The oval cut and elongated cushion cut are two popular gemstone shapes in the world of fine jewelry. These elegant cuts share an elongated silhouette that beautifully blends classic charm with contemporary appeal. While both are known for their ability to create a slimming effect and maximize brilliance, each cut possesses unique characteristics. Today, we'll explore these beloved cuts, highlighting their distinctive features to help you choose the perfect one for your next piece.
Oval Cut
The oval cut is a stunning modification of the classic round brilliant cut. It features an elongated shape with 58 facets, creating a similar fire and brilliance to its round counterpart. This elegant cut was first introduced in the 1960s by master diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan.
The oval cut’s unique shape combines the sparkle of a round cut with a more distinctive form. Its elongated silhouette can create an illusion of length, making it a favored choice for those seeking a graceful, slenderizing effect. The cut’s brilliant faceting pattern allows it to reflect light beautifully, resulting in exceptional sparkle from all angles.
Elongated Cushion Cut
The elongated cushion cut is a modern variation of the classic cushion cut, which has roots dating back to the 19th century. While traditional cushion cuts are nearly square, the elongated version features a more rectangular shape with softly rounded corners, resembling a pillow – hence the name “cushion.”
This cut combines the romantic, vintage appeal of the classic cushion with a contemporary elongated look. Its larger facets can create a distinctive pattern of light and dark when viewed from above, often described as having a “crushed ice” or “chunky” appearance. The elongated cushion cut offers a unique blend of brilliance and fire, with the potential for more dramatic flashes of color than some other cuts.
Oval Cut vs. Elongated Cushion Cut
- Shape: The oval cut features a perfectly symmetrical, elongated round shape with no corners. The elongated cushion cut is more rectangular and have softly rounded corners, resembling pillows or cushions.
- Cuts and Facets: The oval cut typically has 58 facets arranged in a pattern similar to round brilliant cuts, while the elongated cushion cut can vary in its facet patterns. It often features larger facets and potentially fewer in number. Besides, the cushion cut may have a “crushed ice” appearance due to its facet arrangement.
- Fire and Brilliance: The oval cut generally offers more consistent brilliance across the stone due to its brilliant cut style. The elongated cushion cut tends to display more fire (colorful light dispersion) because of its larger facets, which can create more pronounced flashes of color.
- Scintillation: Ovals typically exhibit more scintillation (the sparkle seen when the stone or light source moves) due to their brilliant cut pattern. Elongated cushions, on the other hand, may have a more complex scintillation pattern, with larger flashes of light and dark.
- Optical Effects: Oval cuts may sometimes display a “bow-tie effect” (a dark area across the center), which is less common in elongated cushion cuts. Besides, elongated cushions might show a “crushed ice” or “needle” effect depending on the specific facet arrangement.
Which Cut is Better: Oval or Elongated Cushion?
Oval and elongated cushion cuts each offer unique strengths, and your personal preferences will guide your choice between them. Oval cuts create a larger appearance and provide consistent sparkle. They elongate fingers and present a modern, sleek aesthetic that many find appealing. Elongated cushion cuts, in contrast, charm with their vintage-inspired look and dramatic fire. They showcase more intense color play and resist chipping better due to their softer corners.
When it comes to colored gemstones, elongated cushions often retain color better, enhancing the stone’s natural hue. Ultimately, the “better” cut depends on what you value most in your jewelry. We recommend trying on both cuts to see which one complements your hand and aligns with your personal style.
