Cushion Cut Alexandrite

The cushion cut absolutely enhances alexandrite’s celebrated color-change effect through its specialized faceting pattern. The slightly deeper pavilion typical of cushion cuts allows light to travel through more of the stone’s body, maximizing the interaction with color-causing elements in the crystal structure. This creates a more pronounced and dramatic color transformation when moving between different light sources. The cushion’s larger facets also create broader “windows” that showcase the color change across larger surface areas of the stone, making the effect more visible to the naked eye. For collectors seeking to purchase the most impressive color-change experience, a well-executed cushion cut alexandrite often represents the pinnacle of this rare natural phenomenon.

Antique cushion cut alexandrites hold exceptional appeal due to both their historical significance and their association with the original Russian deposits discovered in the 1830s. These original cushion cuts typically feature hand-cut faceting patterns that were specifically designed to enhance the stone’s unique optical properties, often resulting in superior light performance compared to modern mass-production techniques. The high value of these stones stems from their genuine provenance, often from the depleted Ural Mountain mines, which produced the most coveted alexandrite in existence. Additionally, antique cushion cuts frequently exhibit charming irregularities and character that modern precision cutting lacks, adding to their aesthetic appeal and collectible worth as tangible connections to gemological history.

When evaluating a cushion alexandrite’s proportions, collectors should focus on how the cut enhances both color saturation and the stone’s signature color-change effect. The ideal cushion cut should maintain a depth percentage of approximately 60-70% of the width, which allows sufficient light interaction without creating a stone that appears too deep or too shallow. The real value of a cushion alexandrite lies in its face-up appearance—the stone should appear bright and lively while displaying rich, pure coloration in both lighting environments. GIA certified stones often include cut grading information that can guide purchasing decisions, but the visual impact of the color change should ultimately drive assessment of the cut quality. Avoid cushion cuts with extremely deep pavilions that appear dark or those with shallow pavilions that fail to showcase the full color transformation.

The cushion cut has become a classic choice for color-change gemstones like alexandrite because its faceting arrangement perfectly balances light return with color preservation. Unlike brilliant cuts that prioritize sparkle, the cushion’s mixed cutting style—combining brilliant and step-cut elements—allows the natural color properties of rare gems to take center stage while still maintaining attractive light performance. Historically, many of the world’s most significant alexandrites were fashioned as cushion cuts during the 19th century when the stone was first discovered, establishing a traditional association between this shape and premium color-change specimens. The cushion’s soft corners also provide practical advantages during setting, reducing the risk of chipping these precious stones during the mounting process. For collectors focused on high-quality color-change gems, the cushion cut represents the perfect marriage of traditional aesthetics and optimal performance.