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- Triple Excellent standard
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A cushion cut is a square or gently rectangular diamond with softly rounded corners — a pillow shape — with brilliant facets that throw exceptional fire. It is the most romantic, vintage-leaning of the brilliant cuts, and it glows beautifully in warm light. Here is how to choose one.
Key takeaways
- A cushion is a rounded-corner square or rectangle — soft, romantic, vintage.
- It has wonderful fire (coloured sparkle), especially under warm light.
- It comes in two facet styles: chunky (bold flashes) and crushed ice (shimmery, glittery).
- It pairs famously well with halos and suits both square and rectangular ratios.
- It is more forgiving on colour than a step cut, but cut still rules.
What is a cushion cut?
Named for its pillow-like outline, the cushion has been loved for nearly two centuries — it is the modern descendant of the antique ‘old mine’ cut. Rounded corners make it comfortable and durable, while its brilliant faceting delivers a soft, glowing sparkle that many find more romantic than the sharp brilliance of a round.
Chunky vs crushed ice
Two facet styles give very different looks. Chunky (or ‘classic’) cushions have larger facets that return broad, bold flashes of light. Crushed-ice cushions have many small facets that scatter light into a shimmery, glittery sparkle. Neither is better — it is taste. Ask to see both; the difference is obvious in person.
Every centre diamond is Triple Excellent, D–E, VVS and at least three carats — the hard calls are made for you.
Design your ringShape and ratio
Cushions come square or rectangular. A square cushion sits around a 1.00–1.05 length-to-width ratio; a rectangular cushion (1.10–1.20 and up) elongates the finger like an oval. Choose square for a classic look, rectangular for a more elongating one.
The best settings for a cushion
The cushion is the halo's favourite shape — a surrounding circle of diamonds amplifies its glow. A hidden halo gives the size boost with a cleaner face; a solitaire lets the pillow shape speak for itself. Explore options in our guide to settings and compare shapes in our visual guide.
Cushions and the Montare standard
Cushions reward great cutting with that signature fire — see why Triple Excellent matters. Every Montare cushion is lab-grown, D–E colour, VVS1–VVS2 clarity, Triple Excellent, three carats minimum, IGI certified. Design one in the ring builder or book a consultation.
Every Montare cushion is hand-selected and set to one fixed standard — D–E colour, VVS clarity, Triple Excellent cut, three carats minimum, IGI certified.
See cushion rings →Frequently asked questions
Do cushion cut diamonds sparkle a lot?
Yes — cushions are known for exceptional fire (coloured sparkle), especially in warm or candlelight. The exact look depends on whether the facets are chunky or crushed-ice.
What is the difference between chunky and crushed-ice cushions?
Chunky cushions have larger facets and bold flashes; crushed-ice cushions have many small facets and a shimmery, glittery look. It is a matter of taste.
Are cushion cuts square or rectangular?
Both. Square cushions sit near a 1.0 ratio; rectangular cushions are more elongated and lengthen the finger.
What setting is best for a cushion cut?
Halos and hidden halos are classic pairings because they amplify the cushion's glow, but a solitaire showcases the pillow shape beautifully too.
See a cushion to standard. Build one in the ring builder or book a consultation.
The Montare standard
Lab-grown · D–E colour · VVS clarity · Triple Excellent · 3ct minimum · IGI certified
Every ring is made to order in Toronto and backed by our lifetime setting upgrade, with free, fully insured shipping.
Design your ringBook a free consultation