One of the most important decisions when purchasing an engagement ring or special jewelry piece is selecting the perfect diamond for it. The total value of the piece will rely on it. However, the cushion cut and emerald cut that pop up immediately add to the confusion. While each cut has its charisma and merits, it’s intriguing to see the extent to which a lot of value one holds over the other. Let’s have a look at the factors involved in cushion cut and emerald cut diamonds and how they can help make the right decision.
The Basics of Cushion Cut and Emerald Cut Diamonds
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion-cut diamond sometimes referred to as the “pillow cut,” has a square with rounded corners that make up a soft, romantic shape. Typically it boasts 58 facets which gives birth to an excellent sparkle and depth. Cushion-cut diamonds originated in the 19th century but have gained popularity only recently as a characteristic of vintage-themed jewelry.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut is characterized as rectangular with cropped corners, presenting a step-cut arrangement of facets. While it typically will feature 58 facets, the cut trades brilliance for clarity, often making it appear less eye-catching but in a very dignified way. Because of its long, linear style, it is a favorite of those who like old-fashioned style.
Determinants of Diamond Value
With the “Four Cs” – Carat weight, Cut, Color, and Clarity, there are several significant factors that go into determining the value of a diamond. Let us know how these reflect on the value of cushion cut and emerald cut diamonds.
1. Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond, regardless of its cut, can be greatly impacted by its carat weight. While bigger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, their weights vary in cushion-cut and emerald cut, but the price per carat is different.
- Cushion Cut: The cushion cuts often appear bigger than a carat weight in reality, mainly because of the rounded edges and fuller appearance. That is why a 1.0-carat cushion cut would appear larger than a similar-weighted emerald cut.
- Emerald Cut: The emerald cut tends to be longer than most cuts, and a 1.0-carat emerald cut diamond can sometimes appear smaller than a cushion cut of the same carat weight. This will sometimes influence the price because consumers may pay more for diamonds that appear larger.
2. Cut Quality
Cutting influences how a diamond behaves under a tight spotlight. The quality of both cuts can be extremely high, but the characteristics of each cut give them different appearance differences.
- Cushion Cut: A cushion-cut diamond has many facets that make it sparkle like crazy and be lively and radiant. Even the quality of the cut may interact with the light to increase the worth of the stone.
- Emerald Cut: Not about sparkle, but clarity. The broad, flat facets of the emerald cut create this “hall of mirrors” effect, which can be dazzling when the diamond is sufficiently clear. For an emerald-cut diamond, quality matters since inclusions are always going to be more noticeable.
3. Color
Another factor determining the price of a diamond is the color. While cushion and emerald cuts can both be mixed in regards to color grades, cushion cuts, like emerald cuts, can be found anywhere from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z).
- Cushion Cut: Because light reflects off of a cushion-cut diamond differently, slight color tints can be masked better than with other cuts. A higher color grade (D-F), however, will bring brighter brilliance.
- Emerald Cut: Due to the larger table and fewer flashes, emerald cut diamonds are more sensitive to showing color. As a result, most buyers seek a color grade of G or higher to ensure the diamond will be white and sparkling.
4. Clarity
Clarity refers to the number of inclusions or blemishes present in a diamond. The higher the clarity grades, the more value-added is, especially in the case of emerald cuts.
- Cushion Cut: The details of the facets and how light might be refracted through it can be masked with inclusions in a cushion cut. This may mean that a stone whose clarity is not quite as high will still produce a fine-looking cushion.
- Emerald Cut: The nature of an emerald cut with fewer facets than some of the traditional cuts means that inclusions have a better chance of being visible. It’s not unusual for emerald cuts to be marketed with clarity of VS2 or higher as a beautifully appearing stone.
Market Trends and Preferences
Knowledge of the current trends in the market can also help in the valuation of cushion-cut and emerald-cut diamonds.
- Popularity of Cushion Cut: Cushion cuts have become very popular in recent times; they are generally seen in vintage or antique jewelry pieces. As the value increases in demand, therefore, the value of this high-quality cushion-cut diamond has been pushed.
- Emerald Cut Timelessness: Emerald cuts remain classy and elegant. In this regard, many celebrities and influential people love emerald-cut diamonds, which may enhance their value in the luxurious market.
Conclusion
Cushion cut versus emerald cut diamonds hold so much variety in their characteristics that influence value. Cushion cuts shine with a lovely romantic glow while emerald cuts exude the characteristics of class and sophistication. So in the end, the decision between the two will come down to individual preference and one’s style.
When you want a cushion cut or an emerald cut, visit Ritani is the place that will present you with the most beautiful set of cuts that have been excellently designed and crafted to fulfill your needs. Our team will help to lead you in the process of finding the ideal diamond you would love.