Are Cushion Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

Cushion cut diamonds, known for their soft, pillow-like shape, have gained considerable popularity in recent years. Many wonder if these unique stones are more expensive than other shapes. Understanding diamond pricing factors clarifies their market position. This article explores diamond value and how cushion cuts compare.

Factors Influencing Diamond Price

A diamond’s value is primarily determined by the “4 Cs”: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Carat refers to the diamond’s weight, with larger diamonds being rarer and generally more expensive. For instance, a 2-carat diamond can be significantly more costly than a 1-carat diamond, assuming other factors are equal, due to its increased rarity. Pricing is often per-carat, varying by overall quality.

The Cut of a diamond is arguably the most impactful C, as it dictates how effectively the stone interacts with light to produce brilliance and sparkle. This refers not to the diamond’s shape, but rather to the precision of its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond reflects light optimally, enhancing its beauty and commanding a higher price.

Color assesses the absence of color in a diamond, with the highest grades being completely colorless (D-grade). Diamonds with less color are rarer and more valuable.

Clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes within the diamond. Fewer imperfections result in a higher clarity grade and greater value.

Cushion Cut Pricing Compared to Other Shapes

Cushion cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round brilliant cut diamonds, which are often the most expensive diamond shape. On average, a cushion cut diamond can be 25% to 50% less expensive per carat than a round diamond of comparable quality. This price difference is partly due to the manufacturing process, as cutting a round brilliant diamond typically results in more rough material loss.

Market demand also plays a role, as round diamonds consistently hold the highest popularity, which contributes to their higher price point. While cushion cuts are popular, their demand is not as universally high as round brilliants, leading to a more accessible price.

Unique Characteristics of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds are distinguished by their soft square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. This shape blends antique charm with modern brilliance, making it a versatile choice for various jewelry styles. Modern cushion cuts evolved from Old Mine cuts, incorporating round brilliant features for enhanced sparkle.

Variations in faceting patterns contribute to the unique appearance of cushion cuts. Some display “chunky” facets, which are larger and create a distinct pattern. Other cushion cuts, often called “modified brilliant” or “crushed ice” variations, feature an additional row of facets that produce a more splintered, shimmering effect.

These differences in faceting, along with the diamond’s length-to-width ratio, allow for a wide range of aesthetic preferences.

Finding Value in Cushion Cut Diamonds

When purchasing a cushion cut diamond, consumers can prioritize certain characteristics to achieve optimal value. For instance, focusing on a strong cut grade is important for maximizing brilliance, while being slightly more flexible on color and clarity can offer cost savings without significant visual impact. Cushion cuts tend to show more color than round brilliants, so a color grade of H or better is often recommended for white gold or platinum settings. However, for yellow or rose gold settings, a J or I color grade may appear white due to the warmth of the metal.

Regarding clarity, cushion cuts with VS2 or SI1 grades often appear “eye-clean” because their brilliant faceting can mask minor inclusions. Buyers on a budget might even find eye-clean SI2 clarity diamonds. It is advisable to visually inspect the diamond to ensure imperfections are not large, dark, or centrally located.

Additionally, considering the depth and table percentages, generally under 70%, can help ensure a well-proportioned stone.