May 13, 2025
Written by: Editorial Staff
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are among the most coveted styles, and it’s easy to see why. Their distinctive shape and rounded corners enhance the size of each facet, creating a sophisticated sparkle with maximum brilliance. Whether you’re drawn to vintage-inspired styles or contemporary designs, a cushion cut diamond engagement ring offers a timeless yet unique appeal.
What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
A cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped stone with rounded corners and larger facets that enhance its brilliance. Sometimes referred to as a “pillow cut” due to its soft, cushion-like shape, this cut blends the elegance of a classic square shape with the romantic curves of a round stone.
Originally developed in the 18th century, the cushion cut was once the most popular diamond shape—beloved for its candlelit glow and antique appeal. It evolved from the old mine cut, a historic diamond shape known for its squarish outline, high crown, deep pavilion, and open culet. The old mine cut was the standard before modern diamond-cutting techniques, and its hand-cut charm laid the foundation for today’s cushion cut design.
Modern cushion cut diamonds offer a refined take on this vintage aesthetic, with a range of facet patterns and proportions to suit different tastes. From traditional “chunky” cushion cuts with defined facet structures to modern “crushed ice” styles that dazzle with shimmering light, this versatile cut continues to appeal to a wide range of aesthetics.
What to Look for in a Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Choosing a cushion cut diamond engagement ring involves more than just selecting a beautiful stone—it’s about finding the perfect combination of shape, sparkle, and setting. Here are key factors to consider.
1. Length-to-Width Ratio
Cushion cut diamonds come in a variety of proportions, ranging from square to elongated. A square cushion cut has a balanced, symmetrical look, while an elongated cushion cut creates an elegant, finger-lengthening effect. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference, but both styles offer the signature brilliance and soft corners of the cushion cut.
2. Facet Pattern
The facet arrangement of a cushion cut diamond plays a significant role in how it sparkles. If you love a high-intensity, glittery effect, opt for a “crushed ice” cushion cut. This pattern reflects light in multiple directions, creating a mesmerizing shimmer. On the other hand, if you prefer a more defined sparkle with larger, bolder flashes of light, a “chunky cushion” cut might be the right choice.
3. Color Grade
While clarity is important for any diamond, cushion cut diamonds tend to retain and show color more than round brilliant cuts. Because of this, prioritizing a higher color grade can make a significant difference in the diamond’s overall appearance, especially if you prefer a bright, white look. Opting for a near-colorless or colorless grade (D-G) will ensure your cushion cut diamond maintains its brilliant, crisp sparkle. However, in warmer-toned settings like yellow or rose gold, slightly lower color grades (H-J) can still appear luminous and beautiful.
4. Clarity Grade
Because of their larger facets, inclusions (internal imperfections) can be more noticeable in cushion cut diamonds, especially in chunky cushion cuts with broad, defined flashes of light. In contrast, crushed ice cushion cuts, with their intricate facet patterns, can better disguise inclusions by scattering light in multiple directions. When selecting a cushion cut diamond, choosing the right clarity grade ensures inclusions remain minimal or well-hidden.
Compared to step-cut diamonds like Asscher and emerald cuts, cushion cuts are more forgiving when it comes to inclusions. Asscher and emerald cuts have large, open tables and long, clean step facets that make even small inclusions highly visible, requiring a higher clarity grade (VS1 or better) for an eye-clean appearance. In contrast, a cushion cut diamond can appear eye-clean at SI1, particularly in crushed ice styles, but careful inspection is essential to ensure imperfections are not in noticeable areas.
Best Settings for Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
A cushion cut diamond’s soft, romantic shape pairs beautifully with a variety of settings, allowing you to customize your ring to match your personal style. Here are some of the most stunning options:
1. Solitaire Setting
A timeless favorite, the solitaire setting allows the cushion cut diamond to take center stage. This classic and minimalistic design enhances the diamond’s brilliance by letting in maximum light, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated elegance.
2. Halo Setting
For extra sparkle and a touch of vintage glamour, the halo setting is a stunning option. A cushion cut diamond surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds, amplifying the stone’s size and brilliance. This setting is perfect for those who want a bold, eye-catching engagement ring.
3. Three-Stone Setting
Symbolizing a couple’s past, present, and future, the three-stone setting is a deeply meaningful choice. When paired with two side stones, a cushion cut diamond gains an added dimension of sparkle and depth, making it an excellent choice for those who love a sophisticated yet sentimental design.
4. Vintage-Inspired Settings
Cushion cut diamonds are often associated with vintage-style engagement rings, thanks to their antique origins. Intricate details like milgrain edges, filigree work, and decorative settings enhance the romantic appeal of this cut, making it ideal for those who appreciate old-world charm.
Why Cushion Cut Diamonds Are a Popular Choice
Cushion cut engagement rings have remained popular for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. Their perfect blend of brilliance, softness, and individuality makes them a go-to choice for many couples. Here’s why they continue to captivate hearts:
1. Timeless Yet Unique
While cushion cut diamonds have been around for over 200 years, they have evolved into a modern favorite. Their classic appeal ensures they never go out of style, while their unique faceting and shape allow for individuality in every stone.
2. Exceptional Brilliance
Cushion cut diamonds are designed for maximum sparkle, thanks to their precisely arranged facets. Whether you prefer a bold, chunky sparkle or a glittering, crushed ice effect, this cut delivers an unparalleled level of brilliance.
3. Versatility in Design
From minimalist solitaires to extravagant halo settings, cushion cut diamonds complement a wide range of styles. Whether you’re drawn to vintage romance or sleek modernity, this shape adapts beautifully to various settings and metal choices.
4. Distinctive Alternative to Round Diamonds
For those who love the brilliance of a round cut diamond but want something a little different, the cushion cut offers the perfect alternative. Its soft edges provide a more romantic, less traditional look while still delivering the exceptional sparkle that diamond lovers crave.
5. Good for Colored Diamonds
Cushion cut diamonds are a popular choice for colored diamonds because their deep pavilion and larger facets enhance color saturation, making hues appear richer and more vibrant. Unlike round brilliant diamonds, which disperse light more evenly, cushion cuts help concentrate color, making them ideal for fancy-colored diamonds like yellow, pink, and blue.
Shop Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
See a variety of styles from some of our favorite designers and retailers.
Ashley Zhang Collet Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring, $52,000, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Greenwich St. Jewelers Baxter Diamond Solitaire Ring, $32,600, greenwichjewelers.com
Erstwhile Celeste 3-Carat Vintage-Style Cushion Ring, $32,200, erstwhilejewelry.com
Kwiat East-West Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, price upon request, kwiat.com
Brent Neale East-West Flush Mount Cushion Diamond Ring, price upon request, brentneale.com
Jessica McCormack 5.05ct Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring, price upon request, jessicamccormack.com
Hamilton Jewelers Three-Stone Cushion Ring, $16,995, hamiltonjewelers.com
Material Good Cushion-Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring, $86,200, materialgood.com
Henri Daussi Floral Marquise Cushion Three-Stone Ring, price upon request, henridaussi.com
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany True Cushion-Cut Yellow Diamond Ring, price upon request, tiffany.com
About Natural Diamond Council
Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is the global authority on natural diamonds. As a not-for-profit organization, NDC is committed to advancing the integrity of the natural diamond industry and celebrating the unmatched beauty and value of natural diamond jewelry. NDC serves as the industry’s definitive voice, offering expert insight, trusted education, and unparalleled access to the world of real, rare, and responsibly sourced natural diamonds.
