Cushion-cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings.
If you've found the right fit for your ring, the next step is to choose a setting. It can serve as a perfect addition to your ring and enhance your personal style.
Let's explore the seven best settings for cushion cut diamonds so you know which one is right for you.
1. Patience
The solitaire setting is a wonderful choice for a cushion cut because it focuses all attention on the diamond. There are no other gems surrounding or lining the complex.
It is the most common choice for diamonds for engagement rings.
I actually chose a James Allen solitaire for my wife's engagement ring.
In this category, there are many options.
The pad cut can be held by a set of solitaires with four or six prongs, and these prongs can be flat or claw-shaped.
For example,this solitaire setupIt has four claw teeth.
The protrusions eschew the simplistic design, crossing over each other as they extend towards the diamond. From top to bottom, it looks like a classic solitaire, but the aesthetic is unique in profile.
Other solitaire settings for cushion cut diamonds include acathedral arch.
check outthis stunning example in platinum.
The arc forms two triangular gaps on each side of the diamond.
With a high setting, the diamond captures and reflects more light, which enhances its brilliance.
Another benefit of putting your cushion in a solitaire ring is that it is cheaper than the one with extra diamonds.
You can save with a higher carat weight or with improved color, cut, or clarity qualities.
2. Vintage
Cushions are considered vintage, so it's appropriate to place them in this style of environment.
They look like those used during the Art Deco and Victorian eras. It is important to note that vintage or antique environments do not always refer to their actual age.
Today's jewelers still create vintage environments.
An identifying feature of these rings is the detail.
You will often findmilgrain, which are small metal beads that coat the ribbon.
To illustrate,this engagement ring settingit has milgrain that runs through the ring as it gets closer to the diamond.
It involves six tones that are placed inside the ring.
Rotate the image 360 degrees and examine the details found in each corner.
In this way, it challenges the simple design of a solitaire game and instead offers a lot to admire.
the milgrain upthis vintage sceneryit's thinner.
When viewed up close from top to bottom, the detail is apparent but matches the profile design.
Others feature twisted metal threads called filigree.
But the vintage settings aren't meant to distract from the diamond at their center. Instead, it presents it in an elegant way where the intricate details complement the diamond.
This contrasts with dazzling scenarios where the main stone is lost among paved diamonds.
I recommend antique cathedral settings for cushioned cuts because their arches display the diamond prominently above the ring.
3. Halo
Halo settings are named after the circle of small diamonds that surround the main one.
There are manytypes of halos for diamond rings. The most popular are single and double halos. Each creates the illusion of a larger diamond center.
This is an effective way to save money on a cushion cut diamond ring because the total carat weight is spread over several gemstones.
The reason halo settings are combined with cushion cuts is because the halo often complements the main diamond shape.
I getthis halo setupas an example.
Twenty round diamonds surround the center-cut pad. The unique shape of the cushion cut is still visible, but from a distance it will mimic a round cut.
Another halo style is ahidden halo.
A band of diamonds wraps around the top of the ring in a position that is hidden from view from top to bottom. It is only visible in the profile.
Despite its limited visibility, its brilliance increases the diamond's apparent size by up to 15%.
When you add more paved diamonds to the rod, as inthis configurationyou have a shiny ring that shines from every angle.
The platinum belt combines with the colorless cushion to create an elegant aesthetic.
4. Tripetro
Three-stone configurations get their name because there is an additional gem on each side of the main one.
You will find versions where the central diamond is larger than the other two, but other times they are all the same size.
The reason three stone settings are a great choice for cushion cut diamonds is because they add sparkle to the piece.
One ofcushion cutting benefitsit is a strong fire, so this combination produces a glow when the surrounding diamonds sparkle.
check outthis three stone diamond ring.
There is a cushion cut in the middle with a pair of round cuts. It's a stunning piece when viewed from the front because all three diamonds flash, but rotate the image to find out how it looks from all angles.
One of the most popular designs features conical baguettes such asthis configuration. Produces a more subtle sparkle because baguette diamonds are not known for their light performance.
5. French Pavé
There are manytypes of floor configurations. It refers to small diamonds placed in the ring. They often weigh less than 0.01 carats.
Each style complements the pillows in its own way.
French pavement configurations, also known as the “fishtail setting,” features diamonds that sit in V-shaped grooves in the ring. This shape exposes the pavilion of the diamond, which enhances its brilliance.
It contrasts with other paving styles where the support is blocked by the tooth that holds it. The protrusions are also more visible, so it doesn't look like the ring is made of diamonds.
When you view French pavers from a distance, there is the illusion of a continuous row of diamonds running along the band.
To capture the uniqueness of the French Cut settings, I've posted the example below in profile view.
Instead of the traditional paved diamonds on the ring, notice the V-shaped holes.
The shades enhance the sparkle of a cushioned diamond ring and blend well with its cushioned shape.
6. East-West
East-West Settingsorient the diamond horizontally in the ring. Although they have recently gained popularity, they are not a new arrangement.
The difference of this style from the classic is immediately apparent.
Often used for cutting pillows.
For example,here's an east-west scenario.
The rectangular shape of this pillow is most apparent in this position.
In fact, I recommend choosing this setting for padded cuts that have a higher length-to-width ratio.
Since East-West settings emphasize the horizontal shape of a diamond, they are not as effective if the ratio is close to one.
It also has the ability to make the diamond look bigger. The way it stretches across the width of the finger creates this effect.
East-West design is not exclusive. Combine it with paver, halo or frame configurations.
this editionit has small diamonds lining the stem on both sides.
They climb the ring to find the four prongs that hold the horizontally cut pillow.
Choose a solitaire variation or one with diamonds around it, placing your faceted cushion in an East-West settingoffers an alternative to traditional designs.
7. Canal
The hallmark of a flute setting is the grooves in the shank that hold small diamonds. At first glance, you might think it's set because of the way the diamonds are placed along the bracelet.
But if you take a closer look, you'll notice that they aren't defined.no moleof the ring, butinside it. A small ledge hangs from the edge of these details to keep them in place.
Here is an example of a channel tuning pad cut in 14k white gold that shows this quality.
It is also useful to view it from the profile, as in this image.
Similar to a pavé, it adds a little shine to the piece to compensate for the cushion's lack of shine compared to the round.
But because the diamonds are in the groove rather than the top, pavé diamonds generally have a stronger light output. Expect more subtlety with a channel setup.
The most popular version features round-cut highlights to complement the cushioned cut, but you can also find them with baguettes.