What Is a Crushed Ice Diamond?
By Jared James · Last updated 24 August 2026
A crushed ice diamond is a descriptive name for a facet appearance made up of many small, broken reflections rather than broad, distinct flashes. It is common in some cushion, radiant, oval and pear cuts and can resemble tiny pieces of ice under the surface. Crushed ice is not a formal shape or laboratory cut grade. Some buyers like its soft, glittering look, while others prefer a clearer facet pattern with larger flashes.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a crushed ice diamond lower quality?
- Not automatically. It is a visual style rather than a quality grade, though a poorly cut stone can look dull or watery. Assess the actual diamond in moving light.
- Which diamond shapes can look crushed ice?
- The appearance is most often seen in modified cushion and radiant cuts, and can also appear in some ovals and pears.
- Do crushed ice diamonds sparkle?
- Yes, but the sparkle is usually a fine shimmer rather than the larger flashes seen in a more clearly defined brilliant facet pattern.
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