Cushion Cut Diamond: A Complete Guide

Everyone loves a good cushion-cut diamond. They are one of the favourite cuts in the market and are known for their beauty, brilliance, cut, and clarity.

Cushion-cut diamonds are pieces of art and expertise. They combine the exquisiteness of a great design with the most beautiful natural element. Such diamonds are all in all a great option, but selecting the perfect cushion cut diamond can be a handful task with so many suppliers and manufacturers in the market.

Just buying the right lab-created cushion cut diamond requires you to roll up your sleeves and understand the details and features of the diamond. Read about it ahead!

History of the Cushion Cut

Cushion-cut diamonds are called the perfect amalgamation of modern and classic. Even though they seem to be gaining popularity now, the cushion cut can be traced back to the 19th century.

Many diamond experts and historians believe that it was either known as mine cut back then or the cushion cut is an evolution of mine cut. You can certainly see the resemblance between the two. The place of origin is often recognized as Brazil or more specifically Brazilian mines, hence the old name, mine cut was coined.

The biggest difference between the mine cut and cushion cut diamond is that the mine cut has 58 facets whereas the modern cushion cut has a total of 64 facets. Throughout the evolution from mine cut to cushion cut, the diamond first gained popularity amongst manufacturers and then the entire world.

The world Famous Hope diamond is a cushion cut diamond weighing approximately 45 carats and the enchanting Regent diamond which is also one of the most popular diamonds around the world, is also in a cushion cut weighing around 140 carats.

Many crown jewels of the Englishmen and royalty are cushion cut and once the diamond was popular amongst the royals it became a rage amongst the masses. To date, the cushion cut is known to be an antique cut because of its history.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond is a popular and classic diamond shape known for its rounded corners and larger facets, which give it a soft, pillow-like appearance. It is a square shape with curved edges, resembling a pillow. This cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, creating a timeless and elegant look.

The World of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds are gaining popularity around the world and rightly so. Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamonds because they maximize brilliance. How? Because they combine a round cut and a square cut. Their facts increase their brilliance and even add fire. Fire is the appearance of colored light inside the diamond.

Cushion cut diamonds come in many designs, metals and when paired with other diamonds or precious stones, they have a classic and vintage feel to them. If you are looking for a diamond with durability they are the most suitable option because they have rounded edges and many facets.

The best thing about lab grown cushion cut diamonds is that they are less expensive when compared on a per-carat basis than an average round-cut diamond.

The Perfect Guide for Cushion Cut Diamonds

What you see at your diamond trader showroom is a beautiful end product, but cushion cut diamonds have much more to them that goes into making. The most essential things you need handy to buy the perfect cushion cut diamonds are knowing about the cut, clarity, color, length-width, and size of the diamond.

There are a lot of things to know about cushion cut diamonds when you buy them, but we don’t want you to have to go through the hassle of researching and looks multiple places, we have made it easy for you.

We give you the perfect guide on how to buy cushion diamonds. It covers everything from what to look for in a cushion cut diamond, all the grading, types of rings, a comparison of the two most popular types of cushion cuts, and answers to the most frequently about cushion cut diamonds.

Without making you wait further, let’s dive right ahead into the world of cushion lab diamonds.

How to Select Cushion Cut Diamonds?

Here are a few pro tips you should surely exercise before buying a cushion cut diamond. All of them, when exercised and performed in the right manner, make the process of selection so much easier and you can absolutely buy diamonds like an expert! So here we go:

Do Your Research

Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most eye-pleasing diamonds but require a good amount of research. Before walking into any store, do thorough research on what the prices are, which stores are the best, what kind of diamond you prefer? Natural or lab-grown.

All of this is important to know when buying a diamond, especially a cushion cut. Know the specifications of cushion cut diamonds. The length-width ratios, the carat types, clarity, color, cut, and the design you would want. Cushion cut diamonds come in a plethora of designs.

Check different exporters and suppliers and see if any which one stands out to you. An expensive buy deserves extensive research.

Consider a Gemologist

If you are buying a cushion cut diamond for a super special occasion then consider hiring a gemologist or at least consulting one once.

A gemologist will explain things in a better manner and give you a clearer picture of what your options are and give you recommendations on your specified choices.

Hiring a gemologist is great because the cushion cut diamond market is huge, and narrowing down the options and selecting the best one, is done right by an expert.

Think and Think

Going diamond shopping without knowing what you need and what you need it for is a rookie mistake. Go in knowing exactly what you need it for, formal wear, daily wear, occasion wear, or big event wear.

Knowing what you need the diamond for help when you look at so many options because all you have to ask yourself is “is this right for the purpose I am buying it for?”. Selecting a purpose-specified diamond will surely lead to the right buy.

If you are a couple who is buying a diamond, always remember to have a long detailed discussion before buying a diamond. Discuss what you and your partner like, what kind of cut will suit both of you, what is an absolute no, and then come to a list of things that are mutually acceptable. Doing this helps in buying a diamond which you both will cherish.

