Cushions............., how did they become sooo popular???

[diagem]

I cant help it but notice the fact that so many recent threads/interests are about Cushion shaped Diamonds...

What happened? What made them become so all over the place? Why do you think they are so popular?

I would love to hear some feedback!

*like for example: -what made you (Cushion lovers only) become aware of these shapes?

-Did you get into it from reading here on PS or from other places? If so where from?

-Why are you more into the modern or vintage/antique styles?

-What influences your decisions?

-Would you say Cushions are on the top popular shapes list?

PS''ers..., its your turn to give feedback''s on all the great Cushion threads, posts and education that are written here on PriceScope...

Thank you,

 

[Madam Bijoux]

I enjoy cushions because they look so different from all the other modern cuts, but they''re not exactly like Old European or Old Mine cuts either.

 

[sumbride]

I love them, but I''ve only seen ONE in real life and that was at a jewelry store when I asked them to bring one in for me to look at! I''ve never seen one on someone''s hand outside of PS. So while popular here in the PS world, it will be a while before it joins the ranks of Round and Princess.

 

[Rhea]

I love all the ones in your post, but the middle one makes my heart skip a beat!!

I have a friend who wanted an asscher but her budget meant that she couldn''t go larger than 3/4-1 carat and she wasn''t sure that she wanted an asscher of that size and definitely didn''t want a round. She ended up going with a cushion and I think that''s the first time I saw one.

I like antiques, in general. I like open culets and chunky facets. I love the way the culet reflects in some stones. The non-round but slightly soft shape is breathtaking.

I like antiques more because they aren''t perfect. My love of antiques is partly influenced by my perception of the diamond industry while still trying to balance a love of all things shiny.

No, I don''t think cushions are on the most popular list, but they sure have held their own over the previous decades keeping them in the most popular over a long period of time list. They are classic for sure!

 

[diagem]

Thank you M. Bijoux for your answer...

Date: 2/6/2008 2:40:26 PM
Author: sumbride
I love them, but I''ve only seen ONE in real life and that was at a jewelry store when I asked them to bring one in for me to look at! I''ve never seen one on someone''s hand outside of PS. So while popular here in the PS world, it will be a while before it joins the ranks of Round and Princess.

I must admit..., it seems like they are "only" popular here in our little PS world, but as I live deep inside the core of the cutting centers..., it seems as every manufacturer or cutting Co. these days are ''trying'' to cut these baby''s...

The problem is that Cushions are cut all over the place..., so many different varieties (shapes, cutting styles, faceting arrangements and appearances)..., but only a few Companies really know how to cut them in a fashion that Consumer really want...

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 2:55:29 PM
Author: Addy
I love all the ones in your post, but the middle one makes my heart skip a beat!!

I have a friend who wanted an asscher but her budget meant that she couldn''t go larger than 3/4-1 carat and she wasn''t sure that she wanted an asscher of that size and definitely didn''t want a round. She ended up going with a cushion and I think that''s the first time I saw one.

I like antiques, in general. I like open culets and chunky facets. I love the way the culet reflects in some stones. The non-round but slightly soft shape is breathtaking.

I like antiques more because they aren''t perfect. My love of antiques is partly influenced by my perception of the diamond industry while still trying to balance a love of all things shiny.

No, I don''t think cushions are on the most popular list, but they sure have held their own over the previous decades keeping them in the most popular over a long period of time list. They are classic for sure!

Cushions where cut up until the start of the 20th. Century pretty regularly..., but then production halted for decades up until they started being cut again right before the end of Millennium...

BTW..., Asschers too..., were cut in the beginning of the 20th. Century..., but stopped until they started being cut again around the year 1999 +/-

 

[milton333]

I used to want a cushion for my upgrade, years before I ever heard of PS, so it''s not just that they''re popular here. I liked the uniqueness of the shape, the lush pillowyness of it, and the less rigid faceting (less patterny, if that makes sense, almost more handcrafted looking). I guess I first saw one on a celebrity, maybe? Not sure how I came to know of them, but I''ve considered them for the better part of a decade, I''d say. I didn''t go that way with my upgrade because: (a) they''re difficult to find in person, (b) they''re extremely difficult to buy over the internet because you really have to see them, and (c) they show color and my budgeting puts me at a borderline color range for now.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I think what''s interesting about cushions is the versatility within the cut. The antique, chunky-faceted cushions look so much different that the more modern, brilliant-cut cushions. Also, the l:w ratio can vary widely.

