ANATOMY OF A CUSHION CUT DIAMOND

Cushion modified brilliant cut versus cushion brilliant cut diamond

Cushion modified brilliant cut     Cushion brilliant cut

About The Cushion Brilliant Cut

Typically square in shape with rounded corners, the cushion or "pillow" brilliant cut diamond provides substantial sparkle and is an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings.

The fifty eight facets of this diamond cut create a similar brilliance and radiance to the classic round brilliant shape, but at a slightly lower price per carat.


Elongated cushion cut stones are also now widely available and the preferred length to width ratio is between 1.20 and 1.35 to 1.

About The Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut

The cushion modified brilliant cut is a slightly more recent style of cut, with additional facets.

The 64 shorter facets lend this cut a slightly more ice like appearance, compared to the 58 facets in a brilliant cut.

Pillow Shape Of The Cushion Cut

Preferred Proportions

Dimensions including percentage table and depth, and length-to-width ratios impact how the diamond looks and how much light it reflects.

In the case of the cushion cut, the perfect table should be between 60% and 67%. The ideal depth is between 61% and 69%.

Length To Width Ratio

The ideal length-to-width ratio is generally considered to be between 1.00and 1.05, with a ratio of 1.06 to 1.09 classed as very good.

Length To Width Ratio 1.02

In the case of an elongated cushion cut diamond, the ideal ratio is considered to be between 1.15 and 1.40 but this is essentially a matter of individual preference..

Colour & Clarity

Any minor marks or inclusions found in the middle of the stone will not be so clearly visible in a cushion cut diamond due to the facet structure of the stone. It is therefore not necessary to pay a premium for a clarity grade above VVS2.

As a function of the large surface area of the stone, the diamond colour tends to be more detectable. In this regard, we would advise against choosing a radiant cut with a colour grading below H.

In summary, If budget allows, we would guide towards a cushion cut diamond with a ratio between 1.00 and 1.06, with colour F and clarity VS1 or VS2.

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