“Diamond, diamond sparkling bright, in the artisan’s bold cut of delight.” The tone feels familiar, doesn’t it? Of course, it’s inspired by William Blake’s famous poem The Tyger—but with a diamond twist. We admit it’s just a playful attempt to weave a gemstone into the line. The real point is simple: we want to talk about the cushion cut diamond.
Come on, wasn’t it obvious with the word cut? Exactly. So here we are, ready with everything you need to know about the cushion cut. Therefore, without wasting any more time, let’s dive in.
What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
Definition is important; without it, you might confuse the cushion cut with a glittery imposter.
The cushion cut diamond is a rectangular or square‑shaped gem with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. Cushion-cut stones show less brilliance compared to the round cut, but they still deliver impressive fire and romantic charm.
The cushion shape in its standard form features 58 facets. Modified brilliant cuts, however, often range from 57 to 64 facets, creating the famous “crushed ice” sparkle. This cut has been around for more than a century, making it one of the most classic and timeless diamond shapes.
The History of Cushion Cut Diamond
From the first verse to the final quatrain, history keeps its rhythm alive.
You may love your recently purchased cushion cut stone ring, but you should know it owes its brilliance to the Old Mine cut. This ancient diamond style dates back to the 1700s, when mining began in Brazil after India’s resources almost emptied out.
Brazilian lapidaries often used the Old Mine cut because it maximized carat retention from rough crystals. The mesmerizing Hope Diamond, displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, is a fine example of this historical cut. Another spectacular instance is the legendary Regent Diamond, a 410‑carat stone of Indian origin, cut in 1701.
From the 1800s to the early 1900s, the Old Mine cut reigned supreme. Long before round brilliants stole the spotlight, this predecessor of the cushion cut was the most popular diamond style. Diamond historians also point out that the modern cushion cut draws its inspiration from old designs such as the candlelight and Peruzzi cuts.
Over time, however, the cushion cut progressed with a better understanding of cleaving and diamond structure. Early procedures lacked technology and were labor‑intensive, but today lapidaries enjoy knowledge and tools that make precision cutting possible.
A Better Look into the Cushion Cut
A deeper look reveals how the cushion cut diamonds burn bright like Blake’s Tyger, fueling the fiery brilliance behind the romance.
Traditional cushion cut diamonds reflected light in a chunkier pattern than modern styles. Combined with the enlarged culet, this cut created a unique look that remains valuable among antique diamond dealers.
Partially based on Marcel Tolkowsky’s cut research in the 1920s, refinements to the cushion cut developed over time. Changes such as improved angles, a larger table and a smaller culet increased brilliance and led to the revival of its popularity. Customers today admire the blend of antique charm and modern brilliance in the cushion cut diamond.
The standards for cushion cuts vary more than for other diamond shapes, and personal taste plays a major role too. Modern cushion cut diamonds feature three basic pavilion facet patterns. These patterns create a needle‑like effect that resembles the radiant cut more than the traditional cushion shape.
Cushion Cut Diamond: Cut Guide
| Aspect | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Table % | 61% – 67% | 58% – 60% or 68% – 70% | 56% – 57% | 54% – 55% or 72% – 73% | Below 54% or above 73% |
| Depth % | 61% – 67% | 58% – 60.9% or 67.15% – 70% | 56% – 57.9% | 54% – 55.95% | Below 54% |
| Girdle | Very thin – Slightly thick | Very thin – Thick | Very thin – Very thick | Extremely thick and thin | — |
| Culet | None | Very small | Small | Medium | Anything larger than medium |
The chart shows the specifics of a cushion cut diamond. But it’s totally understandable if you’re not into it and just want a sparkling stone to complete your jewelry collection. So, leave such deeper information with the gemologists and move along with other interesting stories.
Famous Cushion Cut Diamonds
Starting big with Napoleon’s necklace and diamonds that made history.
Napoleon Bonaparte himself set the stage. His necklace consisted of 234 diamonds, including 28 Old Mine‑cut stones alongside oval, pear, rose and briolette cuts. In 1811, he gifted this masterpiece to his second wife, Empress Marie‑Louise of the Austrian House of Habsburg, Empress of France. The piece remained in the Habsburg family until it was sold to an unknown buyer in 1948. After nearly two decades of transactions, New York jeweler Harry Winston sold the necklace to Mrs. Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1960. She later donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1962.
