Soft Corners, Maximum Romance
The cushion cut is a square or slightly rectangular diamond with rounded corners — resembling a pillow (hence the name 'cushion'). It has been cherished for over 200 years as one of the most romantic and visually warm diamond shapes available. The cushion cut offers brilliant sparkle in a softer, more organic silhouette than geometric shapes like princess or emerald.
What Makes Cushion Cut Special
- Soft aesthetics: The rounded corners create a gentle, romantic appearance that geometric shapes like princess and emerald cuts cannot match
- Excellent sparkle: Modified brilliant faceting produces outstanding light return. Available in both standard brilliant (broad, bold flashes) and modified brilliant (crushed-ice effect)
- Vintage appeal: The cushion cut has roots in the 19th century 'old mine cut.' It carries deep vintage and romantic associations
- Fire: Cushion cuts are known for exceptional fire (rainbow light dispersion). The facet arrangement separates white light into spectral colors more dramatically than some other shapes
Standard Brilliant vs Crushed Ice
- Standard brilliant: Large, bold flashes of light and dark. Fewer, larger facets create a pattern of distinct light and dark areas. Reminiscent of a round brilliant's sparkle pattern
- Crushed ice (modified brilliant): Many small, scattered facets create a fine, sparkling pattern — like light reflecting off crushed ice. No distinct light-dark pattern. More overall shimmer
- Neither is better — it is purely personal preference. Standard brilliant has more traditional sparkle. Crushed ice has more modern shimmer
Choosing a Cushion Cut
- Length-to-width ratio: 1.00-1.05 for a square cushion. 1.10-1.20 for a slightly elongated cushion. Both proportions are popular and beautiful
- Color: Cushion cuts can show color slightly more than round brilliants. G-H provides excellent white appearance
- Clarity: VS2-SI1 is the value sweet spot. The brilliant facets hide most inclusions effectively
- Depth: Cushion cuts tend to carry more weight in depth. A 1.00 carat cushion may appear slightly smaller face-up than a 1.00 carat round. Consider going up 10-15% in carat weight for equivalent visual size
Setting Recommendations
- Halo: The most popular setting for cushion cuts. A halo of round diamonds around the cushion shape amplifies its soft, rounded silhouette beautifully
- Solitaire: Clean and timeless. Lets the cushion shape speak for itself
- Three-stone: Flanked by smaller cushions or round diamonds for substantial presence
- Pave band: Diamond-covered band complements the cushion's romantic aesthetic