Engagement Rings & Weddings
A Complete Guide to the Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond
By Grant Mobley, June 20, 2025
This stunning diamond cut is a modern heirloom with old-world charm.
Jessica McCormack 2.03ct East-West Elongated Cushion Diamond Ring, $67,000, jessicamccormack.com
There is one diamond shape that continues to gain attention for its unique blend of vintage character and contemporary elegance: the elongated cushion cut. Often referred to as the “pillow cut,” the cushion diamond has a rich history dating back to the 1700s. However, today’s elongated variation adds a modern edge to a time-honored silhouette, making it one of the most sought-after choices in natural diamond engagement rings and custom jewelry.
Meet the Expert
- Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
- He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
- He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.
What Is an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?
Unlike standardized diamond cuts such as the round brilliant, the cushion cut has no single definition. It comes in a variety of proportions, facet patterns, and outlines—but the elongated cushion cut is easily recognized by its rectangular shape with gently rounded corners, often with a length-to-width ratio greater than 1.1:1. It delivers the soft edges of a classic cushion cut while offering a slimmer, more finger-flattering silhouette, similar to an oval or marquise cut.
What sets the elongated cushion apart is its versatility. It can share the brilliance of a round, the outline of an emerald, and the elegance of an oval, making it ideal for those who want a bit of everything in one stone.
Facet Patterns: Crushed Ice vs. Brilliant Cushion
Elongated cushion cuts come in two dominant facet styles, and understanding the difference is key. The brilliant cushion has larger, chunkier facets that reflect bold flashes of light, similar to the fire you see in round brilliants. On the other hand, the crushed ice cushion features numerous smaller facets that produce a soft, glittering effect. This style is often likened to sparkling water or crushed ice and is particularly popular among modern brides.
Neither is better—it comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer structured brilliance may gravitate toward a brilliant cushion, while those who enjoy a fiery, twinkling glow may fall in love with the crushed ice look.
Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut?
Beyond aesthetics, there are practical reasons to love the elongated cushion. The longer shape can create the illusion of a larger diamond and make the fingers appear more slender. And since cushion cuts tend to retain more of the rough diamond during cutting, they can sometimes offer better value per carat than shapes like the round brilliant.
Also, because no two cushion cuts are alike, the shape offers an opportunity to own a diamond that truly feels one-of-a-kind. From ultra-elongated rectangles to more subtle proportions, there’s an elongated cushion cut to match nearly any style.
How to Shop for an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond
Shopping for this shape can be trickier than for more standardized cuts. Because of the cut’s flexibility, proportions and symmetry matter more than hard numbers. Look for diamonds with:
- Length-to-width ratio: Usually between 1.1 and 1.3 for a pleasing elongation, although there are very elongated versions for those seeking something even more unique
- Depth and table: Both under 70% to maximize brilliance and avoid a stone that is so deep, it can look small for its carat weight
- Polish and symmetry: Aim for Very Good to Excellent
- Color and clarity: Cushion cuts tend to retain color, so if you want a completely white stone, aim for at least an H color grade or higher. Eye-clean, or SI2 or higher clarity, is ideal.
- Additionally, cushion cuts can effectively hide inclusions, thanks to their facet structure, especially the crushed ice variety, which can be an advantage when balancing size and clarity.
Best Settings for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
The elongated cushion is versatile and looks stunning in nearly any setting. Solitaires show off the stone’s shape and sparkle, while halo settings add extra brilliance and size. Vintage-inspired settings with milgrain or filigree detailing enhance the old-world charm of the cushion cut. Bezels create a clean, modern profile and are great for durability.
One trend to watch is east-west settings, where the diamond is set horizontally across the finger for a fresh, fashion-forward look. Two-stone rings—with an elongated cushion paired with another shape—are also a chic option because two is always better than one.
Celebrities and Designers Who Love the Shape
A-listers are helping bring this cut into the spotlight. Sofia Vergara, Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, and Gabrielle Union all have elongated cushion-cut engagement rings. At the same time, designers frequently showcase elongated cushion diamonds in their signature collections. It’s a shape that works as well on the red carpet as it does in everyday wear.
The Heritage of the Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond traces its origins to the Old Mine cut—a historic cut popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hope and Regent diamonds are famous examples. Today’s cushion cuts may have more refined facet patterns (often 64 to 77 facets), but they still retain that vintage softness and sparkle that captivated collectors centuries ago.
Shop Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
Elongated cushion-cut diamonds combine history, beauty, and individuality in one graceful shape. Their romantic proportions and variety of facet styles and proportions allow for maximum personalization—no two are ever quite the same. If you’re looking for a diamond that blends tradition with a modern twist, this cut may be the perfect fit. Just remember: when it comes to cushion cuts, your eyes will tell you more than any certificate ever could.
Whether you prefer the fire of a brilliant cut or the shimmer of crushed ice, the elongated cushion cut is a timeless, artful choice for anyone seeking a ring as unique as their love story.
Gabriel & Co Lou Ring, from $1,325, gabrielny.com
1st Dibs Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, $248,000, 1stdibs.com
London Jewelers Pave Spiral Engagement Ring, $5,810, londonjewelers.com
Long’s Jeweler’s Cushion Cut Engagement Ring, $7,015, longsjewelers.com
Henri Daussi Floral Marquise Engagement Ring, price upon request, henridaussi.com
Greenwich St. Jewelers Baxter Hidden Halo Cushion Cut Engagement Ring, $32,600 greenwichjewelers.com
Ashley Zhang Collet Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, $11,150, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Brent Neale One-of-a-Kind Ring with Cushion Cut Diamond, price upon request, brentneale.com
