Shapes - Cushion

Everything You Need to Know About Cushion Cut Diamonds

There's something magnetic about cushion cut diamonds. Maybe it's the soft, pillow-like shape that brings a touch of romance to any setting. Maybe it's the way light dances through those brilliant facets, creating flashes of fire that rival even the most popular cuts. Or maybe it's their history: according to the GIA, cushion cuts have captivated diamond lovers for over two centuries, and they're not slowing down.

A cushion cut diamond combines the best of old-world charm with modern brilliance. This shape takes a square outline and softens it with gently rounded corners, creating a look that's simultaneously classic and fresh. The result? A diamond that stands out without trying too hard. In this guide, we'll cover their fascinating history, compare them to other popular shapes, and explain how to choose a stunning cushion cut that fits your style and budget. 

What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

With its square shape and rounded corners, a cushion cut diamond resembles a pillow or cushion, hence the name. It features 58 facets arranged in a pattern that creates a softer, more dispersed sparkle compared to the brilliant flashes of a round diamond. Cushion cuts are especially popular for engagement rings because they combine Old World chic with substantial presence, with a result that turns heads.

History of the Cushion Cut

The cushion cut traces its roots back to the 1700s in Brazil, where diamond cutters developed what they called the "Old Mine cut." This was the original cushion: a square with rounded corners and 58 facets. As cutting technology improved, diamond cutters refined the facet arrangements, adjusted the proportions, and created new variations. The result is a shape that honors its vintage heritage while delivering the brilliance modern buyers expect.

3.01 carat G SI1 Cushion cut Diamond

Visual Characteristics of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Most cushion cuts have a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05, making them almost perfectly equal on all sides. When it comes to sparkle, you’ve got two choices: chunky vs. crushed ice.

• Cushion Brilliants: According to the International Gem Society, these diamonds have large, clearly defined facets that create bold flashes of light. This style, which is commonly known as a ‘chunky’ cushion, is closer to the traditional old mine cut and tends to have a more vintage feel. 
  
  

• Cushion Modified Brilliants: These diamonds have smaller, more numerous facets that create an all-over glitter effect. Instead of distinct flashes, you get a shimmer that resembles crushed ice, which is why these stones are sometimes called ‘crushed ice cushions.’ This is the most common cushion cut style on the market today.

Neither is better, as both cut versions are beautiful in their own way. It's purely about preference. Spend time looking at both styles before you buy.

Cushion Cut vs. Other Diamond Shapes

When you’re shopping for a diamond, you have several choices, including a cushion cut. Here's how they stack up against other popular shapes, bearing in mind that facet patterns can vary widely depending on the specific cushion cut style.

Cushion Cut vs. Round Brilliant

Round brilliants are the most popular diamond shape. While they deliver more overall sparkle thanks to their 58 precisely angled facets, cushions come close with a softer, more diffused brilliance and bigger flashes of colored light. Style-wise, rounds are classic and timeless while cushions have a romantic, slightly vintage feel that sets them apart.

Cushion Cut vs. Princess Cut

Princess cuts have sharp, pointed corners and straight edges while cushions have rounded corners and gently curved sides. Princess cuts deliver intense sparkle (second only to rounds) thanks to their 57-76 small facets, while cushions have larger facets that produce less overall brilliance but more fire.

Cushion Cut vs. Radiant Cut

Radiant cut diamonds are rectangular with cropped corners and straight sides, while cushions have rounded corners and curved sides. With 70 facets, radiants deliver intense, all-over sparkle, making them one of the most brilliant cuts available, while most cushions have larger facets creating bold flashes of light and fire rather than continuous shimmer. 

Cushion Cut vs. Oval Cut 

Oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape with curved sides, while cushions are square with rounded corners. They typically have 56-58 facets arranged in a brilliant pattern similar to round diamonds, giving them exceptional sparkle. Cushions, with their larger facets, produce a softer, more romantic brilliance with bold flashes of color. 

Cushion Cut vs. Elongated Cushion Cut

Elongated cushion cuts have a higher length-to-width ratio (typically 1.15:1 or greater), creating a more rectangular appearance while maintaining the same rounded corners and facet structure as traditional cushions. Style-wise, elongated cushions feel slightly more modern and streamlined while traditional cushions lean more toward vintage.

Table Illustrating Cut Comparisons

Pros and Cons of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Every diamond shape has trade-offs, and cushion cuts are no exception. Here's what you're getting and what you're giving up when you choose this romantic shape.

What Makes Cushion Cuts Great

• Traditional Appeal: Cushion cuts have staying power. They've been around for over 200 years and they're still going strong. You can set them in an antique-inspired halo or a sleek contemporary solitaire, and they look equally at home in either style.
  
  

• Soft, Romantic Shape: Those gently rounded corners and curved edges create a softer silhouette than sharp, angular shapes. They're pillowy and warm: there's a reason people call them "pillow cuts."
  
  

• Excellent Brilliance Potential: When cut well, cushion cuts sparkle beautifully. They won't outshine a round brilliant, but they come surprisingly close. Cushions produce more fire than most shapes, creating a warmer, more dynamic sparkle.

What You Need to Know Before Buying

• Sparkle Can Vary Widely: Two cushion cuts with identical measurements can look completely different. One might be a brilliant chunky cushion while another might be a crushed ice style. This means you'll need to do more homework than you would with a round or princess cut.
  
  

• Smaller Face-Up Appearance: Cushion cuts can look smaller face-up than round brilliants of the same carat weight due to their depth and rounded corners, so you may need to size up if visual impact is important to you.
  
  

• Risk of "Glassy" Appearance: Crushed ice cushions can appear flat or glassy if poorly cut, lacking the depth and fire you'd expect from a quality diamond. Always review photos or videos showing how the stone handles light before purchasing.

How to Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond

Unlike round brilliants, which have strict grading standards that include cut, cushion cuts vary more widely. Here are some guidelines for choosing a diamond that exceeds your expectations.

1. Start With the Look You Want

Before you even think about carat weight or color, decide which sparkle pattern appeals to you. Do you want chunky facets with bold flashes of light, or crushed ice with all-over shimmer? Look at photos and videos of both styles before deciding.

2. Choose Color Based on Your Setting

Cushion cuts show more color than rounds, so you'll need to be strategic when selecting your diamond. For best results with 14k gold, 18k gold, or platinum settings, choose an F color grade with VVS clarity or higher. This combination delivers optimal brilliance and ensures your cushion cut maintains its beauty regardless of the metal you select.

3. Pick Your Ideal Clarity

Cushion cuts hide inclusions well, especially crushed ice styles. VS2 is the sweet spot for most buyers: you'll get an eye-clean diamond without paying for perfection you can't see. If you're choosing a chunky cushion with larger facets, VS1 or higher gives you extra insurance since those big facets can make inclusions slightly more visible. 

4. Customize Your Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

Once you've selected your cushion cut diamond engagement ring, why not add some extras to truly make it one of a kind? At Keyzar Jewelry, we offer a wide range of upgrades that make our existing designs even more unique. For example, you can add a Euro Shank to The Lucia to prevent it from spinning on your finger or a hidden halo to The Textured Twig to add a dose of extra sparkle. It’s one more way to get an engagement ring that’s truly meant for you.