Buying Guide for Cushion Engagement Rings

Cushion-cut diamond engagement rings are adored for their vintage charm and soft, romantic shape. They offer a timeless yet distinct look with rounded corners and a pillow. Known for their maximum fire—those colorful flashes of light—they perfectly balance classic elegance and unique brilliance, making them a popular choice for modern couples. If you're curious about cushion-cut diamonds and want to learn more, you're in the right place. We created a buying guide for cushion diamonds covering everything you need to know, from diamond quality to setting styles.

What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

Cushion-cut diamonds are unique—they feature a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, giving them a soft, pillow-like appearance, like their name. While it seems like a newer diamond cut, this shape has existed since the 19th century. It was once the most popular diamond cut in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Its vintage appeal has made a significant comeback in recent years for couples who like the timeless, distinct look of cushion cuts for diamond jewelry.

Unlike the sharp corners of a princess cut or the intense brilliance of a round cut, cushion cuts offer a blend of romantic curves and fiery sparkle. They stand out for their ability to balance antique charm with modern elegance.

What to Look for in a Cushion-Cut Diamond

Cut quality is crucial when choosing a cushion-cut diamond because it impacts the stone's brilliance. Cushion cuts come in two main styles: standard, which has a more vintage look with chunkier facets, and modified, which features extra facets for added sparkle. Regarding clarity and color, cushion cuts tend to hide color better than inclusions, so you can opt for slightly lower color grades (like H or I) without compromising beauty. However, we recommend going with at least a VS2 clarity to ensure the diamond appears clean to the naked eye. It's also worth noting that cushion cuts can look smaller face-up than other shapes of the same carat weight, so you might consider sizing up slightly within your budget. A unique aspect of cushion cuts is their ratio. Pay attention to the length-to-width ratio—1.00 to 1.05 gives a square shape, while anything above 1.10 looks more rectangular. Look at each stone to decide which ratio suits you best.

Popular Setting Styles for Cushion Engagement Rings

Cushion-cut diamonds are a versatile choice for engagement ring settings. They pair beautifully with various settings that each have a different look. A solitaire setting focuses on the diamond; it offers a clean, timeless look that never goes out of style. Halo settings are especially popular with cushions—it surrounds the center stone with smaller diamonds to accentuate the center stone and make it look larger. For those who want a vintage-looking engagement ring, look for intricate details like milgrain or filigree. They work well with the antique feel of the cushion cut. Another setting that works well for cushion-cut diamonds is a three-stone setting. It adds meaning and looks gorgeous, symbolizing the past, present, and future while creating a balanced, elegant look.

Metal Choices & Their Impact on Style

The setting influences the overall look and feel when choosing a metal for your cushion engagement ring. White gold offers a modern, clean finish that enhances the diamond's brilliance. Yellow gold adds a warm, traditional glow that pairs well with vintage-inspired designs. Rose gold is a popular choice for its romantic pink hue. It gives the ring a soft, vintage feel that complements the cushion cut's charm. For a luxurious look, platinum is the way to go—it's durable, naturally white, and adds a sleek, sophisticated edge.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Cushion Diamonds

One more option is choosing between cushion-cut lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. They're identical in appearance, but lab diamonds are eco-friendly and ethically sourced because they're created in a controlled environment. Lab diamonds also tend to be more affordable. Cushion diamonds are available in lab and natural diamond options, so you must decide which works best. Remember that the beauty of cushion diamonds looks the same as that of lab and natural stones—both are brilliant and fiery.

Final Thoughts

Cushion-cut diamonds look stunning in engagement rings or any diamond jewelry. They have amazing fire and brilliance, but also have a softness and elegance about them. Knowing more about cushion-cut diamonds before shopping for engagement rings can help you find the stone that suits your taste and budget. You will surely find a cushion-cut engagement ring that checks all your boxes!