Stylish Cushion-Cut Gems
Big, Bold Gemstone Jewelry Captures the Eye and the Imagination
Oversized, colorful cushion-cut stones, from cherry-red rubies to juicy orange citrines, are filling jewelers' display cases
As the name implies, cushion cut gems have the appearance of puffy, squarish pillows. Until recently, the design was considered rather quaint and old-fashioned. In the last few years, however, as women have gravitated toward bigger and bolder stones, the deliciously rich and sumptuous appearance of the cushion cut has brought it back into vogue. A cushion cut stone is quite deep, giving a unique type of sparkle. It has the perfect look for an attention-getting cocktail ring, or any other piece of jewelry that demands to be noticed.
The Cushion Cut Queen
Award-winning designer Judith Ripka seems to have a fondness for the cushion cut. Many of her versatile pieces take full advantage of its beauty. The example shown here is the Cushion Ring from the Madeira Citrine Collection. It features a princess-worthy, 18-karat yellow gold setting with a rope motif on the band and a cushion-cut Madeira citrine with diamond accents. Like much of Ripka's jewelry, it has a certain understated elegance that can translate from day to evening wear.
King of the Cushion Cut
If Judith Ripka is queen of the cushion cut, then David Yurman is surely its king. He has fully embraced the style, which is used throughout his popular collection of luxurious gemstone jewelry. A perfect example is the Modern Cushion Statement Ring, one of the items in the David Yurman Classics Collection. The company describes it as a "modern deco design," and it features a large, cushion cut citrine accented with pavé diamonds. The ring is 18-karat gold in a with unique cable shank design. With it's glimmering, faceted surface capturing the light, this ring would work with a fancy evening outfit, or as an attention-getter with a less-flashy business suit.
The cushion cut adds pizazz to other types of gemstones besides citrines, as seen here in the David Yurman Blue Topaz Cushion Capri Drop Earrings. They feature sterling silver cables with blue topaz cushion cut drops and pavé diamond accents.
Classic Cushion Cuts
In contrast to modern cushion cut jewelry, older stones have a more flat-topped look. Probably the most famous cushion-cut stone in the world is the Regent Diamond, which can be seen at the Louvre in France. The raw stone, weighing a massive 426 carats, was found in India in 1698. It was cut in England, which took two years. The final stone, considered a "brilliant cushion cut" weighs 410 carats. It was acquired by the French court and worn for the first time by Louis XV in 1721. Throughout his reign, he reportedly enjoyed wearing it on his hat!
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