Oval vs Cushion Diamonds: Which Should You Choose?

Oval diamonds look bigger and feel modern. Cushion cuts feel timeless and offer vintage charm. We break down sparkle, price, durability, and buyer regrets so you can confidently choose the shape that fits your style, budget, and proposal goals.

When you’re stuck deciding between a cushion cut and an oval diamond, it’s about what each one says when you open that box. 

I've worked with couples for over 15 years, and here’s what I’ll tell you: both can be breathtaking, but they shine differently, fit differently, and feel different when worn.

Oval Diamonds:

• Elongate the finger, making hands look slimmer.
• Appear larger per carat than most shapes.
• Trendy, modern, and very photo-friendly.
• Can show a “bow-tie” shadow if cut poorly.

Cushion Diamonds:

• Offer a timeless, romantic softness.
• Come in “chunky” or “crushed ice” sparkle styles.
• Often cost less per carat than ovals.
• Can look smaller due to deeper cuts.

At Mikado Diamonds, we guide you one-on-one through the entire process, from shape to setting, from budget to brilliance. 

Keep reading to discover how to choose the perfect shape for your hand, your style, and the moment you’ll never forget.

Cushion vs Oval Diamonds: Which Is Right for You?

Oval Cut:

• Appears larger face-up for its carat weight
• Elongates the finger, flattering most hand shapes
• Bright, brilliant sparkle
• Highly popular, frequent choice for Instagram and social media proposals
• Versatile: works well in solitaire, halo, east-west, and modern settings
• Generally higher price per carat due to demand
• Less forgiving with inclusions and color, shows flaws more easily
• The bow-tie effect is inherent in oval cuts, but can be minimized by working with a diamond expert to choose a well-cut stone

Cushion Cut:

• Appears smaller due to deeper cut proportions
• Balanced, compact finger coverage
• Fire-heavy sparkle with colored flashes (especially under LED lighting)
• Timeless and less trend-driven, feels more heirloom-inspired
• Ideal for halos and vintage-style settings
• Often more affordable per carat
• Hides inclusions and warmth better, especially in lab-grown diamonds
• No bow-tie effect, softer, more uniform light performance

Shape, Style & First Impressions

We’ve seen it again and again: someone walks in wanting one shape and leaves with the other. Why? Because how a diamond feels in person can be very different from what you expected. Let’s look closer.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

These are soft, square-to-rectangular diamonds with rounded corners,  almost like a pillow, which is how they got their name. Their romance lies in the curves.

Cushions date back over 200 years and often appear in heirlooms, which is why they carry such a nostalgic, heritage feel.

Pictured above is a radiant cut diamond, with straight edges and crisp lines. But its elongated silhouette makes it the perfect segue into a rising favorite: elongated cushion cuts.

Cushions feature those same square-to-rectangular shapes, but with gently rounded corners, giving them that soft, vintage charm that radiants can’t quite replicate.

You'll typically see two cushion styles:

• Chunky cushions with broader, blocky facets that give a classic, antique vibe.

• Crushed ice cushions with scattered, shimmery sparkle: a favorite in lab-grown diamonds.

And now? Elongated cushions are everywhere, especially in halo settings or yellow gold bands. They offer finger coverage, elegance, and just the right amount of drama. (Let’s be honest: Taylor Swift’s engagement only added fuel to the fire.)

Oval Cut Diamonds

Elongated and elegant, ovals stretch light and space. They're brilliant-cut, just like rounds, so they bring a ton of sparkle, but with a longer silhouette. 

If you want your fingers to look slimmer or the diamond to appear bigger than it is, oval is often the go-to. That’s why it’s become a favorite among younger buyers and social media trends.

Size Perception: Which Looks Bigger?

Let’s bust a myth right now: carat weight does not equal visual size.

Oval diamonds win this round. Because of their shallow depth and elongated shape, they give you a larger face-up surface. A 3ct oval will look bigger than a 3ct cushion every time.

