The world of diamond cuts is vast and dazzling, but few shapes carry the whispers of history and the promise of romance quite like the Cushion Cut. Often called the "pillow cut," this distinctive shape, with its soft, rounded corners and plump, inviting appearance, seems as if it was gently folded into existence rather than sharply carved. It’s a cut that doesn’t just sparkle; it glows.

For over a century, this period style has captivated diamond lovers and hopeless romantics. While it once seemed reserved for antiques auctions, the Cushion Cut has made a monumental comeback, becoming a sought-after centerpiece for those seeking a blend of antique charm and modern brilliance. If you're drawn to elegance with a soul, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about the Cushion Cut diamond.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

At its core, the Cushion Cut is a square or rectangular diamond with profoundly rounded corners and curved sides, creating its signature pillow-like silhouette. It masterfully blends a classic outline with a brilliant facet pattern, resulting in a stone that is both gorgeously velvety and spectacularly fiery.

Key Characteristics:

Outline: Square or rectangular with deeply rounded corners.

Cutting Style: Typically a Brilliant cut (58 facets), but variations are common.

Appearance: A soft, "plump" pillow shape with large, scintillating facets that create broad, dramatic flashes of light.

Facets: Traditionally 58, but modern interpretations can vary.

The genius of the Cushion Cut lies in its large facets. Unlike the intricate pattern of a Round Brilliant, the Cushion's broader facets act like windows, creating sweeping flashes of rainbow-colored fire (dispersion) and bright white light (brilliance). This gives it a more "chunkier," romantic sparkle compared to the precise, shattered light of modern cuts.

A Journey Through Time:

To truly appreciate the Cushion Cut, one must understand its rich heritage. Its story begins in the late 19th century, a direct descendant of the even older Old Mine Cut, which was the dominant cut during the Georgian and Victorian eras. The Old Mine Cut was designed to perform spectacularly under candlelight, with a high crown, small table, and large culet.

As cutting technology evolved, the Old Mine Cut was refined into what was first known as the "Candlelight Cut" or "Antique Cushion Cut." This iteration maintained the romantic, soft appearance but began to incorporate more precise faceting to enhance its sparkle under the gaslight and early electric light of the time.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a .org authority on gemology, the Cushion Brilliant as we know it became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was the diamond of choice during the Art Nouveau and Edwardian periods, often featured in intricate, filigree-style platinum settings. Its popularity waned mid-century with the rise of the Round Brilliant but has experienced a massive resurgence in the last two decades, cherished for its vintage character and unique beauty.

Technical Specifications and Grading the Cushion Cut

Understanding how a Cushion Cut is graded is crucial to making an informed purchase. This is where it differs significantly from round diamonds.

The Challenge of Grading

Unlike the Round Brilliant cut, which has universally accepted, mathematically precise cut grades (Excellent, Very Good, Good, etc.), the Cushion Cut does not. The GIA and other major labs provide clarity, color, and carat weight grades on their certificates, but they do not provide a cut grade for fancy shapes like the cushion. This is due to the vast number of variations in its proportions and facet patterns.

This means the responsibility falls on the retailer and ultimately, the consumer to evaluate the quality of the cut.

How to Evaluate a Cushion Cut Diamond

At CaratX, we've developed rigorous internal criteria to grade our Cushion Cuts consistently. We advise buyers to look for the following:

Grade Table % Depth % Polish/Symmetry L/W Ratio (Square) L/W Ratio (Rectangle)

Excellent 57% - 72% 62% - 73% Good to Excellent 1.00 - 1.02 >1.15

Very Good 55% - 75% 60% - 77% Fair to Excellent 1.00 - 1.04 >1.15

Good 54% - 80% 57% - 83% Poor to Excellent 1.00 - 1.05 >1.15

Fair 52% - 85% 55% - 84% Poor to Excellent 1.00 - 1.07 >1.15

Poor <52% or >85% <56% or >84% Poor <1.00 or >1.07 <1.15

What to Look For:

Table %: The width of the top facet relative to the diamond's diameter. A table within the "Excellent" or "Very Good" range typically optimizes light return.

Depth %: The height of the diamond from culet to table. Too deep or too shallow, and light will leak out of the bottom, making the stone look dark.

Polish/Symmetry: The quality of the diamond's surface finish (polish) and the precision of its facet arrangement (symmetry). Excellent grades are ideal.

Length-to-Width Ratio: This determines the outline. A ratio of 1.0 is a perfect square. Between 1.0-1.05 is considered square. A ratio above 1.15 is clearly rectangular.

