Cushion Cut Diamonds

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A Pillow-Shaped Classic with a Modern Glow

Cushion cut diamonds are ‘pillow’-shaped diamonds made from rectangular or square diamonds, with rounded corners and large facets. 

The use of larger facets creates a stunning fire (rainbow-like flashes of light), but with a softer overall brilliance (a white sparkle) than the likes of Round Brilliant cuts. 

From Old Mine Cut to today's revival - the heritage and vintage resurgence

The origins of cushion cut diamonds can be traced back to the early days of diamond mining. There, ‘old mine cuts’ (with rounded corners) were made in rough diamonds to preserve as much weight as possible. 

They were beloved by royalty and the wealthy, as they produced a soft romantic glow under low candlelight, before later becoming the de facto diamond cut of their era.

Today, diamond cutting techniques have evolved, allowing the modern cushion cut diamond to have a far more consistent sparkle and fire. Our techniques have added extra facets for increased light return that treats the eye under all modern lighting. 

Famous names, such as Zendaya and Zoë Kravitz, have been keen owners of cushion cut diamond rings in recent years. 

Key Characteristics of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Sparkle & light performance

Cushion cut diamonds are beloved for their broad flashes of fire (and less so for the brilliant sparkles of round diamonds). 

When well-cut, you can expect to see larger, ‘chunkier’ flashes of white and color, which may feel softer and more romantic than a pure sparkle. 

Brian Gavin Diamond’s patented Signature Cushion Hearts & Arrows cut has an AGS Ideal-0 grading, offering a stunning and lively fire under all lighting. 

Shape & Length-to-width Ratio

Cushion cut diamonds are available in both square (1.00 ratio) and elongated proportions (1.10+). To get that classic pillow look, you should look for an elongated cushion cut diamond with a ratio of around 1.10 to 1.20.

Many people prefer the elongated ratio, as it may appear more flattering to the finger. But, if you’d prefer a more compact look, then a lower ‘square’ ratio will be better. 

Facet Styles

The two most popular facet styles for Cushion Cut Diamond rings are ‘Cushion Brilliant’ (with defined facets) and ‘Cushion Modified’ (with ‘crushed ice’ facets).

Cushion Brilliant has larger, more open facets that give broad flashes and increased sparkle. Cushion Modified offers extra pavilion facets that give a more fragmented sparkle. 

For many tiny flashes of sparkle, go for the ‘crushed ice’ modified style. 

Durability

The rounded corners of a cushion cut diamond engagement ring make it less prone to chipping, which makes it popular for everyday wear. 

Brian Gavin Diamonds also increases stone protection, with a thin and symmetrical girdle (the diamond’s edge thickness and consistency). 

How to Buy a Cushion Cut Diamond

Carat & Face-Up Size

Cushion rings carry their weight in the pavilion, so they can look slightly smaller face up. So, unlike many other diamond cuts, you’ll want to consider face-up measurements before carat. 

For example, two 1-carat stones can look very different in size. 

Color

Color in cushion cut diamonds refers to how colorless or warm the stone appears to the human eye. The more colorless the diamond, the higher the grade. 

For a bright white cushion cut diamond, we recommend starting at the GIA's color grade F or higher. For a warmer tone, you can browse lower grades. 

Clarity

Clarity is also subjective in cushion cut diamonds, as some people don’t mind a barely visible inclusion, while others want a truly flawless stone. 

You can rely on the GIA’s grading again, with SL1 or better offering smart value. 

Cushion Cut Diamond Buying Guide at a Glance

The Brian Gavin Difference

Signature Cushion Hearts & Arrows 

Brian Gavin Diamonds’ curation of cushion cut diamonds includes our patented Signature Cushion Hearts & Arrows diamonds, offering the highest degree of optical symmetry. 

Graded AGS 0 (Ideal) for Light Performance and endorsed by AGSL’s Peter Yantzer, our cushion diamonds feature ideal proportions for a whiter stone than other diamonds on the market. 

We welcome you to browse our collection today or to contact us for a custom engagement ring or cushion cut diamond engagement ring setting to get the design you’ve always dreamt of. 

FAQs on Cushion Cut Diamonds

What is a cushion cut diamond?

A cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded, soft corners, which gives a ‘cushion’ or ‘pillow’-like appearance. 

Do cushion cut diamonds sparkle?

Yes, but less so than other diamond shapes such as Round Brilliant. If you want an increased cushion cut sparkle, then consider a cushion modified ‘crushed ice’ stone.

What's the difference between a square and an elongated cushion cut?

Square cushion cut diamonds have a ratio that gives the face a very square shape, while elongated have an offset ratio that creates a rectangular shape that flatters or elongates the finger. 

What is the difference between cushion brilliant and cushion modified ("crushed ice")?

Cushion brilliant diamonds have larger, open facets. Cushion modified diamonds have more facets, creating a ‘crushed ice’ effect.

What color and clarity should I choose for a cushion cut diamond?

This very much comes down to personal preference. We recommend H or better for color and SL1 or better for clarity. For a warmer tone, go for a lower color grade, and for a whiter tone, try to go for a higher grade of at least F. 

Are cushion cut diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes! Cushion cut diamonds, such as the Brian Gavin Diamond’s Select Cushion, are very popular for everyday use, as their rounded corners minimize chipping. 

What are the most popular settings for cushion cut diamonds?

Classic solitaire, halo settings, hidden halo, micropavé, split shank, bezel, and vintage or art deco settings are all beloved choices for cushion cut diamonds.