Cushion Cut Sapphire Gemstones

The cushion cut’s larger facets and rounded corners allow light to travel deeper into natural sapphires, intensifying their color saturation while maintaining excellent brilliance. This sophisticated cutting style minimizes light leakage, making it particularly valuable for displaying the rich hues of precious stones like sapphires, which is why high-quality cushion cut specimens often command premium prices per carat compared to other shapes.

The modern cushion cut has evolved from its antique predecessor with modified facet arrangements that enhance both color and brilliance in natural sapphires. Contemporary cushion cuts typically feature additional facets that improve light performance while preserving the classic, pillow-shaped aesthetic that collectors prize, making these cuts particularly worth considering for those seeking sapphires with both vintage charm and modern fire.

Antique cushion cut sapphires feature larger facets, higher crowns, and deeper pavilions than their modern counterparts, creating a distinctive “crushed ice” appearance rather than the precise brilliance of contemporary cuts. These genuine, original cushion cuts often command premium prices among collectors seeking rare, conflict-free stones with historical significance and unique aesthetic qualities that showcase the natural beauty of these precious gemstones.

Blue and purple sapphires typically display exceptional color saturation and brilliance in cushion cuts, making them particularly valuable in this shape. The cushion’s ability to intensify color while maintaining clarity makes it ideal for showcasing these popular varieties, with GIA certified specimens in rich, royal blue or vivid purple commanding the highest prices due to their rare combination of desirable color, flawless execution, and natural beauty.