East-West Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Two-Tone 18K Gold | "The Cushion of Grace"

SKU: ENG1103 — Handcrafted in Montreal by Ex Aurum

A modern heirloom for a love that defies convention

The Cushion of Grace reimagines the solitaire engagement ring for the bride who wants something timeless — but not predictable. At its heart sits an elongated cushion-cut diamond, a cut prized for its softened corners, vintage character, and crushed-ice brilliance. Rather than the conventional vertical setting, the diamond is mounted horizontally in a striking east-west orientation that elongates the finger and gives the ring its unmistakable contemporary silhouette.

The two-tone band is where tradition and modernity meet by design. A sleek shank of warm 18K yellow gold cradles the stone, while crisp 18K white gold prongs frame the diamond and amplify its sparkle. The contrast is intentional and quietly distinctive — perfect for someone who appreciates classic symbolism with a fresh point of view.

Why this ring stands apart

• East-west orientation lengthens the finger and gives a modern edge to a romantic cut
• Elongated cushion-cut diamond balances vintage soul with brilliant-cut fire
• Two-tone 18K gold offers warmth and contrast in a single piece — no need to choose
• Secure 4-prong setting maximizes light return while protecting the stone
• Handcrafted to order in Montreal — never mass-produced, never duplicated

Ring Specifications

Details of the ring pictured:

• Center Diamond: 2.56 ct Elongated Cushion Cut Lab-Grown Diamond
• Clarity / Color: VS1 / F

The specifications above reflect the ring pictured for style-viewing purposes. Final pricing depends on your chosen diamond and customizations.

Made to order, made for you

Every diamond is different — and so is every love story. The Cushion of Grace is fully customizable: choose between a natural or lab-grown diamond, your preferred carat weight, clarity, color, and ring size. Get in touch for a personalized quote tailored to your specifications.

Click 'Ask for a Quote' for more information on your dream engagement ring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an east-west engagement ring?

An east-west engagement ring is one where the center diamond is set horizontally across the finger rather than in the traditional vertical (north-south) orientation. This setting style is especially flattering for elongated diamond shapes like cushion, oval, emerald, and marquise cuts because it creates a finger-lengthening visual effect and gives the ring a more contemporary look than a classic solitaire.

Why choose an elongated cushion cut diamond?

The elongated cushion cut blends the romantic, antique character of a traditional cushion — soft "pillow" corners and a slightly cushioned outline — with a more rectangular silhouette that maximizes finger coverage. It delivers exceptional brilliance and fire while feeling distinctive and modern. For many buyers, it's the ideal middle ground between a classic round brilliant and a sleek emerald cut.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds — both are real diamonds. The only difference is origin: natural diamonds form over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology over a matter of weeks. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality, which means you can often choose a larger or higher-grade stone within the same budget. Both options are available for The Cushion of Grace.

Is two-tone gold durable for daily wear?

Yes. Both 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold are excellent, durable choices for an engagement ring worn every day. Pairing yellow gold on the band with white gold prongs is a deliberate design decision — the white gold prongs help the diamond appear whiter and brighter, while the yellow gold shank adds warmth against the skin. The two metals are securely fused during fabrication and wear as a single, seamless piece.

Can I customize this ring?

Absolutely. The Cushion of Grace is fully customizable. You can adjust the diamond's carat weight, choose between natural or lab-grown, and specify your preferred color and clarity grades. Ring size is, of course, made to order. If you'd like to discuss a different metal combination or other modifications, we welcome that conversation.

How long does it take to receive a made-to-order ring?

Because each ring is handcrafted to order in our Montreal atelier, production takes several weeks once your diamond and design are finalized. We'll confirm an exact timeline when you receive your personalized quote so you can plan around proposal dates or special occasions.

Where is this ring made?

The Cushion of Grace is designed and handcrafted by Ex Aurum in Montreal, Quebec. Every piece is made by hand in our local atelier — never outsourced, never mass-produced.

How do I get a price?

Click Ask for a Quote or contact us directly. Share your preferences for diamond size, type (natural or lab-grown), color, and clarity, and we'll send you a detailed quote.

What does the 4-prong setting do for the diamond?

A 4-prong setting holds the diamond securely at four points around its girdle while exposing the maximum amount of stone to light. The result is a brighter, more brilliant appearance compared to bezel or halo settings, and it shows off the elongated cushion shape clearly from every angle. Our prongs are crafted in 18K white gold so they blend visually with the diamond rather than competing with it.