The cushion cut is the second most popular engagement ring shape after round brilliant — and for good reason. It combines the softness of rounded corners with the depth of an antique-style cut, producing a stone that looks different in every light. This guide explains exactly what you're buying, what to look for, and what to avoid.
What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
A cushion cut (also called a pillow cut) is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners and large facets. The large facets are the defining feature: unlike the 57 tiny facets of a round brilliant, cushion cuts have fewer, larger facets that create bold flashes of light rather than continuous sparkle. This makes cushion cuts look "pillowy" and deep — romantic and antique in character.
The cushion cut predates the modern round brilliant by over a century. It was the most popular diamond shape from the late 1800s through the early 1900s — which is why it has a natural association with vintage and Art Deco aesthetics.
Two Types: Standard Cushion vs. Cushion Modified Brilliant
Not all cushion cuts are the same internally. Two main variations exist, and they look different:
- Classic/Standard cushion: Fewer, larger facets. Produces big, bold flashes of light — a "crushed ice" or "chunky" pattern depending on depth. More vintage in character.
- Cushion modified brilliant: More facets arranged in a pattern similar to a round brilliant. Produces more continuous sparkle, closer to a round in overall light behavior. More modern in character.
Which is better? It depends on preference. To see the difference, ask to view both types face-up in video. Neither is objectively superior — they simply look different.
The Cushion's Unique Properties
| Property | Cushion Cut | Round Brilliant (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square to slightly rectangular with rounded corners | Circular |
| Facet count | 58 (variable by subtype) | 57 |
| Light behavior | Bold flashes, "glowing" depth | Continuous sparkle, maximum brilliance |
| Color visibility | Higher — cushions show color more than rounds | Lower — rounds mask color well |
| Clarity visibility | Medium — large facets can show inclusions more than brilliants | Lower — 57 facets scatter and hide inclusions |
| Trend status | Consistently popular — not faddish | Universal classic |
The Color Warning
Cushion cuts show color more readily than round brilliants because their larger, open facets act like windows into the stone. This is the most common thing cushion cut buyers discover after purchase that they wished they'd known before.
Practical recommendation: For cushion cuts, move up one color grade compared to what you'd choose for a round. If you'd choose G-H color in a round, choose F-G in a cushion to achieve the same visual colorlessness. Bornreal's lab-grown diamonds are D-color throughout — the highest grade — which eliminates this concern entirely.
Who Should Choose Cushion Cut?
- Buyers drawn to vintage, antique, or Art Deco aesthetics
- Those who want a softer look than round but more structure than oval
- Buyers who prefer depth and "glowing" light behavior over maximum surface sparkle
- Partners with square hand proportions — cushion cuts complement wider fingers naturally
Bornreal offers cushion cut lab-grown diamond rings starting at $299. Browse our collection or contact us for a custom cushion cut recommendation.