Cushion cut diamonds have an emotional appeal because they don’t feel sharp or modern. They feel warm and balanced. In recent years, the U.S. market has moved beyond the classic, square cushion cut. Consumers are looking for something with a similar shape that feels different. That’s where elongated cushion cut diamonds come into play.
Elongated cushion cut diamonds have a shape similar to the classic square cushion, but instead of being a perfect square, the cut stretches in one direction to create an elongated shape. This creates better coverage of the finger and an elegant line. Because of the shape, elongated cushion cuts also tend to appear larger than classic, square cushions.
Elongated cushion cut diamonds provide an elegant shape for engagement rings, as well as other custom jewelry pieces. The shape allows retailers the ability to serve an informed buyer and provides designers an attractive option. This shape also gives manufacturers an opportunity to create for a wide variety of consumer preferences.
What Does Cushion Cut Mean?
One of the most common questions buyers have is what does cushion cut mean?
A cushion cut diamond is formed by a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. The sides of the diamond are also curved. Facets are formed to help the diamond reflect light and create sparkle. Cushion cuts have a history going back 200 years, but thanks to the improvement of cutting technologies in recent years, the shape and faceting of the cushion cut has allowed for a better return of light.
Cushion Shape vs Other Diamond Shapes
| Diamond Shape | Popular Use |
|---|---|
| Cushion shape diamond | Engagement rings |
| Round diamond | Solitaire settings |
| Princess cut | Modern styles |
| Oval cut | Long and graceful designs |
Cushion diamonds are part of the fancy shaped diamond family. What makes them unique from other fancy shapes is their rounded edges.
Understanding Cushion Shape Diamonds
There are 2 main types of cushion shapes:
- Square cushion cut diamond
- Elongated cushion cut diamond
Elongated cushion cut diamonds have a greater length than width, resulting in a more rectangular shape. Square cushion cut diamonds are balanced in both directions and offer a soft appearance.
Cushion Shaped Diamonds: Key Characteristics
- a rounded square or rectangular outline
- potential for a strong fire
- softer corners than princess or radiant cuts
- works well for both modern and vintage designs
What Are Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds?
An elongated cushion cut diamond is a shape of a cushion diamond where the length is greater than the width, similar to an oval cut diamond. Elongated cushion shapes provide a soft and graceful outline.
Why Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds Are Popular
A diamond that is cut in a cushion shape may appear larger if the proportions are correct.
A cushion cut diamond may also cover more finger length than an oval or a round diamond.
A cushion shape may frame the diamond better than other shapes.
Cushion cuts may have a combination of vintage and modern designs.
Because of these attributes, elongated cushion cut diamonds are desirable to U.S. based jewelry brands, designers, and direct to consumer diamond purchasers.
Explaining the Cushion Cut Diamond Ratio
The cushion cut diamond ratio describes the relationship between the length and width of the diamond. This is calculated by dividing the length by the width, using the same measurement units for both.
Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond Ratios
- A cushion cut diamond ratio between 1.0 and 1.1 generally creates a square or nearly square outline.
- A cushion cut diamond ratio that is 1.1 to 1.2 results in a cushion cut diamond that is slightly elongated.
- A cushion cut diamond ratio that is 1.2 to 1.3 results in a cushion cut diamond that is noticeably elongated.
- A cushion cut diamond ratio that is 1.3 to 1.4 results in a very elongated cushion cut diamond.
A cushion cut diamond ratio of 1.25 to 1.35 may create an elongated diamond that is not as attractive to some buyers. The best look depends on personal preference.
Practical Buying Check
There are many characteristics of a diamond that may affect how it reflects and transmits light, as well as other design elements, that make comparing two diamonds very difficult.
Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds: Key Specifications
Understanding the specifications of a cushion cut diamond can help a consumer compare individual stones. This knowledge also assists a supplier in presenting a consistent assortment to the customer. In the case of elongated cushion cut diamonds, measurements and visual assessments should be combined, not done separately.
Key Specifications to Evaluate
- Length/Width Ratio: Determines outlining.
- Diamond depth percentage: Between 60-70% may be used as an initial screen, but not as an absolute ideal. Look at face-up appearance of the diamond, and compare with other diamonds being evaluated.
- Table: Look for a range of 55-65%.
- Facet Pattern: Consider appearance compared to diamond with a crushed-ice pattern.
- Symmetry and Polish: Check finish and overall visual balance.
Crushed Ice vs Chunky Cushion Cut
A crushed-ice diamond has many small reflections, and a chunky cushion cut tends to have broader, larger reflections. Neither is better than the other.
| Style | Visual Effect | Often Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Ice | Fine, glitter-like sparkle | Contemporary Designs |
| Chunky Facets | Broad, distinctive flashes | Vintage Designs |
For elongated cushion cut diamonds, check videos in multiple environments. Consider personal preference for faceting, but examine closely if there are noticeable differences in shades of darkness.
What Is the Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond?
An ideal cushion cut diamond is a blend of brilliance, fire, and pleasing proportions with an attractive face up appearance. There is no absolute ideal for elongated cushion cut diamonds, therefore the numbers presented on a grading report are just that, numbers.
Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond Checklist
- Length-to-width ratio aligned with design goal
- No distracting areas of persistent darkness and/or obvious light leakage
- Balanced facet pattern
- Strong sparkle with different lighting conditions
- Eye-clean clarity at normal viewing distance (if important to the customer)
In contrast to round brilliants, there is no universal standard to qualify cushion cuts as ideal or premium. For cushion cuts, visual inspection, along with measurements and trusted videos, are helpful.
