A magnificent Victorian ring. The 2.52 carat cushion cut diamond is set in a carved 18kt gold setting with Greek revival black enamel tracery decorating the gold. Circa 1870.

ABOUT THE CUSHION CUT

The cushion cut diamond was one of the most popular cuts of diamonds ever. For more than 70 years from 1830 to the turn of the century this was how diamonds were cut. Sometimes referred to as a "pillow cut", the cushion cut has an open culet (the bottom of the diamond) and a rectangular to square shape with rounded corners and a facet plan to give the diamond depth. The cushion cut diamond was cut for candle light. This is quite different from today's diamonds which are cut for brighter denser electric light. The beauty of a cushion cut is the depth of the diamond. The facets allow the eye to travel into the diamond. It is a calmer more soothing cut than a modern cut...and at a romantic candlelight dinner, the cushion cut is at its best. Most quality cushion cut diamonds are found only on the antique and estate market.