{"id":85,"date":"2021-07-20T06:55:36","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T06:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/?page_id=85"},"modified":"2022-04-06T04:11:56","modified_gmt":"2022-04-06T04:11:56","slug":"cushion-cut-engagement-rings-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/cushion-cut-engagement-rings-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Cushion cut engagement rings in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-b334a3b7\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut engagement rings in Canada<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Where to get a stunning cushion diamond and the best value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-white-background-color has-white-color\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-1598f0ee\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-3ec5ac76\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3ec5ac76\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve had your heart set on a <strong>cushion cut diamond ring<\/strong>, you may have been underwhelmed by what you can get from jewelers in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While cushion cut diamonds are certainly available from Canadian retailers, many are significantly marked up, and there\u2019s no guarantee of quality. That means you might pay a premium price for a cushion cut engagement ring that\u2019s full of visible flaws, hardly a good deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don\u2019t worry just yet, we\u2019ve done all the research for you, and compiled this crucial guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll find out:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Why cushion cut engagement rings make a great choice<\/li><li>What&nbsp;<strong>you<\/strong>&nbsp;need to be cautious of when purchasing<\/li><li>A handy buying guide to make sure you get the best diamond possible<\/li><li>Where to go to get the greatest value<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-262aab0a\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-262aab0a\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/cushion-canada-header.png\" alt=\"cushion canada header\" class=\"wp-image-57243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/cushion-canada-header.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/cushion-canada-header-300x263.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-02f8cced\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Cushion&nbsp;cut diamonds are timeless<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Before the round brilliant came onto the scene, cushion cut diamonds were the default choice for engagement rings for a couple hundred years. So, naturally, you\u2019ll find them set in the centre in a large number of vintage rings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/2-Antique-Cushion-Cut-Engagement-Ring-1-e1601443751105.jpg\" alt=\"2 Antique Cushion Cut Engagement Ring 1 e1601443751105\" class=\"wp-image-57531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/2-Antique-Cushion-Cut-Engagement-Ring-1-e1601443751105.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/2-Antique-Cushion-Cut-Engagement-Ring-1-e1601443751105-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Modern cushion cuts have learned a thing or two over the past century, and are now cut to reflect light to increase sparkle way beyond their 1900s counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/1-Cushion-Cut-Solitaire-245x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"1 Cushion Cut Solitaire 245x300 1\" class=\"wp-image-57535\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color\">One thing to know is that cushion cuts and \u201cpillow\u201d cuts are one and the same. In fact, you may hear the two terms thrown around interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamonds are well-priced<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with many square-shaped diamonds, a big tick in the box for cushion cuts for engagement rings is their lower price than the much more common \u2019round brilliant\u2019 shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"305\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/6-Round-and-Cushion-Cut-Comparison-1-e1601443881551.png\" alt=\"6 Round and Cushion Cut Comparison 1 e1601443881551\" class=\"wp-image-57539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/6-Round-and-Cushion-Cut-Comparison-1-e1601443881551.png 600w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/6-Round-and-Cushion-Cut-Comparison-1-e1601443881551-300x153.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only are cushion cut diamonds in lower demand, but they also require less wastage of the original diamond rough, so a larger finished gem can be created from a chunk of rough stone. This all results in added savings, passed on to you, the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This table&nbsp;shows the price difference between a round brilliant diamond and a cushion cut diamond at the same size and quality when the prices were compared&nbsp;on one of our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommended-retailers\/\" data-lasso-id=\"85\">recommended retailers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>1 carat<\/li><li>Color F<\/li><li>Clarity VS1<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how they stack-up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>SHAPE<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>PRICE (C$)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>DIFFERENCE (C$)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>DIFFERENCE (%)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Round Brilliant<\/td><td>8,853<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cushion<\/td><td>5,503<\/td><td>-3,350<\/td><td>-38%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, for the same size and quality of stone, you can save yourself a huge 38% by choosing a cushion over a round brilliant shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course changing the colour, size, and quality of the stone will result in different amounts saved, but there will always be a significant difference between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamonds are practical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are great, because they don\u2019t have any sharp edges or corners because of their rounded shape, which makes them ideal for a ring that is going to be worn every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/7-Square-Cushion-Cut-Rounded-Corners-e1601432188661.jpg\" alt=\"7 Square Cushion Cut Rounded Corners e1601432188661\" class=\"wp-image-57542\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>There are no points to snag on clothing or exposed and delicate edges heavily susceptible to being chipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Every cushion cut diamond needs to be