Cushion Diamond
Explore the romantic cushion cut lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring. Aurela Diamonds' guide covers crushed ice vs. chunky facets, ideal proportions, and setting pairings.
The cushion cut diamond, sometimes called a "pillow cut," features a square or slightly rectangular outline with softly rounded corners and large, open facets that produce broad, romantic flashes of light. Unlike the pin-point sparkle of a round brilliant, the cushion displays a mesmerising interplay of large light-and-dark patterns that give it a distinctly warm, antique character while still delivering substantial brilliance and fire.
One of the cushion's greatest strengths is its range. Within this single shape category, you will find dramatically different looks: "chunky" or "broad facet" cushions produce large, bold flashes of white and coloured light, while "crushed ice" cushions break light into a multitude of smaller, shimmering sparkles that resemble crushed ice or a scattering of tiny diamonds. This variety means two cushion cuts of identical carat weight and certificate grades can look entirely different in person, making hands-on evaluation essential.
At Aurela Diamonds, we guide our clients through the nuances of cushion cut selection, helping them identify whether they prefer the chunky or crushed-ice aesthetic and ensuring the stone they choose has optimal light performance. Our IGI-certified lab-grown cushions offer the same captivating beauty as mined stones at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to prioritise the size and visual impact that make this shape so beloved.
History of the Cushion Cut
The cushion cut is one of the oldest diamond shapes still in mainstream production, with roots stretching back to the early 19th century. Its predecessor, the "old mine cut," was the dominant diamond shape throughout the 1700s and 1800s, characterised by a high crown, small table, and large culet that produced a deep, lantern-like glow by candlelight. As cutting technology advanced in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the old mine cut was gradually refined with better symmetry and more precise faceting, evolving into what we now call the modern cushion brilliant.
The cushion experienced a powerful resurgence in the 2000s and 2010s, fuelled partly by vintage-inspired jewellery trends and partly by its photogenic quality on social media. Its combination of old-world romance and modern sparkle appeals to buyers who want something with more character and history than a round, yet still want a stone that catches the light from across the room. Today, the cushion consistently ranks among the top four most popular engagement ring shapes.
Cushion Diamond Characteristics
Pros & Cons
+Advantages
- Romantic, vintage-inspired appearance with broad flashes of light and fire
- Rounded corners are less prone to chipping compared to sharp-cornered shapes like princess
- Available in two distinct aesthetics, chunky and crushed ice, allowing personal expression
- Generally more affordable per carat than round brilliants
- Complements halo and vintage settings exceptionally well
-Considerations
- The wide range of facet patterns means certificate grades alone cannot predict appearance, requiring visual inspection
- Crushed ice cushions can appear "glassy" or lack depth if poorly cut
- Tends to retain colour more than rounds, so buyers should consider one colour grade higher than they would for a round
- Deeper depth percentages can reduce face-up size relative to carat weight
Best For
Recommended Ring Settings
Halo
A halo of micro-set diamonds follows the cushion's rounded corners perfectly, amplifying its size and adding a frame of continuous sparkle that enhances the vintage feel.
View Guide →Vintage
Milgrain edging, filigree, and intricate metalwork in a vintage setting echo the cushion's old-world origins, creating a cohesive, romantic design.
View Guide →Three-Stone
Pairing a cushion centre with trapezoidal or half-moon side stones creates a balanced, substantial ring with rich symbolism.
View Guide →Buying Tips for Cushion Diamonds
Decide between chunky and crushed-ice faceting before you start shopping. These two looks are dramatically different, and knowing your preference will save hours of browsing.
Consider going one colour grade higher than you would for a round (e.g. F instead of G), as cushions retain more body colour, especially in their corners.
A depth percentage above 68% will significantly reduce face-up size. Aim for 61-67% for the best size-to-weight ratio.
Lab-grown cushions offer an ideal opportunity to upsize. The savings compared to mined cushions can easily gain you a half-carat or more.
If you prefer the square look, target a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05. For a subtly rectangular shape, 1.10 to 1.20 is the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
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