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What defines a cushion natural diamond? A cushion natural diamond is characterised by its rounded corners and pillow-like outline, a silhouette that traces its lineage directly to the old mine cut popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Unlike the sharp corners of a princess cut or the pointed ends of a marquise, the cushion's soft geometry distributes light in broad, open flashes rather than the needle-fine scintillation of a round brilliant. Natural cushion diamonds are cut from rough that has been extracted from kimberlite or alluvial deposits — the same geological origin as all natural diamonds — meaning the colour and clarity characteristics are entirely determined by the conditions in which the crystal formed over billions of years underground. Two sub-types exist: the 'cushion brilliant', which has extra facets below the girdle for higher brilliance, and the 'cushion modified brilliant', which produces chunkier, more open flashes of light sometimes called a 'crushed ice' pattern. Both are widely available in natural form and offer distinctly different visual characters despite sharing the same outline shape. How to choose the right cushion natural diamond: cut, colour and clarity Selecting a cushion natural diamond well requires particular attention to the length-to-width ratio and the cut sub-type, because cushion diamonds are not subject to the same standardised cut grades that round brilliants receive from GIA. A length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 produces a near-square cushion; ratios of 1.15 to 1.25 yield a more elongated, rectangular outline that can create the visual impression of a larger stone and may flatter a narrower finger profile. For colour, cushion natural diamonds retain warmth more visibly than round brilliants, so stones in the G-to-I range on the GIA scale often appear near-colourless once set, making them a considered choice for those balancing colour against carat weight. On clarity, the cushion's larger facets and open crown mean inclusions can sit more visibly than in a tightly faceted brilliant, so SI1 or VS2 clarity grades warrant careful review of the grading report before purchase. Every cushion natural diamond here is certified by GIA, HRD or IGI, giving a verified baseline for all four quality characteristics. What does a cushion natural diamond cost in the UK? Cushion natural diamonds are generally priced below round brilliants of equivalent carat weight, colour and clarity, because the cutting process retains more of the original rough and the shape commands less of a premium in the market. The precise cost of any individual cushion natural diamond is driven by the interplay of carat weight, colour grade, clarity grade, and which sub-type of cut has been applied — a cushion brilliant with strong light return will typically be priced above a cushion modified brilliant in the same weight range. For context, Bridebook's 2026 UK average engagement ring spend of £2,247 covers the full ring including setting, meaning the loose stone budget will vary considerably depending on how much of that figure is allocated to the mount. Purchasing a cushion natural diamond loose allows the stone budget and the setting budget to be considered separately, which many buyers find gives greater control over the overall specification. How is a cushion natural diamond certified and sourced? Every cushion natural diamond in this collection is accompanied by a grading report issued by GIA, HRD or IGI — three of the most widely recognised independent gemological laboratories. The report documents the stone's carat weight, colour grade, clarity grade, and cut characteristics, providing an objective, third-party assessment that does not originate from the seller. Natural cushion diamonds in this collection are sourced through ethical-mine partner suppliers, meaning provenance is tracked from mine to grading laboratory. When a loose cushion natural diamond is subsequently set into one of our rings at our Hatton Garden workshop, the finished ring is hallmarked at the London Assay Office — but the hallmark applies to the metal setting, not to the stone itself. Returns on loose cushion natural diamonds are accepted within 30 days, no questions asked, with no exclusions. Cushion natural diamond vs cushion lab diamond: which to choose? The primary distinction between a cushion natural diamond and a cushion lab-grown diamond lies in origin and long-term value trajectory rather than in visual or physical characteristics — both are chemically identical forms of carbon. A cushion natural diamond is a finite, mined stone whose supply is fixed by geology; a cushion lab diamond is produced in a controlled environment and is available in larger sizes per unit of budget. Buyers who place importance on geological provenance, long-term resale considerations, or the significance of a stone formed over billions of years typically favour the natural origin. Those prioritising carat weight or colour and clarity specification within a defined budget often find that a lab-grown cushion