Its character
A direct descendant of the old mine cut, updated with modern angles. Facets are fewer and larger than a round's, so the stone reads as slow, broad flashes rather than fine scintillation. Variation between cushions is wide — two stones of the same grade can look quite different, so these are worth seeing individually.
Where the cushion cut comes from
The cushion descends from the old mine cut, the dominant diamond shape of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Old mine cuts were shaped by hand around the crystal, with a high crown, a small table and a large culet, and were designed to glow in candlelight.
Modern cushions keep the soft, pillow-like outline but use contemporary angles, a smaller or closed culet and a larger table. Interest in antique jewellery has also brought back 'antique' or 'old mine' style cushions, which deliberately imitate the older look.
How a cushion is faceted
A cushion typically has around 58 facets, though modified patterns add more. Laboratory reports separate the two main styles: a cushion brilliant has larger facets arranged much like an old mine cut, giving broad, distinct flashes, while a cushion modified brilliant has an extra row of pavilion facets that produces a busier, 'crushed ice' look.
The report's shape description is the quickest way to tell the two apart before seeing the stone. Neither is better; it is a question of which look you want.
Cushion cut proportions
Ranges most well-cut cushion stones fall within. They narrow the field; they do not replace seeing the stone.
| Measure | Typical range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Table | 58 – 68% | Smaller tables give a more antique look. |
| Depth | 61 – 68% | Cushions run deeper than rounds. |
| Length to width | 1.00 – 1.10 square | 1.15 – 1.30 for an elongated cushion. |
| Girdle | Thin to slightly thick | Check the corners for thin spots. |
| Culet | None to small | A visible culet is part of the antique style. |
| Cut grade | Not graded | Neither GIA nor IGI assigns an overall cut grade to this shape, so these are trade ranges rather than a standard. |
What to look for in a cushion diamond
Faceting patterns differ more than the name suggests: a classic cushion shows larger, distinct flashes, while a modified pattern gives a busier, crushed-ice look. Outlines run from square to noticeably rectangular, so check the length-to-width ratio against what you have in mind. It holds fancy colour well, which is why so much coloured stock is cut this way.
- Faceting style
- Read whether the report says 'cushion brilliant' or 'cushion modified brilliant', then look at a video to confirm you like the flash pattern.
- Outline
- Cushions range from nearly square to clearly rectangular, with corners from almost sharp to fully rounded. Match the ratio to the outline you have in mind.
- Dark centre
- A deep or poorly angled cushion can show a dark area under the table. It is not graded, so it has to be checked on the stone.
- Colour in the corners
- Cushions tend to hold body colour, which gathers toward the corners. Many buyers choose one colour grade higher than they would for a round.
Setting a cushion
Four prongs placed at the corners suit the outline, and halo settings are common because the soft shape frames well. The rounded corners are less exposed than a princess's, which makes a cushion practical for everyday wear.
Cushion size by carat weight
Approximate face-up size at a typical cushion ratio and depth, drawn to scale. Select a weight to see natural stock in that band.
5 mm. Every silhouette is drawn to this scale, at typical proportions.
- Natural cushion diamonds, 0.25–0.49 ct, about 3.7 × 3.6 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 0.50–0.74 ct, about 4.7 × 4.5 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 0.75–0.99 ct, about 5.4 × 5.1 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 1.00–1.49 ct, about 5.9 × 5.7 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 1.50–1.99 ct, about 6.8 × 6.5 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 2.00–2.99 ct, about 7.5 × 7.1 mm face up
- Natural cushion diamonds, 3.00 ct and above, about 8.6 × 8.2 mm face up
Diamond carat guide: every shape, price milestones and choosing a weight
Terms used on this page
Each one is defined in full, with what a report prints for it, in the glossary.
- Brilliant cut
- A faceting style built from triangular and kite-shaped facets radiating from the centre.
- Old European cut
- A hand-cut round predating modern proportions, with a small table, a high crown and an open culet.
- Length-to-width ratio
- The outline's proportions — length divided by width — which decides how a fancy shape reads.
- Depth %
- The stone's height from table to culet as a percentage of its average diameter.
- Culet
- The point at the very bottom of the stone — or a small facet where that point is cut flat.
- Make
- Trade shorthand for the overall quality of the cutting work.
Cushion cut questions
What buyers ask most often before choosing a cushion diamond.
What is the difference between a cushion brilliant and a cushion modified brilliant?
A cushion brilliant has larger facets and shows broad, distinct flashes. A cushion modified brilliant adds an extra row of pavilion facets, giving a finer, 'crushed ice' sparkle. Laboratory reports name which style a stone is.
What is a good length-to-width ratio for a cushion cut?
About 1.00 to 1.10 gives a square cushion. Elongated cushions usually fall between 1.15 and 1.30. It is a matter of taste rather than quality.
Is a cushion cut the same as an old mine cut?
No. The cushion developed from the old mine cut, but modern cushions have different angles, a larger table and usually no open culet. Antique-style cushions imitate the older look.