Cushion Cut Square Diamond vs Elongated Cushion
Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond
| Feature | Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Finger Coverage | Longer visual coverage |
| Style | Modern with a classic outline |
| Design | Suitable for Halos and Three-Stone Settings |
Not one shape is better than the other. Different tastes in designs may lead brands to stock both square and elongated cushion cuts.
Cushion Cut Diamonds in Lab-Grown and Natural Markets
Elongated cushion cut diamonds are available in natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Obviously, they have different origins, but otherwise, they are similar in properties.
For brands interested in affordable sourcing, a lab-grown cushion cut may give them a similar visual appeal to a natural diamond at a more competitive price, and maybe a better option from an environmental impact standpoint, depending on the production and supply chain.
We carry cushion cut diamonds in a variety of shapes and sizes for loose stone jewelry including engagement rings. When considering elongated cushion cut diamonds, be sure to check the actual measurements and compare the shape and appearance of the facets to ensure that it meets your needs before placing the order.
Cushion Shaped Diamonds in Fine Jewelry
Cushion shaped diamonds are great for:
- Solitaire engagement rings
- Halo settings
- Three stone rings
- Pendants
Elongated cushion cut diamonds can be placed vertically for an elongated effect or placed horizontally for an east-west effect in a design. The rounded corners provide a softer edge but the security of the setting determines how much the stone can be worn.
Designers wanting to explore unique shapes may also consider comparing classic cushions to unique cuts. For another way to look at the security of a stone and how it appears in various settings, LEPDO’s Medium article covers prong, bezel and pavé settings.
Buying Tips for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds (B2B and B2C)
For Wholesalers & Manufacturers
When dealing with the US market, consistency and proportions are important for elongated cushion cut diamonds. For repeat orders, look at the visual performance of the diamond as well as the proportions.
- Offer a choice of ratios from 1.20-1.35 if it meets the buyer’s requirement and do not assume one ratio meets all requirements.
- For crushed ice facet effects, offer both options when available.
- Allow the buyer to compare stones by providing measurements and specifications, and posting clear, accurate videos.
- Before assembling lots, ensure the stones meet face up appearance and measurement tolerances.
For quantity-sourcing businesses, detailed records of purchases help minimize diamond sorting and facilitate easier repeat purchases. The same holds true when assessing multiple parcels. Shape and report grade may not suffice for appearance match.
For Retailers & Jewelry Brands
At the retail level, education facilitates discussions to explain differences in cushion cuts.
- Show comparative ratios and how this affects appearance.
- Suggest complementary designs such as modern and vintage ring styles.
- Show and explain how covers and dimensions, even for diamonds of the same carat weight, may differ.
- Invite customers to compare videos of stones in different lighting.
Make sure documentation of certified diamonds is explained while stressing a grading report should not be taken as the absolute and final word. This is particularly relevant when educating on the differences of elongated cushion cut diamonds with contrasting facets.
For B2C Buyers
Looks do matter, especially in everyday lighting.
- Go with what you prefer in terms of appearance rather than what numbers indicate.
- Check measurements and compare videos and settings before buying.
Elongated cushion cut diamonds can add a soft edge in comparison to traditional cushion cuts and provide a different look to a more traditionally shaped diamond. LEPDO Diamonds offers a variety of diamond shapes for comparison in addition to sourcing information.
Elongated cushion cut diamonds blend the classic romanticism of a cushion cut with more modern and longer lengths. For designers, this shape provides a lot of flexibility. The shape also caters to consumer preference by adding a unique touch of softness and sparkle.
In the world of diamonds, shape, ratio, cut, weight, color, and measurement become crucial to evaluation. Buyers typically refer to elongated cushion cut diamonds by their ratio or carat weight, but in reality, consumers should look at the finished product, or rather how it will look in its setting. In many cases, a higher ratio equals a longer stone.
If you are looking for elongated cushion cut diamonds for a specific purpose, contact LEPDO Diamonds. They will review your request, provide you with their rates, and see if they have the specifications that you are looking for.
Cushion Cut Diamond FAQs
1. What do you mean by cushion cut diamonds?
Diamonds that are shaped similar to a pillow with rounded corners and sides are referred to as cushion cuts.
2. Are cushion cut diamonds brilliant?
Yes. A well-cut cushion diamond can be very brilliant; however, cushion diamonds tend to vary in sparkle more than round brilliant cuts.
3. What is the ideal cushion cut diamond ratio?
For elongated cushion cut diamonds, a good ratio is typically considered 1.25-1.35. However, this is more of a style preference.
4. Do cushion shaped diamonds make a design appear bigger?
A carat weight of a cushion shaped diamond does not always equate to apparent size of the design. This can vary depending on actual dimensions and depth.
5. Is a cushion cut diamond better with a square shape or an elongated shape?
A cushion cut with a square shape can look very classical, while an elongated cushion cut can give a more modern feel.
6. Should I consider a cushion cut lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown cushions can have the same look and feel as a naturally cut cushion. Compare pricing, quality and documented origin before buying.
7. Can cushion cut diamonds be worn daily?
Yes, as long as there is a good setting and it’s cared for.
8. How do I evaluate a cushion cut diamond?
Take into account how well it reflects light, its ratio, size, faceting, symmetry and depth.