examined<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to variations in shape, cushion cut diamonds can be a bit harder to buy than some of the other, more common diamond shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While with a round diamond you can check out the 4Cs listed on the grading certificate and trust the stats to ensure that you are getting a great looking rock, because each cushion cut diamond is different, you really do need to examine the individual stone to check that you like its shape, know whether it is chunky or crushed ice and verify that it is eye clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chunky vs. crushed ice cushion cut diamonds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing to keep in mind, there are two distinctions that people make with cushion cut diamonds \u2014 calling them either \u201cchunky\u201d or \u201ccrushed ice\u201d. These two terms refer to the look of the diamond when viewed from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you look through the top table of the stone (the flat part on top), you can see the facets line up, often making the shape of an \u201cX\u201d that meets in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you look through the top table of a crushed ice cushion, the facets are organized randomly \u2013 there\u2019s no \u201cX\u201d in the center. Instead, it looks like crushed ice, or it\u2019s also sometimes called \u201cbroken glass\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"788\" height=\"409\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/8-Side-by-side-cushion-cut-diamond-comparison-1-e1601444095454.jpg\" alt=\"8 Side by side cushion cut diamond comparison 1 e1601444095454\" class=\"wp-image-57546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/8-Side-by-side-cushion-cut-diamond-comparison-1-e1601444095454.jpg 788w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/8-Side-by-side-cushion-cut-diamond-comparison-1-e1601444095454-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/8-Side-by-side-cushion-cut-diamond-comparison-1-e1601444095454-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Neither type of cushion is better than the other; it\u2019s all down to your personal preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should be aware that once the diamond is actually mounted into a ring, it is much, much more difficult to tell the difference between variations. It\u2019s always great to be informed and to know just what you\u2019re buying, but don\u2019t get&nbsp;<em>too<\/em>&nbsp;hung up on the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you can see the stone you are buying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Retailers that don\u2019t offer images of each individual stone shouldn\u2019t be used when purchasing a cushion cut engagement ring. Even if they offer the most competitive price, it is definitely worth going with a retailer that allows you to examine individual stones to make sure you get what\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommended retailers that have great images of their cushion cut diamonds are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"86\">James Allen<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/brilliant-earth-home-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"87\">Brilliant Earth<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International cushion cut guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Each country has its own retailers we&#8217;ve therefore created individual guides for different countries. If you live outside of Canada and have found yourself on this page, click below to access your local guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/cushion-cut-engagement-rings\" data-lasso-id=\"88\">Cushion cut diamonds guide USA<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7a67c2b\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Where to buy cushion cut engagement rings in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-white-background-color has-white-color\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">When buying any diamond, there are basically three places to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\"><li>Large, chain stores<\/li><li>Smaller, more upmarket jewellers<\/li><li>Online stores<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">Where you choose to buy your diamond will make the biggest difference on how much value you get with your purchase. If you choose the wrong place, you could end up spending more that you need to and get a lower quality stone, as we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-aa7a2368\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>In this section of the guide, we\u2019ll take a look at the selection and prices for cushion cut diamonds, and how a couple of Canadian jewellers stack up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding a well-priced AND good quality cushion cut diamond from a Canadian Jeweller is difficult<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So, first of all, we have to acknowledge that while definitely more popular than some other more niches shaped diamonds, the Canadian brick and mortar selection for cushion cut diamonds is still lacking compared to more common cuts like round and princess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they do have cushion cuts available they tend to be over-priced compared to their common counterparts, and many are low quality, as we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buying a cushion cut diamond ring from Peoples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Peoples Jewellers is well known as the largest fine jewellery retailer in Canada, with nearly 150 locations. As part of one of the largest jewellery retailers in the world, Signet, they often call themselves \u201cthe diamond store\u201d, so let\u2019s see what they\u2019ve got.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/11-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Selection.jpg\" alt=\"11 Peoples Cushion Cut Diamond Selection\" class=\"wp-image-57566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/11-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Selection.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/11-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Selection-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/11-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Selection-768x543.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Searching through the Peoples website they have a selection of&nbsp;<strong>183<\/strong>&nbsp;cushion cut diamond rings. However, \u201cdiamond\u201d is used loosely, and many of the rings have other gems as centre stones, and merely feature some small diamonds in a halo or along the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s not the most promising start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/12-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-1-Carat-Solitaire.jpg\" alt=\"12 Peoples Cushion Cut 1 Carat Solitaire\" class=\"wp-image-57572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/12-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-1-Carat-Solitaire.