Learn · Diamond and gemstone shapes
Cushion and elongated cushion
A cushion is a soft square: a pillow shape with rounded corners and large facets. It is one of the oldest diamond shapes and still one of the most romantic, with a vintage feel that also works in a very modern setting.
What it is
A cushion cut sits between a round and a square. Its corners are rounded, its sides gently curved, and its facets are larger than a round's, which gives it a softer, broader kind of sparkle. Cushions come square (a ratio close to 1) or elongated (around 1.2 to 1.4), and both are common.
The elongated cushion has become a favourite: it covers more finger than a square cushion, keeps the forgiving rounded corners, and shows the same pillowy light.
Cushion
A soft square or rectangle with rounded corners and large facets.
Elongated cushion
A cushion stretched to about 1.2 to 1.4 long to wide.
Why people love it
The look is warm and a little old-fashioned in the best way. Rounded corners are durable and comfortable, cushions usually cost less per carat than a round, and they pair beautifully with a halo or a hidden halo.
- Cushion: A vintage, pillowy look.
- Cushion: Rounded corners are durable.
- Cushion: Usually costs less per carat than a round.
- Elongated cushion: Covers more finger than a square cushion.
- Elongated cushion: Keeps the cushion’s soft, durable corners.
Trade-offs
A cushion faces up a little smaller than its weight suggests, because the shape carries more of its weight in the depth. It also shows a bit less fire than a round. Elongated cushions can show a bow-tie like an oval, and good ones are harder to find at a given size than rounds or ovals.
- Cushion: Shows a little less fire than a round.
- Cushion: Faces up a bit smaller than its weight suggests.
- Elongated cushion: Can show a bow-tie like an oval.
- Elongated cushion: Harder to find at a given size than rounds or ovals.
Who it suits
Someone who wants a vintage or romantic look, who prefers a softer sparkle to a sharp one, and who likes the idea of a halo. Square cushions suit wider fingers; elongated cushions suit almost everyone.
A wedding band sits easily beside a cushion solitaire at a medium or high setting height. Beside a cushion halo, the band usually needs a gentle contour so it tucks under the halo instead of leaving a gap; Sara designs the two together in CAD so they meet cleanly.
Sizes
| Length × width | Depth | Diamond · approx. |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 × 4.8 mm | 3.1 mm | 0.71 ct |
| 7.0 × 5.6 mm | 3.6 mm | 1.12 ct |
| 8.0 × 6.4 mm | 4.1 mm | 1.68 ct |
| 9.0 × 7.2 mm | 4.6 mm | 2.39 ct |
| 10.0 × 8.0 mm | 5.1 mm | 3.28 ct |
| 11.0 × 8.8 mm | 5.6 mm | 4.36 ct |
Elongated cushion lengths at a 1.25 ratio with the approximate diamond weight at a typical 64% depth. Square cushions of the same width weigh a little less per millimeter of length. Natural and lab-grown diamonds weigh the same. All figures approx.
What affects the cost
Carat, color and clarity first, then the cut: a cushion's facet pattern varies a lot from stone to stone, and the lively ones command more. Natural or lab-grown changes the price the most. Halo and hidden halo settings add melee and setting time; a solitaire keeps it simple.
Every custom piece is quoted after a consultation; there are no posted prices for custom work.
Care
A diamond is the hardest thing you own, but the metal around it is not. Take the ring off for the gym, the garden and anything with a bar or a rope in it, and keep it away from chlorine and bleach, which attack gold alloys over time.
Clean it at home in warm water with a drop of dish soap and a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Once a year or so, have the prongs checked. Pacific Jewel rings come back to Sara for a clean and an inspection whenever you like.
Questions
Square or elongated cushion?
Square reads as classic and sits well on wider fingers; elongated covers more of the finger and looks larger for its weight. The studio has both.
How big is a one-carat cushion?
Roughly 6 × 6 mm square, or about 6.5 × 5.3 mm elongated. Smaller across than a one-carat oval.
Does a cushion need a halo?
No. A halo makes it look larger and more vintage; a plain four-prong or a cathedral solitaire shows the soft outline on its own.
Is a cushion durable?
Very. The rounded corners are the least chip-prone outline after a round and an oval.