What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
The cushion cut — historically the “pillow” or “mine” cut — is a square or slightly rectangular diamond with softly rounded corners and 58–64 brilliant facets. The dominant engagement cut for nearly a century, now one of the most sought-after vintage-inspired shapes. It comes in three variations:
- Old mine cut — antique, chunky facets and a high crown designed to glow under candlelight.
- Modern brilliant cushion — refined for maximum electric-light sparkle.
- Crushed ice cushion — a modified brilliant pattern with a shattered, sparkling effect throughout the stone.
Why ATL Luxury Jewelry for Your Cushion Engagement Ring
Center stones over half a carat come with a GIA report (natural) or an IGI report (lab-grown). We source both natural and lab-grown cushions across the full color (D–J) and clarity (FL–SI2) range, including increasingly rare antique old mine cuts. We can source a stone for you to see in person. Every ring includes lifetime cleaning and prong-tightening. For matching wedding bands, see diamond wedding bands, vintage wedding bands, or curved ring enhancers.
Cushion Engagement Rings by Carat — 1ct, 2ct, 3ct
Cushion diamond pricing scales with carat similarly to round but at 10–15% lower per-carat cost. Common cushion sizes:
- 1 carat — the most popular cushion size; proportional and well-balanced on most hands. $3,500–$9,500 natural ($1,800–$4,500 lab-grown) at G color / VS2 clarity.
- 2 carat — statement size with substantial visual presence. $10,000–$32,000 natural ($4,500–$13,000 lab-grown).
- 3 carat — milestone size. $22,000–$60,000 natural ($9,000–$24,000 lab-grown). Reads exceptionally substantial thanks to larger surface area than equivalent round.
Smaller (0.7–0.9ct) reads delicate; elongated cushion ratios (1.10–1.30) make the stone look even larger on the finger. We model carat against your hand at the showroom.
Cushion Engagement Rings by Metal
Cushion’s warm vintage character makes it particularly metal-flexible. The pillow-soft silhouette flatters every metal tone.
- White gold & platinum — the most modern look; cool tones highlight the diamond’s fire. Platinum is the premium choice for longevity.
- Yellow gold — emphasizes the cut’s vintage heritage, especially with antique or old mine cushion centers — the historically authentic combination.
- Rose gold — a defining modern trend; the warm pink tone enhances the cushion’s romantic character.
For matching wedding bands by metal: platinum, gold, rose gold wedding bands.
Choosing Your Cushion Diamond
Three characteristics matter most when selecting a cushion — we discuss these tradeoffs candidly during every consultation:
- Facet pattern — chunky old-mine, refined modern brilliant, or crushed-ice; each produces a different sparkle character.
- Length-to-width ratio — square (1.00–1.05) for a balanced look, elongated (1.10–1.30) for an elongating effect on the finger.
- Crown height & table size — taller crowns and smaller tables yield more fire; lower crowns yield more sparkle.
Cushion diamond pricing typically runs 5–15% lower than round brilliants of equivalent quality, making cushions one of the strongest value choices among premium fancy cuts. Antique old mine cushions command a premium due to scarcity and historical significance.
Cushion Setting Styles
The cushion’s soft outline and brilliant faceting work beautifully across a wide range of settings — from antique-inspired filigree to clean modern solitaires. The most enduring styles are:
Solitaire
A clean four- or six-prong setting that lets the cushion’s soft silhouette and brilliance stand alone.
Halo
A ring of pavé diamonds frames the cushion — the most iconic cushion setting, dramatically amplifying visual size and sparkle.
Three-Stone
Trapezoid or trillion side stones flank the cushion center, symbolizing past, present, and future. Browse three stone rings.
Vintage / Antique
Filigree gallery, milgrain edges, and engraved shanks honor the cushion’s 19th-century heritage — the most romantic option.
Pavé Band
Tiny diamonds along the shank deliver continuous sparkle and visually elongate the finger beneath the cushion.
Related Collections
Round Engagement Rings
The most popular shape — maximum brilliance, classic geometry.
Oval Engagement Rings
Elongated, romantic, and finger-flattering — a softer take on the cushion.
Emerald Engagement Rings
Step-cut elegance with a similar vintage and art-deco appeal.
Halo Engagement Rings
The iconic cushion setting — explore the broader halo collection.
Diamond Wedding Bands
Diamond eternity and pavé bands designed to pair with cushion rings.
Custom Design Process
Commission a one-of-a-kind antique-inspired cushion ring in Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Our Atlanta Showroom
See Cushion Engagement Rings in Person
Our Snellville showroom — minutes from Atlanta, Lawrenceville, and Stone Mountain — carries a curated selection of cushion center stones and finished engagement rings, including increasingly rare antique old mine cuts. Book a private consultation, or call us to source a specific cushion diamond for in-person viewing.
1905 Scenic Hwy N Ste 230, Snellville, GA 30078 · (704) 684-7530