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/12-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-1-Carat-Solitaire-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/12-Peoples-Cushion-Cut-1-Carat-Solitaire-768x600.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Digging deeper on the website, they have a 1 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring priced at&nbsp;<strong>C$8,999<\/strong>. The centre diamond for this ring has the following specs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Carat weight: 1 carat<\/li><li>Colour grade: H<\/li><li>Clarity grade: I1 (Included 1)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s a hefty amount of money to spend on a diamond ring, and of course you\u2019d expect excellent quality to match. However, large brick and mortar chains often include large markups to increase profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Peoples doesn\u2019t allow us to see the exact diamond that will be included with this ring, we can look at what a typical I1 clarity diamond looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The definition of an I1 or Included 1 diamond states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIncluded diamonds have inclusions that are usually visible without magnification or have inclusions that threaten the durability of the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inclusions in I1 diamonds often are seen by the unaided eye. I2 inclusions are easily seen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If we look at an example of an I1 clarity stone, there is a very obvious inclusion under the table:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/9-I1-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Close-Up-e1601511910202.jpg\" alt=\"9 I1 Cushion Cut Diamond Close Up e1601511910202\" class=\"wp-image-57582\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t a diamond I would recommend as the inclusion will significantly reduce the beauty of the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even allowing for that, if you did decide that this diamond\u2019s specs were acceptable, you don\u2019t need to spend nearly that much money to get a diamond with the same exact specs at the one above. In fact, by being savvy about where you shop, you can pay less than half the amount for a very similar diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can find a&nbsp;diamond with identical specifications&nbsp;(1 carat, H colour, I1 clarity) through one of my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" data-lasso-id=\"89\">recommended retailers<\/a> for just&nbsp;<strong>C$2,854<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/13-James-Allen-I1-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601511928429.jpg\" alt=\"13 James Allen I1 Cushion Cut Diamond e1601511928429\" class=\"wp-image-57588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/13-James-Allen-I1-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601511928429.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/13-James-Allen-I1-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601511928429-265x300.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>As you can easily see, this cushion cut diamond has numerous inclusions as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be noted that this is a US-based retailer, which means that taxes in your province will need to be added to this. I have a whole blog on importing a diamond into Canada with the specific taxes listed for each province, but the short version is that the highest HST that could be added is 13% on top of the sale price. 13% would&nbsp;<strong>add $371<\/strong>&nbsp;to this diamond, bringing the total to&nbsp;<strong>C$3,225<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you were to add a simple 14k white gold setting to this diamond to make it comparable to the Peoples\u2019 ring, that would still come to just&nbsp;<strong>C$3,677<\/strong>&nbsp;before tax, or&nbsp;<strong>C$4,155<\/strong>&nbsp;after tax at the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But wait just a minute!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neither of these cushion diamonds is actually worth buying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I wouldn\u2019t recommend you buy this quality of diamond (H, I1) from either Peoples, or even my recommended retailer \u2013 it has&nbsp;<strong>way too many compromises<\/strong>&nbsp;in its colour&nbsp;<strong>and&nbsp;<\/strong>clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cushion cut diamonds, my recommendation is choosing a stone that has been graded G colour or above:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954.jpg\" alt=\"14 Cushion Cut Diamond Colour Comparison e1601446312954\" class=\"wp-image-57595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954-300x133.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Going lower than a G colour means that warmer\/yellow tones may be visible in your diamond, which many people find undesirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exception to this would be if the diamond was going to be set into a yellow gold setting, in which case you could definitely go up to a J, and the contrast provided by the yellow gold would still make the diamond appear a bright white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/15-Halo-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Yellow-Gold-e1601511621577.jpg\" alt=\"15 Halo Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Yellow Gold e1601511621577\" class=\"wp-image-57600\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Another factor that rules out this diamond is the poor clarity grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a cushion cut diamond, I recommend that people choose either a VS2 or a VS1 clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/10-Clarity-scale-canadian-diamond-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"10 Clarity scale canadian diamond comparison\" class=\"wp-image-57605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/10-Clarity-scale-canadian-diamond-comparison.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/10-Clarity-scale-canadian-diamond-comparison-300x87.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/10-Clarity-scale-canadian-diamond-comparison-768x224.