Cushions carry depth. They tend to be deeper stones, meaning more of the carat weight is hidden below the surface. If you’re shopping by visuals instead of weight, this can throw people off.

This is one reason we always show clients actual 360° video and help them compare options live. You’d be amazed how different two same-carat diamonds can look when side by side.

Sparkle & Light Performance

Here’s where it gets personal.

Oval Sparkle

Oval diamonds sparkle with brilliance, bright, white flashes that bounce across the surface. But they often come with a “bow-tie” effect: a dark shadow across the middle caused by light not reflecting properly. 

Some bow-ties are minimal. Some are distracting. And the difference can’t be seen on paper, you have to see the stone.

Cushion Sparkle

Cushion cuts bring the fire. This is where color sparkle (reds, blues, yellows) comes out to play. 

Especially under LED lighting (think proposals, events, dinner dates), they put on a show. 

Crushed ice cushions have a shimmery, glistening feel. Chunky cushions look more like stained-glass windows, bold and geometric.

If you want max sparkle? It’s less about shape and more about cut. We say it all the time: a well-cut 1.8ct will outshine a poorly cut 2.5ct any day.

Pricing & Value Differences

This is where cushion diamonds start to pull ahead.

Cushion cuts tend to cost less per carat than ovals. Why? They retain more of the rough diamond during cutting, so there’s less waste, and less markup.

Ovals, on the other hand, are currently more in demand, especially among buyers chasing size and sparkle. That trendiness drives price. We’ve also seen clients pay a premium for ovals that are cut well enough to minimize the bow-tie.

The upside? Lab-grown diamonds have leveled the playing field. Now, both shapes are far more affordable than their mined counterparts, and you can go bigger, cleaner, and brighter for the same budget.

Color, Clarity & Lab-Grown Considerations

Most shoppers focus on carat weight. Fewer ask about color and clarity. But in fancy shapes like oval and cushion, these details matter, and they matter differently for each one.

Oval Diamonds

Because of their large table and elongated structure, ovals tend to show imperfections (inclusions) and tints more easily, especially near the pointed ends. 

If you're looking at lab-grown diamonds in the G–J range, some ovals can show noticeable warmth or even brownish undertones. We always recommend reviewing 360° videos and, if possible, having us evaluate the stone before you buy. 

Not all Gs are created equal.

Cushion Diamonds

Cushions are much more forgiving. Their brilliant faceting helps hide both inclusions and color. 

Even I–J cushions can appear crisp, especially when set in yellow gold, where slight warmth blends beautifully with the metal. That’s one of the reasons they’re popular among clients who want value without compromising on look.

At Mikado, we’ve reviewed thousands of lab-grown ovals and cushions. The difference in color performance, even within the same grade, can be huge. 

That’s why we don’t rely on grading reports alone.

Settings That Make Each Shape Shine

The shape is just one part of the equation. The setting? That’s what brings it to life on your hand.

Oval Diamonds

These work well in almost everything: solitaires, vintage-style halos, hidden halos, east-west orientations, even split shanks. 

At Mikado, oval hidden halos are especially popular, offering extra sparkle from the side without overwhelming the top view. 

Just be mindful of balance. An oval with a bulky halo can overpower smaller hands if not designed thoughtfully.

Cushion Diamonds

This is where cushions thrive. Their soft corners and vintage vibe make them perfect for halo settings, double halos, antique-inspired bands, and milgrain detailing. 

They shine in settings with intricate craftsmanship and side stones. Their proportions feel “grounded,” especially in romantic or vintage designs.

Ready to See It on Your Hand?

At Mikado Diamonds, we do things differently.

We review every stone for cut, tint, sparkle, and proportion. We help you understand what grading reports don’t tell you. And we design settings around you, not around inventory.

Want to see what a 2ct oval in a hidden halo looks like next to a crushed ice cushion with side stones? We can show you.

Book a no-pressure consultation. Ask questions. Compare options. Or just explore what’s possible.