Description
5 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Diamond Engagement Ring – Hidden Halo, 14K Yellow Gold
This ring is built around a 4.01 carat cushion cut lab diamond set in a hidden halo, with 1 carat of side diamonds surrounding and beneath the center stone in 14K yellow gold. At just over 4 carats, this is a genuinely substantial center stone — the cushion cut at this size has a face-up measurement that commands immediate attention on the finger. The hidden halo adds sparkle beneath the girdle of the center stone, visible from the side and from below, without interrupting the cushion’s clean outline from above. Combined with the 1 carat of side and halo diamonds, the ring totals 5 carats of diamond weight. The center diamond is graded E color and VVS2 clarity, IGI certified — at this size, both grades matter: a 4ct cushion with visible color or inclusions would make those qualities obvious, and E/VVS2 ensures neither applies.
Diamond Specifications
- Center Stone: 4.01 carat cushion cut lab-grown diamond
- Color: E — colorless, second grade on the GIA scale
- Clarity: VVS2 — inclusions invisible to the naked eye, extremely small under magnification
- Certification: IGI certified
- Hidden Halo & Side Diamonds: 1.00 carat total, E color VS1
- Total Carat Weight: 5.00 carats
Ring Specifications
- Setting Style: Hidden halo solitaire
- Prongs: 4 claw prongs
- Shank Width: 1.40mm
- Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
- Finish: High-polish
- Sizing: Made to order in your size
What’s Included
- ✔ IGI gemological certificate
- ✔ Professional appraisal certificate
- ✔ Luxury ring box
- ✔ Free insured FedEx shipping
- ✔ 30-day return policy
- ✔ Lifetime warranty
Why This Design Works
The cushion cut is one of the most historically significant diamond shapes — it predates modern precision cutting and was developed for candlelight, where its large facets produce broad, sweeping flashes of light rather than the rapid scintillation of modern brilliant cuts. At 4 carats, the cushion’s face-up area is large enough that those broad flashes are highly visible and commanding. The soft, rounded corners and curved sides give the stone a presence that is both bold and romantic — substantial in scale but never harsh.
The hidden halo is the right pairing for a large cushion. A standard halo sitting around the top of a 4ct cushion would add yet more visual width to an already large cluster, potentially making the setting feel heavy. The hidden halo sits beneath the girdle, adding sparkle from the side and from below — visible when the ring catches light at an angle — without adding perimeter width to the center cluster from above. The 1 carat of halo and side diamonds creates a layered brilliance effect: the center stone dominates from above, the surrounding diamonds reveal themselves as the hand moves. In yellow gold, the warm metal intensifies the contrast with the E color center, making the colorless stone appear particularly vivid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large does a 4 carat cushion cut actually look?
A 4.01 carat cushion cut typically measures approximately 10 to 11mm across its face, depending on exact cut proportions. For context, a standard US penny is 19mm in diameter — a 4ct cushion is just over half that width. On the finger, the cushion’s square-ish outline means the full face-up area is visible at once, and at this size that area is genuinely striking. The average engagement ring in the United States is approximately 1.0 to 1.2 carats — this ring is roughly four times that. It is a statement piece by any standard.
Why does quality grade matter more at larger carat weights?
A larger diamond has larger facets and a larger table — the flat top surface through which you view the interior. At 4 carats, inclusions that would be microscopic and invisible in a 1ct stone are proportionally larger and more likely to be visible. Similarly, color tints that are undetectable in a 1ct near-colorless stone become marginally more visible in a 4ct stone of the same grade. E/VVS2 at this size ensures the diamond looks as clean and vivid as its scale demands — the large face-up area works entirely in the stone’s favour rather than exposing any weakness.
What is a hidden halo and how does it differ from a standard halo?
A standard halo surrounds the center stone at the same level — the halo diamonds are visible from directly above and sit around the perimeter of the center stone, creating a larger combined cluster. A hidden halo is set below the girdle of the center stone, so from directly above the ring reads as a clean solitaire. The halo diamonds are visible from the side and from below, adding sparkle at angles where the center stone cannot catch light. For a 4ct cushion — already a very large stone — a hidden halo adds brilliance without adding more visual width to the top of the ring, keeping the overall design proportional and elegant.
What does E color VVS2 clarity mean for this ring?
E is the second-highest grade on the GIA color scale — in the colorless range, no yellow or warm tint is detectable under any conditions. In yellow gold, the warm metal creates a vivid contrast with the colorless center stone, making it appear particularly white and bright. VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included, second degree) is the fourth grade from the top of the clarity scale — inclusions require high magnification and a trained grader to locate. At 4 carats, both grades ensure the stone’s scale is an asset rather than a liability: nothing to see but diamond.
Can I change the metal?
Yes. This ring can be made in 14K or 18K gold in yellow, white, or rose, or in platinum. Contact us before ordering — call 917-477-8663 or message through the site. 14K yellow gold is shown in the photos.
Can I choose a different center stone size?
Yes. We can build this hidden halo cushion design from 2 to 6 carats. Call 917-477-8663 with your budget and we will price it out. Different colour and clarity grades are also available.
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
Yes — chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond. Same carbon crystal structure, same hardness of 10, same refractive index and light performance. The only difference is origin. At 4 carats, a lab diamond delivers the same visual impact and the same IGI certification as a mined stone at a fraction of the cost. This diamond comes with an IGI certificate confirming its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
How long until I receive my ring?
Each ring is handcrafted to order. Standard production is 10–14 business days, then ships via free insured FedEx. If you need it by a specific date, contact us before ordering and we will confirm the timeline honestly.
Free Shipping
We’re proud to offer FREE FedEx® shipping on every order within the US and to 43 international countries.
Every Ariel Jewelry purchase qualifies for free expedited shipping. All shipments are fully insured and shipped via FedEx 2 Day. We require processing times of between 1-3 weeks depending on each ring and ring size so please consult with one of our experts for exact details. Since jewelry is often given for engagement or another special occasion, we will be extremely flexible to help you create a wonderful surprise. We can ship to the nearest FedEx location and have the package securely held for you to pick up or we can ship to an address other than your home to help you maintain your surprise.
Need it fast? Upgraded overnight service is available upon request for a nominal fee. We ship worldwide with FedEx International Priority. Delivery times are dependent on the country’s customs. Clients are responsible for duties and taxes.
Returns
100% Full Refund We stand behind every item we sell and we want you to experience total satisfaction with your purchase. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange – no questions asked. Many retailers charge a restocking fee for returns; we don’t charge you a cent.