Understanding Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut Diamonds

On the market Cushion Cut diamonds are described on the GIA Reports as being "Cushion Modified Brilliant" or "Cushion Brilliant". Does this description equate to anything meaningful with regards to the optics of a cushion cut? In this video we closely examine two Cushion Modified Brilliant's and answer the question.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• cushion cut diamonds

[LittleMissMichigan]

Forgive my ignorance but what exactly is a "modified" diamond vs. one that is not? Do they chemically change the stone or something? What's the difference in price?

[DiamondInfoMan]

@LittleMissMichigan Modified means that the facet structure is altered from its original design(s). On most cushion cut diamonds particularly, there are extra facets added to the pavilion (or bottom side) of the diamond extending down from the girdle edge. When people shop for cushions they tend to associate their appearance with one type of look, ie. the watery crushed ice effect demonstrated in this video. While many do take on that appearance there are some rare ones that do not. Thanks.

[DiamondInfoMan]

Yep. It was an SI2. The hi def clips do a great job of showing inclusions although our photomicrographs show them much better.

[ragemanchoo82]

3:20 -- the stone on the left also has a lower clarity, though, right? Hell the clarity alone would be enough to drive me to the other diamond, even if it were two or three color grades lower, let alone one.