Cushion Cut Lab Grown Engagement Rings

Soft corners, big flashes

A cushion cut is a square or rectangle with rounded corners and gently curved sides, like a pillow. It is one of the oldest diamond shapes, and it still feels romantic and a little vintage. Its larger facets give broad, slow flashes of light and strong colorful fire, especially under candlelight or warm room light.

Two kinds of cushion

Not every cushion sparkles the same way. It helps to know the two main faceting styles before your viewing.

• Crushed ice: many small facets that break light into tiny sparkles across the face. Lively and glittery, it can hide small inclusions well but can also look a little busy.
• Chunky or antique style: fewer, larger facets with clear, defined flashes. Closer to the old mine cut look, and it shows the structure of the stone more.

The shape name on a report rarely tells you which style you are getting. You see it by looking at the stone, which is one reason we lay several out for you.

Square or elongated

A square cushion has a ratio from 1.00 to about 1.05. Elongated cushions run from around 1.15 to 1.35 and look more like a soft rectangle. Elongated cushions have become very popular for engagement rings. They look bigger from above and slim the finger, while keeping the soft outline. Square cushions feel classic and suit a halo especially well.

What to check

Depth

Cushions are often cut deep, which can hide weight below the girdle. Compare the measurements across the top, not only the carats. Two 1.5 carat cushions can look surprisingly different in size.

Outline

The curves should be even on all four sides, with no corner noticeably squarer than the others. A good outline looks balanced even from across a table.

Dark spots

Tilt the stone slowly. Some cushions show a dark area in the middle, especially in very deep stones. A good cushion stays bright as it moves.

Color and clarity

Cushions show body color a little more than rounds. In white gold or platinum, F to H is a good range. In yellow gold, warmer colors look rich and intended. Crushed ice cushions hide inclusions well, so SI1 can work. Chunky cushions show more, so aim for VS2 or better and check by eye.

Settings that suit a cushion

Every setting on this page can be made with a cushion center. Our favorite matches:

• A halo, square or cushion shaped, for a vintage look.
• A four prong solitaire with claw prongs on the rounded corners.
• A hidden halo under an elongated cushion for a clean, modern profile.
• Three stone with half moon or round side stones.

At your viewing

Ask to see a crushed ice cushion and a chunky one side by side. Most people have an instant preference. Then try a square and an elongated outline on your hand.

The shapes guide compares cushions with radiants and ovals, and the 4Cs guide explains the grades. Send your wish list on the loose diamond request page, then book a viewing at 30 West 47th St, Suite 805, or call (732) 581-7932.