What is a cushion cut diamond?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A cushion cut is a square or rectangular gemstone cut with gently rounded corners, giving it the soft, pillow-like shape that lends it its name. It evolved from the old mine cut, the dominant diamond shape of the 18th and 19th centuries. Cushion cuts tend to show more fire than round brilliants, and they come in cushion brilliant and cushion modified brilliant varieties. The elongated version, with a more rectangular ratio, has become especially popular for engagement rings.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a cushion cut and a princess cut?
- A princess cut has sharp, square corners and a modern, angular geometry that gives it a clean, contemporary look. A cushion cut has rounded corners and a softer, more antique character. Both are square-ish cuts but they look and feel quite different on the hand.
- Is cushion cut or round brilliant better?
- Round brilliant diamonds are cut to maximise brilliance and have the most light return of any cut, which is why they are the most popular. Cushion cuts show more rainbow fire and have a softer, more romantic shape, and they are generally less expensive per carat than an equivalent round. It comes down to the look you want.
- What ratio makes an elongated cushion cut?
- A square cushion has a length-to-width ratio close to 1.00, while elongated cushions typically fall between 1.15 and 1.30. Many people find a ratio around 1.20 to 1.25 looks graceful on the finger without losing the distinctively cushion shape.
Designing a ring
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