Cushion cut diamonds, also known as the pillow cut, offer a lot of variation and choice when it comes to the look you want in your diamond. Cutting styles for modern cushions break down into two categories, the standard and the modified cushion cut. The standard cut has an antique feel with broader facets and more rounded sides. This cut is very rare and is quite difficult to find on the market. The modified cut has an extra row of facets and a more splintery look. The sides are also less rounded, so it exhibits more of a square or rectangular shape.
One key point about cushion cut diamonds is that they show more color than just about any other diamond shape. So if you’re thinking of platinum or white gold for your metal, we recommend a color grade of G or better. If you’re choosing rose or yellow gold, the warmth of the metal will really complement a diamond of a lower color grade like I or J. And because the modified cushion cut is a brilliant faceted cut, inclusions tend to be masked by the sparkle and scintillation of the diamond.
The length-to-width ratio of your cushion cut diamond will have a big impact on the appearance of the diamond. A more square ratio is the favorite choice for a cushion cut, and that is the ratio of Meghan Markle’s center stone for her engagement ring. For a square appearance, look for ratios between 1.00 to 1.05. More traditional cushions are often closer to a 1.10 ratio with even rarer cushion cuts coming in around 1.20 to 1.30 for an elongated rectangular shape.
Cushion cuts are a perfect choice for three-stone rings because their look and variety of proportions make them a great complement to all other diamond shapes.
You can see this in some of our Ken & Dana Design favorites that achieve Meghan Markle’s engagement ring look.
In Shana, a 2.66 carat lab-grown cushion cut diamond is flanked by two pear cut diamonds and set on a yellow gold band. And you can see in Faye how two trapezoidal diamonds perfectly accentuate a 4 carat cushion cut diamond.
Three-stone rings also present a great opportunity to play with color. Lanna uses two bluish- green Montana sapphires to flank a stunning 1.85 carat cushion cut diamond. Violetta also features sapphires as accent stones but adds a halo to the 1.03 carat cushion cut diamond and a pretty pavé band. And if another diamond shape is more appealing for the center stone, you can’t go wrong with an oval cut diamond as we showcase in Hetty.
Three-stone engagement rings are sophisticated and create a timeless silhouette. They represent incredible romantic symbolism, and when you add more personal touches, like with Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, you achieve a ring that’s not only beautiful, but incredibly meaningful.
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