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cushion cut diamond ring

Cushion Cut Diamonds: The Best of Both Worlds Between Round and Square

Diamond shapes have a big impact on the final style, durability, and overall quality of your jewelry. With brilliance, fire, and soft edges, cushion cut diamonds are a favorite for engagement rings and wedding bands. 

What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond features a square or elongated shape with rounded corners, resulting in its namesake pillow-like appearance. Pavilion facets extend from the bottom point to the outer girdle edge. While used in various kinds of jewelry, cushion cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings. 

The modern cushion cut diamond is based on antique cushion and old mine cuts, which are hand-cut styles originating from the 18th century. These vintage shapes feature larger facets that in dim lighting such as candlelight, capture and reflect light to enhance a diamond’s fire — otherwise known as colored light dispersion.

Modern cushion cut diamonds enhance fire rather than pure brilliance. However, today’s advanced techniques allow for smaller, more refined facets, creating better symmetry and reflection. The result is a diamond with dazzling sparkle in both natural and artificial lighting, giving the diamond an appearance similar to crushed ice.

Why Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond?

The brilliance, versatility, and other benefits of a cushion cut diamond make it a unique option for custom jewelry.

Brilliance and fire

The modern cushion cut optimizes light performance with its balance of brilliance and fire, or white light reflection vs. colored light dispersion. Precise symmetry and refined proportions result in brilliance that rivals other diamond shapes while retaining the romantic glow.

Unique aesthetic appeal

The cushion cut’s rounded edges create a soft and vintage-inspired look that embodies romance. Compared to the sharp angles of other shapes, curved edges give cushion cuts an elegant look that complements their warmth and depth.

Durability

Compared to the pointed edges of other cuts, a cushion cut diamond’s rounded edges make it less prone to chipping. This durability allows for everyday wear and active lifestyles, particularly with bridal jewelry.

Affordability

The cutting process of a cushion cut retains more of the rough diamond, so cushion cut diamonds often have a lower cost per carat than other cuts. Due to their deeper pavilions and broader surface areas, cushion cuts may appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. Larger facets also help disguise inclusions, allowing more flexibility when selecting lower clarity grades without compromising on quality or beauty.

Design versatility

Cushion cut diamonds’ shape and light performance compliment a variety of engagement ring styles and settings. From intricate vintage-inspired designs with milgrain details to sleek and modern rings, the cushion cut is a timeless favorite.

Cushion Cut vs. Round

While round diamonds are a stunning and popular style, cushion cuts are an alternative that provides both beauty and value. Consider these factors:

  • Shape: Round and cushion cuts have a similar diamond shape from afar, but a round diamond is symmetrical and circular while a cushion cut is square with rounded corners.

  • Style: Round diamonds are a traditional shape, but cushion cut diamonds maintain a classic style with a vintage touch.

  • Sparkle: Round diamonds have the highest brilliance. Cushion cuts offer a significant amount of brilliance but with more fire.

  • Cost: Cushion cuts are typically less expensive per carat compared to a round diamond of the same weight and quality.

Square vs. Elongated Cushion Cut

Both square and elongated cushion cuts retain the signature rounded edges and faceting style, but their shape difference impacts the overall look and effect of the diamond.

Square cushion cuts have an equal length-to-width ratio, creating a symmetrical and balanced look. These diamonds pair well with most settings, and their even proportions produce a consistent brilliance.

An elongated cushion cut has a lengthened, more rectangular shape. This shape has a larger surface area, so it features more broadly reflected light and often looks bigger than a square cushion of the same carat weight. These diamonds are similarly vintage-inspired, but elongated shapes provide a more contemporary twist compared to square cushion cuts. The elongated shape also has a finger-lengthening and -slimming effect.

Best Settings for Cushion Cut Diamond Rings

Cushion cut diamonds complement various settings, enhancing the stone’s brilliance, fire, and shape in different ways. Choosing the right setting elevates the cushion cut’s soft and romantic appeal while maximizing sparkle.

Halo settings

A halo setting surrounds the cushion cut diamond with smaller stones, making the center stone appear larger and more radiant. This design emphasizes brilliance without increasing the carat size. There are several halo variations, including:

  • Classic: A single-row ring of diamonds around the center stone.

  • Double: Two concentric diamond circles or rows of diamonds.

  • Hidden: A band of smaller stones visible only from the side.

Solitaire settings

A solitaire setting places all the focus on the cushion cut diamond, removing distraction and emphasizing the fire and brilliance. This minimalist design is ideal for those who prefer understated and classic elegance.

Pavé setting

Pavé settings feature small diamonds lining the ring’s band, resulting in a seamless and shimmering effect. The center stone may have a prong or bezel setting. With extra sparkle and visual texture, pavé settings provide delicate luxury.

Bezel setting

A bezel setting encircles the cushion cut diamond in a metal rim to maximize protection while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.

Split shank setting

A split shank setting features a band that separates into two at the center stone, adding visual interest and intricacy. Popular split shank variations include:

  • Pavé

  • Twisted or infinity 

  • Halo 

  • Three-stone split 

How To Choose the Perfect Cushion Cut Stone

Consider the 4 C's of diamond grading when selecting the perfect cushion cut stone for your ring or other fine jewelry:

  • Carat weight: Choose an elongated cushion cut for maximum visual size, or a square cushion cut for a compact and traditional look.

  • Color grades: Look for G to H+ or better color grades to ensure the diamond appears colorless in most conditions.

  • Clarity: Ask your jeweler for cushion cut diamonds rated at VS1 or better for minimal to no visible inclusions. Those rated Sl1 to Sl2 may have some inclusions but at a lower price point.

  • Cut quality and proportions: Consider cushion cut diamonds with a depth percentage between 60% and 80%.

Contact Jeweler’s Touch Today

Cushion cut diamonds and their many facets provide unique fire and brilliance, allowing them to shine in engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry. For expert guidance in choosing a diamond, contact us or schedule online at Jeweler’s Touch today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many prongs should I use for cushion cut diamonds?

Opt for at least four prongs for your cushion cut diamond for a secure setting. Using six prongs may provide a more secure hold, especially for elongated or larger cushion cut diamonds.

Which cuts are best for engagement rings?

The best shape for an engagement ring depends on many factors, such as your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. Popular shapes for engagement rings include round, cushion, princess, oval, and emerald. 

What type of metal should I pair with a cushion cut diamond?

Gold is the most popular choice for ring, with options including yellow, rose, or white gold. Yellow gold pairs well with the fire of a cushion cut diamond, while rose gold amplifies sparkle and warmth. White gold and platinum complement a diamond’s brilliance.

 

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