Cushion cut diamond.
Cushion cut diamonds combine the appeal of a square cut diamond but with soft, rounded edges, lending this shape a romantic feel. This timeless shape is derived from the old mine cut, and has been refined over hundreds of years. For the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape (similar to round cut today). Until the early 20th century, the cushion cut diamond was the de facto diamond shape. Cushion cut diamonds are a beautiful choice for any setting style.
Cushion cut diamond.
One of the rarer and more unique choices, the cushion cut's large facets allow for great light dispersion, giving birth to a much larger range of spectral colors and making for a highly scintillating diamond.
Cushion cut diamond ring.
Cushion cut diamond features.
As its name suggests, a cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners that resemble a pillow. The cushion cut is usually comprised of 58 facets with a typical ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 for square shapes and 1.10 or greater for more rectangular ones. Although not as brilliant as round brilliants, cushion cuts have large facets allowing for a greater separation of white light into spectral colors.
The cushion cut may be described as a cross between the old mine cut and modern oval shape. As techniques and cutting styles have evolved over the years, several variations of the cushion cut have been developed, such as the Cushion Modified Brilliant which may have an extra row of facets on the pavilion that alter the look of the diamond.
These modified brilliants often have what is called the "sparkling water" or "crushed ice" effect, giving them greater scintillation. Other subtle alterations have also been introduced, such as adding symmetrical kite or half moon shaped facets to the pavilion and below the girdle (see Expert Advice below).
The cushion cut diamond is also reknowned for hiding inclusions well. This is because of its extra facets, the cushion cut can disperse more light through the diamond which serves to hide inclusions more efficiently, making it one of the most brilliant of all square and rectangular shaped diamonds.
Traditional cushion cut diamonds return light in a chunkier pattern than modern cuts. Combined with the enlarged culet (which was considered desirable for the pattern created when viewed through the table), this created a distinctive look that is prized today among dealers in antique diamonds.
Partially based on cut research initiated by Marcel Tolkowsky in the 1920's, refinements to cushion cut diamonds over time (such as shrinking the culet, enlarging the table, and improving cut angles for increased brilliance), have led to a resurgence in popularity. Many buyers are attracted to the antique feel combined with modern performance offered by the cushion cut.
The standards for cushion cut vary more than most other shapes, and personal taste will dictate choice. While generally less brilliant than round brilliant diamonds, cushion cut diamonds often have better fire, which is part of their appeal. Modern cushion cuts tend to have one of three basic pavilion facet patterns (see 'The Different Types of Cushion Cut Diamonds' below). The second pattern has an extra row of facets on the pavilion and is classified by GIA as a "modified" cushion cut. These modified cuts tend to have a "crushed ice" or needle like facet pattern, more similar to a radiant cut than a traditional cushion cut.
Cushion cut diamond types.
The cushion cut diamond is one of the oldest shapes and cutting styles, and has continually ranked high in popularity for engagement rings. Over the cushion's long history there have been many evolved takes on the cutting style. The first diamonds being cut in the cushion style date back to the early 1700's. This cutting style is known as the Old Mine cut, named after the origin, the Brazilian Diamond Mines. In that time with limited technology, it was a very difficult process to cut a diamond, so the main priority for most diamond cutters was to save time and money. Thus many of the diamonds being cut are meant to retain as much rough weight as possible. The defining characteristics of an Old Mine cut diamond are a squarish shape with a high crown (top), small table, deep pavilion (bottom), and a large culet.
As faceting technology continued to evolve, more precise cuts were able to be developed throughout the 20th century. Modern-day cushion brilliant cut diamonds are square or squarish-rectangular shapes with curved sides and either rounded or pointed corners. Typically, this cut will have four or eight mains, which are kite-shaped facets between the girdle and the culet. Sometimes the cut is modified to include extra facets on the crown or pavilion, in which case the cut is called modified cushion cut brilliant. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has made distinctions of these 2 kinds of cushion based on technical faceting standard. These standards and differences should be taken into consideration, and you should choose the diamond that is most aesthetically pleasing to you.
The cushion brilliant is the predecessor of the cushion modified, and one of its defining characteristics is the pavilion mains touching the girdle(outer edge) of the diamond. This faceting arrangement is very similar to a round brilliant diamond, where pavilion mains play a huge role in the diamond's fire. The cushion brilliant can have 4, 6, 8, or 10 pavilion mains and 57 facets total like a round diamond. Having more pavilions will result in a more refractive and fiery diamond. This is the most requested cutting style of cushion, from jewellers and is much rarer to find in comparison to the cushion modified.
Cushion brilliant.
The Cushion Modified Brilliant is a variation on the original cushion brilliant shape. This type of cushion is the most commonly seen in the market. Diamond cutters save more weight when cutting them from a rough diamond crystal, and will usually be less expensive than a cushion brilliant of the same quality. This cutting style has 4 shortened pavilion mains with an extra row of facets between the pavilion mains and girdle. In a diamond, pavilion mains generate the bold flashes of light and make a really diamond pop. When the mains are shortened so is the returning amount of light. Instead of driving the light all the way out it results in short sparkles giving it the "crushed ice" look.
Cushion modified brilliant.
The Cushion Hybrid Brilliant takes the best from both worlds. The cutting style of this cushion features 4 extended pavilion mains and has extra faceting next to each main. These additional facets provide more sparkle and fire to the diamond while the top of the diamond still features larger faceting like the brilliant round cut. With this cut, diamond cutters are now able to create cushion cut diamonds that retain the carat weight and appearance of a modified cushion with the look of a classic cushion brilliant. This results in a more brilliant appearance while still having short sparkly light streams.
Cushion hybrid brilliant / X factor.
