A woman holds a rare elongated cushion cut yellow diamond engagement ring.
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Are Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds Rare?

Elongated cushion cut diamonds are rarer than the standard cushion cut diamonds, which tend to have a more square shape. This cut is gaining momentum because it offers a unique blend of the classic cushion cut's soft, rounded corners with the elongated shape that some buyers prefer for its slimming effect.

While the cushion cut is generally a historic and popular diamond shape, the elongated variation is less ubiquitous. This can make an elongated cushion cut diamond engagement ring a unique choice.

The popularity of different diamond cuts fluctuates over time, often influenced by fashion trends and evolving consumer preferences. The elongated cushion cut diamond, known for its timeless elegance, has experienced a resurgence on the market in recent years.

A woman holds a rare elongated cushion cut yellow diamond engagement ring.

A Symphony of Market Dynamics for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

Historically, the cushion cut was one of the most popular diamond shapes in the 18th and 19th centuries, favored for its rounded corners and larger facets that create a "pillowy" effect. However, with the rise of the round brilliant cut in the 20th century, the cushion cut saw a decline in popularity. It wasn't until the early 2000s that this cut began to make a comeback.

Today, the cushion cut is among the top choices for engagement rings, especially for those seeking a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. Its popularity has been further bolstered by its frequent appearance in celebrity engagements and high-profile events.

While there is growing interest in elongated cushion cuts, they still represent a niche within the market. Standard cushion cuts, with their more traditional square shape, continue to dominate. As a result, jewelers may focus more on producing and stocking standard cushion cuts, leading to fewer elongated options on the market.

A woman wearing black wears a lot of diamond jewelry, including an elongated cushion cut engagement ring.

The Magic of Length-to-Width Ratios in Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

The length-to-width ratio (L/W ratio) is a key factor in determining a cushion cut diamond's shape. This ratio is calculated by dividing the length of the diamond by its width. It gives an indication of how square or rectangular the diamond appears when viewed from above.

As the length-to-width ratio increases beyond 1.05, the cushion cut begins to take on a more rectangular shape. Ratios between 1.10 and 1.20 are considered slightly elongated, while ratios above 1.20 produce a noticeably elongated cushion cut.

The elongated cushion cut can create the illusion of a larger diamond and is often preferred by those who want a distinctive look. While the length-to-width ratio plays a crucial role in the diamond's appearance, sourcing a cushion cut diamond with a specific ratio can present challenges.

Cutting Constraints

Achieving a precise L/W ratio during the cutting process requires skill and expertise. The cutter must carefully balance the proportions to maintain the diamond's brilliance and symmetry while achieving the desired shape.

If the diamond rough doesn't lend itself to the specific ratio, the cutter may have to make compromises that could affect the diamond appearance and light performance.

Market Availability

The demand for cushion cut diamonds with certain L/W ratios can influence their availability. For example, while square cushion cuts with ratios around 1.00 are more common due to their widespread appeal, elongated cushion cuts with specific ratios are less prevalent.

Matching the Ratio With Other Qualities

Buyers seeking a specific L/W ratio often have additional criteria, such as carat weight, color, clarity, and overall cut quality. Finding a diamond that meets all these specifications, including the desired ratio, can be challenging. However, the master jewelers at Mark Broumand can help you find what you are looking for.

A woman holds an elongated cushion cut diamond engagement ring with a hidden halo.

 

The Mastery of Light: Cut Quality Considerations

Cut quality is critical in determining a diamond's brilliance. It refers to how well the diamond's facets are proportioned, affecting how light is reflected and refracted within the stone. In elongated cushion-cut diamonds, achieving optimal cut quality is particularly challenging due to the unique demands of the shape.

Proportional Balancing

One of the main challenges in cutting elongated cushion diamonds lies in balancing the proportions. The diamond cutter must carefully manage the length-to-width ratio, depth, and table size to ensure that the diamond maintains its brilliance.

An elongated shape, if not cut properly, can lead to issues like a "bow-tie" effect; a dark shadow that runs across the center of the diamond due to uneven light reflection.

Maintaining Symmetry

Symmetry is essential in any diamond cut, but it is tricky in elongated shapes. The facets need to be precisely aligned to avoid any visual distortions. Achieving perfect symmetry in an elongated cushion cut can be more complex than in a standard cushion cut due to the elongated proportions.

Light Performance

The cushion cut, whether square or elongated, is known for its "crushed ice" appearance, where light is scattered in various directions, creating a sparkling effect. Maintaining this level of brilliance is more difficult in elongated cushion cuts, as the longer shape can result in light leakage if the cut is not executed perfectly.

Mark Broumand's Selection of Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Jewelry

At Mark Broumand, we keep up with client preferences and demands. Our carefully curated collection of fine jewelry with elongated cushion cut diamonds is a dazzling display of creativity. Our master jewelers meticulously craft each piece.

We make sure that every diamond is cut to perfection, with great attention to detail that highlights the unique beauty of the elongated cushion shape. By combining craftsmanship with a deep understanding of our clients' desires, we offer a selection that is as rare as it is stunning.

Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, dainty earrings, or a pendant, we can help you find what you are looking for. You can visit our store in Los Angeles or contact us online to share your ideas.