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>This guarantees that your diamond does not have any visible inclusions, but also that you aren\u2019t spending more for higher clarity grades which don\u2019t make a difference to what the diamond will actually look like in a ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, with either of the diamonds above, it\u2019s likely that it will look yellower than you would like and would have visible black inclusions. That\u2019s objectively not great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a better cushion cut for less money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My usual recommendation for a cushion cut diamond would be G colour and VS2 clarity, which will mean it\u2019ll look perfectly white once set into a ring setting and will be \u201ceye clean\u201d ie. no ugly inclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The price of a 1 carat diamond that fits these specs in&nbsp;<strong>C$4,263<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"306\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869.jpg\" alt=\"16 James Allen Cushion Cut VS2 e1601446828869\" class=\"wp-image-57612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869.jpg 306w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869-267x300.jpg 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 306px) 100vw, 306px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>You can see similar diamonds&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" data-lasso-id=\"90\">here<\/a>&nbsp;to confirm the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding the maximum 13% HST which would be due when importing into Canada and the total is&nbsp;<strong>C$4,817<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If we add a classic&nbsp;14k white solitaire setting, similar to the diamond used in the People\u2019s ring, the total is $4,715.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"454\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/17-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Solitaire-Complete-Ring.jpg\" alt=\"17 James Allen Cushion Cut Solitaire Complete Ring\" class=\"wp-image-57617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/17-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Solitaire-Complete-Ring.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/17-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Solitaire-Complete-Ring-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/17-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Solitaire-Complete-Ring-768x436.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>If we add tax to this, the total comes to<strong>&nbsp;C$5,269 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>significantly less than that $8,999 People\u2019s was charging for an inferior ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, it\u2019s a a saving of&nbsp;<strong>C$3,730 for a<\/strong>&nbsp;higher quality diamond, which will look perfectly white and have no visible inclusions \u2013 money which could be spent on your wedding or your honeymoon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/18-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Peoples-1.jpg\" alt=\"18 Coin Illustration Comparison James Allen and Peoples 1\" class=\"wp-image-57628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/18-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Peoples-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/18-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Peoples-1-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/18-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Peoples-1-768x387.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buying a cushion cut diamond ring from Charm Diamond Centres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll now look at another Canadian diamond retailer \u2013 Charm Diamond Centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Charm Diamond Centres specializes in fine jewellery and since opening their first store in 1972 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, they have grown to over 59 stores across Canada. They currently stand as the largest independently owned and operated jeweller in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at an alternative from Charm Diamond Centres, in this case a popular halo setting, we are presented with the option below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/19-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Halo-Cushion-Cut-Ring.jpg\" alt=\"19 Charm Diamond Centres Halo Cushion Cut Ring\" class=\"wp-image-57632\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/19-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Halo-Cushion-Cut-Ring.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/19-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Halo-Cushion-Cut-Ring-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/19-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Halo-Cushion-Cut-Ring-768x451.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Charm Diamond Centres offers a 14k white gold halo setting with diamond pave, set with a 1 carat cushion cut diamond, priced at&nbsp;<strong>C$14,999<\/strong>. The website lists the diamond stats as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CTW:<\/strong>&nbsp;1.20<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clarity:<\/strong>&nbsp;I1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Colour:<\/strong>&nbsp;GHI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carat Weight VS. Total Carat Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to understand the difference between carat weight and total carat weight when shopping for an engagement ring online, as if you aren\u2019t mindful you could end up with a much smaller center stone than you were expecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Something a little sneaky about this Charm Diamond Centres ring listing is the fact that in large print at the top they state that this is a 1.20 ct engagement ring. However further down on the web page they list the ring as having a 1.20 ctw (carat total weight).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that when they are coming up with the carat weight of the ring they are factoring in all of the tiny diamonds in the setting as well as the larger center stone, oftentimes to give the impression that the center diamond itself is larger than it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you purchased the Charm Diamond Centres ring based solely off of its title listing, you might think that you are getting a 1.20 ct. cushion cut diamond surrounded by a halo of melee diamonds, and be sorely disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/28-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Carat-Weight.jpg\" alt=\"28 Charm Diamond Centres Carat Weight\" class=\"wp-image-57637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/28-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Carat-Weight.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/28-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Carat-Weight-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/28-Charm-Diamond-Centres-Carat-Weight-768x469.