Cushion Cut Lab Diamonds
Looking for a diamond that combines timeless elegance with modern flair? Look no further than the cushion cut diamond. With its square or rectangular shape and rounded corners, the cushion cut is a classic yet versatile diamond cut that can complement any style of engagement ring or jewelry.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut diamond has been around for centuries and was originally known as the "old mine cut" because it was commonly used in mines during the 19th century. This cut has evolved over time, and today's cushion cut diamond is a modern take on the antique cut.
Characteristics
The cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, similar to a pillow or cushion. It has a larger facet pattern than other diamond cuts, which can make it appear more brilliant and lively. The cushion cut can also have a high crown and a small table, which can add to its sparkle.
Cushion cut diamonds are available in a range of sizes, from small to large, and can have varying depths and proportions. The depth and proportions of the cushion cut diamond can affect its appearance and brilliance, so it's important to consider these factors when selecting a stone.
Grading
Like all diamonds, cushion cut diamonds are graded based on their 4Cs: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
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Carat weight: The weight of the diamond in carats.
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Color: The absence of color in the diamond, graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown).
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Clarity: The presence of inclusions or blemishes in the diamond, graded on a scale from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye).
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Cut: The proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond, which can affect its sparkle and brilliance.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and other reputable grading labs provide grading reports for diamonds, which include detailed information about the 4Cs and other factors.
Pros of Cushion Cut Diamonds:
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Classic Elegance: Timeless and romantic appearance with rounded corners.
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Brilliance and Sparkle: Large facets for captivating brilliance and fire.
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Versatility: Available in various proportions to suit different styles.
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Hides Inclusions: Facet pattern can conceal small flaws, enhancing clarity.
Cons of Cushion Cut Diamonds:
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Lack of Standardization: Variability in proportions and appearance.
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Bowtie Effect: Some diamonds may exhibit a dark bowtie-shaped area in the center, affecting brilliance.
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Shape Variation: Length-to-width ratio can differ, impacting uniformity.
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Prone to Chipping: Soft corners may be more susceptible to damage.
Buying tips
When shopping for a cushion cut diamond, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Cut is important: The cut of the diamond can affect its beauty and value. Look for a cushion cut diamond with excellent or very good cut grades.
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Choose the right size: Consider the size of the diamond and how it will look on your finger. A larger diamond may have more impact, but a smaller diamond can be more affordable and still look beautiful.
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Consider color and clarity: These factors can affect the appearance and value of the diamond, but you may be able to find a diamond with slightly lower grades that still looks great to the naked eye.
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Shop with a reputable dealer: Look for a dealer who provides GIA or other reputable grading reports and has a good reputation for quality and service.
Were to Buy Cushion Cut diamonds
Numerous online retailers specialize in selling diamonds, including princess cut lab diamond. Make sure to choose well-established and reputable brand with customer reviews and certifications for their diamonds. Some popular online diamond retailers include Clean Origin, Ritani, With Clarity, James Allen.
Buy Wisely
Be sure to consider the 4 Cs of diamond quality when choosing your diamond, and choose a reputable retailer that offers warranties and return policies to ensure your satisfaction with your purchase.
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Are Lab-Grown Diamonds as Strong as Real Diamonds?Absolutely! Lab-created diamonds sit atop the list of hardest substances on earth, sharing the space with natural diamonds. In terms of strength, hardness, and durability, lab-grown diamonds are an equal match to natural diamonds.
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What are the raw materials used in creating lab-grown diamonds?You already know that the HPHT process uses a diamond wrapped inside a ball of carbon to create diamonds. However, what you don’t know is that an alloy of iron, nickel, or cobalt is usually used in the process too. If it’s the CVD method, hydrocarbon gases are used as carbon sources, and nothing else.
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How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Differ From Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite?Contrary to popular misconception, cubic zirconia and moissanite are NOT lab-grown diamonds. Although many people confuse them as synthetic diamonds, they are not related to diamonds (natural or lab-grown) in any way. In fact, both cubic zirconia and moissanite have physical, chemical, and optical properties vastly different from diamonds. They are what’s known commercially as “imitation diamonds.” So, if anyone is advertising cubic zirconia or moissanite jewelry as lab-grown diamond rings, necklaces, earrings, and so on, then avoid them altogether.
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Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Come In Different Colors?Yes, they do. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds often have subtle tints that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. A competent gemologist can differentiate between clear and colored lab-grown diamonds, although regular consumers may not be able to. Also, yes, their prices are closely related to their color. The crystal-clear lab-grown gems with no color tints command the highest price. In most cases, you’ll find a yellow or bluish tint, which indicates the presence of nitrogen and boron, respectively, in trace quantities. Also, CVD diamonds often have a brown tint to them. If you are looking for affordable colorless gems, then HPHT are the best lab grown diamonds for you. They are usually colorless but cost twice as much as CVD diamonds for the same reason.
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Do lab diamonds sparkle less?Lab-created diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds. Therefore, their ability to sparkle and reflect light is essentially the same. The sparkle of a diamond is determined by its cut, clarity, and the way light interacts with its facets, regardless of whether it's lab-grown or mined from the earth. When it comes to sparkle, the most important factor is the diamond's cut. A well-cut diamond will reflect and refract light in a way that maximizes its brilliance and sparkle. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can be cut to excellent standards, allowing them to exhibit exceptional sparkle. It's worth noting that the appearance of sparkle can also be influenced by other factors such as the quality of the cut, the presence of inclusions or flaws, and the overall design of the jewelry piece in which the diamond is set. These factors apply to both lab-created and natural diamonds.
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Will a lab diamond fail a diamond tester?No, a lab-grown diamond should not fail a diamond tester. Diamond testers are designed to determine whether a gemstone is a diamond based on its electrical and thermal conductivity properties. Both natural and lab-created diamonds have similar thermal conductivity, as they are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Therefore, a diamond tester should accurately identify a lab-grown diamond as a diamond. However, it's important to note that diamond testers are not foolproof and can sometimes give false positive or false negative results. Other gemstones or diamond simulants with similar thermal conductivity properties, such as moissanite, can sometimes yield positive results on a diamond tester. Therefore, it's recommended to use additional testing methods, such as visual inspection or professional gemological analysis, to confirm the identity of a gemstone.