The cushion cut diamond, while generally less brilliant than round brilliant diamonds, often boasts better fire as part of its appeal. It is similar to the princess cut, with a square shape, but its rounded corners give it softer, more pillow-like contours (hence the name).


The cushion shaped diamond has a vintage look and has traditionally been prized among antique dealers, but refinements in its cut have improved its brilliance, leading to increased popularity in recent years.


Selecting the perfect cushion cut diamond is greatly dictated by personal choice, as the standards vary more than most other shapes. For example, more rectangular-shaped cushion cut diamonds, commonly known as ‘elongated cushion cuts,’ are quite popular. At Mint Diamonds, we support both square and elongated cushion cut selections, but tend to lean towards the square version for its modern appeal and balanced proportions. In the table below, we have chosen to include only recommendations for the square cushion cut.


Here are our cut, color and clarity recommendations for maximum beauty, brilliance and value in a cushion cut diamond:


Cushion

<1.25ct.

1.25 - 2.00ct.

>2.00ct.


CUT

Polish

Very Good - Excellent

Very Good - Excellent

Very Good - Excellent

Symmetry

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Depth %

60 - 68%

60 - 68%

60 - 68%

Table %

60 - 68%

60 - 68%

60 - 68%

Girdle

Very Thin - Slightly Thick

Very Thin - Slightly Thick

Very Thin - Slightly Thick

Culet

None - Very Small

None - Very Small

None - Very Small

L/W ratio

1.00 - 1.05

1.00 - 1.05

1.00 - 1.05

COLOR

Color

F - H

F - G

E - F

Fluorescence

None - Faint

None - Faint

None - Faint

CLARITY

Clarity

VS2-SI1

VS1-VS2

VVS2-VS2

*Disclaimer: We are in no way guaranteeing that you will receive the best diamond possible if you blindly purchase a stone with these attributes. We are simply suggesting that, in our experience, we believe that narrowing down your selection of diamonds to only those that fall within these ranges of attributes, will give you the best chance of maximizing your diamonds beauty, brilliance and value. And we highly recommend having your diamond evaluated, in person, by an educated and experienced diamond expert before making your final purchase. Please contact one of our diamond experts, who will select and review diamonds on your behalf. Chat with us on our site, email us at info@mintdiamonds.com or call us at 1-877-646-8669