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>While Charm Diamond Centres doesn\u2019t come straight out and tell us the carat weight of the center cushion cut, it is likely to be a 1 carat, placed into a ring setting with a ct. of .20. For reference, here is a very similar cushion cut halo setting from my recommended retailer James Allen, with a ct. of .23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/29-James-Allen-Halo-Setting-Comparison-Carats.jpg\" alt=\"29 James Allen Halo Setting Comparison Carats\" class=\"wp-image-57643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/29-James-Allen-Halo-Setting-Comparison-Carats.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/29-James-Allen-Halo-Setting-Comparison-Carats-300x286.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/29-James-Allen-Halo-Setting-Comparison-Carats-768x732.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colour Ambiguity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The listing for this cushion cut halo ring also lists a very vague colour range of&nbsp;<strong>GHI<\/strong>. While these letters may be right next to each other in the alphabet, there can be a world of visible difference between them.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-de30d89a\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-2e4111a8\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2e4111a8\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/30-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512822831.jpg\" alt=\"30 G Colour Cushion Cut Diamond e1601512822831\" class=\"wp-image-57648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/30-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512822831.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/30-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512822831-267x300.jpg 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-9636b9f6\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9636b9f6\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/31-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512840971.jpg\" alt=\"31 I Colour Cushion Cut Diamond e1601512840971\" class=\"wp-image-57652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/31-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512840971.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/31-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-e1601512840971-264x300.jpg 264w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Just look at how yellow the I colour cushion cut diamond looks next to the G colour diamond, and this would be visible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention the difference in cost between a G and an I diamond of otherwise the same quality:&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;C$1,741<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-9a1bfb89\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-f2858345\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f2858345\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/32-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513674609.jpg\" alt=\"32 G Colour Cushion Cut Diamond Price e1601513674609\" class=\"wp-image-57659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/32-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513674609.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/32-G-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513674609-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-34e6bec6\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34e6bec6\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/33-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513695878.jpg\" alt=\"33 I Colour Cushion Cut Diamond Price e1601513695878\" class=\"wp-image-57662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/33-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513695878.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/33-I-Colour-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Price-e1601513695878-272x300.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Again, the difference in price between the Canadian retailer and the price of importing a diamond from the U.S. is striking, and there are&nbsp;<strong>no quality guarantees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"306\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869.jpg\" alt=\"16 James Allen Cushion Cut VS2 e1601446828869\" class=\"wp-image-57612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869.jpg 306w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/16-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-VS2-e1601446828869-267x300.jpg 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 306px) 100vw, 306px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to maximise your value when buying your ring and don\u2019t want to pay more than you need to, it makes sense to check out U.S. online retailers. James Allen offers a comparable halo setting which adds just&nbsp;<strong>C$1,922<\/strong>&nbsp;to the price of the ring, equaling&nbsp;<strong>C$6,185&nbsp;<\/strong>or&nbsp;<strong>C$6,989&nbsp;<\/strong>after adding 13% HST:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/20-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Halo-Setting.jpg\" alt=\"20 James Allen Cushion Cut Halo Setting\" class=\"wp-image-57671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/20-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Halo-Setting.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/20-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Halo-Setting-300x173.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/20-James-Allen-Cushion-Cut-Halo-Setting-768x444.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Again, my recommendation is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"91\">James Allen<\/a>&nbsp;which offers high quality imagery of every cushion cut diamond so you can see what you\u2019re buying before committing to it, and compare fair prices to ensure you aren\u2019t paying an excessive amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a visual price comparison between a 1 carat halo cushion cut engagement ring from Charm Diamond Centres and a very similar, higher quality ring from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"92\">James Allen<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"595\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/21-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Charm-Diamond-Centres.jpg\" alt=\"21 Coin Illustration Comparison James Allen and Charm Diamond Centres\" class=\"wp-image-57679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/21-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Charm-Diamond-Centres.jpg 595w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/21-Coin-Illustration-Comparison-James-Allen-and-Charm-Diamond-Centres-300x151.