Color and Clarity Considerations

The Cushion Cut's large, open facets can make inclusions (clarity characteristics) and body color more visible than in a multi-faceted Round Brilliant. Therefore, we generally recommend:

Color: Aim for a grade of G or higher for a near-colorless appearance, especially in white metal settings. In yellow gold, you can sometimes go slightly lower (H-I).

Clarity: Choose a VS2 clarity grade or higher to ensure inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. SI1 grades can be acceptable if the inclusions are strategically placed near the girdle, but should be carefully reviewed.

The Different Types of Cushion Cuts: "Crushed Ice" vs. "Chunky Fire"

Not all Cushion Cuts are created equal. The most significant variation you'll encounter is in the facet pattern, which dramatically changes the stone's appearance.

Antique or Classic Cushion: Features a larger, simpler facet pattern (often with a culet) that creates broad, dramatic flashes of light. This style most closely mimics the historic "Candlelight Cut" and offers a soft, romantic glow. It's perfect for the true vintage enthusiast.

Cushion Brilliant (Modern): This is the most common modern interpretation. It has a more complex facet pattern than the antique style but still retains the pillow shape. It offers a fantastic balance of fire and brilliance.

Modified Cushion Brilliant ("Crushed Ice"): This version has an even more intricate facet pattern, particularly on the pavilion (bottom half). The numerous small facets break up light into countless tiny sparkles, resembling the look of crushed ice. This style can help mask inclusions but may lack the distinct, broad flashes of the antique style.

The choice between "chunky fire" and "crushed ice" is entirely personal. There is no better or worse; it's about which character speaks to you.

Styling Your Cushion Cut Diamond: A Setting Guide

The Cushion Cut is incredibly versatile, suiting a wide range of setting styles from the fiercely traditional to the sleekly modern.

The Solitaire: You can't go wrong. A simple four or six-prong solitaire setting in platinum or white gold lets the diamond's unique shape and sparkle take center stage. For a warm, antique feel, a yellow gold or rose gold solitaire is utterly breathtaking. Explore our collection of solitaire engagement rings on CaratX to see examples.

Halo Settings: A popular and dazzling choice. encircling the Cushion Cut with a halo of micro-pavé diamonds amplifies its size and sparkle, creating a truly glamorous effect. The contrast between the soft cushion and the geometric halo is a timeless combination. Discover beautiful halo designs in our CaratX designer jewelry collection.

Three-Stone Settings: Rich with symbolism (past, present, future), a three-stone setting is a classic for a reason. Flanking your Cushion Cut with two trapezoid or tapered baguette side stones elegantly complements its shape and adds significant carat weight and brilliance.

Vintage and Milgrain Settings: To fully embrace its heritage, set your Cushion Cut in a ring with milgrain detailing, filigree metalwork, or intricate engraving. This style transports you straight to the Gatsby era and highlights the diamond's antique soul.

The Cushion Cut: Is It Right For You?

The Cushion Cut diamond is ideal if you:

Are a hopeless romantic who loves history, literature, and timeless elegance.

Want a diamond that stands out from the ubiquitous Round Brilliant.

Appreciate a softer, more glowing sparkle compared to a more "shattered" brilliance.

Have a classic or vintage-inspired personal style.

Are looking for a shape that is universally flattering on all hand types.

Finding Your Perfect Cushion Cut on CaratX Marketplace

The hunt for the perfect diamond is a journey. At CaratX , we connect passionate buyers with trusted sellers from around the globe. Our marketplace is the premier destination to discover rare, beautiful, and trend-setting gemstones and jewelry.

For Buyers: Ready to find the Cushion Cut of your dreams? Browse our curated selection of natural diamonds and unique jewelry pieces from international sellers. Whether you're looking for a classic stone or a modified brilliant, you'll find it on CaratX Marketplace.

For Sellers: Are you a jeweler or diamond dealer with exceptional Cushion Cuts in your inventory? List your diamonds and gemstones on CaratX to immediately access a global audience of over 18 countries. Our platform is designed for both B2B and B2C sales, making it easier than ever to grow your business this holiday season and beyond. Register as a seller on CaratX today and start connecting with serious buyers.

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Discover other fancy shapes: Oval Cut Diamonds | Emerald Cut Diamonds | Radiant Cut Diamonds

The Cushion Cut is more than a diamond shape; it's a statement. It’s for those who believe true luxury has a history, and the most beautiful sparkle is one that has been cherished for centuries. Find yours.