What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, offering vintage appeal and modern sparkle. It’s ideal for engagement rings, especially in halo settings, and often costs less than round diamonds, while giving you more size and character.

If you’re trying to figure out whether a cushion cut diamond is the right fit for your ring, or your relationship, you’re in the right place. 

After 15+ years working with couples on custom engagement rings, I can tell you cushion cuts spark a lotof questions. And honestly, they deserve the attention. 

They’re one of the most versatile, misunderstood, and emotionally resonant shapes out there.

Quick facts to save you hours of Googling:

• Cushion cuts blend square/rectangular shapes with soft, rounded corners, like a pillow.
• There are two major types: chunky (vintage) and crushed ice (modern sparkle).
• They tend to retain color more than other shapes, so color grade matters.
• Cushion cuts cost less per carat than round diamonds.

At Mikado Diamonds, we walk you through all of this personally, starting with selecting your stone, not a pre-made setting. You get one-on-one guidance, transparent pricing, and the freedom to explore different cushion styles (including larger carat lab-grown options) without sales pressure.

Want to go deeper? Stick around for a detailed breakdown of pros, pricing, clarity, and how cushion cuts stack up against other diamond shapes.

What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond combines soft curves with vintage soul. It’s square or rectangular, but the corners are rounded, giving it a pillowy, romantic look. You’ve probably seen one before without knowing the name. It’s that classic-but-not-boring shape that blends old-world charm with modern brilliance.

Cushion cuts have been around for nearly 200 years. Originally called “old mine cuts,” they were the go-to shape before precision tools made round diamonds mainstream. 

Today, cushion cuts are back in style, and better than ever, especially for couples looking for something elegant but different.

Cushion Cut vs. Other Diamond Shapes

We hear this question constantly: how does a cushion compare to other shapes?

Compared to a round brilliant, cushion cuts are slightly less sparkly, but also 20–30% more affordable per carat. That savings can often be the difference between a 1.5 and 2 carat ring.

Unlike princess or emerald cuts, cushions have no sharp edges. That makes them more durable and resistant to chips, especially in daily wear. If you want softness with impact, it hits the sweet spot between bold and classic.

And when it comes to sparkle? Cushion cuts hold their own. Especially if you choose the right cut style (more on that in a second).

Chunky vs. Crushed Ice: Two Very Different Looks

Not all cushions look alike. There are two major types, and they couldn’t be more different:

• Chunky cushion cuts have big, blocky facets and vintage vibes. You can see broad flashes of light when you tilt the diamond. These are sometimes called “antique” or “standard” cushion cuts.
• Crushed ice cushions are full of tiny, random facets that sparkle all over. They’re more modern, more fiery, and especially popular in halo settings.

Neither one is “better,” it comes down to personal preference. At Mikado, we show you actual 360° videos of both styles so you can see the difference for yourself. AI tools don’t cut it here. Visuals matter. A lot.

What to Look for in a Cushion Cut Diamond

We get this all the time: “How do I know if it’s a good cushion cut?” The answer is, you have to see it. Specs alone won’t tell you how a cushion cut will perform. Unlike round diamonds, cushion cuts don’t get a cut grade from GIA. 

That means two diamonds with identical stats on paper can look completely different in real life.

That’s why we rely on 360° video for every diamond we recommend. You need to see how the facets interact with light, how the edges curve, and whether the table feels too large or too flat.

When you shop with Mikado, we’ll help you compare real stones, not stock photos, not guesses.

Why Cushion Cuts Shine Even Brighter with Lab-Grown Diamonds

If you're considering a cushion cut, there’s one decision that can instantly stretch your budget and your sparkle: going lab-grown.

Here’s why it matters.

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. Because they’re created in controlled environments, they avoid the traditional supply chain markup. That means you can get a larger, higher-quality diamond for less, without sacrificing beauty or meaning.

We’ve seen this shift firsthand. What used to be “unthinkably big,” like a 3 or 4 carat cushion, is now completely within reach. Clients routinely tell us, “I didn’t think I could afford a diamond this stunning.” But with lab-grown, you absolutely can.

A few key reasons our clients love lab-grown cushion cuts:

• More sparkle for your spend. You can size up significantly while still staying in budget.
• Ethical sourcing. Grown without the environmental and social impact of traditional mining.
• Endless options. Rare shapes, fancy colors, and unique cuts that would cost three to four times more if mined.

At Mikado, we specialize in lab-grown cushion cuts over 2 carats. These stones look incredible in hidden halos, yellow gold, or classic solitaire settings. We’ll walk you through all your options, explain where to splurge and where to save, and make the whole process feel refreshingly low-pressure.