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-01d91e20\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">How to select the most beautiful cushion cut diamond for your ring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-white-background-color has-white-color\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-b56c09f9\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-cd26216e\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-cd26216e\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">Not all diamonds are created equal, so this section will talk you through the 4Cs in relation to the Cushion cut so that you can make sure you get an incredible stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">We\u2019re going to look at:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">\u2013 Cut&nbsp;<br>\u2013&nbsp;Color&nbsp;<br>\u2013 Clarity&nbsp;<br>\u2013 Carat&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">We\u2019ll also look at another factor that is important to ensure that you get the most beautiful Cushion cut for your budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-3-color has-text-color\">\u2013 Certification<br>\u2013 Choice<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-8bb025d1\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8bb025d1\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/selecting-a-princess-cutdiamond-1.png\" alt=\"selecting a princess cutdiamond 1\" class=\"wp-image-57604\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/selecting-a-princess-cutdiamond-1.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/selecting-a-princess-cutdiamond-1-283x300.png 283w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5083ae4c\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion diamond cut quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike more commonplace diamond shapes like a round brilliant, there are no \u201cideal\u201d proportions for a cushion cut; no industry standard for what makes a \u201cperfect cushion.\u201d But there are some standards and specs to pay attention to make sure you end up with&nbsp;<em>your<\/em>, perfect cushion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional cushion cuts were square, so if this is the look you\u2019re going for then you should aim to get as close to a 1:1 length-to-width (L\/W) ratio as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"258\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/22-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Ratios-Chart.png\" alt=\"22 Cushion Cut Diamond Ratios Chart\" class=\"wp-image-57690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/22-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Ratios-Chart.png 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/22-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Ratios-Chart-300x97.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/22-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Ratios-Chart-768x248.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Any stone between 1.15 and 1.3 is a rectangular cushion cut, and even though the original cushion cut shape was square, rectangular cushions are now increasingly popular. Their elongated shape looks sleek on the hand, making fingers appear longer and more slender. So, square or rectangular, it\u2019s all up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good way to see what shape of cushion you like is to look at online galleries which allow you to compare a high number of stones with each other to see which you think are the most beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corner Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing on the certificate will tell you how rounded the corners are: some cushion cut diamond corners are nearly round, and some are nearly square. Again, the only want to know what the stone that you are looking at will really look like, and what you personally like, is to look at real cushion cuts to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637.png\" alt=\"23 Cushion height ratio 22 e1601516394637\" class=\"wp-image-57700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637-300x182.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion Cut Diamond Table Percentage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Table percentage is the width of the top \u201ctable\u201d of a diamond (the flat area on top) expressed as a percentage of the total width of the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/24-Cushion-table-width-e1601516617543.png\" alt=\"24 Cushion table width e1601516617543\" class=\"wp-image-57705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/24-Cushion-table-width-e1601516617543.png 350w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/24-Cushion-table-width-e1601516617543-300x283.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>This is important because the top table controls the amount of light that enters into a diamond. And the more light that enters, the more can be reflected back as sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommendations for cushion cut table % are below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>EXCELLENT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>VERY GOOD<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>GOOD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>54% \u2013 64%<\/td><td>52% \u2013 66%<\/td><td>60% \u2013 68%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Depth Percentage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depth percentage is the depth as a percentage of the width of the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is super important as the correct proportions are required to make sure as much light is reflected back to your eye and the stone sparkles as much as possible. If it\u2019s too deep or too shallow, light is bounced off in the wrong direction and lost, reducing sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"400\" height=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637.png\" alt=\"23 Cushion height ratio 22 e1601516394637\" class=\"wp-image-57700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/23-Cushion-height-ratio-22-e1601516394637-300x182.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>My recommendations to ensure the most sparkling cushion cut diamond:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>EXCELLENT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>VERY GOOD<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>GOOD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>55% \u2013 68%<\/td><td>52% \u2013 72%<\/td><td>50% \u2013 76%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamond colour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cushion cut diamonds have a vintage charm which can sit well with warmer yellow tones coming through. Some people actively look for these warmer tones when choosing their stone, which is convenient because for better or worse cushion cuts show their true colors much more visibly than many other cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954.jpg\" alt=\"14 Cushion Cut Diamond Colour Comparison e1601446312954\" class=\"wp-image-57595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/14-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Colour-Comparison-e1601446312954-300x133.