Le Vian's patented Antique Cushion cut, a cut for natural gems, puts a KAY ring in a branded price tier. That tier runs from $1,499.99 to $4,999.99, GlobeNewswire reports in its launch report, while gemstone, diamonds and gold fix the exact price. It reached KAY in fall 2026 across eight gems, including Nude Quartz, Mint Quartz, Honey Quartz and Chocolate Quartz. The range also includes Sky Topaz, Deep Sea Blue Topaz, Sea Aquamarine and Rose Morganite.
Table of Contents
- What does the cut change in the stone?
- What sets the KAY ticket price?
- Why does patent protection affect value?
- How do color, clarity and rarity change cost?
What does the cut change in the stone?
The cut takes cues from vintage old-mine cuts. It uses a romantic outline with larger facets. That combination gives a vintage-style face-up pattern rather than a modern brilliant look.
It keeps a distinctive linear culet. Broad crown facets sit above long mirrored pavilion step-cut reflections. Together they shape the depth and broad flashes tied to the patent.
What sets the KAY ticket price?
The KAY line offers 17 in-store styles plus online exclusives. Availability starts in mid-October 2026. Prices span $1,499.99 to $4,999.99 by center stone, diamonds and gold.
The same outline does not mean the same ticket. Center stone, accents and metal shift cost inside the tier. Use the low and high figures as tier markers. Compare two rings by their stones and metal, not by cut name alone.
- center gemstone type and size
- number and grade of accent diamonds
- gold content and finished weight
Why does patent protection affect value?
Le Vian says it holds over 1 million copyrighted designs, 200 trademarks and various patents. That portfolio includes a patent for jewelry with gradient gemstone Ombré patterns. The result is a look only Le Vian can sell under its own name. Signet Jewelers reports the separate Desert Ombré line uses patented precise mapping of ombré natural-color diamonds in seven desert hues (collection details).
The line uses 14k Strawberry Gold and Honey Gold. It offers 14 styles including six rings from $1,299.99 to $7,999.99 from Oct. 20, 2025. That exclusivity is the pricing lever. A buyer cannot find the same patented pattern unbranded and must choose inside Le Vian's tier.
How do color, clarity and rarity change cost?
Le Vian describes Chocolate Ombré as a natural-color-diamond design at a favorable price value. The patented gradient lets lower-cost browns, crèmes and pecan tones read as luxury while holding price below rarer fancy colors. Le Vian limits Chocolate Diamonds to natural browns graded C4-C7 with SI-or-better clarity and Le Vian cut standards.
It notes fewer than 5% of Argyle diamonds meet the standard. Stones of 1 carat or more run about 1 in 10,000. GIA notes finished-diamond value rests on Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight, with rarity driving value and small differences sharply changing price (quality guide). Ask KAY for center-stone identity, diamond grades, carat weight and metal before judging two Antique Cushion prices.