This square-shaped cut was invented in the 19th century, when it was known as the Mine Cut. Its 58 facets were designed to refract light in all directions, and made an especially dramatic impact under candlelight. As diamond cutting techniques evolved, so did the shape of the cut, becoming slightly rounded at the corners and gaining the new moniker Cushion Cut.
Today, Cushion Cut diamonds are one of the most popular options for engagement rings. They’re a natural choice for antique and art deco inspired rings, and are romantic when paired with halo or pavé settings. A Cushion Cut diamond may be square or rectangular, and some variations feature extra facets for a ‘crushed ice’ effect.
Because of the way it captures light, any colour in the diamond will be quite visible with a Cushion Cut. This would be considered a negative if your diamond were of a low colour, but for fans of coloured diamonds, the Cushion Cut is a boon. We recommend choosing a diamond with at least an H grade for colour and SI2 or SI1 for clarity.
Cushion Cut diamonds possess less brilliance than a Round Cut, which is to say that they don’t reflect as much light directly out at the viewer. However, as the inventors of the Mine Cut knew, they make up for this with superior fire — the technical term for those flashes of rainbow colour that appear under low light like candlelight.
Want to learn more about diamond shapes? Click here to read about the Princess, Radiant, Asscher, and other cuts.
Already got your heart set on a Cushion Cut diamond? Click here to search our diamond collection by shape.