Your Ultimate Guide to Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
In This Blog
There are many diamond shapes that evoke their own style, brilliance and price points. Different shapes have their time in the spotlight (we’re looking at you, marquise diamonds) while others like round diamonds are eternally classic. Today, there’s a new unique diamond shape that’s growing in popularity: the elongated cushion cut.
If you’re searching for an updated look for a timeless diamond shape, the elongated cushion cut offers a departure from tradition that’s unique but comfortably stylish. Explore this guide to elongated cushion diamonds to discover what makes the elongated version of cushion cut diamonds a leading choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
What is an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds are brilliant-cut diamonds with a square shape and rounded corners. They’re a modern take on the historic old mine cut diamond shape, with unique faceting that gives a softer sparkle. There are also modified cushion cut diamonds which have additional facets to increase brilliance.
Because this diamond shape is primarily square, more rectangular varieties are considered elongated cushion cut diamonds. An elongated cushion cut diamond is a cushion diamond with a length to width ratio of 1.10 or greater. The higher the length to width ratio, the more elongated the cushion diamond. Most elongated cushion cut diamonds have a length to width ratio of 1.10 through 1.60 as this ratio allows for an elongated appearance while maintaining overall symmetry.
More About Diamond Length to Width Ratios
There are many ways diamonds are measured, and special shapes like elongated cushion cuts are best identified by their length to width ratio. A diamond’s length to width ratio is a single number that’s found by dividing the length by the width, conveying how square or rectangular a diamond is.
The Benefits of the Elongated Cushion Cut
An elongated cushion cut diamond offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern style, showcasing a special brilliance that makes these diamonds standout choices for any setting. This diamond shape is more affordable than traditional shapes, offering impressive brilliance for many different budgets.
How the Elongated Cushion Cut Differs from Other Shapes
Elongated cushion cut diamonds showcase rectangular shapes with curved edges, making them popular alternatives to radiant cut diamonds, oval diamonds and emerald cut diamonds. Though elongated cushion diamonds share some similarities with these similar diamond shapes, there are distinct differences to keep in mind.
Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant Diamonds
Radiant cut and elongated cushion cut diamonds both have brilliant faceting that focuses on sparkle. Radiant diamonds will generally have more facets that are also smaller in size, creating more of a “crushed ice” look when comparing these gems to cushion cut faceting. Radiant cut diamonds often hide inclusions more than cushion cuts.
A radiant diamond will have different corners than an elongated cushion cut diamond, with clipped straight corners rather than the soft rounded corners on cushion cuts. The result is a more dramatic silhouette, which is a matter of preference. Some people love the straighter corners of radiant diamonds, while others love the vintage appeal of elongated cushion cut diamonds.
The distribution of carat weight will vary from diamond to diamond, but generally elongated cushion cut diamonds give the same presence for similar carat weights in radiant diamonds.
Elongated Cushion vs. Oval Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds and elongated cushion cut diamonds both offer brilliance and lengthened presence in any setting. An elongated cushion cut has a different faceting pattern and straight sides that change the way light behaves in the diamond. Where the bow tie effect is a concern in some oval diamonds, elongated cushion cut diamonds do not have this consideration.
The unique faceting pattern of oval diamonds makes them adept at hiding inclusions, and their increased surface area can make them look large for their carat weight. Elongated cushion cut diamonds offer a similar look to oval diamonds, but with a straighter shape.
Elongated Cushion vs. Emerald Diamonds
An emerald cut diamond has an entirely different faceting pattern when compared to an elongated cushion cut diamond. Emerald cut diamonds have step-cut facets, which give them a subtler glow and hall of mirrors effect. Cushion cut diamonds have more brilliant faceting that gives the classic diamond sparkle.
The faceting of an elongated cushion cut diamond generally makes it better at hiding inclusions when compared to the emerald cut. Both diamonds can have similar carat appearance, though the exact appearance will vary from one diamond to the next.
The Best Jewelry for this Diamond Shape
Elongated cushion cut diamonds are especially popular for women’s engagement rings, men’s engagement rings and gender neutral engagement rings. These diamonds are popular for north south ring settings, offering an elongating effect that flatters any wearer. They’re also right at home in tennis bracelets, diamond necklaces and diamond stud earrings.
Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Buying Tips
When shopping for any diamonds, keep the 4Cs of diamonds in mind. For elongated cushion cut diamond shapes, diamond clarity is an important factor. Fewer inclusions are ideal for elongated cushion cuts.
You should purchase your elongated cushion cut diamond from jewelers you trust. At Blue Nile, we offer a leading selection of elongated cushion cuts with natural and lab-grown diamonds to choose from. Prioritize the length to width radio, especially for elongated cushion cut engagement rings.
You can browse our full collection of elongated cushion cut diamonds for sale online. If you’d like more help in choosing the perfect elongated cushion, contact our experts for personalized diamond shopping assistance.
Popular Elongated Cushion Jewelry Designs
Engagement rings are by far the most popular use of this unique diamond shape. Elongated cushion cut engagement rings combine classic style with modern shapes for beautiful brilliance in any setting.
Custom diamond pendant necklaces are another leading style that features the elongated cushion shape. These diamonds are perfect in solitaire pendants and work well for solo styling or necklace layering.
FAQs About Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
What does elongated cushion cut mean?
An elongated cushion cut diamond is one that has a more rectangular shape than the traditional cushion cut. Elongated cushion cut diamonds generally have a length to width ratio between 1.10 and 1.60.
Is this diamond shape popular?
These diamond shapes are growing in popularity, thanks to their unique updates on classic diamond shapes. They offer vintage charm and modern appeal, making them the perfect style for any setting.
Are elongated cushion cut diamonds rare?
Elongated cushion cut diamonds are rarer than traditional square cushion cuts.
Is this diamond shape more affordable than others?
Fancy-cut diamonds like elongated cushion cut diamonds are generally more affordable than traditional round diamonds.
Finding the Perfect Stone
Whether you’re looking for an elongated cushion cut diamond or another shape, our online diamond store has your fit. Explore our full collection of diamonds and gemstones to find the perfect stone for any setting, style and budget. You can also visit our local jewelry stores for help with gemstone and diamond shopping.
