Prepared by the Imperial Cushions editorial team. Laboratory terminology is retained where a report is cited; historical context and dealer judgment are identified as interpretation.
Antique cushion diamonds cover a broad family of hand-cut forms. Their outlines may be pillowy, rectangular, rounded or slightly irregular, and their facet patterns can differ considerably. If you are comparing stones available for acquisition, view old mine cut and antique cushion diamonds.
Why labels are not enough
Two reports may use the same cutting-style description while the stones look entirely different. Laboratory terminology records technical characteristics; it does not replace direct visual judgment.
Spread, depth and presence
Depth affects how large a diamond appears, but a shallow stone is not automatically better and a deep stone is not automatically worse. Antique cutting often prioritised a particular pattern of light. Face-up presence should be judged beside outline, transparency and facet life.
Buying with confidence
Ask for current videos, the laboratory report, precise measurements and an explanation of what the dealer sees beyond the certificate. Where possible, arrange an inspection or independent verification before completing the acquisition.