Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

A square cushion diamond is a diamond with four softly rounded corners and a nearly equal length and width. Its outline resembles a pillow, which is where the cushion cut gets its name. Unlike a princess cut, which has sharp corners, a square cushion has a softer silhouette that gives it a romantic, timeless appearance.

Both diamonds have square proportions, but their outlines and faceting are quite different. A princess cut features sharp, pointed corners and angular brilliance, while a square cushion has rounded corners and a softer silhouette. Cushion diamonds also come in several faceting styles, allowing for a wider variety of visual appearances.

Square cushions typically have a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05. A ratio of 1.00 creates a perfectly square outline, while slightly higher ratios introduce a subtle elongation that may be barely noticeable to the eye.

Crushed-ice cushions display numerous small, scattered reflections that create a shimmering appearance. Brilliant-style cushions with larger, more defined facets tend to produce broader flashes of light and a more structured pattern. Neither is inherently better. The choice depends on whether you prefer a delicate shimmer or more distinct flashes of brilliance.

Square cushions work beautifully in classic solitaires, hidden halos, three-stone designs, and vintage-inspired settings. A delicate band can emphasize the diamond’s softly rounded outline, while a bezel or more architectural setting creates a contemporary contrast. The beauty of a square cushion is its ability to adapt to almost any design aesthetic.

An elongated cushion diamond is a rectangular variation of the traditional cushion cut, featuring softly rounded corners and a length greater than its width. It combines the romantic curves of a cushion with a more elongated silhouette, making it an appealing choice for someone who loves a softer alternative to an emerald or radiant cut.

The main difference is proportion. A square cushion has a nearly equal length and width, creating a balanced, symmetrical appearance. An elongated cushion has a greater length than width, resulting in a more slender silhouette. Both can feature a variety of faceting styles, from crushed ice to larger, more defined brilliant facets.

Elongated cushions commonly range from approximately 1.15 to 1.40, although longer proportions are also available. A ratio around 1.15 to 1.20 creates a subtly elongated appearance, while ratios closer to 1.30 to 1.40 offer a noticeably slender silhouette. There is no single ideal ratio. The most beautiful proportion is the one that appeals to your eye.

Some elongated cushion diamonds can display a bow-tie effect, depending on their proportions and faceting. The bow tie appears as a darker area across the centre of the diamond. Its visibility varies, so evaluating the diamond in different lighting conditions is important.

Elongated cushions are particularly beautiful in solitaire, three-stone, cathedral, and bezel settings. A simple solitaire emphasizes the diamond’s proportions, while tapered side stones can enhance its elongated appearance. For something more romantic, delicate prongs and vintage-inspired details complement the cushion’s naturally soft corners.

An old mine brilliant cushion is an antique-style diamond cut with a cushion-like outline, softly rounded corners, and typically a high crown, smaller table, and bold facets. Traditional old mine cuts often have a visible culet, creating a distinctive appearance that recalls historic diamond cutting.

Modern cushion diamonds can have precise brilliant or crushed-ice faceting, while old mine styles are known for larger flashes of light and a softer, more individual pattern. An old mine brilliant often feels vintage and romantic, whereas a modern cushion can look more uniform or contemporary.

There is no single ideal ratio. Many old mine-style cushions have nearly square proportions, although some are more elongated or irregular. The beauty of the cut lies in the balance of its outline, facets, and personality, rather than meeting one exact measurement.

No. A genuine antique old mine diamond was cut in an earlier era, while a modern diamond can be newly fashioned with old mine-inspired proportions and facets. Both can offer an appealing vintage aesthetic, but their age and origin should be described accurately when selecting a stone.

Old mine brilliant cushions look beautiful in antique-inspired solitaires, delicate bezels, three-stone rings, and settings with milgrain or engraved details. A simple contemporary band can also create a striking contrast. At Engage Studio, the ring can be tailored to the diamond’s individual measurements and character.