Cushion-Cut Engagement Ring: The Vintage Cut in Detail
Soft curves, historic charm, and an unparalleled sparkle. Discover why the cushion cut is winning the hearts of jewellery lovers around the world.
In a nutshell
The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular base shape with softly rounded corners. It offers an exceptionally high level of “fire” (coloured sparkle) and exudes an elegant vintage charm. In addition, it is often more affordable than a classic round brilliant cut.
What makes the cushion cut so special?
Imagine combining the clean, geometric lines of a square cut with the soft, flowing contours of a round brilliant. The result? The cushion cut.
This cut has a rich history. Its roots trace back to the “Old Mine Cut,” which was dominant in the 18th century. Back then, diamonds were still cut by candlelight to maximize their sparkle in that warm, flickering light. The modern cushion cut has retained this romantic spirit, but uses today’s precision technology to refract light even more perfectly.
"A cushion cut doesn't just have brilliance—it has character. It reflects broader, more colourful flashes of light than a round stone—in technical terms, we call this 'fire.'"
Velur Editorial Team
Standard vs. Elongated: The Two Faces
If you're interested in a cushion cut, you have an important decision to make. It comes in two completely different styles, each of which creates a unique look on your finger.
The Standard Cushion (Square)
The classic style. The length-to-width ratio here is exactly 1:1 or slightly higher (up to 1:1.05). It looks like a perfect, soft pillow. This shape is ideal for women who love symmetry but find a princess cut (strictly square with sharp corners) too harsh.
The Elongated Cushion (Oval)
The hottest cut trend of recent years. The length-to-width ratio for this cut is usually between 1.15 and 1.30. It stretches elegantly across the finger and makes the hand appear slimmer. In addition, an elongated cushion cut often looks larger than its square counterpart for the same carat weight.
With elongated cushion-cut stones, it’s not just the shape that matters, but also the faceting. Our comparison of the mixed cut and brilliant cut clearly illustrates the difference. Current models that fit this description include the Madison with a mixed cut, the Madison Brilliance with a brilliant cut, and the Liorée, an elongated cushion cut.
A Direct Comparison of the Cushion Cut
How does the cushion cut stack up against the other heavyweights in the world of engagement rings? Let's take an honest look at the differences.
| Cut | Advantages | Difference from the Cushion |
|---|---|---|
| Cushion Cut | Vintage charm, intense fire, conceals inclusions | - |
| Round Brilliant Cut | Maximum light output, an absolute classic | The round one is more expensive; the cushion one has softer edges and more flashes of colour. |
| Oval Cut | Stretches the finger out a lot, making it look very big | An oval shape has no straight sides; a cushion shape appears more solid and compact. |
| Radiant Cut | Very modern, with an intense "crushed ice" sparkle | Radiant has sharp, beveled corners; Cushion is soft all over. |
What to Look for When Buying
A cushion cut is very forgiving. Thanks to its many facets, it’s excellent at hiding small inclusions in the stone. But there’s one thing you need to look at closely: the facet pattern.
There are so-called “chunky” cushions that cast broad, clear flashes of light (similar to antique cuts). And there’s the “crushed ice” variant, which consists of countless tiny facets and sparkles like crushed ice. Which is better? It’s purely a matter of taste. At Velur, we strive for a perfect balance of both to bring out the maximum brilliance from every lab-grown diamond or moissanite.
Since the cushion cut has a relatively deep belly, it "hides" some of its weight beneath the surface. If the face-up size is extremely important to you, we recommend the elongated cushion cut. Message us on WhatsApp if you need help with proportions.
Who is the cushion cut perfect for?
This cut suits her if...
...she loves vintage elements but doesn't want to look old-fashioned. If she appreciates romantic details and is looking for a piece of jewellery that isn't the kind you see sparkling on every other finger. The cushion cut is the perfect choice for women who prefer soft shapes but don't want to compromise on a striking, eye-catching design.
Élan – Cathedral Cushion
A breathtaking elongated cushion cut, elegantly set in a cathedral design.
Élan – Low Set Cushion
Our popular Élan ring, custom-made with a brilliant lab-grown diamond.
Elegance – Oval Solitaire
Do you like the elongated shape, but are looking for something softer? Discover our best-selling oval design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The cushion cut is a square or slightly rectangular cut with rounded corners. It combines the historic charm of the old mine cut with the brilliance of modern cuts.
No, generally speaking, a cushion cut is about 15 to 25 percent less expensive than a round brilliant cut of the same carat weight, since less rough material is lost during the cutting process.
A standard cushion cut is square (with a length-to-width ratio close to 1:1), while an elongated cushion cut is rectangular (with a ratio of 1.1 to 1.3). The elongated shape makes the finger appear slimmer.
A cushion cut has an extremely high fire (coloured sparkle) that almost rivals that of a round brilliant cut. Thanks to its large facets, it scatters light in a particularly impressive way.
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