Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond Ring on a Heavy Split Shank in Silver, 10K, 14K and 18K Gold

A cushion cut laboratory grown diamond held between two heavy arms of gold that split from the band, curve around the stone and rejoin behind it. The metal grips the girdle directly from opposite sides, so nothing stands above the stone and the ring reads as one solid piece.

At a glance

• Centre stone: Cushion cut laboratory grown diamond
• Carat options: 2, 3, 4 and 5 carat
• Colour and clarity: E colour, VVS2 clarity
• Certificate: IGI, included free
• Setting: Held between the arms of a heavy split shank
• Accent stones: None
• Metals: 925 silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, rose and white
• Made: To order in Surat, India

Why a cushion suits this setting

The arms hold along two opposite sides of the stone, so the shape needs long, straightish flanks for them to grip. A cushion has exactly that, with softened corners that follow the curve of the metal rather than fighting it. A round works too; a marquise or a pear does not.

The shank is the setting

There is no head raised on a band. Two substantial arms rise out of the shank, sweep around the diamond and hold it, which is why the profile stays so low and why there is no visible join between setting and band.

Weight you can feel

Arms this heavy take a real quantity of metal, especially in 18K. The ring sits flat, does not spin on the finger and has presence that a fine wire solitaire does not. It is also one of the more robust ways to wear a large stone every day.

What laboratory grown means here

A laboratory grown diamond is a diamond. It is crystallised carbon with the same cubic structure, the same 10 on the Mohs scale, the same refractive index of 2.42 and the same dispersion as a mined stone. Ours are grown by chemical vapour deposition and high pressure high temperature methods, then cut and polished by hand. This is not moissanite, not cubic zirconia and not a simulant. A gemmologist testing it will read diamond, because it is diamond.

Metals

Choose 925 sterling silver, or 10K, 14K or 18K gold in yellow, rose or white. This ring was photographed in yellow gold, which suits the weight of the arms, but every metal is made to order and priced above. White gold is rhodium plated and will want replating every one to two years.

Every centre stone arrives IGI certified

The centre diamond is graded by IGI, the International Gemological Institute, and the certificate comes with the ring at no extra charge. It states the carat weight, the E colour grade, the VVS2 clarity grade, the measurements and the girdle inscription, and confirms in writing that the stone is laboratory grown. With no accents anywhere, that report describes the entire ring.

Made to order in our own workshop

Mapple Gems is a family run workshop in Surat, India, where most of the world's diamonds are cut and polished. Both arms are formed from the shank and filed until they mirror each other, and the seat for the stone is cut into each arm separately so the cushion sits level. Allow two to three weeks for making, plus shipping.

Looking after it

Warm water, mild washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush, working between the two arms and under the stone. A cushion is cut deep, so brush behind it properly. Take it off for the gym, gardening and swimming.

Questions we are asked

What colour and clarity is the diamond? Every centre stone is E colour and VVS2 clarity, on every metal and every carat weight.

Is a two point grip secure at four or five carats? Yes. The arms hold along opposite sides of the girdle rather than at four small points, and they brace each other through the shank. We thicken them on the larger weights.

Is the certificate really free? Yes. The IGI report is included in the price on every variant.

Will a wedding band sit flush? Close. Both arms run the full circumference, so a straight band meets them rather than a single shank. Many people wear this ring on its own.

Can it be resized? Within a size either way. Both arms have to be cut and rejoined together, so please order your correct size and ask us for a free sizer.

Can I have a different stone shape? A round, an oval or an emerald cut all suit this setting, since each has sides for the arms to grip. Tell us when you order.

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