5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy a Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Quick Summary
Cushion cut engagement rings blend vintage charm with modern appeal, offering a romantic shape and eye-catching sparkle. Despite common myths, they shine brightly when properly cut, often rivaling round brilliants in fire and movement. Their history doesn’t make them dated—today’s designs, worn by trendsetters like Sofia Vergara, prove they’re timeless and stylish. Concerns about inclusions are often exaggerated, as many cushion cuts hide small flaws well when set thoughtfully. Their shape works beautifully with a wide range of settings, from classic solitaires to contemporary three-stone rings. While some think they appear smaller for their carat weight, well-cut cushion diamonds offer impressive presence and value
If you’ve been shopping for an engagement ring, you’ve probably seen cushion cut diamonds. With their soft corners and gorgeous faceting, they have a vibe that's both classic and effortlessly romantic. Yet some people hesitate to buy a cushion cut engagement ring, having heard rumors that they don’t sparkle enough, look old-fashioned, or cost too much for what you get.
In this guide, we’ll set the record straight on this stunning cut. We’ll highlight five common reasons couples skip over cushion cuts and why those reasons don’t hold up. If you’re drawn to this shape but keep hearing mixed opinions, keep reading to learn why the cushion cut is still one of the most stylish, flattering choices out there.
What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
A cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape with gently rounded corners that give it a whimsical appearance. Its soft edges and warm sparkle flatters the hand without looking too rigid, which is why it was the go-to choice for Victorian era proposals. What makes the cushion cut feel so current today is how it's been refined: modern cutting techniques bring out more fire and sparkle without losing the charm that made it so popular to begin with.
Cushion cuts also come in a wide range of proportions, from perfectly square to elongated styles that give it a stronger presence on the finger. You’ll also see two popular faceting styles: the “crushed ice” look with tightly packed facets and the more traditional “chunky” version with defined patterns. Both are exquisite, but in different ways. That’s part of what makes this cut feel so versatile; it adapts to different eras and even different tastes with effortless grace.
5 Reasons You “Shouldn’t” Buy a Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Cushion cuts have been admired for generations, but they’re often misunderstood. Some shoppers hesitate because they’ve read or heard that cushion cuts don’t shine as brightly, show flaws too easily, or only suit vintage styles. These ideas sound convincing at first, but they miss what makes this cut truly stand out.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most common concerns about cushion cut diamonds. You’ll see how these assumptions don’t reflect the range, brilliance, and beauty that today’s cushion cuts offer. If you’ve had doubts, this may change your mind.
Myth #1: “Cushion Cuts Don’t Sparkle” - Truth: They Glow With Fire
One of the most common concerns about cushion cut diamonds is that they lack sparkle. Compared to round brilliants, they’re often thought of as softer or more subdued, which leads some to believe they won’t catch the light in the same way. But sparkle isn’t only about shape; it’s also about how the diamond is cut.
Today’s cushion cuts are made to maximize fire and movement. Many are crafted with a faceting style that feels lively and full of brilliant energy. Others use larger, more defined facets for a bold, glowing effect that radiates from the center. Cushion cuts shine with character, and when combined with a nature-inspired halo setting like The Halo Twig, they’re anything but subtle.
Myth #2: “They Look Too Old-Fashioned or Dated”
Because cushion cuts have been around for over a century, some people assume they belong in the past. They picture ornate, antique rings and imagine that a cushion cut will feel out of place in a three-stone setting like The Liv. But while this shape carries a lot of history, it’s far from stuck in yesteryear.
Today’s cushion cuts are loved for their balance of softness and style. The shape lends itself to everything from vintage-inspired designs to sleek, minimal settings. Cushion cuts have even become favorites among celebrities known for their fashion sense. Think of the engagement rings worn by Sofia Vergara or Gabrielle Union - both proof that this cut can feel luxurious, bold, and completely modern. When styled well, a cushion cut doesn’t feel dated. It feels timeless.
Myth #3: “They Show Inclusions More Easily”
Some buyers worry that cushion cuts make inclusions easier to see. Because of their open faceting, it’s assumed that flaws will stand out more than they would in other shapes. While it’s true that some styles highlight clarity more than others, this concern is often overstated.
A well-cut cushion diamond with a balanced facet pattern can still look clean, even without the highest clarity grade. Many inclusions are too small to notice, especially when set in a stylish side stone setting like The Lucia. What matters is how it looks on your finger, and a thoughtfully chosen cushion cut usually delivers.
Myth #4: “They Aren’t Versatile Enough to Pair with Different Settings”
Some believe cushion cuts only belong in vintage-inspired rings, with ornate details and antique-style bands. While they look stunning in those designs, that’s only one part of the story. Cushion cuts adapt beautifully to a wide range of styles, including clean solitaires, magnificent three-stone rings, and even ultra-modern pave split shank pieces like The Angelina. They bring a sense of elegance without overpowering the rest of the ring.
This is also why cushion cuts work so well with wedding stacks. Their curved profile pairs comfortably with both contoured bands and straight ones, depending on the setting. That kind of flexibility makes them a perfect choice for anyone who wants a ring that fits their style now—and years from now.
Myth #5: “They Cost More for the Same Carat Weight”
Some buyers assume cushion cuts cost more than they should for their size. They believe the shape hides weight in the depth of the stone, making them appear smaller from above than other diamonds with the same carat weight. This idea often leads to confusion about what you're actually paying for.
While cushion cuts do tend to carry more depth, their proportions can create a flattering, face-up look that feels full and balanced, especially in unique pave bands like The Caroline. The softly curved shape and glowing center help the diamond stand out without relying on extra size. When you choose a well-cut cushion, you’re often getting excellent sparkle and presence for your budget.
Conclusion
Cushion cut diamonds have been surrounded by myths for years, but those ideas no longer hold up. Today’s cushion cuts combine elegance, fire, and versatility in a shape that suits all kinds of styles. With innovative cutting techniques and thoughtful design, cushion cuts continue to be a standout choice for engagement rings.
If you’ve been second-guessing the cushion cut, let this be your sign to give it a closer look. Explore Keyzar’s collection and discover handcrafted designs that celebrate softness, sparkle, and everything in between. Shop now and find “the one”!