While the classic cushion cut diamond is a square (with a length to width ratio of 1.00), they are often found in slightly rectangular shapes as well. The most popular shape is a slight rectangle of 1.10-1.20 length to width, however personal preference should dictate choice.
Cushion cut standards vary more than any other shape, which is why cut parameters are very loose. With soft-sided fancy shapes, it's important to understand that your choice should be dictated by your personal preferences.
The GIA doesn't provide cut grading for cushion cut diamonds due to their complex and unique structure. However, there are still some key features to be considered when choosing a cushion diamond.
Although cushion cut diamonds have less brilliance than round cut diamonds they often have a better fire, which makes them so attractive for buyers. To choose the best diamond you need to pay special attention to the diamond symmetry and polish grades listed in the certificate. Excellent or very good symmetry and polish are strongly recommended.
The facets on the right and left halves of the diamond should have the same shape and size. All the points of the facets should meet, there should not be missing or extra ones. The more symmetrical the facets, the more beautiful the diamond.
The chart below serves as a general guideline for evaluating the cut of a cushion cut diamond:
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| Cushion Cut Diamond | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 - 67 | 58 - 60.9 or 67.1 - 70 | 56 - 57.9 or 70.1 - 71 | 54 - 55.9 or 71.1 - 73 | <54 or >73 | |
| 61 - 67 | 58 - 60 or 68 - 67 | 56 - 57 or 71 | 54 - 55 or 72 - 73 | <54 or >73 | |
| Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Fair to Excellent | Poor to Excellent | |
| Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Fair to Excellent | Poor to Excellent | |
| Very Thin - Slightly Thick | Very Thin - Slightly Thick | Very Thin - Thick | Very Thin - Very Thick | Ex. Thin - Ex. Thick | |
| None | Very Small | Small | Medium | > Medium | |
| 1.00 - 1.03 | 1.00 - 1.03 | 1.04 - 1.05 | 1.06 - 1.08 | > 1.08 | |
| 1.15 - 1.20 | 1.10 - 1.14 or 1.21 - 1.30 | 1.10 - 1.14 or 1.21 - 1.30 | 1.08 - 1.09 or 1.31 - 1.50 | <1.08 or >1.50 |
Cushion diamond cut guide.
Cushion cut diamond length to width ratio.
Evaluating color in cushion cut diamonds is subjective. Keep in mind that many buyers may actually prefer the ever so slightly warmer colors of a G-H diamond over the cool colorlessness of a D-F diamond. In fact, most of the premium in price associated with cushion cut diamonds at the higher end of the color scale is driven by supply and demand; customers want the D-F color grades, and are willing to pay a premium to get them. In a world without diamond color grading, the price premium for higher grades would be much lower, as the actual differences in color are difficult to perceive.
The color of cushion cut diamonds is graded on a scale from D to Z, where D signifies a completely colorless diamond and Z means an easily noticeable yellow or brown tint.
Being one of the most popular diamond cuts, the cushion is not the best shape to mask color and tints. For this reason, it is recommended to opt for H or better color if the diamond is going to be set in platinum or white gold. In the case of yellow or rose gold, you may buy a diamond in J or even K color.
Of course H color falls in the "near colorless' range but it has a very slight yellow tint which is really hard to notice, especially if the diamond is set into yellow or rose gold as colored metals tend to mask the tints. The color chart below provides a general guide for evaluating color in cushion cut diamonds:
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| Cushion Cut Diamond | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < .50 ct. | D - G | H - I | J - K | L - M | > M |
| .51-1.0 ct. | D - F | G | H - I | J - K | > K |
| 1.0-2.0 ct. | D - F | D - F | G - H | I - J | > J |
| > 2.0 ct. | D - F | D - F | G | H - I | > I |
| None | Faint - Med | Strong | Very Strong | Very Strong |
Cushion diamond color guide.
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Cushion cut diamond color.
Like color, evaluating clarity in cushion cut diamonds is subjective. GIA provides excellent help with their clarity grades. Still, it is important to understand that each customer will have a unique standard for clarity. Some may be perfectly comfortable with an inclusion as long as they cannot easily see it. Others may insist on a more technically flawless appearance.
The GIA grades clarity of cushion cut diamonds on a scale from FL to I3, where FL means a flawless diamond and I3 indicates a heavily included diamond.
To have an eye-clean diamond it is best to opt for a diamond in the SI clarity range. However, since the cushion cut has a large open table, it can be difficult to find an eye-clean diamond in S12 grade, meaning you might need extra efforts to find a good diamond. Additionally, try to find a diamond in which inclusions are in the corners. These flaws are less noticeable, especially if they are covered by prongs. The clarity chart below provides a general guide for evaluating clarity in cushion cut diamonds:
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| Cushion Cut Diamond | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < .50 ct. | FL - VS2 | SI1 - SI2 | I1 | I2 | > I2 |
| .51-1.0 ct. | FL - VS1 | VS2 - SI1 | SI2 | I1 - I2 | > I2 |
| 1.0-2.0 ct. | FL - VVS2 | VS1 - VS2 | SI1 - SI2 | I1 | > I1 |
| > 2.0 ct. | FL - VVS2 | VS1 - VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | > SI2 |
Cushion diamond clarity guide.
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Cushion cut diamond clarity.
The cushion, pillow or candlelight cut was developed in the 19th century and has undergone several transformations and developments since. The cushion cut has especially benefited from the invention of cleaving as this process has helped to maximise the shape's light dispersion making it more dynamic and brilliant.
Cushion cut diamond history.
Learn more about what you need to know in our ultimate buying guide, if you're thinking of buying a cushion cut diamond. We break it all down from pricing, other shapes comparison and engagement ring setting choices.
