2.12 Ct. Ruby and Natural Diamond Pave Ring, 18K White & Yellow

This ring is executed in a combined metal palette of 18K white gold and 18K yellow gold, with a cushion cut, vivid red center gemstone set within a halo of round brilliant diamonds, and a pavé diamond shank extending partway around the band. Four 18K yellow gold prongs secure the center stone, providing a subtle visual contrast that accentuates the warmth and depth of the red hue. The crown and gallery are crafted to allow lateral light entry, with openwork beneath the halo that permits additional light to reach the pavilion. The halo is composed of well matched round brilliant diamonds that frame the center stone, increasing the apparent diameter and creating a perimeter of high contrast that emphasizes both color and brightness. The pavé set diamonds along the shoulders are uniform in size and alignment, producing a steady field of small, bright reflections that lead the eye to the focal stone, while the 18K white gold of the band and basket provides a reflective backdrop which enhances the overall white light return of the accent diamonds.

The cushion cut center stone exhibits a light performance that is distinct from other traditional cuts, due to its facet arrangement and generally larger, more open facets on the crown. Compared with a round brilliant cut, which is optimized for maximum return of white light and for tight, scintillating pinpoints of brilliance, the cushion cut yields broader flashes and a balance of fire and brilliance that often emphasizes color saturation. Where a round brilliant will appear uniformly bright under varied lighting, a cushion cut will tend to display larger flashes of spectral dispersion and more pronounced regions of color, which is particularly desirable for a richly colored gemstone. Against step cuts such as emerald and asscher, which prioritize clarity and a hall of mirrors effect with restrained scintillation, the cushion cut returns more sparkle and dynamic movement, while preserving a clear presentation of color. Compared with princess and other square or angular brilliant styles, the cushion cut offers softer flash patterns and a less geometric profile, which reduces the appearance of sharp contrasts and produces a warmer visual result. Elongated cuts like oval and pear can exhibit a bow tie effect that influences light distribution, whereas the cushion shape in this ring is calibrated to minimize dark areas and to present a stable, saturated face up color. In short, the cushion cut here provides an effective compromise between the high brilliance of modern round brilliants and the color focused display of step cuts, making it particularly well suited to a saturated red gemstone.

The combination of a white gold mounting and yellow gold prongs has a deliberate impact on perceived light performance and color. The reflective quality of 18K white gold around the halo and shank enhances the brilliance and scintillation of the white diamonds, increasing the overall visual brightness of the ring, while the yellow gold prongs introduce a warm contrast that deepens the perceived red of the center stone. The halo and pavé diamonds serve two functional roles, they increase the ring brightness by contributing additional light return, and they create contrast that makes the red center appear more vivid against a white backdrop. The open gallery beneath the center stone allows light to enter and exit through the pavilion more freely, improving face up saturation without unduly sacrificing brilliance. For daily wear, regular cleaning is important to maintain optimal light performance, removing oils and residues that can dull both the center gemstone and the small accent diamonds, and routine inspection of the prongs and pavé settings is recommended to ensure secure mounting and consistent light transmission. When evaluating light performance relative to other cuts, consider the interaction between the stone s cut, its color saturation, and the mounting design, as the cushion cut in this design is chosen to showcase strong color while retaining lively, broad flashes of light that complement the surrounding diamonds and the dual metal setting.