A Complete Guide to Cushion Cut Diamond Rings
The cushion cut, one of the oldest diamond cuts, is having a resurgence, with Zendaya leading the charge.
Zendaya and Tom Holland are officially engaged, and fans can’t stop talking about the stunning cushion cut engagement ring spotted on her finger—and cushion cut engagement rings in general. The actress stepped onto the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet decked out in Bulgari jewels, but eagle-eyed fans noticed an unfamiliar ring on her left hand—one that wasn’t part of the brand’s official styling. Sources confirmed that Holland proposed with a 4-carat elongated cushion cut engagement ring, set east-west in a Georgian-style button-back setting. The ring is almost certainly a Jessica McCormack design, estimated to cost between $100K and $150K.
Ahead, we break down the origin and unique appeal of cushion cut engagement rings—plus editor-approved styles you can shop now.
Meet the Author
- Anna McFillin, a Philadelphia native, discovered her passion for jewelry—especially natural diamonds—after roles at Elle, InStyle, Grazia USA, and Only Natural Diamonds.
- She brings a sharp eye and editorial voice to OND’s photoshoots, features, Q+As, shopping guides, and red carpet coverage—and styles her own natural diamonds through 13 distinctive ear piercings.
The Origin of the Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
The cushion cut is one of the oldest diamond cuts, known for its rounded corners and curved sides. Reminiscent of the old mine cut, it dates back to the 1700s. Today’s cushion cut engagement rings often feature either a square or rectangular silhouette, with the elongated version offering even more finger coverage. Back then, diamond cutters focused on preserving as much carat weight from the rough as possible, which is why antique cushion cuts often feel chunkier or more organic.
Modern cushion cut diamonds come in three main styles: brilliant, crushed ice, and antique (or old mine). Brilliant cushion cuts resemble traditional round brilliants and offer maximum sparkle. Crushed ice cushion cuts have numerous small facets that create a shimmering, almost frosty appearance. Antique cushion cuts, by contrast, feature larger facets that produce broad flashes of light and a romantic, vintage-inspired charm.
Why Cushion Cut Engagement Rings Are Hollywood’s Favorite
Cushion cut engagement rings have seen a steady rise in popularity over the last decade—thanks in no small part to their A-list fan base. In 2013, Kim Kardashian made headlines when Kanye West proposed with a 15-carat D-color, internally flawless cushion cut diamond by Lorraine Schwartz. The ring became an instant icon—though tragically, it was stolen during the infamous 2016 Paris hotel robbery and never recovered.
In 2017, Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a three-stone ring featuring a cushion cut center diamond sourced from Botswana, flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection. The choice was both sentimental and stylish—proving how cushion cut engagement rings can blend tradition and modernity.
Only Natural Diamonds cover star Gabrielle Union also wears a breathtaking cushion cut engagement ring. Her husband, Dwyane Wade, proposed with an 8.5-carat natural cushion cut diamond that reportedly cost over $1 million. Union told Only Natural Diamonds, “They started writing little op-eds about it and estimating what the cost might be, and I became terrified to wear it in public without a full armed security detail.”
What to Look for in a Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
When shopping for cushion cut engagement rings, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you’re getting a diamond that suits your style, budget, and expectations:
- Shape and Ratio: Cushion cut diamonds can be more square or more rectangular (often referred to as elongated cushion cuts). If you prefer a more vintage feel, go for a squarer stone; for a more modern, finger-flattering look, elongated shapes are ideal.
- Cut Style: Decide between brilliant, crushed ice, or antique cuts. Brilliant cuts have the most sparkle, crushed ice cuts offer a shimmering, modern texture, and antique cuts bring a softer, romantic glow.
- Clarity and Color: Cushion cuts tend to hide color better than step cuts like emeralds, so you can go slightly lower on the color scale. However, because of their large open facets (especially in antique styles), it’s smart to prioritize clarity—especially if you’re opting for a larger carat weight.
- Setting Compatibility: Cushion cut diamonds pair beautifully with halos, solitaire settings, vintage-style prongs, and even three-stone designs. East-west settings—like Zendaya’s—are also trending and can make the shape feel fresh and unexpected.
Understanding these details will help you find the cushion cut diamond ring that feels both meaningful and timeless.
Shop Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Ready to find the perfect cushion cut diamond ring? Use this guide to discover the most unique and stunning cushion cut engagement rings from some of our favorite designers.
White Space Bubble Solitare Cushion Bezel Ring, $5,980, whitespace.com
Lizzie Mandler Custom Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, price upon request, lizziemandler.com
Lauren Addison Cushion-Brilliant Diamond Ring, price upon request, laurenaddison.com
Rahaminov Cushion Cut Ring, price upon request, rahaminov.com
Jessica McCormack East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring, price upon request, jessicamccormack.com
Prounis Cushion Brilliant Capsa Ring, price upon request, prounisjewelry.com
Retrouvaí One-of-a-Kind Cushion Brilliant Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring, price upon request, retrouvai.com
Handle Only With Love Jove Ring, price upon request, handleonlywithlove.com
Ellis Mhairi Cameron X Lemon Cushion Diamond Organic Engagement Ring, $6,899, ellismhairicameron.com
Darius Jewels One-of-a-Kind Emerald Cut Champagne Diamond Gem Signet Ring, $25,100, dariusjewels.com
Marrow Fine Cushion Cut Diamond Ring, from $8,500, marrowfine.com
Brent Neale One-of-a-Kind Pillow Ring with East-West Cushion Diamond, price upon request, brentneale.com
Ashley Zhang Collet Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring, $52,000, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
AARYAH Nude Diamonds Sofie Ring, $59,500, aaryah.com
Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: FAQ
1. What is a cushion cut diamond?
A cushion cut diamond features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and curved sides, resembling a pillow. It combines the brilliance of a round cut with the vintage charm of an old mine cut.
2. Are cushion cut engagement rings popular?
Yes! Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most popular fancy shapes, favored by celebrities and modern brides alike for their timeless appeal and versatile design options.
3. What’s the difference between cushion brilliant and a crushed ice cushion cut engagement rings?
A cushion brilliant has larger, more defined facets and a sparkle similar to a round diamond. A crushed ice cushion cut has many smaller facets that create a shimmering, almost frosty appearance.
4. What settings look best with a cushion cut diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds pair beautifully with a variety of settings. Halo and pavé settings enhance their sparkle, while bezel and solitaire settings create a clean, modern look. For a vintage feel, Georgian or Art Deco–inspired settings are especially striking. East-west orientations also give cushion cuts a fresh, unexpected twist.
5. Do cushion cut diamonds look bigger than other shapes?
Cushion cuts typically face up smaller than elongated shapes like ovals or emerald cuts, but an elongated cushion cut can help maximize finger coverage and create a larger appearance.
6. Is a cushion cut diamond good for an engagement ring?
Absolutely. Cushion cut engagement rings are a romantic and elegant choice. They offer durability, sparkle, and a wide range of setting styles—from vintage-inspired halos to sleek solitaires.
