Cushion Cut Diamonds:
History, Grading, and Buying Tips

The cushion cut traces back to the early 1800s and is one of the direct ancestors of the modern round brilliant. It descended from the old mine cut, a shape used throughout the 18th and 19th centuries when diamonds were cut by hand with less precise tools than are available today.

For most of the 19th century, the cushion cut — then often called the old mine cut — was the dominant diamond shape in fine jewelry. Its rounded corners and deep pavilion suited candlelight, the primary light source of the era, producing a warm, glowing effect rather than the sharp, high-contrast sparkle associated with modern cuts.

As cutting technology advanced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more precise round brilliant cuts gained popularity, and the cushion cut declined in use. It saw a significant revival beginning in the early 2000s, as demand grew for vintage-inspired engagement rings, and it has remained a popular modern choice since.

Cushion cut diamonds are evaluated using the same 4Cs framework applied to all diamond shapes, though a few details are specific to this cut.

Cut
Cut grading for cushion diamonds is less standardized than for round brilliants, since there's no single universal facet pattern. Grading labs assess proportions, symmetry, and polish, but two cushion diamonds with the same grade can still look noticeably different depending on whether they're cut as a chunky or crushed ice style. For more on how cut grading works across different shapes, see our diamond cut guide.

Color
Cushion cuts tend to show color more readily in the corners than round brilliants do, since the pavilion doesn't return light as efficiently at those points. Many buyers choose a slightly higher color grade for a cushion cut than they would for a round diamond of the same visual quality.

Clarity
Cushion cuts have larger, more open facets than round brilliants, which can make inclusions more visible to the naked eye. A clarity grade of VS2 or higher is commonly recommended for cushion cuts, compared to SI1 sometimes being acceptable in a round brilliant.

Carat Weight
Because cushion cuts have more depth relative to their surface area than shapes like oval or marquise, a cushion diamond often appears smaller than a round or elongated diamond of the same carat weight. This is worth factoring into size expectations. Our elongated vs. compact diamond shapes guide explains this comparison in more detail.

Check the Length-to-Width Ratio
This ratio determines whether the diamond appears more square or more rectangular.

• 1.00 to 1.05: Square cushion
• 1.10 to 1.20: Slightly rectangular
• 1.20 and above: Noticeably elongated

Neither is objectively better. The right ratio comes down to personal preference and the overall look of the setting.

Decide Between Chunky and Crushed Ice
Chunky cushions have fewer, larger facets and a softer, more vintage appearance with visible flashes of light. Crushed ice cushions have more facets and a brighter, more textured sparkle. Viewing both in person, or through detailed video, is the best way to decide which style you prefer. Browse our cushion cut engagement rings to see both styles side by side.

Look Closely at the Corners
Because color and inclusions tend to concentrate near the corners of a cushion cut, examine this area carefully — ideally with magnification or a detailed video from the retailer.

Review the Certification
A grading report from an independent lab such as GIA or IGI confirms the diamond's carat weight, color, clarity, and cut characteristics. For a cut without a single universal standard, a detailed report is especially useful for comparing stones.

Consider the Setting
Cushion cuts pair well with a range of settings. A halo setting emphasizes the rounded outline and can make the diamond appear larger. A split shank setting complements the soft curves of the shape. A cathedral setting adds height and highlights the stone's depth.

Lab-grown cushion cut diamonds share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness as natural diamonds and are graded using the same 4Cs criteria. For cushion cuts specifically, choosing lab-grown often allows for a higher clarity or color grade at the same budget, which can help offset the corner visibility concerns noted above.