When I first started looking at rings (several years ago) one salesman thought I might be interested in a cushion since I told him I liked asscher cuts. He brought out a cushion cut and while I loved the general shape, it was definitely a modern cushion with a crushed ice look that didn''t appeal to me. I didn''t really think about cushions again until a good friend got a beautiful antique ring with a swoon-worthy chunky cushion in pave setting--the difference between that cushion and the one I saw was like night and day. If I''d seen one of THOSE when I first started looking, I probably would have seriously considered getting one.

I''ll never forget the day when my friend called to tell me that she called off the engagement. She said "I knew a month ago that we would never work and that I had to call off the engagement, but giving up that ring was the hardest thing I''ve ever done." It was most definitely the kind of cushion that would make you think twice about ending a bad engagement.

 

[wen104]

I agree with Addy that one in the middle, boy that is beautiful. I like a nice cushion because I have always loved the shape of princess but the sparkle of the round. The cushion is like the perfect shape it sparkles like a round and can be square shaped at the same time!

 

[mela lu]

Great thread DiaGem!

I started off loving cushions...only wanted a cushion...until I got a ''fugly'' one at proposal time. Enter PS. I have since reset that ''dog'' as a pendant and replaced the engagement stone with a beautiful RB...

i digress....

My theory on the cushion BOOM is as follows. The average gal percieves RB''s to be ''average'' and just like their mom''s ring, therefore, they''re looking for something unique. They are tired of the Princess'' (as they had their boom a few years ago) and now TIffany''s has shown the world the beauty of their cushion.

The net effect is that the ''common folk'' wants a cushion not understanding the variations available...

Only those interested in the research (PS for example) end up with gorgeous cushions. IMO. We see a lot of those beauties here...but I have also seen a lot of poorly cut, non-graded Cushions floating around out there - waiting to take advantage of the uneducated buyer who just wants to make his girlfriend "happy" with a cushion.

Everyone I speak to these days, wants a cushion. They want it because it''s a) unique and b) square-ish without the harshness of the princess corners.

thats my take on it!

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:10:18 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
I think what''s interesting about cushions is the versatility within the cut. The antique, chunky-faceted cushions look so much different that the more modern, brilliant-cut cushions. Also, the l:w ratio can vary widely.

When I first started looking at rings (several years ago) one salesman thought I might be interested in a cushion since I told him I liked asscher cuts. He brought out a cushion cut and while I loved the general shape, it was definitely a modern cushion with a crushed ice look that didn''t appeal to me. I didn''t really think about cushions again until a good friend got a beautiful antique ring with a swoon-worthy chunky cushion in pave setting--the difference between that cushion and the one I saw was like night and day. If I''d seen one of THOSE when I first started looking, I probably would have seriously considered getting one.

I''ll never forget the day when my friend called to tell me that she called off the engagement. She said ''I knew a month ago that we would never work and that I had to call off the engagement, but giving up that ring was the hardest thing I''ve ever done.'' It was most definitely the kind of cushion that would make you think twice about ending a bad engagement.

NEL..., thanks for your story...

Great and Strong line!!!

 

[strmrdr]

whats old is new
fashion goes in circles

 

[mrssalvo]

I''d never heard of them until coming to PS. The first one I saw in person was a daniel K square cushion and it was love at first site. If we didn''t have a silly thing called a budget I would have bought that ring on the spot. I hope to someday, somehow own one. I just thing they are unique and yet amazing....

 

[TravelingGal]

I started looking at cushions I think when they were less popular here. Only MoreMoreMore's, Winnie's and Reena's come to mind. Oh and fatguy's. All the rings were gorgeous.

