Solitaire Aquamarine Ring 2.57 Ct., 14K White Gold

This ring from The Natural Gemstone Company centers on a transparent 2.57 carat cushion shape blue aquamarine, with dimensions of 10.33 by 7.34 by 5.19 millimeters, a mixed brilliant cut, a clarity grade described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, light color saturation, excellent polish, and no enhancement, originating from Mozambique. The gem is set in a clean 14K white gold mounting with prong settings that expose the pavilion and crown, allowing unobstructed light entry and exit. The mixed brilliant faceting on a cushion outline combines smaller crown facets with a modified pavilion, producing a balance of broad flashes and more concentrated scintillation, while the excellent polish minimizes light leakage and preserves contrast between bright and dark areas across the table and crown.

In comparison to other cuts and styles, the cushion mixed brilliant occupies a midpoint between the highly brilliant round cut and the more architectural step cuts such as emerald and asscher. Versus a round brilliant, this cushion offers substantial brightness and lively scintillation, but with softer, more varied flash patterns and a slightly larger apparent surface area for the same carat weight. Compared with step cuts, which emphasize color and clarity through long, mirrored facets, the cushion mixed brilliant returns more light and reduces the likelihood of windowing, which is particularly beneficial for aquamarine given its moderate refractive index and low dispersion. The mixed pavilion facets increase return of white light, creating a perception of higher visual lightness, while the cushion outline rounds the geometry, resulting in flashes that read as broader, more luminous planes rather than the linear reflections typical of emerald cuts. In settings, an open prong mount as used here maximizes these advantages, whereas a bezel or heavy halo would dampen the stone s natural brightness. The combination of natural Mozambican origin, absence of enhancement, and an excellent polish means that the stone s inherent transparency and subtle blue hue are showcased without artificial alteration, and the very slightly included clarity grade ensures that light performance is not materially impeded, maintaining consistent brilliance across viewing angles.