In 2012, Christie’s Geneva auctioned one of the most significant cushion cut diamonds, the Archduke Joseph, for $21.5 million. The 76.02‑carat, internally flawless cushion cut diamond was sold for more than $280,000 per carat.
Other well‑known cushion cut diamonds include the Agra diamond, the British Imperial State Crown, the Regent, and the Jubilee diamond.
Cushion Cut Diamond Today
If you want to talk about flex and Hollywood sparkle, cushion cut diamonds top the chart.
Today, the cushion cut diamond has claimed its throne in engagement rings. Many celebrities showcase this style — Kim Kardashian’s 15‑carat diamond ring is a classic example of elegance. Meghan Markle’s engagement piece is another instance, featuring a beautiful cushion cut diamond flanked by two round diamonds.
Kelly Rowland’s cushion cut gem set in a pavé halo and Jessica Biel’s vintage‑inspired ring also highlight the enduring appeal of cushion shaped diamonds.
Useful Tips for Cushion Cut Shoppers
Because sometimes you just need a little assistance before striking the best deal.
- The rectangular shape often appears larger in carat size than the square ones, so pick the one that looks best on you.
- On your search, you may encounter stones referred to as chunky cushions. These gems are great for checking the pavilion facets — you can’t miss the arrows and hearts in those cushion cut diamonds. The hidden heart and arrow patterns are what many collectors find most attractive.
- Don’t miss out on holiday sale events to secure the best stone, and always remember the authenticity certificate.
- Last but not least, consider lab‑grown diamonds. They’re ethical, sustainable options, and the best part is you don’t have to break the bank for a bigger stone.
Every facet of a cushion cut diamond is steeped in history. From ancestral glory to celebrity glamor, this cut is the Great Gatsby of the jewelry world—always the most brilliant guest at the party.
Parting Thoughts
All endings must come with a sparkling finish of forever diamonds.
A cushion cut diamond is a true classic, with a rich and impressive history. And you can’t deny its allure when its story dates back to a certain French emperor. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or a signature style, cushion cut diamonds can be your knight in shining armor.
If you need a jewelry destination, we at GemsNY can be your guide. Explore our extensive collection of diamond adornments and pick the ones that make you feel like the king of your own world. Check out GemsNY reviews for real stories.
FAQ
Other than being purposefully cut to achieve a vintage feel, cushion cut diamonds have excellent brilliance and fire compared to many other cuts. It’s because most cushion cuts are near‑square or square, avoiding the uneven light performance of elongated cuts like pear or marquise.
There’s no single “ideal” color grade for a cushion cut stone; it depends on the buyer’s preference. Many prefer the colorless cool appearance, and choose the D–F color range. Others enjoy a touch of warmth and depth, so they opt for the H–I range.
Most buyers prefer inclusion‑free diamonds. Depending on carat size, this often means choosing an SI1 or higher‑grade stone. The larger the diamond, the higher the clarity grade required to achieve visual flawlessness.
Cushion-cut diamonds can be pricey, but they generally cost less than round brilliant cuts. If you’re after a larger stone with brighter sparkle, the price will naturally rise.
The standard cushion cut diamond features a brilliant style with 58 facets. Brilliant cuts create captivating sparkle and can hide small flaws. However, large traditional cushions have bigger facets and less brilliance, which makes inclusions easier to see.
Shoppers often choose either a square cushion with a length‑to‑width ratio of 1.00–1.05, or a slightly rectangular shape in the 1.10–1.20 range. Anything above 1.20 can look stretched and will reduce light performance.
Yes, they are. Cushion-cut diamonds are an excellent choice for engagement rings. There was a time when this style was the de facto choice for diamond engagement bands. Even today, they remain more popular than princess cuts and rival round brilliants in appeal.
Yes. Today, the style also comes in elongated rectangular forms. This gives buyers the option to choose between a squarer look or a more stretched silhouette, depending on personal preference.
Part of the appeal of a cushion‑cut gem is how well it works in engagement rings. You can pair it with a vintage‑inspired band or set it in a modern minimalist ring. The cushion cut’s blend of square and round elements adds flexibility across different settings.
Yes, of course! We offer a wide collection of loose gemstones. You can also design a unique piece from scratch using our Make Your Own jewelry feature.
