Antique cushion diamond is a brilliant cut that came about in the late 19th century. This vintage style of ring is timeless and fashionable, which makes it an easy choice for anyone looking for an engagement ring. Crafted from a 2 carat antique cushion cut lab diamond, featuring beautiful white color and I, J colour grades…
The antique cushion cut diamond is a luxurious and timeless diamond shape. The most popular of all shapes, this classic cushion cut engagement ring holds hundreds of years of history and significance.
This antique cushion cut diamond engagement ring features a two carat antique cushion cut diamond in the center and bezel diamonds around the sides of the ring. The gorgeous antique style will give your finger a little extra sparkle, just like your future bride! The Antique Cushion Cut engagement ring is sure to be a stylish statement all on its own, or makes the perfect starting point for customizing further with customized stones, metals and diamonds.
Antique cushion cut diamonds for sale
This antique cushion cut diamond engagement ring is the perfect way to design the custom ring that your partner will love. Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most popular shapes you can create for an engagement ring and we have a large selection of these flawless diamonds that can be used to create your dream ring.
This engagement ring is made for the woman looking for something that exudes style and sophistication. The antique cushion cut center stone has a scintillating clarity of SI1-I1, and its color is vivid to dark brown. This antique cushion cut lab diamond is set in a four claw setting with elegant milgrain details and will be sure to steal your heart!
An Antique cushion-cut diamond is usually found in yellow gold as the amazingly sparkling and highly sparkly effect of the cushion cut can be lost with rose and white gold. If you like to make your antique cushion cut engagement ring, then you need to know about the characteristics of it. A cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape that has been pushed into a domed formation, when viewed from the top down. This gives rise to its fantastic brilliance and radiance. The proportions of this type of diamond are quite sparkling if they have a high crown (that is, top) height to pavilion depth ratio so as not to look too squatty when set as an engagement ring in platinum (because platinum will only work if there are substantial proportions) or yellow gold. You may also be interested in antique oval diamonds which have similar aspects but are longer in length than width rather than the square version mentioned above!
Antique cushion cut engagement ring
Here at Solaroidenergy, we only offer you the best quality antique cushion cut engagement ring deals since we aim to provide you with the most spectacular and exquisite engagement rings you’ve ever seen. With great unique features, it is available in different styles and designs, such as elongated antique cushion cut , antique cushion cut lab diamond, and antique cushion cut moissanite.
Click to discover our preeminent selection of cushion cut vintage engagement rings, old mine cut diamond brilliantly crafted in a historically renowned style. Browse our collection of engagement rings. Each one is unique and distinct for a look that is all your own!
A classic example of a Georgian Period ring. The 21 rose-cut diamonds are set in silver with an 18k rose-colored gold shank. The intricacies of the hand-made repoussé metal work and its pristine condition will supersede the quality of the diamonds and set the price. (However, the fact that the diamonds aren’t chipped or abraded is a plus). Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
Let’s start with three basic questions:
What Is An Antique?
This question has generated quite a bit of debate in the jewelry world. In the past, jewelry appraisers said a ring must be 100 years old to be labeled an antique. This year of demarcation has been relaxed in recent times. Now, appraisers declare a ring must be only 50 years old.
We’ll compromise. In this article, we’ll cover rings made before 1930, which marks the end of the Art Deco jewelry design period.
How Do You Know How Old A Ring Is?
Qualified appraisers and gemologists can assist with dating a ring. If you want to purchase an authentic ring from a design period, deal only with a reputable antique jewelry store. Be wary of rings marked as reproductions, modern rings made to resemble antiques. A reputable vintage ring dealer will guide you in the identifying the difference.
Below are some of the characteristics that can help identify a ring’s age.
Motif
The first calling card of a ring’s production date is its overall style, ornamentation, and symbolism. Graceful lines, bold patterns, and depicted scenes can help pinpoint age. Historical and cultural events can also drive motif. For example, the 1800s saw an influx of designs inspired by archeological finds from the opening of Egyptian and Etruscan tombs.
