Cushion Cut Diamonds: Complete Guide to Shape, Sparkle & Value
Discover everything you need to know about cushion cut diamonds, including sparkle, proportions, pricing, settings and expert buying advice.
The cushion cut diamond is one of the most popular diamond shapes, combining soft rounded corners with brilliant sparkle. Often described as a square or rectangular shape with curved edges, cushion cut diamonds offer a timeless appearance that works beautifully in engagement rings, earrings and fine jewellery.
Originally developed over 200 years ago, the cushion cut has evolved significantly, with modern versions offering exceptional brilliance while retaining the romantic character that made the shape famous. Today, cushion cut diamonds are chosen by buyers looking for a balance of sparkle, vintage charm and excellent value.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about cushion cut diamonds, including their history, proportions, sparkle, pricing, advantages, disadvantages and how to choose the best cushion cut diamond for your jewellery.
What is a cushion cut diamond?
A cushion cut diamond features a square or rectangular outline with gently rounded corners, resembling a pillow or cushion.
Modern cushion cuts typically contain between 58 and 64 facets, designed to maximise light return and brilliance. While traditional cushion cuts display larger, chunkier flashes of light, modern cushion brilliant cuts are engineered for increased sparkle.
Key characteristics include:
- Rounded corners
- Soft square or rectangular shape
- Excellent brilliance
- Romantic appearance
- Vintage-inspired design
Because of its versatility, the cushion cut works well in both classic and contemporary jewellery settings.
History of the Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut traces its origins to the Old Mine Cut, one of the earliest diamond cutting styles developed during the 18th century.
Before modern cutting technology existed, craftsmen shaped diamonds by hand, creating larger facets and softer outlines. Over time, advances in cutting techniques transformed the old mine cut into the modern cushion cut we know today.
The result is a diamond shape that combines historical character with contemporary brilliance.
Why Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond?
Beautiful Sparkle
Modern cushion brilliant diamonds produce exceptional light performance, offering a lively sparkle that rivals many of the most popular diamond shapes.
Timeless Appearance
Unlike trend-driven diamond shapes, cushion cuts have remained desirable for centuries, making them a classic choice.
Better Value
Cushion cut diamonds are often priced lower than comparable round brilliant diamonds, allowing buyers to maximise carat weight within their budget.
Versatile Design
Cushion cuts complement:
- Solitaire engagement rings
- Halo settings
- Hidden halo rings
- Three-stone rings
- Diamond earrings
- Diamond pendants
Cushion Cut Diamond Pros and Cons
Advantages
Excellent brilliance and fire
Softer, romantic appearance
Strong durability due to rounded corners
Often better value than round diamonds
Suitable for many ring styles
Disadvantages
Quality can vary significantly between stones
Can appear smaller than some elongated shapes
Bow-tie effect may appear in some rectangular cushions
Requires careful selection of proportions
Cushion Cut Diamond Proportions Guide
When choosing a cushion cut diamond, proportions play a major role in appearance and sparkle.
Recommended Depth
58%–68%
Recommended Table
55%–68%
Length to Width Ratio
Square Cushion
1.00–1.05
Rectangular Cushion
1.10–1.30
The ideal ratio depends entirely on personal preference.
Cushion Cut Diamond vs Oval Cut
Oval and cushion cuts are both popular alternatives to round diamonds.
Oval diamonds create a longer finger appearance and generally look larger for their carat weight, while cushion cuts offer a more balanced and classic shape with softer edges.
Best Settings for Cushion Cut Diamonds
Solitaire Rings
A solitaire setting allows the cushion cut diamond to take centre stage.
Halo Rings
Halo settings enhance perceived size and increase overall sparkle.
Hidden Halo Rings
A hidden halo adds extra brilliance without changing the face-up appearance.
Three Stone Rings
Three stone designs highlight the cushion cut while adding symbolism and presence.
Are Cushion Cut Diamonds Good Value?
Yes. Cushion cut diamonds are often among the best-value diamond shapes available.
Their cutting process typically retains more rough diamond material than round brilliant cuts, helping reduce costs while still delivering exceptional beauty and sparkle.
For buyers seeking maximum impact within a budget, cushion cuts are often an excellent choice.
Frequently asked questions
Are cushion cut diamonds popular?
Yes. Cushion cut diamonds remain one of the most sought-after diamond shapes for engagement rings due to their combination of brilliance and timeless appeal.
Do cushion cut diamonds sparkle?
Modern cushion brilliant diamonds offer excellent sparkle and fire, making them one of the brightest fancy diamond shapes.
Are cushion cut diamonds more expensive?
Generally, cushion cut diamonds cost less than comparable round brilliant diamonds.
What is the best ratio for a cushion cut diamond?
A square cushion typically falls between 1.00 and 1.05, while rectangular cushions usually range between 1.10 and 1.30.
Do cushion cut diamonds look bigger?
Cushion cuts can appear slightly smaller than elongated shapes such as oval or marquise diamonds of the same carat weight.
Shop Cushion Cut Diamonds
Explore our collection of hand-selected cushion cut diamonds, available in a range of carat weights, colours and settings. Whether you're searching for a timeless engagement ring or a bespoke jewellery piece, our experts can help you find the perfect cushion cut diamond.
