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What is a cushion-cut diamond?

Modern cushion diamonds may be square or elongated, with curved sides and rounded or slightly pointed corners. GIA describes cushion brilliants and modified cushion brilliants; modified versions may include additional facets and can show a “crushed ice” appearance.

Cushions can carry more weight in depth than some other shapes, so compare millimetre dimensions as well as carat weight. GIA does not currently assign an overall cut grade to cushion shapes; polish, symmetry, proportions and visual performance must be considered together.

Cushion designs across Xennox

Ara: a clean cushion solitaire or discreet hidden detail.
Lyra: a romantic profile suited to softly contoured cushion shapes.
Orion: a contemporary setting with stronger structural lines.
Vela: a versatile base for solitaire, hidden-halo, shoulder or cathedral treatments.

Choosing the cushion itself

Outline: decide whether you prefer square, softly rectangular or distinctly elongated.
Facet pattern: compare broad, defined flashes with more splintered crushed-ice patterns.
Face-up spread: use length and width measurements rather than carat alone.
Contrast: look for an attractive light-and-dark pattern without a distracting dead or watery centre.
Clarity and colour: open or broad facets may reveal characteristics differently; assess the actual stone rather than relying only on broad rules.

Setting styles for cushion diamonds

A solitaire gives the outline space to breathe. A hidden halo adds detail beneath the stone; a face-up halo changes the overall visual footprint; diamond shoulders bring light along the band. Rounded corners are less exposed than sharp princess-cut corners, but every centre stone still needs an appropriately engineered setting.

Natural and laboratory-grown cushions

Both origins are available in varied facet patterns and proportions. Laboratory-grown cushions are not visually identified by origin alone and must be clearly disclosed and documented. Compare the actual stones for outline, light performance and value to you.

Bespoke cushion-ring process

Choose the diamond before finalising the setting because the basket and claws must be engineered to its exact measurements. Confirm the profile, wedding-ring fit, CAD details, total price and current lead time before production.

Book a Private Consultation in Brisbane

Visit Xennox Diamonds at Level 2, 141 Queen Street, Brisbane City to compare designs, metals and available diamonds. Book a complimentary consultation with the Xennox team.

Frequently Asked Questions

No overall GIA cut grade is currently assigned to cushion shapes. Polish, symmetry, measurements and visual assessment are used instead.
They show a different type of light return. Brilliant-style cushions tend to show more scintillation, while emerald cuts create broader step-facet flashes.

Yes. Cushion diamonds range from square to distinctly rectangular; length-to-width ratio describes that outline.

They can be when appropriately designed, set, worn and inspected. No engagement ring is immune to impact or wear.

The Maker

Author Karl Schwantes — Your Brisbane Diamond Expert

Karl Schwantes is a certified Gemmologist, Diamond Grader and Jewellery Valuer with the Gemmological Association of Australia. The son of Xennox founder Wolfgang Schwantes, Karl has designed thousands of custom rings for Brisbane couples.

Master Gemologist
& Diamond Grader

International
Award-Winning Author

Queensland
Jeweller of the Year

Certifications, Awards & Industry Memberships

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