Gem Cutting Styles
Faceting styles and the shapes of cut diamonds and other gemstones in rings will help pinpoint their era. Watch for these important cutting styles when examining antique engagement rings.
Table Cut: a square shape with a large flat top and few facets. One of the earliest cuts, not commonly seen.
Rose Cut: a rounded shape with a flat bottom and a domed top and few facets. One of the earlier cuts, premiered in the 1500s, enjoyed a revival in rings made in the 1800s.
Step Cut: a square or rectangular shape with long facets. Used from the 1800s through modern times.
Old Mine Cut: a rounded square shape with decidedly more facets than the table and rose cuts. Rings dated from the 1800s through early 1900s will often feature gems with this style.
Old European Cut: a round faceted shape, a precursor to today’s modern round brilliant cut. Clunkier than the modern round, you often find it in rings dated through the 1900s.
Popular Gemstones
Many varieties of gems have been available as ring stones for centuries. However, their popularity waxes and wanes based on color and fashion. For example, Queen Victoria liked blue. Thus, turquoise was en vogue during her reign. On the other hand, some gems appear to have unwavering interest. Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds enjoyed great popularity throughout the eras we’ll cover.
Metal Use
The metals or combinations of metals used in jewelry fabrication can also help date the ring. For example, in the 1700s, jewelers sometimes used silver to set diamonds.
This bold Mid-Victorian ring features the coral, enameling, and Etruscan motifs commonly used during this period. Small, rose-cut diamonds in an 18k yellow gold mounting accent the coral. With no chips or breaks, the enameling adds value. The detailing of the Etruscan beading, using valuable 18k gold, is sublime. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
How Do Modern And Antique Engagement Rings Differ?
While an antique ring can make a beautiful alternative to a modern ring, consider these three important differences between them.
Diamond Grading Is A Relatively New Phenomenon
Today, the famous 4 Cs of diamond grading constitutes a common diamond language between buyer and seller. However, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established this standard in the 1950s. Diamonds in antique engagement rings created prior to that were evaluated differently. For example, in the 1700s, diamond rings only came out to play by candlelight. Yellower diamonds were common. The technology to cut diamonds to today’s exacting proportions didn’t exist. Thus, old rose cuts, flat on the bottom and domed on the top with few facets, seriously hampered diamond brilliance. In contrast, today’s round brilliant cut has 58 facets, laser cut to specified proportions to unleash maximum brilliance.
No Gemological Lab Reports
Having gemological laboratory reports accompany all center diamonds in engagement rings is an even newer phenomenon. Most likely, you won’t find reports extolling the color, clarity, carat, and cut grades of diamonds in an antique ring. Some antique rings will have a report, but only if the center diamond can be removed from the mounting without damaging the setting.
Love And Wear
Antique jewelry may show signs of being “loved.” The owners of these pieces have probably handed them down through generations. They will most likely show some wear. However, this also aids in establishing the authenticity of the ring. Careful, though. Too much “love” can also devalue the ring.
This Mid-Victorian ring features five cushion-cut sapphires, totaling 0.55 cts, ringed by 18 Old Mine-cut diamonds, totaling 0.55 cts, in an 18k yellow gold hand-engraved shank. The rich, velvety blue of the well-matched sapphires and the uniformity of the Old Mine cuts set the price. The hand-engraved shank helps as well. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
Now, let’s get an overview of the chief characteristics of some of the most well-known jewelry design periods. This can help you focus your search for the antique engagement rings perfect for you.
The Georgian Period (1700-1830)
During the Georgian Period, intricate metal work depicting natural themes came into fashion. This was called repoussé. In addition, the use of faceted gemstones became the new rage.
Motifs
Flowers, butterflies, ribbons, and scrolls.
Gem Cutting Styles
Table, rose, and Old Mine cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Popular ring stones included diamond, garnet, emerald, topaz, and amber. Jewelers often set gems in closed settings with foil backing for enhancement. (If you acquire such a foil-backed Georgian ring, take special precautions. Contact with water can ruin the foil).
