Diamond education
Cushion cut engagement rings
Soft corners, broad flashes of light.
By the CTJ Jewellery team, led by founder Greg Ward · Updated September 2026 · Editorial policy
Key facts
- Square or rectangular with rounded corners
- Lower price per carat than round
- Crushed ice or chunky facet patterns
- Shows colour more than a round
- Rounded corners resist chipping
- Natural or lab-grown
Crushed ice or chunky: what is the difference?
A crushed ice cushion has many small facets that give a glittery, fragmented sparkle. A chunky, or antique, cushion has larger facets and bolder flashes, closer to an old mine cut. Grading reports don’t record the difference, so view the diamond on video.
Which ratio should I choose?
The length-to-width ratio decides whether a cushion looks square or elongated.
| Ratio | Look |
|---|---|
| 1.00 to 1.05 | Square |
| 1.05 to 1.15 | Softly rectangular |
| 1.15 and above | Elongated |
Which colour and clarity suit a cushion?
Cushions hold colour in their corners. For a white look, choose one colour grade higher than you would for a round, or set it in yellow gold. The large facets can show inclusions, so check clarity by eye rather than by grade alone.
Best settings for a cushion
- Four claws on the corners
- Double claws for extra security
- Halo, the classic pairing for a cushion
- Hidden halo for sparkle from the side