Ideal Cut Proportions for Cushion Cuts

If you still want numbers, here are the general guidelines we use:

• Depth: under 70%.
• Table: under 70%.
• Polish/Symmetry: Very Good or Excellent.
• Length-to-Width Ratio: ~1.00 for square; 1.10+ for rectangular.

Those markers give you a starting point, but again, they’re not the final word. We’ve seen beautiful cushions outside those parameters and dull ones that looked perfect on paper. Trust your eyes. Or better yet, trust ours.

What Color Grade Should You Choose?

Cushion cuts tend to hold onto color more than round diamonds. That’s not always a bad thing, it’s what makes them great for fancy yellows and pinks, but it does mean you need to be strategic.

Here’s what we usually recommend:

• H color or better for white gold or platinum.
• I–J color works beautifully in yellow or rose gold.
• Fancy color? Embrace it, cushions bring those tones to life.

We often find that clients overpay chasing a D or E when a G or H looks identical on the hand. Especially with lab-grown diamonds, you can save thousands without giving up that icy, bright appearance.

What Clarity Is Best for Cushion Cuts?

Because of the large, open table, some flaws can be easier to spot in cushion cuts. But that doesn’t mean you need a VVS stone. In fact, well-cut SI1 or SI2 diamonds can still be eye-clean, you just have to know where to look.

Here’s the trick:

• Crushed ice cushions hide inclusions better due to their facet style.
• Chunky cushions may need slightly higher clarity if the inclusion sits under the table.

We review every diamond before recommending it, flag any red flags you can’t see in the report, and suggest better alternatives when possible. It’s one of the biggest reasons clients come back to us.

Square vs. Rectangular Cushions: Which One’s Right?

This is 100% personal preference. A square cushion (1.00 length-to-width ratio) gives you that classic “diamond shape.” A slightly elongated cushion (around 1.10 to 1.20) gives more finger coverage and can feel more modern or slimming.

Neither is better. But seeing both options side by side often helps clients realize what actually feels right for them.

At Mikado, we don’t push one look over another. We show you what’s out there, answer your questions, and let your eyes (and heart) decide.

Settings That Work Best for Cushion Cuts

Cushion cuts are versatile, they work with almost any setting style. But there are a few combinations that really make them stand out:

• Hidden halo: Our top-seller. Adds sparkle from every angle without changing the diamond’s face-up size.
• Vintage settings: Think milgrain, scrollwork, or bezel. These play beautifully with the cushion’s old-world charm.
• Solitaire with thin band: Let the cushion take center stage. Especially great if you’ve gone bigger with a lab-grown.
• Double halo: For max sparkle and finger coverage.

Cushions have that rare ability to look delicate and bold at the same time, depending on how you set them. That’s why we always start with the center stone, then build the setting around it.

Cushion Cut Diamonds vs. Round: Is It Worth Switching?

Round diamonds are still the most popular shape, but not necessarily the best value.

• Price: Cushions are 20–30% less per carat than rounds. That means more size, or more budget left for a setting.
• Brilliance: Rounds are more brilliant on paper. In real life, a well-cut cushion can be just as dazzling, especially if you go for crushed ice.
• Style: Round = timeless. Cushion = timeless with character. It’s for people who want something just a little different.

We have plenty of clients who come in set on a round and leave with a cushion. Why? Because once they see it on their hand, it just feels right.

Is a Cushion Cut Diamond Right for You?

We always say: a diamond should reflect more than light, it should reflect you.

Cushion cuts are perfect for people who:

• Want a romantic shape that’s different but not dramatic.
• Like the vintage-modern crossover.
• Prefer soft edges over sharp lines.
• Want more diamond for their budget (especially with lab-grown).
• Don’t need a designer name to feel confident.

And if you're still unsure? That’s what we’re here for. Our process is built around clarity, not pressure.

How Mikado Diamonds Can Help

At Mikado, we don’t just sell diamonds, we help you select the right one.

That starts with listening. Whether you’re new to cushion cuts or comparing several shapes, we’ll walk you through side-by-side videos, answer every question (even the ones you’re afraid to ask), and explain why two seemingly identical diamonds might look totally different.

We specialize in lab-grown cushion cuts, especially in sizes over 2 carats, and we’ve helped hundreds of couples find the perfect balance of sparkle, shape, and value.

When it’s the right diamond, you just know. We help you get to that moment, without the sales pitch.