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>However, if you\u2019re looking for a whiter, more colourless look, then I recommend going to a G colour as a&nbsp;<strong>minimum<\/strong>&nbsp;if you are going with a white color setting, or possibly a J if you are going for a yellow gold setting, which will help disguise the warm colour better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamond clarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cushion cuts are \u201cbrilliant\u201d stones, meaning they sparkle well due to their shape reflecting light off the inside of the stone and back up to your eyes. As well as generating beautiful sparkles, the other advantage is that the scintillation and brilliance can mask inclusions well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With cushion cuts, you can pretty much trust the grading report, as long as you are going with one of my two recommended certification labs \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gia.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"93\">GIA<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americangemsociety.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"94\">AGS<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost all diamonds have some inclusions, as they are all unique, but some are definitely more noticeable than others. Anything down to a VS2 should be eye-clean, and that brilliant sparkle will definitely work in your favor to hide any minor little imperfections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/25-Diamond-Clarity-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"25 Diamond Clarity Chart\" class=\"wp-image-57716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/25-Diamond-Clarity-Chart.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/25-Diamond-Clarity-Chart-300x63.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/25-Diamond-Clarity-Chart-768x160.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Again, you can go higher than this if you want, but you are paying for a stone that is \u2018mind clean\u2019 rather than one that has any noticeable visual difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamond carat weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The relationship between a diamond\u2019s carat weight and its visible size isn\u2019t always a direct one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we judge a diamond\u2019s size, we look at it from the top \u2013 known as the \u2018face up\u2019 position in the jewelry trade. However, much of the weight of a diamond is actually carried on the bottom half of the stone, where it can\u2019t be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The image below shows an average size for cushion cut diamonds at a range of carat weights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/26-Cushion-carat-weight.png\" alt=\"26 Cushion carat weight\" class=\"wp-image-57719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/26-Cushion-carat-weight.png 800w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/26-Cushion-carat-weight-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/26-Cushion-carat-weight-768x335.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>As you can hopefully see, increasing the carat weight doesn\u2019t necessarily translate into a much visibly bigger diamond. Of course the priority you place on diamond carat weight is completely up to you, but I wouldn\u2019t recommend making it the&nbsp;<strong>most<\/strong>&nbsp;important thing when choosing your engagement ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cushion cut diamond choice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re purchasing from a Canadian retailer, unfortunately your choices are very limited. You\u2019re reduced down to looking at the few diamonds they present to you, which can often be over-priced as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you shop for your diamond online you have the ability to search through thousands of diamonds, completely at your own pace, without pressure. You\u2019re also able to take advantage of great deals, and typically save a good deal of cash compared to a brick and mortar establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I know that \u201cthousands of diamonds\u201d may sound intimidating, but using the filters in the search results will quickly reduce things to a manageable number to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4c989551\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\">Recommended specs<\/h2>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4cca23f7\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5a84220b\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-81d3bc43\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-81d3bc43\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>These specs are the minimum that we recommend to ensure that the diamond on your Cushion cut engagement ring looks fantastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can of course go higher than these specs, if your budget allows, but for many of the characteristics you are paying for improvements that are very difficult, if not impossible, to see with the naked eye, especially when mounted in a ring setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/recommends\/james-allen-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"95\">View cushion cuts<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-5553f0b4\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5553f0b4\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>Clarity: <strong>VS2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colour: <strong>G<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symmetry: <strong>Excellent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Table%: <strong>54% &#8211; 64%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depth%: <strong>55% &#8211; 68%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Certification:<strong> GIA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cushion cut engagement rings in Canada Where to get a stunning cushion diamond and the best value Cushion&nbsp;cut diamonds are timeless Before the round brilliant &#8230; <a title=\"Cushion cut engagement rings in Canada\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/cushion-cut-engagement-rings-in-canada\/\" aria-label=\"More on Cushion cut engagement rings in Canada\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Cushion Cut Engagement Rings - Get The Best Diamond &amp; Best Value","_seopress_titles_desc":"In Canada and looking for a cushion cut engagement ring? Find out where to get the best princess cut diamond and where to avoid","_seopress_robots_index":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ringspo.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}