Carat Comparison: Cushion, Emerald & Pear
October 25th, 2016 / Alese Oldenburg
What’s the ideal size of a Nexus Diamond Alternative? We started answering that question with our first Carat Comparison looking at Round Brilliant, Princess and Oval shapes. The size and shape of your stone ultimately depends on your taste. But with some of the less-common cuts, it’s important to take into account several factors that can make your stone look larger or smaller.
These are three of our more unique stone shapes and how three different carat weights look for each one to help guide your decision.
Cushion
This cut looks very similar at first glance to the classic Round Brilliant cut. However, the slightly squared edges maximize carat weight so that the Nexus Diamond looks larger. A smaller center stone will look more substantial in a cushion cut engagement ring than a Round Brilliant cut in the same size. Those subtly squared edges work equally as well with thin and wider bands.
Pictured (top to bottom): 0.56 carat Tapered Classic Solitaire in white gold, 1.03 carat Fiji in white gold, 2.04 carat Fiji in white gold.
Emerald
This vintage-inspired emerald cut engagement rings is coming into style with modern brides. The Emerald cut looks true to its carat weight. The rectangular silhouette elongates fingers and can support wider bands, but you can make a smaller stone appear a bit larger with a slender band. The stepped facets beautifully highlight the clarity and colorless quality of the Nexus Diamond.
Pictured (top to bottom): 0.52 carat Montreal in white gold, 1.06 carat Tapered Classic Solitaire in white gold, 2.17 carat Tapered Classic Solitaire in white gold.
Pear
The pear shaped engagement ring is a unique shape for trend-forward brides. The teardrop shape maximizes carat weight, especially at larger carat weights. At smaller carat weights, look for a slim or tapered band and delicate prongs that won’t overpower the center stone. The asymmetrical, oblong shape of the Pear cut will make fingers look longer and more elegant.
Pictured: (top to bottom): 0.52 carat Montreal in white gold, 1.08 carat Montreal in white gold, 1.80 carat Tapered Classic Solitaire in yellow gold.
By keeping these things in mind, you can choose the ring that matches what you’re imagining and it will look fabulous. No sacrifices!
See the original post on our most common carat weights: Round, Princess and Oval.
Compare the carat weights of Radiant, Marquise and Trillion cut Nexus Diamonds
Compare our East-West settings in Radiant, Marquise, and Oval cuts.
See more on how to choose a carat size with our infographic comparing carats to common household items.