I knew I wanted the modern Jeff Cooper Setting, but didn't like the princess. I thought I wanted a jubilee. But in the end, the cushion I chose gave me the square shape without the depth of some of the other square shapes. At 64 depth, I thought it had a good spread for a square stone.

Plus TGuy "found" the stone in the online listings. It was just perfect...F/SI1 and ex/ex at just the right size. Honestly, at the time it felt like finding a needle in a haystack.

ETA wanted to say I know there were some other cushion rings along with the ones I mentioned above, but those four really stood out for me.

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:25:03 PM
Author: mela lu

Great thread DiaGem!

I started off loving cushions...only wanted a cushion...until I got a ''fugly'' one at proposal time. Enter PS. I have since reset that ''dog'' as a pendant and replaced the engagement stone with a beautiful RB...

i digress....

My theory on the cushion BOOM is as follows. The average gal percieves RB''s to be ''average'' and just like their mom''s ring, therefore, they''re looking for something unique. They are tired of the Princess'' (as they had their boom a few years ago) and now TIffany''s has shown the world the beauty of their cushion.

Do you mean the "Legacy"?

The net effect is that the ''common folk'' wants a cushion not understanding the variations available...

Would you believe even the "common cutter" does not have that understanding...

Only those interested in the research (PS for example) end up with gorgeous cushions. IMO. We see a lot of those beauties here...but I have also seen a lot of poorly cut, non-graded Cushions floating around out there - waiting to take advantage of the uneducated buyer who just wants to make his girlfriend ''happy'' with a cushion.

So true..., thats why education is education!!!

Everyone I speak to these days, wants a cushion. They want it because it''s a) unique and b) square-ish without the harshness of the princess corners.

thats my take on it!

Thank you for your in-take...,

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 2/6/2008 2:55:59 PM
Author: DiaGem
Thank you M. Bijoux for your answer...

Date: 2/6/2008 2:40:26 PM
Author: sumbride
I love them, but I''ve only seen ONE in real life and that was at a jewelry store when I asked them to bring one in for me to look at! I''ve never seen one on someone''s hand outside of PS. So while popular here in the PS world, it will be a while before it joins the ranks of Round and Princess.

I must admit..., it seems like they are ''only'' popular here in our little PS world, but as I live deep inside the core of the cutting centers..., it seems as every manufacturer or cutting Co. these days are ''trying'' to cut these baby''s...

The problem is that Cushions are cut all over the place..., so many different varieties (shapes, cutting styles, faceting arrangements and appearances)..., but only a few Companies really know how to cut them in a fashion that Consumer really want...

Exactly DG, there are so many variations possible within each facet structure type, and there are so many different structures.

There is between 18 and 20 variables for most variants. If you varied each of these by 10 degrees or % in steps of .5, a mathemetician could tell us what 20 to the power of 20 = as combination variations. It is a lot - maybe a billion.

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:29:34 PM
Author: strmrdr
whats old is new
fashion goes in circles

True..., but a classic will stay a classic...

I still cant point my finger if this is a wild ''trend''..., it might eventually fade out a bit..., but I think Cushions are for the long run this time around,,,

They just have/need to be cut properly

.

 

[bee*]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:17:20 PM
Author: wen104
I agree with Addy that one in the middle, boy that is beautiful. I like a nice cushion because I have always loved the shape of princess but the sparkle of the round. The cushion is like the perfect shape it sparkles like a round and can be square shaped at the same time!

I agree with you. This is why I love them. They''re so sparkly and I adore the shape. That middle one is my favourite also.

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:32:31 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I''d never heard of them until coming to PS. The first one I saw in person was a daniel K square cushion and it was love at first site. If we didn''t have a silly thing called a budget I would have bought that ring on the spot. I hope to someday, somehow own one. I just thing they are unique and yet amazing....

mrs S,

Do you happen to remember what year the Daniel K Cushion line was launched off?

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 3:42:35 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 2/6/2008 2:55:59 PM
Author: DiaGem
Thank you M. Bijoux for your answer...

