A Complete Guide to Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond
The Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond has recently become the most popular diamond shape in the jewelry industry. Especially in 2025, when a famous face like Taylor Swift’s engagement ring also has an elongated cushion cut. Her ring has an antique look and uses the old mine elongated cushion cut. Many feel, when stars like her choose this cushion cut diamond, it brings even more attention to the look of an elongated cushion cut engagement ring.
We know choosing a diamond shape for your jewelry is not easy, especially when you have so many options like radiant cut, emerald cut, or elongated cushion cut diamond. All these diamonds’ shapes are elongated and have very minor differences in cuts, facets, appearance, and sparkle. At one glance, it might be difficult for normal people to tell the difference between these shapes.
We know that picking a diamond shape for your jewelry can be hard. There are many choices, such as radiant cut, emerald cut, and elongated cushion cut diamonds. These shapes are all elongated, and they only have small changes in the way they are cut, how many facets there are, their look, and the way they shine. It can be very hard for most people to choose one that will go with their style.
In this blog, we will talk about what an elongated cushion cut diamond is. You will learn how to choose the right elongated cushion for your diamond jewelry.
What Is an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?
Elongated cushion cut diamonds are an updated version of traditional cushion-cut diamonds. The elongated cushion cut diamond is one of today’s most sought-after diamond shapes in the jewelry world. With its rounded corners, soft edges, and stretched silhouette, this diamond combines vintage charm with modern elegance.
As per the name, the cushion-cut diamond features a pillow-shaped cut with a mixture of round cut and princess-cut (square) diamonds. The elongated cushion cut diamond features a stretched silhouette that resembles the octagonal silhouette of a radiant cut diamond or emerald cut diamond.
The Heritage of the Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond comes from the Old Mine cut used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Back then, people liked its soft edges and pillow shape. The cut diamond style has changed over time. Now, the cushion cut has details that help it shine and look brighter.
The elongated cushion cut puts a new take on the classic cushion cut shape. It keeps the charm we all love, but adds a longer and more graceful look that looks fabulous on long fingers. This special shape mixes the feel of old styles with a touch of something new.
Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?
Elongated cushions have large, kite-shaped facets that make up more of the surface. Because of this, these cut diamonds show off the stone’s natural color and clarity. They can also hide some inclusions inside the diamond. The bigger table and wider crown on this elongated cushion cut let in more light. This makes the diamond look bright and full of sparkle. When you put an elongated cushion in jewelry, like an engagement ring or a wedding band, it can make your finger look longer.
The radiant, elongated shape of a cushion-cut diamond creates an illusion of longer, more slender fingers, which can be flattering for the wearer. Apart from the look, if you want to know if they are a good investment, yes, they hold their value for money, but it will depend on the diamond’s rarity and origin, like whether it’s a real diamond or CZ diamonds.
There are so many factors that affect the value, like its carat, certification, clarity, etc. When considering investment value, GIA-certified elongated cushion cut diamonds are generally regarded as a safer choice compared to IGI-certified stones due to GIA’s wider recognition, reputation for consistent grading standards, and higher resale value in the market.
Comparison of Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond with Traditional Cushion Cuts
| Feature | Traditional Cushion Cut | Elongated Cushion Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Square or rounded square with soft corners | Rectangular with rounded corners |
| Brilliance | Brilliant cut | Brilliant or modified brilliant with added facets |
| Shape Resemblance | Distinct cushion shape | Similar to a radiant or emerald cut at first glance |
| Finger Coverage | Balanced coverage | Larger surface area, more finger coverage |
Facet Patterns: Crushed Ice vs. Brilliant Cushion
Elongated cushion cut diamonds come with two predominant facet styles: the brilliant cut and the crushed ice cut. The brilliant cut features larger, chunkier facets that create bold flashes of light, reminiscent of the fire seen in round brilliant diamonds. In contrast, the crushed ice style showcases numerous smaller facets that yield a soft, shimmering sparkle, much like the appearance of crushed ice or sparkling water.
Each facet pattern offers a distinct visual experience, allowing buyers to choose based on their personal preferences. Those who appreciate a more structured brilliance might gravitate towards the brilliant cushion, while those drawn to a softer, twinkling effect may prefer the crushed ice option. Ultimately, the choice of facet style enhances the overall aesthetic of the elongated cushion cut diamond, catering to diverse tastes.
Ideal Ratio for an Elongated Cushion Cut
The ideal length-to-width ratio for an elongated cushion cut diamond typically falls between 1.15 and 1.40. This range strikes a balance that enhances the stone’s elongated appearance without compromising its overall beauty. A length-to-width ratio of about 1.15 to 1.30 is often preferred for a gracefully elongated look, while a ratio exceeding 1.40 creates a more dramatic silhouette. When evaluating diamonds, it’s essential to consider how these ratios affect the visual impact of the stone. Below is a table summarizing the ideal ratios:
| Ratio Range | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 1.15 – 1.30 | Graceful elongation |
| 1.30 – 1.40 | Dramatic silhouette |
These ratios not only influence the visual appeal but also affect how the diamond captures and reflects light, enhancing its overall brilliance and fire.
Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Oval
When comparing elongated cushion cut diamonds to oval cuts, there are several distinguishing factors to consider. The elongated cushion cut features a rectangular shape with softly rounded corners, while the oval cut is characterized by its continuous curve. This difference in shape results in varying visual impacts; elongated cushions provide a more structured look, whereas ovals have a fluid, curvaceous silhouette.
