What are Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: Pros, Cons, and the Best Rings to Shop
Named after precisely what they look like, these timeless diamonds are shaped similarly to a square with cut, pillow-like corners. The cushion cut features a high level of brilliance and fire, meaning it reflects white and colored light well. Cushion cuts are unique in that they are available in different ratios—some cushion cut diamonds are more square, and others are more elongated and rectangular. There are also ‘vintage’ cushion cuts, in addition to the modern day cushion cut.
What are Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: History of the Cushion Cut
Already having won over dozens of celebrity hearts—Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle, Karlie Kloss, Sofía Vergara, Chrissy Teigen’s, and more—the cushion cut has a rich history tracing all the way back to the 1700s and is considered the forerunner to the modern brilliant-cut.
The original version of the cushion cut is known today as the “old mine cut” or a “vintage” cushion cut, contrasting what many know as a “modern” cushion cut. Vintage cushion cuts have large facets, which gives it a ‘chunkier’ look than the modern day cushion cut.
Due to modern innovations and improvements in cutting tools, the modern cushion cut was invented. The modern cushion cut maximizes the diamond’s brilliance and fire, reflecting light better and giving the stone a scintillation comparable to that of a round brilliant cut.
Cushion cuts are widely loved and the different varieties appeal to different style preferences.
Pros and Cons of a Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Pros
- These cuts are highly versatile, so they can sit beautifully in virtually any engagement ring setting.
- These pillow-shaped stones are also available in different ratios: some are more elongated, lending to a more rectangular look, while others are more square.
- Since cushions aren’t quite as popular as round brilliant cuts, shoppers can typically expect to pay less for cushions than a comparable round brilliant, without missing out on the coveted sparkle that a brilliant cut diamond delivers.
Cons
- Shoppers should keep in mind that cushion-cut diamonds don’t always look “biggest” when viewed alongside shallower-cut stones of the same carat weight, such as ovals or radiant cuts. This is because cushions tend to have a deeper cut— the diamond carries more of its carat weight in its base, which isn’t visible when viewed from the top.
Yet, even with this caveat, cushions are widely beloved due to their timelessness, sparkle, and versatility. Explore our roundup of the best cushion-cut designer lab diamond engagement rings below:
Our Favorite Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Elle Solitaire Double Band Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
Elegance, twice elevated—that’s Elle. A solitaire engagement ring meticulously handcrafted with a high-polish double band design, this Elle ring is custom-crafted with a cushion-cut lab diamond center stone locked in place with a unique double-prong setting.
Elle Antique Cushion Solitaire Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
Our Elle Antique Engagement Ring showcases how new technology has allowed us to carry on the graceful legacy of the vintage cushion cut with lab diamond jewelry. This ring features an antique cushion cut lab diamond set in Elle’s minimal and fluid design.
Chelsea Half Moon Three Stone Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
Chelsea is a best-selling design, featuring a high-polish band with a cushion-cut lab diamond flanked by two half-moon side stones and finished with diamond pavé details to create a hidden halo.
Chelsea Solitaire Three Row Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
Our bestselling and most iconic design: the solitaire rendition of Chelsea is classic yet contemporary. This Chelsea design features a beautiful cushion-cut lab diamond center stone and three rows of diamond pavé on the band.
Alyssa Seamless Halo® Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
Characterized by Jean Dousset’s signature “prongless” Seamless Halo® setting—this custom-crafted Alyssa lab diamond engagement ring features a cushion-cut center stone set in delicate diamond pavé. Finished with a high-polish solid band, this ring is perfect for the bride who believes more is more when it comes to diamonds.
Audrey Solitaire High Polish Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
A solitaire lab diamond engagement ring design custom-handcrafted with a chic, cushion-cut center stone contrasting its minimalist, high-polish solid band, this Audrey ring is adorned with diamond pavé lining her bridge and gallery.
Ready to indulge in diamonds without compromise? Shop our collection of made-to-order lab diamond engagement rings—one-of-a-kind, never mined.
FAQ’s:
1. What is a cushion cut diamond?
A cushion cut diamond is a square or elongated diamond shape with softly rounded corners, resembling a pillow. Its larger facets produce broad flashes of white and colored light, giving it a romantic look with modern appeal.
2. What is the difference between a standard and antique cushion cut?
A modern cushion cut typically features smaller, more numerous facets that create greater brilliance and, in some variations, a crushed-ice effect. An antique cushion cut, also known as an old mine cut, has fewer, larger facets that produce broader flashes of light and a distinctly vintage character. Antique cushions also tend to have a higher crown and smaller table.
3. What are the pros and cons of a cushion cut engagement ring?
Cushion cut engagement rings offer a soft, romantic silhouette, distinctive light performance, and the choice of square or elongated proportions. They can also be more accessible than round diamonds of comparable quality. However, cushion cut diamonds may reveal color and inclusions more readily, and their facet patterns and cut quality can vary considerably. Jean Dousset hand-selects each cushion cut diamond for exceptional visual performance.
4. How does a cushion cut compare to an emerald cut?
Cushion cut diamonds feature brilliant faceting that creates more scintillation and fire, while emerald cut diamonds use step-cut facets to produce broad flashes of light and a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect. Cushion cuts also tend to conceal inclusions more effectively, whereas emerald cuts generally require higher clarity.
5. What settings work best with a cushion cut diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds complement a range of engagement ring settings. A solitaire emphasizes the diamond’s softly rounded shape and brilliance, while a halo enhances its outline and presence. Three-stone settings add dimension, particularly with half-moon or trapezoid side stones, and pavé bands complement the cushion cut’s intricate faceting.
6. Is a cushion cut or round brilliant more brilliant?
A round brilliant diamond generally delivers greater brilliance due to its precisely proportioned faceting and exceptional light return. Cushion cut diamonds produce a softer light performance with broader flashes of brilliance and fire. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the round cut’s more uniform scintillation or the cushion cut’s romantic character.
7. What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for a cushion cut?
The ideal length-to-width ratio depends on the silhouette you prefer. Square cushion cut diamonds typically range from 1.00 to 1.05, while rectangular cushions generally fall between 1.10 and 1.20. Ratios of 1.20 or higher create a more elongated shape that can visually lengthen the finger.
8. Are cushion cut lab-grown diamonds good value?
Cushion cut lab-grown diamonds typically cost less per carat than round brilliant diamonds. This can make it possible to prioritize a larger carat weight or higher color and clarity grades within the same budget.
9. What colour grade should I choose for a cushion cut diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds tend to reveal more color than round brilliant diamonds. For platinum or white gold settings, G color or higher is generally recommended. With yellow or rose gold, an H-colored diamond can still appear beautifully white, as the warmth of the metal can make subtle colors in the diamond less noticeable.
10. What is a 'chunky' versus 'crushed ice' cushion cut?
A chunky cushion cut features larger, more defined facets that produce broad flashes of light, often recalling the character of antique diamonds. A crushed-ice cushion has smaller, more numerous facets that create a finer, more scattered pattern of brilliance within the cushion silhouette.
11. How do I pair a wedding band with a cushion cut engagement ring?
A cushion cut engagement ring can be paired with a contoured band that follows the shape of the setting, a pavé or eternity band for added brilliance, or a polished metal band that keeps the focus on the center diamond. The best fit will depend on the engagement ring’s setting height and band width.
12. Can I book an appointment to design a cushion cut engagement ring?
Yes. Book a private appointment at a Jean Dousset location near you, or meet virtually with a Diamond Specialist. We’ll guide you through cushion cut diamond selections, setting options, and personal details, including your choice of Signature Stone®, to create an engagement ring that feels distinctly yours.
