Round vs Cushion
The world's most popular.
Versus a centuries-old classic.
Two brilliant cuts, two very different stories.
The Round Brilliant and the Cushion Cut are both beloved, brilliant-cut diamonds with deep histories. The Round is the pinnacle of modern light engineering. The Cushion is a romantic shape with two centuries of heritage. Together they represent the two most iconic diamond shapes ever made.
The Round Brilliant is the most purchased diamond shape in the world. With 57 or 58 precisely angled facets, it produces more light return than any other shape. Every detail of the modern round brilliant has been optimised over a century of refinement to achieve the maximum possible brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
What the Round offers above all else is certainty: you know what you are getting. IGI assigns a formal cut grade, the brilliance is the highest achievable, and the shape never dates. It is the benchmark against which every other diamond shape is measured.
The Cushion Cut has a square or rectangular outline with rounded corners and a brilliant-cut facet structure. It is the descendant of the old mine cut — the dominant diamond shape of the 18th and 19th centuries — and carries with it a warmth and romantic character that more modern shapes cannot replicate. It is the shape of choice for those drawn to vintage glamour.
What the Cushion offers is character: the larger facets produce a distinctive sparkle pattern — broader, warmer flashes rather than the fine, consistent sparkle of a round. The rounded corners make it feel softer and more approachable. It is available in a square or elongated rectangular outline, and in "classic cushion" and "crushed ice" facet variations that produce noticeably different visual effects.
Round vs Cushion — compared directly.
Every key characteristic, evaluated honestly. Use this to identify which shape aligns with what matters most to you.
| Round Cut | Cushion Cut | |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | Maximum — the highest light return of any diamond shape | Excellent — broader, warmer sparkle pattern |
| Sparkle Character | Fine, consistent, brilliant — the definition of diamond sparkle | Broader, chunkier flashes — distinctive and warm |
| IGI Cut Grade | Yes — Excellent to Poor. Objective quality assessment available | No formal cut grade — evaluate by proportions and polish |
| Heritage | Modern shape — perfected in the 20th century | Over 200 years of history as a beloved diamond shape |
| Character | Precise, timeless, universally recognised | Romantic, vintage, warm and distinctive |
| Price Per Carat | Highest of all shapes — premium for maximum demand | 15–25% lower per carat than equivalent round |
| Finger Effect | Neutral — suits all finger types equally | Neutral to slightly elongating — choose ratio to suit |
| Setting Versatility | Works in every setting type without exception | Works beautifully in vintage and modern settings |
| Face-Up Size | Standard for carat weight | Similar to round — square shape gives good face-up area |
| Colour Masking | Very good — facets disperse colour effectively | Moderate — choose G or better for larger stones |
There is no wrong choice — only the right one for you.
Both are brilliant-cut diamonds that deliver exceptional beauty. The Round is the engineer's diamond. The Cushion is the romantic's diamond. Which you choose depends on whether you want the most measurably brilliant stone, or the most characterful one.
Questions about Round vs Cushion.
The most common questions we hear when customers are choosing between these two shapes. Still unsure? Talk to us directly.
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