offers more stone for the same spend. Both types are certified to the same grading standards by GIA, HRD or IGI, and both are available loose or set into one of our rings. Frequently asked questions Where can I buy a cushion natural diamond in the UK? Cushion natural diamonds are available through our online collection with complimentary insured UK delivery. Each stone is certified by GIA, HRD or IGI and sourced through ethical-mine partners. If you wish to view a stone in person before committing, our Hatton Garden workshop is available by appointment. Returns are accepted within 30 days with no questions asked and no exclusions. What length-to-width ratio should a cushion natural diamond have? A ratio between 1.00 and 1.05 produces a square cushion outline; ratios from 1.15 to 1.25 give a more rectangular form. The choice depends on personal preference and finger profile — an elongated cushion can make the stone appear larger and suits a longer, narrower finger, while a square cushion gives a more compact, symmetrical appearance. Is a cushion natural diamond certified the same way as a round diamond? Yes. Cushion natural diamonds are graded by GIA, HRD or IGI against the same four criteria — carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut — as round brilliants. However, GIA does not issue an overall cut grade for cushion shapes the way it does for round brilliants, so reviewing the grading report in detail, particularly the depth and table percentages, is more important for cushion stones. Can a loose cushion natural diamond be set into one of your rings? Yes. Any loose cushion natural diamond can be set into a ring at our Hatton Garden workshop. The process moves from consultation through CAD design and a silver or wax sample for approval, through to casting, setting, finishing, and hallmarking at the London Assay Office. Lead time from order confirmation is 7 to 14 working days depending on design complexity. What is the difference between a cushion brilliant and a cushion modified brilliant? A cushion brilliant has a facet arrangement closer to a round brilliant, producing higher overall brightness with finer, more dispersed light return. A cushion modified brilliant features additional facets beneath the girdle that create a chunkier, more fragmented pattern of light — often described as a 'crushed ice' effect. Both are available as natural diamonds; the choice is largely one of visual preference.

What is a cushion sapphire and why is it chosen? A cushion sapphire is a corundum gemstone cut into a cushion shape — a square or rectangular outline with gently rounded corners and a curved, pillow-like profile. The cut typically features large, open facets that allow light to travel deep into the stone, emphasising colour saturation over surface brilliance, which suits sapphire exceptionally well. Sapphire registers 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, making it one of the most durable coloured stones available for everyday wear. The cushion cut has origins in the 19th-century 'old mine' style, and its soft geometry complements the richness of blue sapphire in a way that more angular cuts do not. Where an emerald cut can make pale zones in a sapphire more visible, the cushion's rounded facets scatter light across the stone's body, masking uneven colour distribution and deepening the overall tone. Sapphires in this shape are found across the colour spectrum — from the prized cornflower blues of Sri Lanka to the intense velvety blues of Kashmir origin and the warm teal hues of Australia. How to choose a cushion sapphire: colour, clarity, and carat When selecting a cushion sapphire, colour is the primary value driver — saturation, hue, and tone together determine how a stone reads to the eye. For blue sapphires, a medium to medium-dark tone with vivid saturation is widely regarded as the most desirable; very dark stones can appear near-black in lower light, while very pale stones lack the depth the cushion cut is designed to showcase. Clarity in sapphire is assessed differently from diamonds. Minor inclusions, known as 'silk' — fine rutile needle formations — are expected in natural sapphires and do not always reduce value. In cushion-cut sapphires specifically, the larger facets mean inclusions closer to the surface are more visible, so positioning matters. Carat weight interacts with the cushion's proportions: a well-proportioned cushion sapphire carries its weight efficiently across the table, often appearing larger face-up than an equivalent-weight round stone. Certified cushion sapphires are accompanied by a grading report or certificate of authenticity confirming origin, treatment disclosure, and measurements. What does a cushion sapphire cost in the UK? Cushion sapphire pricing is driven by four factors: colour grade (hue, saturation, tone), origin, treatment status, and carat weight. Untreated sapphires — those with no heat enhancement — command a significant premium over heat-treated stones, as natural unenhanced colour is rarer and the status is confirmed on the certificate. Origin also affects price materially. Cushion