Diamond Shape Guide
Cushion
The cushion cut has rounded corners and large facets that create exceptional brilliance with a soft, romantic character.
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About the Cushion
The cushion cut — also known as the "pillow cut" — has been cherished since the 19th century. Its rounded corners and large facets produce broad flashes of light (sometimes called "chunky brilliance") that give the stone a warm, romantic character distinct from the pinpoint scintillation of a round brilliant. Modern cushion cuts come in two varieties: the "crushed ice" look with many small facets, and the "chunky" or "antique" style with larger, more defined facets. The cushion is particularly beautiful in warm lighting and photographs exceptionally well.
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See how light moves through the cushion cut
Characteristics
- Rounded corners — pillow-like shape
- Large facets with broad light flashes
- Available in square and rectangular ratios
- Vintage and romantic feel
Ideal Settings
- Halo
- Pave
- Antique-style
- Three-stone
- Bezel
Advantages
- Romantic, antique character with modern brilliance
- Rounded corners eliminate chipping risk
- Beautiful colour dispersion (fire)
- Generally more affordable per carat than round
Considerations
- Face-up size varies significantly based on depth
- Difficult to compare — many facet pattern variations
- Deep cuts can appear smaller than carat weight suggests
Size Guide
A 1-carat square cushion measures approximately 5.5 x 5.5mm. For a rectangular cushion, look for 1.10-1.20:1 ratio. Cushions can carry weight in depth, so always check measurements against face-up appearance.
History & Origins
The cushion has been around longer than most people realise. Its ancestor — the "old mine cut" — was the standard diamond shape from roughly 1700 to 1900. Two centuries. Before the round brilliant existed, before electricity changed how we see stones, this was what a diamond looked like: a soft square with rounded corners, cut by hand, full of warmth. The name "old mine cut" comes from the Brazilian diamond mines; after South African deposits were discovered, the Brazilian sources became the "old mines." The modern cushion is sharper and brighter than those early stones, but it keeps the same character — that softness, and the way light moves through it in broad, colourful flashes rather than tiny pinpoints of white sparkle.
Buying Advice
The cushion's larger facets are less forgiving with inclusions. What a round brilliant might hide, a cushion will show. Do not buy a cushion at SI2 clarity without seeing it first — VS2 is the comfortable sweet spot. You will encounter two types: "chunky" cushions with big, bold flashes of light, and "crushed ice" cushions that shimmer more evenly. Neither is better; it is entirely a matter of what catches your eye. For the best value, the cushion typically costs 25-35% less per carat than a round brilliant, and its fire-rich light performance makes it stunning in warm, intimate lighting.
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