If you are someone looking for a ring to propose to your partner, remember to know the ring measurements and try and know their choices by asking them a few indirect questions or maybe taking the help of their friends.

Budgeting

Never set an exact price. Set a budget range. Setting a budget range has a higher chance of you remaining in the budget. Setting a budget range also helps in narrowing down the option and making sure that you set your eye on a piece that you can surely take home.

Certifications

It is absolutely imperative to be thorough about certification because you never want to be fooled by the supplier. Certified diamonds are the best diamonds and the only diamonds you should buy. Always check the certifications of diamonds and always check where the diamonds are graded from. Given below are the most renowned diamond certification bodies in the world.

1. GIA: Gemological Institute of America
2. AGS American Gem Society
3. IGI: International Gemological Institute.
4. EGL: European Gemological Laboratory
5. GCAL: Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

Each of these certifications is regarded on an international level and aims to check the quality of diamonds. Always remember to buy certified diamonds, with certifications from well-known labs.

Shape	Carat	Cut	Color	Clarity	Price
cushion	3.04	Ideal	E	VS1	$818 $779	View
cushion	2.03	Ideal	D	VVS1	$1117 $1064	View
cushion	3.51	Ideal	E	VVS2	$1104 $1051	View
cushion	3.09	Ideal	G	VVS2	$795 $757	View
cushion	2.91	Ideal	E	VVS2	$1139 $1085	View
cushion	3.40	Ideal	D	VVS1	$4137 $3940	View
cushion	3.00	Ideal	G	VS2	$730 $695	View
cushion	3.53	Ideal	E	VS1	$1006 $958	View
cushion	3.25	Ideal	G	SI1	$1413 $1346	View
cushion	2.44	Ideal	I	VS1	$1227 $920	View
cushion	2.23	Ideal	I	VS1	$1131 $848	View
cushion	2.58	Ideal	I	VS1	$1293 $970	View
cushion	2.44	Ideal	I	VS2	$1180 $885	View
cushion	2.39	Ideal	I	VS1	$1203 $902	View
cushion	2.32	Ideal	I	VS1	$1171 $878	View
cushion	2.60	Ideal	I	VS1	$1301 $976	View
cushion	2.36	Ideal	I	VS1	$1188 $891	View
cushion	3.09	Ideal	H	SI2	$1479 $1109	View
cushion	3.17	Ideal	G	SI1	$1412 $1059	View
cushion	2.06	Ideal	H	SI1	$1032 $774	View

Buy Now

Understanding the Cushion Cut Grading Level

Cushion cut diamonds also involve a lot of different gradings and statistics. But do not worry, we have all that you will need in one place. Grading levels are important to understand before buying lab grown diamonds, so here are the grading levels of cushion diamonds.

Length – Width

Cushion cut diamonds come in three varied lengths to breadth ratios.

1. 1.00- Equal length and width.
2. 1.10- Has one side is slightly longer than the other.
3. 1.20- A cushion cut in an obvious rectangular shape.

Depth

Depth % for Cushion Diamonds: The side view of the diamond can be seen to look at the depth of the diamond. Above 70% depth is not considered good. You can keep these categories in mind when looking for the perfect cushion cut diamond depth.

1. Excellent: 61%-67% & 67- 70
2. Good: 56%-61% & 71- 73
3. Poor: 56> & 73<

Table

Cushion cut diamonds by virtue of their cut have a table-like top. Above 72% percent is not considered the best. These percentages need to be kept in mind while assessing the table of cushion cut diamonds.

- Excellent: 61% – 67%
- Good: 68-61% or 56%-58%
- Poor: >73 or < 54

Cushion cut diamonds also come in a few variations, with varying pavilion cuts and facet designs. There are four main types:

- Chunky or old mine- The oldest known cushion diamond with symmetrical facts. The facets are clearly defined and this is also known as an antique cushion cut diamond.
- Crushed ice – A more modern type of cushion-cut diamond. The diamond gets its name because if you look at it, it looks like pieces of crushed ice have been placed inside the diamond. The diamond often resembles the look of a radiant cut.
- Brilliant- Brilliant cushion cut diamonds are cut in a specific way to maximize the reflection of light in order to give the best brilliance.
- Hybrid- The newest and most cutting edge cushion cut diamond. Hybrid combines the brilliance of the brilliant-cut and the beauty of the crushed ice diamond.

Clarity

Clarity is very important in many diamonds and determines their value. Flawless – Very Very Slightly Included (VVSI) is ideal for under 0.50 carat to 2 carat cushion cut diamond. However, a range of Very very slightly included to slightly included (SI) also looks good for 0.50 to 2 carat diamonds.

Color

Cushion cut diamonds have a reputation for retaining color, it becomes even more important to carefully check the color grade of the diamonds you are buying.