Metal Use
Silver over 18k gold; 10k, 18k, and 22k yellow gold; and pinchbeck (83% copper and 17% zinc).
Rings from the Georgian Period are very rare.
The Victorian Era (1837-1901)
Queen Victoria reigned for a long time. Thus, jewelry historians usually break down this era into three periods: Early (or Romantic), Mid, and Late Victorian.
Early Or Romantic Victorian (1837-1860)
The rings of the Early Victorian Period reflected the love the young queen had for her husband, Albert. Victoria’s love of diamonds fueled their popularity. During this period, placing the bride-to-be’s birthstone in the engagement ring became fashionable.
The 1840s saw the start of large-scale jewelry manufacturing. However, jewelers were still making many pieces by hand. Based on detail and condition, hand-fabricated pieces will command a higher price in today’s antique market.
Motifs
Popular ring motifs included snakes as symbols of eternal love. (No, really). Other fashionable motifs included: angels, love knots, and crosses; Celtic, Greek, and Roman designs; and clovers and flowers.
Gem Cutting Styles
Rose, Old Mine, and step cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Diamond, amethyst, pink and gold topaz, coral, turquoise, ruby, and carved cameos.
Metal Use
Silver; 18k and 22k gold in various colors; rolled gold (gold plating over a base metal); and pinchbeck.
Mid-Victorian (1860-1885)
During this tumultuous period, Queen Victoria’s husband passed away, and the Civil War raged in America. Dark and heavy rings often reflected a state of mourning. After the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1867, jewelers used them frequently. In addition, the California gold rush flooded the market with gold.
Motifs
Acorns, bees, birds, flowers, geometric patterns, and stars; Etruscan (fine granulations) and Egyptian designs; and enameling.
Gem Cutting Styles
Rose, Old Mine, and step cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Garnet, diamond, emerald, black onyx, pearl, opal, jet, and black glass.
Metal Use
Silver, steel, and 9k, 10k, and 15k gold. Rose-colored gold in all karats became exceedingly popular.
Late Victorian (1885-1900)
During this design period, rings became more airy and light compared to Mid-Victorian pieces. Up to this point, most engagement rings were clusters of gems. 1895 saw the solitaire engagement ring gain popularity. Platinum entered the scene as the luxury metal of choice.
Motifs
Crescents, horseshoes, moons, oak leaves, and trefoils; double hearts with crowns or knots; bows and ribbons; and navette or marquise-shaped rings.
Gem Cutting Styles
Old Mine and rose cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, peridot, chrysoberyl, ruby, sapphire, moonstone, and opal.
Metal Use
Platinum, silver, gold, and rolled gold
This Late Victorian ring has a classic navette shape. It features seven sapphires, totaling 2.00 cts, accented with 30 platinum-mounted rose-cut diamonds, totaling 0.25 cts, and an 18k gold shank. The vivid blue, well-matched sapphires have descending uniform sizes. They set the price, along with the hand-fabricated platinum mountings for the diamonds. (The diamond weight helps, too). The ring retails for $4,750. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
The Art Nouveau Period (1895-1915)
In this age of the artisan, jewelers considered themselves artists. Their beautiful creations were fluid and graceful. Although jewelry pieces such as pins, necklaces, and hair combs better capture the beauty of Art Nouveau, you still find wonderful rings in the antique market.
Motifs
Popular motifs included fluid lines and depictions of nature. Enameling, especially plique-a-jour, was a popular technique.
Gem Cutting Styles
Old Mine and Old European cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Tourmaline, small diamonds, pearl, emerald, opal, amber, lapis lazuli, moonstone, carnelian, and synthetic gems.
Metal Use
Platinum, silver, and white and yellow 14k and 18k gold.
