Finding Antique Engagement Rings Cushion Cut Can Be Tough

For those looking for antique engagement rings cushion cut they will have to find an antique jewelry dealer. It is best to find one with a good reputation as some may show a cushion cut setting with stones that are not as previous as they are purported to be. Cubic zirconia is often used in place of diamonds and many of the settings are machine made as opposed to the handmade ones that qualify as antiques.

In addition to the setting being made of softer metals so the early metalsmiths could work it without specialty tools, the stone was cut so that it appears as a cushion fitting into the set. Many diamonds are cut into what was called a pillow cut at the time, with the outer dimensions either square or rectangular to match the abilities of the smith working on the setting.

There are many antique engagement rings cushion cut into what were expensive sets at the time, which, if in good condition will still be expensive even by today’s standards. However, the workmanship of the setting will usually show the intricacies that will be hard to duplicate even with modern technology.

Most Cushion Cut Rings Sought For Collectability

Since most antique engagement rings cushion cut are true antiques, most who own them keep them in special ring cushions to preserve their condition. Antique rings were typically made of a gold alloy containing nickel for added strength. If the ring was designed to be made with white gold, antiques will be alloyed with silver or palladium for the silver coloring.

Titanium was not used in cushion cut jewelry at the time due to the limitations of the metal working tools and the techniques to work with this much harder metal would not be available until the middle part of the 20th century. Diamonds may have been sparsely used in antique engagement rings cushion cut, but diamonds did not become popular in engagement rings until about 1940. Other gemstones were often used as birthstones in engagement rings, but with cushion cut settings, the stones were usually used alone.

The cost of antique engagement rings cushion designed stones will vary by the intricacy of the work in the setting as well as the precision cut of the stone. Keep in mind, that in the 19th century stone cutting was done by hand and was a specialty trade. Not every jewelry had the ability and counted on outside help to make the precision cuts needed.