Defined by its soft, rounded corners and square or rectangular shape—resembling a plush cushion, which gives it its name—the cushion cut diamond has stood the test of time. This timeless style showcases a diamond’s natural brilliance and fire in a way that feels both familiar and distinctive, earning its place as a staple in jewelry collections for centuries.

A Brief History of the Cushion Cut

The cushion cut dates back to the 18th century, emerging from the “old mine cut” popular in Brazil at the time. Initially known as the old mine cushion cut, this style featured larger, chunkier facets and a more pronounced depth, designed to maximize the size of the diamond from rough stone to finished gem. By the 19th century, it grew popular among European nobility, gracing royal crowns and prominent jewelry pieces.

One of the most famous examples of a cushion cut diamond is the Cullinan II, a 317.4-carat gemstone set in the Imperial State Crown and worn by British monarchs for over a century. Another iconic cushion cut is the Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat blue diamond renowned for its rich color and storied past. These legendary stones solidified the cushion cut’s reputation as a symbol of luxury and timelessness, a legacy that continues to this day.

Key Characteristics of the Cushion Cut

The defining feature of a cushion cut is its shape: a square or rectangular outline with softly rounded corners, creating a gentle, inviting silhouette. Unlike sharp-edged square cuts like the princess cut, its rounded edges lend a warm, approachable feel—making it a popular choice for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.

Its versatility stems from its ability to adapt to different proportions and facet styles, catering to both vintage and modern tastes. Cushion cuts typically have 58 facets, though variations exist, all designed to enhance the diamond’s brilliance and fire. The cut’s large table (the flat top surface) and deep pavilion (the lower portion) work together to reflect light internally, creating a dazzling display.

Types of Cushion Cut

While the cushion cut is defined by its rounded corners and rectangular/square shape, it has several distinct variations—each with unique characteristics that cater to different aesthetic preferences.

• Classic Brilliant Cushion: The most traditional variation, featuring large, broad facets that maximize brilliance and fire. This style has a balanced square or slightly rectangular shape (length-to-width ratio 1.00–1.05) and a timeless, romantic glow—perfect for those who prefer a classic look.
• Crushed Ice Cushion: Characterized by smaller, more numerous facets (often more than 58) that create a glittering, “crushed ice” effect. This variation has a more modern feel, with intense sparkle that masks inclusions better than the classic brilliant cut. It works well with both square and elongated shapes.
• Old Mine Cushion: A vintage-inspired variation, modeled after the 18th-century old mine cut. It features larger, chunkier facets, a deeper pavilion, and a more asymmetrical shape, with a warm, understated glow that feels nostalgic and unique. This style is ideal for those drawn to antique or heirloom-inspired jewelry.
• Elongated Cushion: The fastest-growing variation, defined by a longer rectangular shape with rounded corners (length-to-width ratio 1.15–1.30, though some extend to 1.40). The elongated cushion creates a slimming, elongating effect on the finger (for engagement rings) and offers a more modern, sleek alternative to the classic square cushion. Many choose this cut for its ability to appear larger than its actual carat weight, thanks to its extended length.

Cushion Cut vs. Other Popular Diamond Cuts

How to Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond

While the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) provide a basic framework, selecting a cushion cut calls for guidance that accounts for its unique traits. Below are key tips to help you find a stone that suits your style and offers lasting value.

• Pick the Right Length-to-Width Ratio (L/W) for Your Goal:

The ratio determines if your cushion is classic or elongated. For a timeless square, stick to 1.00–1.05 L/W; for a modern, elongating look, choose 1.15–1.30 L/W (avoid over 1.40, as it may look too narrow). Elongated cushions flatter shorter fingers, while square ones complement longer ones.

• Choose Facet Style Based on Your Sparkle Preference:

Want warm, romantic sparkle? Go with a classic brilliant cushion—it’s best for colorless diamonds. Prefer intense, modern glitter? Choose a crushed ice cushion, which masks inclusions well. For a vintage vibe, opt for the old mine cushion’s soft, understated glow.

• Don’t Obsess Over Color:

Cushion cuts show color slightly more than round cuts, but this works to your advantage. For warm tones, choose G–J grades—they have subtle warmth without looking yellow. For colorless diamonds, D–F grades are ideal but premium. Pro tip: Pair G–H color with yellow gold for warmth, or white gold/platinum for a neutral look.

• Clarity: Prioritize “Eye-Clean” Over Perfect Grades:

Larger-facet cushions (classic, old mine) show inclusions more, but you don’t need a flawless stone. Aim for SI1/SI2 (eye-clean) to save money. Crushed ice cushions hide inclusions better, so SI2–I1 works for them. Avoid VS2+ unless buying 2+ carats—the difference is barely noticeable.

• Carat Weight: Opt for “Under-Sized” Carats for Better Value:

Cushion cuts appear larger than round cuts of the same carat. A 0.90-carat cushion looks nearly identical to a 1.00-carat one but costs 10–15% less. Elongated cushions also appear larger than square ones, great for maximum visual impact on a budget.

• Check the Girdle and Culet for Durability:

A medium-to-slightly-thick girdle is best—too thin risks chipping, and too thick wastes carat weight. The culet (bottom point) should be none or very small; a large culet creates a dark center spot.

Styling the Cushion Cut Diamond

• The cushion cut’s versatility makes it easy to style with a variety of jewelry settings. For a classic look, a solitaire setting lets the diamond take center stage, highlighting its shape and brilliance.
• Halo settings—with the center cushion surrounded by smaller accent diamonds—add extra sparkle and make the center stone appear larger. This is perfect for those wanting a more dramatic look.
• Three-stone settings, with a cushion center flanked by smaller diamonds or colored gemstones, add symmetry and meaning—popular for engagement rings and anniversary bands.
• The cushion cut pairs beautifully with both modern and vintage settings: sleek platinum bands or intricate gold designs with filigree. For elongated cushions, tapered baguette side stones enhance the elongating effect; square cushions shine with round accents. It brings timeless elegance to rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets.

Conclusion

In summary, this diamond style owes its popularity to tradition and versatility. It has remained a favorite for over two centuries, evolving with tastes while keeping its core charm. Its soft, rounded shape exudes warmth and approachability, fitting both everyday wear and special occasions. The elongated variation expands its appeal to modern tastes without losing classic roots. It balances sparkle, shape, and practicality for those seeking a classic yet personal diamond. Whether drawn to vintage, modern, or sleek styles, the cushion cut diamond is a cherished lifetime choice.

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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.

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