Cushion-Cut Diamonds: A Guide to Timeless Elegance and Modern Brilliance

The cushion-cut diamond is a classic yet modern choice, known for its soft, pillow-like shape and romantic appeal. With a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern brilliance, the cushion cut has remained one of the most sought-after diamond shapes for engagement rings. Whether you love its old-world elegance or its fire and sparkle, a cushion-cut diamond makes for a stunning and unique choice.

What is a Cushion-Cut Diamond?

A cushion-cut diamond is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or pillow. It is a modified brilliant cut, meaning it offers exceptional sparkle while maintaining a soft and romantic aesthetic.

Key Features of a Cushion Diamond:

✔ Rounded corners – Softer and more romantic than sharp-edged diamonds.
✔ Brilliant-cut facets – Provides exceptional sparkle and fire.
✔ Vintage and modern appeal – Works beautifully in both classic solitaire and intricate vintage settings.
✔ Multiple variations – Available in square or elongated shapes, as well as standard or crushed-ice faceting styles.

Why Are Cushion Diamonds So Popular?

The cushion cut has consistently been one of the top diamond shapes for engagement rings, offering a perfect balance between elegance, sparkle, and vintage charm.

Reasons for Its Popularity:

  • Soft and romantic design: The rounded edges give it a delicate, timeless appeal.
  • Brilliant sparkle: Offers excellent fire and brilliance, second only to the round cut.
  • Versatile styling: Available in square and elongated forms, catering to different style preferences.
  • Favored by celebrities: Many high-profile figures have chosen cushion-cut engagement rings, further boosting its popularity.

Celebrities with Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings

The cushion-cut diamond has been a favorite among celebrities and royals, adding to its reputation as a luxurious and stylish choice. Some of the most famous cushion-cut engagement rings include:

  • Meghan Markle (from Prince Harry) – Wears a cushion-cut diamond center stone, flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection.

 

·       Zendaya: In early 2025, Zendaya was spotted wearing a stunning 5.02-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, gifted by her fiancé, Tom Holland. The ring features a unique east-west orientation, adding to its elegance and individuality.

·       Chrissy Teigen: John Legend proposed to Chrissy Teigen in 2011 with a beautiful cushion-cut diamond ring set on a pavé band with a hidden halo, estimated to have cost up to $200,000.

·  Zoë Kravitz – Wears an elongated cushion cut diamond engagement ring with a vintage-inspired setting.

 

These high-profile engagements have contributed to the enduring popularity of cushion-cut diamonds, inspiring many to choose this classic yet contemporary shape for their own rings.

Types of Cushion-Cut Diamonds

Cushion-cut diamonds come in different faceting styles, offering various levels of sparkle and brilliance:

1. Standard Cushion Cut

  • Features larger, well-defined facets.
  • Maximizes brilliance and fire.
  • Best for those who prefer a more traditional, classic look.

2. Crushed Ice Cushion Cut

  • Has smaller, closely packed facets, resembling the look of crushed ice.
  • Creates a sparkling, shimmering effect rather than large flashes of light.
  • Preferred by those who love a modern, radiant sparkle.

3. Elongated Cushion Cut

  • Has a longer length-to-width ratio, creating a more oval-like appearance.
  • Offers finger-lengthening effects similar to an oval or emerald cut.
  • Popular among those who want the brilliance of a cushion with an elongated shape.

Choosing the Best Cushion-Cut Diamond

To select the best cushion-cut diamond, focus on cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, while also considering facet style and shape preference.

1. Cut Quality for Maximum Sparkle

Cushion-cut diamonds do not have an official "ideal cut", but look for:
✔ A depth percentage of 60-70% for balanced brilliance.
✔ A table percentage of 55-65% for optimal light reflection.

2. Color Recommendations

Cushion-cut diamonds tend to hold more color than round diamonds, meaning lower color grades may show a slight tint.

  • Lab-grown diamonds – D-F offers a colorless, icy appearance.
  • Natural diamonds – I-J color can still appear beautiful, especially in yellow or rose gold settings, while D-H remains the safest colorless to near-colorless choice.

3. Clarity Considerations

Cushion-cut diamonds hide inclusions well, making them a great choice for lower clarity grades.
✔ VS1-VS2 clarity is ideal for a balance of quality and value.
✔ SI1-SI2 clarity can still appear flawless if carefully selected (like in Benz & Co’s ready-to-ship collection).

4. Best Carat Size for a Cushion Diamond

Because cushion-cut diamonds retain more carat weight below the surface, they may appear slightly smaller than other shapes. However, their brilliant fire and sparkle make up for it, ensuring a dazzling effect.

Best Settings for Cushion Engagement Rings

Cushion-cut diamonds look stunning in various settings, including:

✔ Solitaire – Highlights the softness of the cushion shape with a clean, elegant look.
✔ Hidden Halo – Adds extra sparkle while maintaining a sleek design.
✔ Halo – Enhances the appearance of size with a surrounding ring of diamonds.
✔ Three-Stone – Complements the cushion shape with elegant side stones.
✔ Vintage-Inspired – Works beautifully with antique-style settings, including filigree and milgrain details.

Why Choose a Cushion-Cut Diamond from Benz & Co Diamonds?

At Benz & Co Diamonds, we offer an exclusive collection of cushion-cut engagement rings featuring:
✔ Top-quality natural and lab-grown diamonds with unmatched brilliance.
✔ The largest selection of ready-to-ship engagement rings, so you don’t have to wait.
✔ Competitive pricing: ensuring the best value without compromising quality.
✔ Easy financing options with Affirm: choose up to 36 monthly payments with rates as low as 0% APR.
✔ Fast delivery: receive your ring within 7 days, including complimentary resizing.

Final Thoughts

The cushion-cut diamond is a perfect choice for those who want timeless elegance, soft brilliance, and vintage charm. Whether you love the classic standard cushion, the modern crushed ice look, or the trendy elongated cushion, this shape offers something for everyone.

Now, explore Benz & Co Diamonds' cushion-cut engagement rings, where romantic elegance meets exceptional craftsmanship.

 

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