Diamond Face-Off: Modified Brilliant vs. Antique Cushions
Unlike other gem cuts, cushions have more than one popular type of cut: the Modified Brilliant Cut and the Antique Cushion Cut, also known as the Old Mine Cut. Modified brilliant cushion cuts have always been one of the top five most popular options for engagement rings, but in the last year, antique cushions have slowly been moving their way up.
The cut is one of the most significant aspects of the diamond; it affects everything from the shape to the amount of fire the diamond offers. Although both cuts are part of the cushion family, their faceting is what truly sets them apart.
Modified Brilliant Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond is classified by its square or rectangular shape with soft, rounded edges, which takes on a pillow-like appearance. Marked by crisp facets that capture natural light, this brilliant cut amplifies that stunning sparkle everyone equates with diamond rings. The face-up appearance of the stone is increased thanks to the distributed weight of the facets across the surface, creating a stone that looks larger than other cuts, even though they might be the same carat weight and have similar dimensions.
For a Modified Brilliant Cushion cut, we recommend opting for a GIA color grade of I color or above if you want a whiter appearance. Depending on the types of inclusions, SI2 and above can be acceptable for cushions.
Check out some of our most popular natural and lab-grown brilliant cushion cut engagement rings!
3 carat Cushion Cut Diamond Signature Wrap Solitaire Ring
5.31 carat Cushion Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
3.02 carat Cushion Cut Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Antique Cushion Cut (Old Mine Cut)
The antique cushion cut, sometimes called the “old mine” cut, differs somewhat from other cushion cut styles. It’s a rare cut, which usually commands a higher price tag initially. However, with the popularity of lab-grown diamonds, they have become more affordable and thus much more popular in the last year.
Antique Cushion cuts offer chunkier facets and a domed appearance, even though the top of the stone is flat. Because of these larger facets, this cut also emits substantial sparkle. This is also a good cut for hiding unwanted colors, which means buyers can maximize their budget.
4.39 carat Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
3.07 Antique Cushion Lab Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
4.51 carat Antique Cushion Lab Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Cut Comparison
Cushion cuts offer a soft, feminine experience due to the rounded edges, but they deliver plenty of fire thanks to the defined facets. Even the brilliant cushion cut offers larger facets than some other cuts. However, if you want larger facets and the maximum amount of sparkle, the modified brilliant cushion cut might be the better option; these diamonds are cut to maximize refraction and shine whereas antique cushion cuts do not.
The primary difference between modified brilliant and antique cushion cuts is the faceting: while they both have “larger” faceting, antique cushion facets are the only cut with “chunky” facets. Additionally, antique cushions feature an open, visible culet at the bottom and a steeper crown where modern brilliant cushion cuts do not.
Quality Comparison
Both brilliant cushion cut diamonds and antique cushion cut diamonds are well-suited for hiding unwanted colors. This is particularly true in comparison to crushed ice cushion cuts and allows buyers to opt for less costly diamonds with more color and still enjoy the clarity of more costly stones.
If it comes down to natural diamonds that are being hand-cut, we recommend being careful and mindful when it comes to the Cut grade. Old Mine cuts are the hardest to cut as they remove the most amount of rough diamond from start to finish–most diamond cutters won’t even do it anymore!
Famous Cushion Cut Diamonds Around the World
Modified brilliant and antique cushion cuts are timeless and growing in popularity. Here are some of the most notable such cuts—we’re sure you’ll recognize at least a few of them!
The Hope Diamond
Perhaps the most famous diamond in history, the Hope Diamond, was once part of an even larger stone, the Tavernier Blue, which weighed in at 112 carats. That was then cut down into the French Blue by King Louis XIV, which was later stolen. After it was recovered, it was recut once more into the Hope Diamond, which showcases a stunning antique cushion cut.
The Regent Diamond
Once part of one of the largest diamonds ever discovered (400+ carats), the Regent Diamond became part of the French Crown Jewels and is now on display in the Louvre. It remains part of the French Crown Jewels and is considered the largest colorless diamond in the world. It also boasts an antique cushion cut.
The Tiffany Yellow Diamond
Originally weighing in at almost 290 carats, the Tiffany Yellow Diamond was purchased by Charles Lewis Tiffany (of Tiffany & Co.) for just $18,000 in the late 1800s. He had it cut to its current size, but the stone has changed settings numerous times over its long history. It was nestled in a stunning necklace when Audrey Hepburn wore it, but it was placed into a shorter choker style for Lady Gaga in 2019. Most recently, it has been worn by Beyonce since 2021 in her Tiffany & Co. advertisements.
Are You Team Brilliant Cut or an Antique Cut?
Both the modified brilliant cushion cut and the antique cushion cut offer incredible beauty and immense inner fire. They’re also ideal for those shopping on a budget because they amplify refractions while hiding colors. At Lauren B, we have an exclusive inventory of loose stones, including many modified brilliant cushions and antique cushions. We also offer access to an exclusive collection of lab-created, antique cushion cut diamonds.
We love both cushion cuts and believe that each has something unique to offer. If you adore the softer appearance and heightened sparkle these cuts offer, we’d love to discuss your needs. Take a moment to explore our cushion cut diamond video gallery to see our selection. You can also check out our Instagram for a quick run-through of the differences between these two cuts!
