Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Soft, pillowed corners with a romantic glow.
The cushion cut — named for its pillow-like shape — blends a square or gently rectangular outline with rounded corners and large, open facets. It is the most romantic of the brilliant cuts: warmer and softer than a round, with a candle-lit glow that has made it a favourite for vintage-inspired rings for nearly two centuries.
This guide covers the two cushion facet styles, square versus elongated, why people fall for the cushion, and the settings that suit it best.
Chunky vs. crushed-ice
Cushions come in two facet styles, and it’s worth knowing which you prefer before you choose:
- Chunky (old-mine). Larger, broader facets that flash in big, distinct sparkles — a vintage, characterful look.
- Crushed-ice. Smaller, more numerous facets that scatter light into a shimmering, glittery effect.
Neither is better; they’re different moods. Tell us which you love and we’ll source to match.
Square or elongated?
A cushion’s length-to-width ratio sets its outline — both are classic:
| Ratio | Look |
|---|---|
| 1.00–1.05 | Square cushion (classic) |
| 1.10–1.20 | Elongated cushion (lengthens the finger) |
Why people choose a cushion
- Romantic character. A soft, antique glow no sharp-cornered shape can match.
- Durable. Rounded corners resist snags and chips.
- Born for a halo. The cushion-and-halo is one of the most iconic pairings in jewellery.
- Glows in warm metals. Stunning in yellow or rose gold.
Best settings for a cushion
A halo or hidden halo is the classic cushion pairing; a solitaire on a pavé band keeps it clean and modern; a vintage-inspired setting leans into its heritage. Compare it with the other shapes in our diamond shapes guide, or preview it to scale in the ring builder.
- 3 carat minimum centre stone
- D–E colour & VVS1–VVS2 clarity
- Triple Excellent cut with ideal table & depth
- Lab-grown & IGI certified
Design your ring
Build it in our live configurator — shape, carat, metal and setting, all to scale — or book a complimentary consultation with a Montare specialist. No obligation, same-day response.
Build your ring →Book a consultation →Cushion cut engagement ring FAQs
What is a cushion cut diamond?
A cushion cut is a square or gently rectangular diamond with rounded, pillow-like corners and large facets, giving a soft, romantic, slightly vintage look with a warm glow.
What’s the difference between chunky and crushed-ice cushions?
Chunky cushions have fewer, larger facets that flash in big distinct sparkles for a vintage look. Crushed-ice cushions have many small facets that scatter light into a glittery shimmer. It’s a style preference.
Is a cushion cut as sparkly as a round?
A round returns the most light overall, but cushions are still highly brilliant with a softer, warmer character — chunky cushions flash, crushed-ice cushions shimmer.
Does a cushion cut look bigger than a round?
A square cushion looks similar to or slightly smaller than a round of equal weight face-up; an elongated cushion can look a little larger and lengthens the finger.
At three carats
See the face-up size, certification, and factory-direct pricing for a 3 carat cushion lab-grown diamond — the Montare floor: VVS, D/E, Triple Excellent, IGI certified.