For any diamond below .50 ct., a D-G grade is the best, however, H-I grades also look good. Anything below a K grade is not recommended.
0.50-1.0ct. Diamond D-G grade is recommended, H-I grades also have good color but anything below a J grade is not recommended.
For 1.0 – 2.0ct. diamond D–F is recommended and anything below a J is not recommended.
For diamonds above 2.0ct, a D-F grade is recommended and anything below an H is not recommended.

Cushion Diamond Size Chart

Cushion diamonds come in various carat sizes, and the carat weight is generally associated with the dimensions of the stone. It’s advisable to consider personal preferences when choosing a cushion diamond size. For a comprehensive guide covering various carat sizes, kindly visit our diamond carat size chart.

The Best Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut diamond rings are one of the top contenders in the engagement ring market. The soft finish gives the perfect romantic undertone to the ring.

If you are looking to buy a ring that hits the sweet spot of balance between romantic and designer, buying the cushion cut diamond engagement ring is probably your best bet. Selecting a great design that impresses your significant other, can be a handful of tasks.

Cushion Shape Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

The most classical and evergreen design that you get with cushion diamonds is the solitaire diamond engagement ring. It is a simple and clean look that does not let the attention get away from the central beautiful cushion cut diamond ring.

There are multiple styles you can still choose to opt for with the cushion cut, especially the kind of setting you would want, the metal you want for the ring band, and lastly also choosing the style of the band.

You can have a pave set band with diamond accents or you can keep the ring simple with a plain band and a four-prong setting.

Cushion Shape Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

If you are someone who wants to give a shine to the sobriety of the cushion cut with some extra diamonds. The three-stone diamond ring is a design that has a little bit more grandeur than the simple solitaire and if you are someone who likes a clean but jazzy look, this design is perfect for you.

The three-stone diamond ring as the name suggests has one central cushion diamond, accompanied by 2 more diamonds adjacent to you. You can choose to customize the ring to your liking and select which stone would accompany the central diamond, the best.

There are certainly a lot of options you can look at like going ahead with half-moon cut diamonds or pear-cut side diamonds. You can also choose cushion cut diamonds to be the only cut that the ring features. We would personally suggest going ahead with either a platinum band or a white gold band.

Cushion Shape Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring

A cushion cut cluster diamond ring entails a bunch of cushion cut diamonds organized neatly in a design. The number of diamonds and diamond accents differs on the basis of what ring design you go ahead with but definitely, the center stone is a cushion-cut diamond.

A cluster cushion cut engagement ring is complemented by grain designs known as filigree designs which are intricate and make for an absolutely regal ring.

Bezel Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

The setting of the diamond refers to how it is secured onto the ring. A bezel setting involves encircling the diamond with a metal rim, or bezel, that holds the stone in place. This metal rim surrounds the entire perimeter of the diamond, offering both security and a distinctive look.

Cushion Shape Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

One of the best-selling designs when it comes to cushion cut diamond rings, the halo diamond shape is a forever favourite in the market. It offers a great design that only enhances the shine of the central cushion cut diamond.

There are multiple cushion cut halo ring designs you can go for like a hidden halo cushion cut engagement ring which has the halo beneath the central diamond, adding a layer of depth to the ring. You can also go for a double halo design which adds an extra layer of glamor to the look.

Conclusion

Cushion cut diamonds make a great buy diamond and everyone’s best friend especially for soon-to-be-married couples.

If you are looking for the best cushion cut diamond Diamond and want to select you to need to do your homework and here Lab Grown Diamond curated this guide to help you out in making an informed and great choice.

Cushion diamonds are popular and will never disappoint you. Equip yourself with this amazing guide, and you are now ready to shop cushion cut diamonds like an expert.

LGD specializes in lab-grown diamonds and provides a range of certified cushion diamond and cushion cut diamond engagement rings options with distinct characteristics.

FAQs

How does the cushion cut differ from other diamond cuts?
The cushion cut combines elements of the round brilliant and princess cuts. It has larger facets, which can give it a distinctive sparkle.

What is a cushion-modified diamond?
A modified cushion cut diamond is a variation of the traditional cushion cut, featuring adjustments to facets or ratios to enhance its brilliance or visual appeal.

Why choose a cushion cut diamond ring?
cushion cut is versatile and complements various ring styles, from classic solitaires to intricate vintage designs. It pairs well with different settings and metal types a fire that adds a touch of romance to the jewelry.

Can a cushion cut diamond ring be customized?
LGD offer customization options for cushion diamond rings, allowing you to choose the metal, setting style, engraving and additional features to create a personalized and unique piece.

Are cushion cut diamond rings suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, cushion cut diamond rings are suitable for everyday wear. However, it’s essential to consider the setting and choose durable materials to ensure longevity and minimize the risk of damage.

Cushion Cut Diamond: A Complete Guide