How to Buy a Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Shopping for an engagement ring is an exciting experience. There are multiple things to consider when looking for your forever spark, like the metal alloy or the style of the setting. One of the very first decisions you’ll face is selecting your favorite diamond cut. 

With so many different shapes to choose from, figuring out which one is the right cut for you can be a little intimidating.

At Ritani.com, we want you to enjoy the process and learn everything you need to know to make the right purchase. In this guide, you’ll take a deep dive into one of the most popular diamond shapes: The Cushion Cut.

IN THIS GUIDE, YOU’LL LEARN:

•   What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

•   The Attributes That Make Cushion Cuts Desirable

•   How to Find the Perfect Cushion Cut Engagement Ring For You

The Duchess of Sussex, Sofia Vergara, and Priyanka Chopra are some of the lucky celebrities who said yes to a cushion-cut engagement ring. Long regarded as a traditional style, the cut is making a strong comeback and currently enjoys growing popularity. Today, the cushion cut is one of the best-selling diamond shapes for engagement rings, but its history dates back 300 years.

History of the Modern Cushion Cut Diamond

When the Indian diamond mines exhausted their deposits in the early 1700s, Brazil became one of the world’s top producers. Years later, diamonds were discovered in South Africa, which earned Brazilian mines the “Old Mines” moniker. Brazilian stone cutters wanted to maximize carat retention when cutting their roughs, which led them to develop a special 58 facets cut known as the Old Mine cut. Regarded as the most widespread diamond cut of its time, the Old Mine had a square shape with rounded corners, a large crown, a small table, a deep pavilion, and a large culet.

The modern cushion cut is considered an evolution from the Old Mine cut but also took inspiration from other antique diamond cuts like the Peruzzi and the table cut.

Characteristics of The Modern Cushion Cut Diamond

The modern cushion cut has a square or rectangular shape with curved sides and round corners and typically sports 58 facets, making it much more sparkly than its predecessors. In fact, it’s also known as the cushion brilliant cut because it incorporates patterns from the round brilliant cut. The latter is, however, still by far the king of brilliance. Regardless, cushion-cut diamonds are one of the most sparkly options.

Learn More: Round Cut Diamonds vs. Cushion Cut Diamonds

When the cut is modified to include extra facets either in the crown or pavilion, it is referred to as a “cushion modified brilliant.” These modified cuts are often called “crushed-ice diamonds” because of their multi-faceted look. Crushed-ice style cushions are also growing in popularity since they display higher scintillation. It’s also worth noticing that crushed-ice cushions mask inclusions better because of their smaller facets.

A diamond’s brilliance can be divided into three different components:

-    Brightness: The total light reflected from a diamond.

-    Fire: The dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum.

-    Scintillation: The flashes of light or sparkle when a diamond is moved under a source of light.

How to Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond

Pay Attention to Ratios

Ratios are a crucial factor to look into when buying a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring. Squarish ratios closer to 1.00 are more traditional, although the rectangular 1.10-1.50 ratios have gained popularity in recent years. A 1.10-1.50 ratio will typically look bigger and elongate your fingers.

Filter by Ratio and Find Your Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond with Ritani’s Diamond Finder

Color is The Most Important C

The famous 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carats) are the standard under which diamonds are graded. We often hear all 4Cs are equally important, but when it comes to cushions, color is the most important C of all. Modern cushion cut diamonds show true color, meaning the faintest yellow tone will be noticeable. Grades H and higher are recommended if you want a platinum or white gold band. If you go lower than an H grade, opt for yellow gold as it helps to disguise faint yellow tints. On the other hand, if you are buying a fancy-color diamond, a cushion-cut will accentuate it very well.

3 Reasons to Buy a Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

1.     You Get More Fire with Cushion Cut Diamonds

The standard cushion cut has larger facets that account for more fire, a colorful sparkle effect that many people love. 

2. Cushion Cut Diamonds Are Cheaper

Because there’s less rough loss when cutting a cushion shape, they are often more affordable with a lower price per carat than round brilliants.

3. Cushion Cuts Provide a Unique and Durable Shape

Cushion-cut diamonds are still a classic choice like the round-cut but are a little more unique. Their slightly rounded edges make them less prone to chipping.

A Diamond That's Up to 35% Cheaper? Learn More About Lab-Grown Diamonds

Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings from Ritani

Masterwork Cushion Halo Diamond Band Engagement Ring

This classic diamond engagement ring is both beautiful and unforgettable. Featuring a brilliant cushion-shaped diamond in a halo setting, with four large prong-set diamonds cascading from both sides of the band. This ring is really a masterwork.

Cushion Vintage Halo Micropavé Diamond Band Engagement Ring

This stunning bezel-set cushion cut diamond is surrounded by a sparkly micropavé halo. The ring’s low profile will allow it to sit closer to your finger, and the bezel setting provides maximum security for your cushion-cut diamond.

Three-Stone Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

A raised setting holds a romantic Cushion cut diamond flanked by two round brilliant side stones. The tapered band makes the ring more delicate and balances the design.

East to West Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

A truly unique design for the unconventional bride. This modern ring has an elongated cushion cut diamond set East to West and a thin French-set diamond band.

​Solitaire Diamond Knife-edge Tulip Engagement Ring​

Simple and timeless, this solitaire with a knife-edge band and tulip-inspired setting is the perfect ring to display a cushion-cut diamond. Held with four platinum double prongs, your diamond is perfectly secured.

Final Thoughts on Cushion Cut Diamonds

Square or rectangular, the perfect cushion shape is the one you love. At Ritani.com, you will find a vast selection of cushion-cut diamonds both natural and lab-grown. Explore our inventory and find the engagement ring of your dreams.

Read Next: Pear Shaped Engagement Ring Buying Guide