The 1 carat cushion cut is one of the most romantic and timeless diamond choices available — combining the world's most popular carat weight with the soft, rounded corners and exceptional brilliance of the cushion cut. At Variation, explore our certified collection of 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamonds, IGI certified, conflict-free, and priced up to 80% less than natural diamonds.
About 1 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamonds
The 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond is one of the most beloved and sought-after diamond combinations available — pairing the world's most popular carat weight with one of the most romantic and timeless diamond shapes ever created. With its soft, rounded corners, distinctive brilliant facet pattern, and exceptional play of light, the cushion cut delivers a warmth and character that is unlike any other diamond shape. At Variation, our IGI certified 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamonds are available in D to F color and VVS1 to VS2 clarity — priced up to 80% less than an equivalent natural diamond.
Why Choose a 1 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond?
The cushion cut has been one of the most popular diamond shapes in the world for over two centuries — and at 1 carat, it delivers the perfect combination of romantic character, exceptional brilliance, and timeless elegance. Its soft, pillow-like corners and distinctive facet pattern create a warmer, more romantic sparkle than the sharp precision of modern brilliant cuts — making it the ideal choice for buyers who want a diamond with genuine personality and soul.
- 58 to 64 facets — delivering exceptional fire and a distinctive play of light
- 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up size — elegant and perfectly proportioned at 1 carat
- Chunky or crushed ice facet pattern — two distinctive looks in one shape
- IGI certified — every stone independently graded and verified
- D, E and F color — the three highest color grades available
- VVS1 to VS2 clarity — all eye-clean, all exceptional quality
- Up to 80% less than an equivalent natural cushion cut diamond
How Big Is a 1 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond?
A 1 carat cushion cut diamond measures approximately 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up in its classic square form. While it faces up slightly smaller than a round brilliant of the same carat weight, the cushion cut's large open facets and soft corners create a visually warm and substantial appearance that more than compensates for the slight size difference.
For buyers seeking a larger face-up appearance at 1 carat, a slightly rectangular cushion cut with a length-to-width ratio of 1.10–1.20 faces up larger than a square cushion — delivering more visual presence while retaining the cushion cut's signature romantic character.
How to Choose the Best 1 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond
Chunky vs Crushed Ice Facet Pattern
The most important and unique choice for a cushion cut diamond is the facet pattern. A chunky cushion features larger, well-defined facets that produce bold flashes of light similar to a round brilliant. A crushed ice cushion features smaller, fragmented facets that create a glittery, sparkling appearance. At 1 carat, both patterns are beautiful — chunky cushions tend to show more defined flashes while crushed ice cushions deliver a more intensely sparkling appearance. Always view the stone face-up in video before purchasing to assess which pattern suits your preference.
Color Recommendations
Cushion cuts retain color slightly more than round diamonds due to their deeper pavilion and larger facets. For white gold or platinum settings, D–F color grades deliver a pure, colorless appearance that complements the cushion cut's warm character. For yellow or rose gold settings — which pair exceptionally well with the cushion cut's romantic appeal — G–H color grades offer outstanding value with no visible color difference to the naked eye.
Clarity Sweet Spot
VS1–VS2 clarity is the sweet spot for a 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond — eye-clean to the naked eye at the most accessible price points. The chunky facet pattern of a cushion cut can make inclusions slightly more visible than a round brilliant, so VS2 eye-clean stones are an excellent choice. For crushed ice cushions, SI1 eye-clean stones can offer outstanding value — always view in high-resolution video before purchasing.
Why Buy 1 Carat Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamonds from Variation?
At Variation, we specialize exclusively in lab grown diamonds — and our 1 carat cushion cut collection reflects our commitment to quality, ethics, and exceptional value.
- IGI certified — every stone comes with a full IGI grading report
- Chunky and crushed ice patterns available — both distinctive cushion cut styles in stock
- D, E and F color only — the highest color grades available
- VVS1 to VS2 clarity — all eye-clean, all exceptional quality
- Conflict-free & ethically sourced — always
- Priced up to 80% less than equivalent natural diamonds
Explore Other Sizes in Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamonds
Not sure about 1 carat? Explore our cushion cut lab grown diamonds in other carat weights — all IGI certified, conflict-free, and priced up to 80% less than natural diamonds.
Explore Other Shapes in 1 Carat Lab Grown Diamonds
Not sure about cushion cut? Explore our 1 carat lab grown diamonds in other shapes — each with its own unique character, brilliance, and appeal.
- 1 Carat Round Cut
- 1 Carat Oval Cut
- 1 Carat Emerald Cut
- 1 Carat Princess Cut
- 1 Carat Pear Cut
- 1 Carat Radiant Cut
- 1 Carat Marquise Cut
- 1 Carat Heart Cut
- 1 Carat Portuguese Cut
- 1 Carat Ashoka Cut
- 1 Carat Trillion Cut
- 1 Carat Hexagon Cut
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond?
A 1 carat cushion cut diamond measures approximately 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up in its classic square form. A slightly rectangular cushion with a length-to-width ratio of 1.10–1.20 faces up larger — delivering more visual presence while retaining the cushion cut's signature romantic character.
What is the difference between a chunky and crushed ice cushion cut?
A chunky cushion cut has larger, well-defined facets that produce bold flashes of light similar to a round brilliant. A crushed ice cushion has smaller, fragmented facets that create a glittery, intensely sparkling appearance. Both are beautiful at 1 carat — the choice comes down entirely to personal preference for sparkle style.
Is a 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond good for an engagement ring?
Yes — the 1 carat cushion cut is one of the most popular engagement ring choices in the world. Its romantic soft corners, timeless appeal, and exceptional brilliance make it a deeply meaningful and beautiful choice for the most important purchase of your life. At up to 80% less than a natural diamond of the same quality, a 1 carat IGI certified lab grown cushion cut offers extraordinary value.
What is the difference between a 1 carat cushion cut and round cut lab grown diamond?
Both deliver exceptional brilliance but they differ significantly in character. A round cut is perfectly symmetrical with 57–58 precisely aligned facets delivering the maximum brilliance of any diamond cut. A cushion cut has soft, rounded corners and a warmer, more romantic sparkle — slightly less brilliant than round but with a distinctive character and soul that many buyers find more personally meaningful.
What color grade should I choose for a 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond?
Cushion cuts retain color slightly more than round diamonds. For white gold or platinum settings, D–F color is recommended. For yellow or rose gold settings — which pair beautifully with the cushion cut's warm character — G–H color delivers an outstanding result at a more accessible price point. All diamonds at Variation are available in D, E and F color grades.
Explore our full collection of 1 carat cushion cut lab grown diamonds above and find the stone that speaks to you. Questions? Our diamond experts are here to help.