Additionally, elongated cushion cuts typically display a more significant face-up presence, enhancing finger coverage, whereas ovals may appear smaller than other shapes of equal carat weight. Ultimately, the choice between these two cuts will depend on personal preference and desired aesthetics.
Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Radiant
In comparing the elongated cushion cut to the radiant cut, one can observe notable differences in both shape and brilliance. Elongated cushion cuts possess rounded corners, resulting in a softer rectangular silhouette, while radiant cuts feature trimmed corners, giving them an almost octagonal appearance. In terms of faceting, elongated cushions often have larger facets, creating a romantic sparkle, whereas radiant cuts boast numerous smaller facets that enhance their overall brilliance.
While both cuts are designed to maximize light performance, the elongated cushion cut appeals to those who favor vintage aesthetics, while the radiant cut caters to those who prefer a contemporary flair.
Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Emerald
When contrasting the elongated cushion cut with the emerald cut, the differences in design and visual appeal become apparent. Elongated cushions feature rounded corners and a rectangular shape, while emerald cuts are defined by their step-cut facets and linear lines, resulting in a more geometric appearance.
The elongated cushion cut typically allows for a broader surface area that enhances color and clarity, while the emerald cut’s fewer facets can make inclusions more visible. Consequently, the choice between these two cuts often boils down to personal style, with elongated cushions offering a softer, more romantic look while emeralds provide a sleek and modern aesthetic.
How to Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Selecting an elongated cushion cut engagement ring involves careful consideration of several key factors. First, determine your budget and prioritize the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The length-to-width ratio is also crucial; aim for a ratio between 1.15 and 1.40 to achieve the desired elongation. After that, choose your precious metals. Which metal color suits your skin? Every skin suits a different metal color.
If you have have warm skin tone, yellow gold will complement the skin, and if you have a cool skin tone, rose gold will go best with and if you have a neutral tone, congrats, every metal color will work. Then, the ring setting takes place. Choose a setting that enhances the diamond, whether you want your ring to look elegant or dramatic, or street fashion, your setting is the main key and the game-changer.
Best Settings for an Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring
When it comes to setting an elongated cushion cut diamond, several popular options enhance its beauty and brilliance.
- Solitaire Setting – Highlights the diamond’s unique elongated proportions.
- Halo Setting – Surrounds the center stone with smaller diamonds to amplify sparkle.
- Vintage-Inspired Setting – Adds charm and character with intricate details.
- East-West Setting – Positions the diamond horizontally for a modern, trendy look.
- Half Bezel Setting – Offers maximum security by encasing the diamond’s edges in metal.
- Double-Prong Setting – Provides extra stability while enhancing the diamond’s visual impact.
Celebrities with Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
The elongated cushion cut diamond has become very popular, thanks to many famous people choosing this shape. Kim Kardashian in the year of 2013 had an elongated cushion cut diamond on a thin pave band, and Sofia Vergara in 2014 got engaged to Joe Manganiello, and her ring featured a cushion cut diamond with a halo setting in a platinum band. They like this shape because it stands out and looks special. And this year, 2025, Taylor Swift got engaged and posted her ring that has a large, elongated cushion cut diamond in old mine cut with a yellow gold band and 4-prong setting with engraving art deco, giving a classic look to the ring.
Design Inspirations for Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
The shape of the elongated cushion cut diamond retains the classic cushion’s faceting design and aged beauty, yet with a modern twist. So, this shape deserves the best ring setting to match! To create a trendy engagement ring design with an elongated cushion cut diamond, you should consider popular settings such as a hidden halo setting because we offer free shipping, as elongated cushion cut diamonds are unique, and engagement rings with hidden accents can make your unique ring all the more special.
An extended cushion diamond looks excellent in sleek solitaires or modern variations of vintage settings. For the rectangular form, bezel setting, double-prong setting, and six-prong designs will be the safest options, offering a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship.
FAQs:
Are Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds Rare?
Elongated cushion cut diamonds are indeed considered to be relatively rare compared to their traditional counterparts. While standard cushion cuts are widely available in the market, those with an elongated ratio, typically exceeding 1.15, are less commonly found. This scarcity primarily arises from the cutting process, which requires larger rough diamonds to achieve the desired proportions.
Furthermore, the demand for elongated cushions tends to be lower, leading to fewer stones being cut in this style. Consequently, their rarity often translates to a higher price point, making them a unique choice for those seeking a distinctive and elegant diamond.
Are Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds More Expensive?
Elongated cushion cut diamonds can often command a higher price than traditional cushion cuts, reflecting their rarity and desirability. Several factors contribute to this pricing, including carat weight, cut quality, color grading, and clarity. Notably, these diamonds tend to retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, which can sometimes offer better value per carat compared to round brilliants.
What Makes Elongated Cushion Cuts Different from Other Diamond Shapes?
The uniquely soft, rounded corners and stretched shape of elongated cushion cut diamonds give them a vintage yet modern look. Also, because of their broader top surface, elongated cushion cut diamonds typically have a stronger face-up presence and provide more finger coverage.
How Does the Elongated Shape Affect the Diamond’s Brilliance?
A diamond’s brilliance can be improved by its elongated shape, which increases its surface area for light reflection and produces more sparkle and fire. For those who want the most brilliance, this shape is popular since it also creates the appearance of a larger diamond.
What carat sizes are common for elongated cushion-cut diamond rings?
Most people choose between 1.5 to 3 carats, as the elongated shape makes the diamond look even larger on the finger without needing extra weight.