This Art Nouveau ring reflects the natural motifs typical of this period. The 2.50-ct cushion-cut diamond is set in oxidized silver over a gold mounting, with gold prongs stretching to anchor the diamond. The diamond determines the price, but the beautiful metal work lends value. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
The Edwardian Period (1901-1914)
Although the Edwardian Period overlaps Art Nouveau, each gets treated as its own design period due to their distinctive styles. Known for their graceful and airy nuances, Edwardian rings used open wire designs and filigree. Platinum use surged due to the metal’s unparalleled strength. It enabled jewelers to create delicate and lacy mountings. Enameling became immensely popular.
Rings from the Edwardian Period should have a hallmark (metal purity) and/or a maker’s mark (firm responsible for production). You’ll find them stamped inside the shank.
Motifs
Bows, ribbons, moon and stars, flowers, leaves, and shamrocks.
Gem Cutting Styles
Rose, Old Mine, and Old European cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Pearl, diamond, peridot, emerald, sapphire, ruby, opal, moonstone, and mother of pearl.
Metal Use
Silver, platinum, rolled gold, and gold (especially 18k) in multi-colors.
This Edwardian ring captures the airy quality of this period’s style. It features a 0.73-ct, J color, VS2 clarity, Old European-cut diamond set in a platinum, floral motif-engraved mounting. The ornateness and the pristine quality of the engraving and filigree are fantastic. However, the diamond sets the price in the ring. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
The Art Deco Period (1920-1930)
Currently, Art Deco rings rank as the most popular (and abundant) antique engagement rings on the market. These pieces feature bold geometric patterns and colors, filigree and millgrain work, and lots of resplendent diamonds! Nothing exemplified this era of unheralded opulence, wild abandon, and faith in progress more than sprays of diamonds.
Motifs
Popular motifs included geometric patterns as well as designs influenced by Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian art. Enamel accents were popular.
Gem Cutting Styles
Old Mine, Old European, and step cuts, as well as new styles of shield shapes and caliber cuts.
Popular Gemstones
Diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby, black onyx, crystal (quartz), ivory, jade, mother of pearl, and synthetic gems.
Metal Use
Platinum, silver, white gold, chrome, and marcasite.
This Art Deco ring showcases all that is glorious of Art Deco rings. Its millgrain-engraved platinum mounting highlights a 1.31-ct old European cut of J color and VS2 clarity in the center. Caliber-cut sapphires serve as accents. The center and accent diamonds as well as the platinum all establish the price of the ring. Note also the excellent condition of the sapphires. This ring would retail for $9,950. In contrast, a modern round brilliant-cut 1.30-ct diamond of J color and VS2 clarity would retail from $8,000 to $10,000. (Just for the diamond). Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
Can I Keep The Ring But Replace The Gem?
Do you like the look of the Art Deco ring above but want to replace that Old European-cut diamond with a modern brilliant round?
Just move along, then.
Replacing the center diamond would compromise the integrity of the piece and destroy its aura of timelessness. Perhaps you should consider a modern engagement ring with an antique look. Tacori engagement rings capture this beautifully.
Shopping Options For Antique Engagement Rings
A whole new world of antique jewelry awaits you. Make sure you shop at reputable stores, whether brick-and mortar or online. Remember, you’ll likely encounter many reproductions on the market. Gemologists and appraisers can help you select an authentic piece.
Lang Antiques is knowledgeable, accessible, and has an immense collection.
Brilliant Earth also has an extensive collection of vintage and antique engagement rings.
If you prefer a new, unique ring in an antique style, check out the custom jewelry makers listed in the IGS Business Directory.
Happy hunting!
This Edwardian ring highlights the intricate, platinum lattice work common in jewelry of this period. The old European-cut diamond weighs 2.20 cts, has L-M color, and a SI1 clarity grade. The accent old mine-cut diamonds weigh a total of 0.55 cts. The weight of the center diamond determines the price, though the accent diamonds contribute. However, the intact intricate platinum work, as well as the metal itself, plays a major role. Photograph by Cole Bybee. Image courtesy of Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry.
