonds. Once you’ve found a diamond that you like, contact us by completing the enquiry form for that diamond.
	If you don’t have time to use our extensive diamond search and you know what you want, you can send an email to sales@australiandiamondbrokers.com and we will reply to you shortly. Or use the Chat feature located on the top left of our website.
	You can also call us on 02 9232 2328 to speak to our friendly staff.

Did you know there are only 7 diamond merchants in Gold Coast?

According to Yellow Pages, there are only 7 diamond merchants in Gold Coast, this really limits your option and ability to get the best price when you are searching for “diamonds Gold Coast”.

When you buy Diamonds Gold Coast from Australian Diamond Brokers, we will:

• Give you free unbiased advice for you to make the right buying decision
• Give you the best price for our quality certified diamonds
• Ship them out to you via secured courier or mail within 24 hours provided they are in stock
• Design a ring to go with your diamond or diamonds. Or check our Diamond Jewellery page for our existing jewellery designs.

What makes Australian Diamond Brokers different?

• Design
• Quality
• Certified diamond graders in-house
• Price
• Value for money
• Care and Attention
• Service, contact, communication
• Knowledge and experience

Don’t limit yourself to a small number of diamond brokers in Gold Coast. Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers.

When you think “diamonds Gold Coast”, think Australian Diamond Brokers. What can we do for your today?

Diamonds in Gold Coast | Diamonds Gold Coast | Gold Coast Diamonds

If you are searching for “diamonds Wollongong”, then you have come to the right website. Australian Diamond Brokers sell diamonds all over Australia including Wollongong.

Diamonds Wollongong – Buying or Searching Is Easy

	Use our diamond search form to select your desired diamond or diamonds. Once you’ve found a diamond that you like, contact us by completing the enquiry form for that diamond.
	If you don’t have time to use our extensive diamond search and you know what you want, you can send an email to sales@australiandiamondbrokers.com and we will reply to you shortly.  Or use the Chat feature located on the top left of our website.
	You can also call us on 02 9232 2328 to speak to our friendly staff.

Did you know there are only 22 diamond merchants in Wollongong?

According to Yellow Pages, there are only 22 diamond merchants in Wollongong, this really limits your option and ability to get the best price when you are searching for “diamonds Wollongong”.

When you buy Diamonds Wollongong from Australian Diamond Brokers, we will:

• Give you free unbiased advice for you to make the right buying decision
• Give you the best price for our quality certified diamonds
• Ship them out to you via secured courier or mail within 24 hours provided they are in stock
• Design a ring to go with your diamond or diamonds. Or check our Diamond Jewellery page for our existing jewellery designs.

What makes Australian Diamond Brokers different?

• Design
• Quality
• Certified diamond graders in-house
• Price
• Value for money
• Care and Attention
• Service, contact, communication
• Knowledge and experience

Don’t limit yourself to a small number of diamond brokers in Wollongong. Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers.

When you think “diamonds Wollongong”, think Australian Diamond Brokers. What can we do for your today?

Diamonds in Wollongong | Diamonds Wollongong | Wollongong Diamonds

If you are searching for “diamonds Newcastle”, then you have come to the right website. Australian Diamond Brokers sell diamonds all over Australia including Newcastle.

Diamonds Newcastle – Buying or Searching Is Easy

	Use our diamond search form to select your desired diamond or diamonds. Once you’ve found a diamond that you like, contact us by completing the enquiry form for that diamond.
	If you don’t have time to use our extensive diamond search and you know what you want, you can send an email to sales@australiandiamondbrokers.com and we will reply to you shortly.  Or use the Chat feature located on the top left of our website.
	You can also call us on 02 9232 2328 to speak to our friendly staff.

Did you know there are only 2 diamond merchants in Newcastle?

According to Yellow Pages, there are only 2 diamond merchants in Newcastle, this really limits your option and ability to get the best price when you are searching for “diamonds Newcastle”.

When you buy Diamonds Newcastle from Australian Diamond Brokers, we will:

• Give you free unbiased advice for you to make the right buying decision
• Give you the best price for our quality certified diamonds
• Ship them out to you via secured courier or mail within 24 hours provided they are in stock
• Design a ring to go with your diamond or diamonds. Or check our Diamond Jewellery page for our existing jewellery designs.

What makes Australian Diamond Brokers different?

• Design
• Quality
• Certified diamond graders in-house
• Price
• Value for money
• Care and Attention
• Service, contact, communication
• Knowledge and experience

Don’t limit yourself to a small number of diamond brokers in Newcastle. Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers.

When you think “diamonds Newcastle”, think Australian Diamond Brokers. What can we do for your today?

Diamonds in Newcastle | Diamonds Newcastle | Newcastle Diamonds

If you are searching for “diamonds Perth”, then you have come to the right website. Australian Diamond Brokers sell diamonds all over Australia including Perth.

Diamonds Perth – Buying or Searching Is Easy

	Use our diamond search form to select your desired diamond or diamonds. Once you’ve found a diamond that you like, contact us by completing the enquiry form for that diamond.
	If you don’t have time to use our extensive diamond search and you know what you want, you can send an email to sales@australiandiamondbrokers.com and we will reply to you shortly. Or use the Chat feature located on the top left of our website.
	You can also call us on 02 9232 2328 to speak to our friendly staff.

Did you know there are only 2 diamond merchants in Perth?

According to Yellow Pages, there are only 2 diamond merchants in Perth, this really limits your option and ability to get the best price when you are searching for “diamonds Perth”.

When you buy Diamonds Perth from Australian Diamond Brokers, we will:

• Give you free unbiased advice for you to make the right buying decision
• Give you the best price for our quality certified diamonds
• Ship them out to you via secured courier or mail within 24 hours provided they are in stock
• Design a ring to go with your diamond or diamonds. Or check our Diamond Jewellery page for our existing jewellery designs.

What makes Australian Diamond Brokers different?

• Design
• Quality
• Certified diamond graders in-house
• Price
• Value for money
• Care and Attention
• Service, contact, communication
• Knowledge and experience

Don’t limit yourself to a small number of diamond brokers in Perth. Buy your diamonds from Australian Diamond Brokers.

When you think “diamonds Perth”, think Australian Diamond Brokers. What can we do for your today?

Diamonds in Perth | Diamonds Perth | Perth Diamonds