Date: 2/6/2008 2:40:26 PM
Author: sumbride
I love them, but I''ve only seen ONE in real life and that was at a jewelry store when I asked them to bring one in for me to look at! I''ve never seen one on someone''s hand outside of PS. So while popular here in the PS world, it will be a while before it joins the ranks of Round and Princess.

I must admit..., it seems like they are ''only'' popular here in our little PS world, but as I live deep inside the core of the cutting centers..., it seems as every manufacturer or cutting Co. these days are ''trying'' to cut these baby''s...

The problem is that Cushions are cut all over the place..., so many different varieties (shapes, cutting styles, faceting arrangements and appearances)..., but only a few Companies really know how to cut them in a fashion that Consumer really want...

Exactly DG, there are so many variations possible within each facet structure type, and there are so many different structures.

There is between 18 and 20 variables for most variants. If you varied each of these by 10 degrees or % in steps of .5, a mathemetician could tell us what 20 to the power of 20 = as combination variations. It is a lot - maybe a billion.

Right Garry..., there goes the idea of "idealising" these puppies (out the near future''s window)...

, thank god...

 

[Sparkalicious]

I''d never heard of them before coming to PS ...

I fell in love with them b/c they are gorgeous. I love the chunky faceting that allows for sparkle & the fact that they are a little different from the standard round or princess cuts that are seen so regularly.

I think the fact that places like Tiffany''s have "introduced" cushions, i.e., the Novo, in a large way, that people are gaining more interest.

If I had known about cushions before deciding on my round, I think that I would have gone with one of these lovelies ... maybe one just like the center one posted in your pic above. Just gorgeous.

 

[diagem]

I do notice that a lot love the square Cushion Shapes..., anyone for elongated ones???

I actually prefer elongated ones...

 

[pauly1]

I decided on a cushion mainly because they are all over the map; and originality is something I knew she wanted in both the stone and setting. Telling someone, "I bought a cushion cut" is like saying "I bought a car".

Even if you have the lab report on paper, until you actually see the stone in person, "cushions are a box of chocolates, you never know what you''re going to get."

If I had to pin down one stone that sold me, definitely Boston Jeff''s.

- Forrest

 

[mela lu]

I would agree. Boston Jeff''s (for me) is cream.

 

[TravelingGal]

I would love a chunkier cushion (ala BJ''s) if I could have the larger size. I do believe that cushions just look better when bigger. Smaller cushions kind of loose that chunkier look and often get mistaken for a round (or in my case, a princess). Still, even at a carat weight like mine (just over one), I love the smaller table and steeper crowns. And the kite facets too!

 

[pixley]

I''m all for the elongated styles (stone #4 is right up my alley). I''ve never wanted a round or princess cut, but always liked the look of emerald cuts and stones that draw you in with stepped facets, however, I prefer softer rounded edges, and old fashioned cushions satisfy both aesthetic tendencies for me. I discovered them when the Tiffany Legacy rings started to get introduced to the public and really loved Ashley Judd''s gigantic cushion. The modern cushions don''t have the same appeal to me as they don''t draw my eye into the stone as much as the antique styles.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don''t think I have ever seen one in real life. But yours are the most beautiful diamonds I have ever seen, DG. I guess it''s good they aren''t accessible, because then I would have a dilemma! But I''d never settle for an ordinary cushion after seeing yours.

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/6/2008 4:27:46 PM
Author: TravelingGal
I would love a chunkier cushion (ala BJ''s) if I could have the larger size. I do believe that cushions just look better when bigger. Smaller cushions kind of loose that chunkier look and often get mistaken for a round (or in my case, a princess). Still, even at a carat weight like mine (just over one), I love the smaller table and steeper crowns. And the kite facets too!

Yes..., some of the modern cut''s do resemble rounds when cut to small sizes..., but if they are cut weirdly..., you will definitely notice a different cut than rounds...
Example: 0.07ct to 0.12ct range...

 

[sumbride]

Date: 2/6/2008 4:17:51 PM
Author: DiaGem
I do notice that a lot love the square Cushion Shapes..., anyone for elongated ones???


I actually prefer elongated ones...

me too. #4 makes me VERY happy!

 

[diagem]

These___________ make who''s heart tick???