sapphires from Kashmir carry the highest premiums due to extreme rarity; Burmese and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origins sit closely behind. Well-cut cushion sapphires from Australia or East Africa offer strong colour at a more accessible price point. Within the context of ring-making, those considering a sapphire centre stone may find the cushion shape an efficient choice — its outline maximises perceived size per carat, which means a well-selected cushion sapphire can deliver considerable visual presence relative to cost. Bridebook's 2026 UK average engagement ring spend of £2,247 provides useful context for budgeting a sapphire-set ring overall, though the stone itself represents only part of that figure. How are cushion sapphires certified and sourced? Every cushion sapphire offered here is sourced through ethical-mine partner suppliers and accompanied by certification confirming its identity, measurements, colour description, and any treatments applied. For natural coloured gemstones, grading reports are issued by specialist gemological laboratories — standard reports include treatment disclosure, which is critical for sapphire given how common heat enhancement is across the trade. Heat treatment, when disclosed, is not a defect — it is an accepted industry process that stabilises and enhances colour. What matters is that the status is fully declared on the certificate, allowing an informed decision. Cushion sapphires offered without heat treatment are noted explicitly in their certification. When a loose cushion sapphire is set into one of our Hatton Garden-crafted rings, the finished piece is then hallmarked at the London Assay Office. All cushion sapphires are available loose or set, with complimentary insured UK delivery and a 30-day return window, no questions asked, no exclusions. Pairing and setting a cushion sapphire The cushion shape's rounded corners make it well-suited to four-claw and eight-claw settings, which secure the stone without obscuring its outline. A four-claw mount placed at the corners allows the full cushion profile to remain visible from above, while an eight-claw arrangement adds security for stones above 1.5ct. Bezel settings are also practical — the continuous metal rim protects the rounded edges and suits those who wear their ring through active daily use. Cushion sapphires pair well with platinum or white gold, which allow the stone's blue to read without interference from the metal's warmth. Yellow gold, particularly 18ct, creates a warmer contrast that suits teal and parti-coloured sapphires. Halo settings placed around a cushion sapphire can visually extend the stone's width, though the cushion's natural outline already carries well without additional framing. When set as the centre stone of a dress ring, cocktail ring, or as part of a three-stone configuration flanked by diamonds or white sapphires, the cushion sapphire's soft geometry anchors the design without competing with surrounding metalwork. Frequently asked questions Where can I buy a cushion sapphire in the UK? Cushion sapphires are available through President Jewellers, sourced from ethical-mine partners and certified with treatment disclosure. They can be purchased loose with complimentary insured UK delivery and a 30-day return, or set into a ring crafted at our Hatton Garden workshop. Try-on appointments for ring designs are available by arrangement. Are cushion-cut sapphires natural or heat-treated? Both natural untreated and heat-treated cushion sapphires are available. Treatment status is always disclosed on the accompanying certificate. Untreated stones carry a premium due to rarity. Heat treatment is a standard, accepted practice in the sapphire trade and does not affect durability — what matters is full disclosure, which certification provides. What is the best colour for a cushion sapphire? The most valued cushion sapphires display a medium to medium-dark tone with vivid blue saturation — often described as 'royal blue' or 'cornflower blue'. Very dark stones risk appearing near-black indoors; very pale stones lack the depth the cushion cut is designed to enhance. Colour preference is ultimately personal, and viewing stones in different light conditions helps before committing. How durable is a cushion sapphire for everyday wear? Sapphire rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making cushion sapphires highly suitable for daily wear. The rounded corners of the cushion shape reduce the risk of chipping compared with sharp-cornered cuts such as princess or emerald. A well-chosen setting — four-claw, eight-claw, or bezel — adds further protection to the stone's edges. Can a loose cushion sapphire be set into a ring by President Jewellers? Yes. Any loose cushion sapphire can be set into a ring designed and crafted at our Hatton Garden workshop. The process runs from consultation through CAD design and a silver or wax sample for approval, to casting, setting, and finishing. Lead time is typically 7-14 working days from order confirmation. The finished ring is hallmarked at the London Assay Office before insured UK delivery.