Shape |
Cushion cut diamonds have been around for a couple of
centuries. However, this beautiful shape is increasingly becoming more
popular because of innovation in cutting methods. |
Shape Types |
There are three types of cushion cut diamonds: cushion
brilliant (traditional ones), cushion modified (with crushed iced
faceting), and a hybrid of the two (combining the brilliance of both and a
popular option). See more below. |
Cut |
A 58-68% table and 57%-69% depth are preferred. See the chart below for more precise proportions. |
L/W Ratio |
As for the length-width ratio, we recommend a ratio of
1-1.05 for a square and 1.15-1.30 for a rectangular cushion cut, depending
on how elongated you want your stone to look. See details below. |
Clarity |
Flawless to VS1 are top clarity grades, and VS2 is a sweet spot. SI1 and SI2 are also often eye clean in under 1 carat cushion cut diamonds. See more below. |
Color |
D-E colors are top grades, F-G offers exceptional value, and H-I are great budget options. |
Fluorescence | Avoid it in colorless diamonds in up to G color. In H/I colors, it is not a concern and even be a plus factor. |
Best Places | Here are our top best places to buy diamonds. As an alternative, check our lab-created diamond guide. |
Certification |
Buy only GIA graded diamonds (AGS merged GIA, but if you find a cushion cut diamond with an older AGS grading report, buy it). Review the section on how to read a grading report below carefully for additional insights. |
4Cs Balance | In terms of prioritizing the 4Cs, if you want to buy a high-quality diamond (investment grade) in any given carat range, go for something like this (option 1, D-F, VS1+ range). If you wish to maximize the carat weight without compromising the quality, go for this (option 2, F-G/VS2+ range). If you do not mind compromising slightly on cut, color, and clarity to maximize carat weight, consider this (option 3, H-I/SI2+ range). Finally, if you want to compromise on one C to maximize the other 3Cs, compromise on color and maximize the carat weight, cut, and clarity (option 4, L-K/VS+ range). These four scenarios are explained below in detail. |