What is a Cushion-Cut Diamond? (And Why It Might Be Your Ring Soulmate)

Cushion-Cut Diamond Guide | Lab Diamond & Custom Engagement Rings

Discover what makes cushion-cut diamonds the dreamy centrepiece of engagement rings and custom lab diamond rings in Toronto. Soft corners, serious sparkle.

The Soft Cornered Showstopper

So, you’re diamond shopping (congrats!), and you're swimming in options: round, princess, oval, marquise (yes, that’s a thing)... but then you meet the cushion-cut diamond. It's romantic, it's sparkly, it's kind of like a square, but with a better skincare routine. Soft around the edges and easy on the eyes, the cushion cut has been winning hearts since the 1800s, and for good reason.

In this guide, we’ll break down why the cushion cut is a dream for engagement rings, especially those crafted with lab diamonds. Whether you’re deep into designing custom rings in Toronto or just tiptoeing into sparkle territory, consider this your friendly cheat sheet.

The History Behind the Cut

The cushion cut has a rich heritage dating back to the 1800s, making it one of the oldest diamond cuts still popular today. Originally known as the "old mine cut," this shape dominated the diamond world long before modern cutting techniques were developed. The cushion cut we know today is an evolved version that maintains the romantic essence of antique cuts while incorporating modern precision and brilliance.

What Exactly Is a Cushion-Cut Diamond?

Imagine a square and a circle had a love child, that’s the cushion cut. It has a pillow-y shape (hence the name), rounded corners, and a facet pattern that brings the drama in the best way possible. Think vintage charm meets modern glow-up.

It’s not a cookie-cutter shape, either. Cushion cuts come in two general vibes:

• Standard cushion: The classic-big, chunky facets, bold flashes of light.

• Modified cushion: Slightly more complex-extra facets for that crushed ice effect. Think more glitter, less pop.

Depending on your personality, one might feel like a red carpet moment, the other like a candlelit dinner. Either way, both are ready for their close-up.

 

What Is an Old Mine Cushion?

An old mine cut cushion is the antique ancestor of today’s cushion-cut diamond. Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was hand-cut and features a squarish shape with rounded corners, a high crown, deep pavilion, small table, and a visible culet (the bottom point).

It’s less about perfect symmetry and more about soft, romantic sparkle. Think of it as the vintage vinyl version of a modern Spotify stream.

Comparison Table: Old Mine Cushion vs Modern Cushion Cut

 

Why Cushion Cuts Are a Fan Favourite for Engagement Rings

1. Vintage Vibes, But Make It Now

There’s something undeniably romantic about a cushion-cut diamond. Maybe it’s the fact that it's been around since before texting existed, or maybe it’s just that soft corners feel extra huggable. Either way, it’s a go-to for custom rings with a touch of timeless glamour.

2. They Bring the Sparkle

Cushion cuts might not out-sparkle a round brilliant, but they’re not exactly shy either. They have what we call fire—that coloured sparkle when light hits just right. It’s like your ring is throwing its own mini dance party.

3. Custom Design? Cushion Cuts Love It

Because of their shape versatility (square-ish to rectangular-ish), cushion-cut diamonds are a dream for custom engagement rings. Want a halo? Perfect. Solitaire? Gorgeous. Three-stone with moissanite sidekicks? Let’s go.

The beauty of custom rings is that every detail can be tailored to your preferences. From selecting the perfect cushion cut lab diamond to choosing the metal, setting style, and accent stones, you're involved in every decision. This collaborative approach ensures your engagement ring is truly one-of-a-kind.

4. They’re Just...Softer

No offence to sharp-cornered shapes, but if your diamond’s going to join you on everyday adventures, like digging through your purse or chasing your dog at the park, rounded corners might be a smart move.

Choosing the Right Cushion-Cut Lab Diamond

Okay, so you’re feeling the cushion cut. Here’s how to make sure you choose the right one:

✅ Ratio Matters

Do you want it square, or a little longer and leaner? The length-to-width ratio will tell you. A 1.00 is perfectly square, but some love the elegance of a 1.10 or 1.15 elongated shape.

✅ Chunky vs Crushed-Ice Look

Some cushion cuts give you bold, visible facets (chunky), while others go for the twinkle-fest (crushed ice). One isn’t better than the other, it’s just your vibe.

✅ Mind the Colour

Cushion cuts tend to show more colour than, say, round diamonds. So if you’re going with a lab diamond (good call), consider a slightly higher colour grade, especially if you’re setting it in white gold or platinum.

✅ Clarity Check

With all those facets doing the sparkle work, inclusions can sometimes hide, but not always. Look for a clean stone, eye-clean at minimum. Your future self will thank you.

Cushion-Cut + Lab Diamond = A Toronto Love Story

We might be biased, but if you’re searching for a lab diamond engagement ring in Toronto, pairing it with a cushion cut is like putting maple syrup on pancakes—it just works.

• Lab diamond rings give you stunning sparkle without the sticker shock.
  

• Cushion cuts let you play with custom design like a pro.
  

• And if you’re in the Toronto area, you can actually see your diamond in person and collaborate with us at AGI Design.
  
  

Want rose gold? Done. Dreaming of a hidden halo? We got you. Planning to surprise your partner with a stone that screams them? Let’s sketch it out.

Working With Us: Custom Rings in Toronto at AGI Design (That Don’t Feel Cookie Cutter)

We get it, your ring isn’t just jewellery. It’s your story. Here’s what it’s like to work with our studio:

1. Consultation: In person (hello, Toronto!) or email. Bring your inspo photos, your Pinterest board, your grandma’s vintage ring, whatever helps us get your vibe.
   

2. Stone Hunt: We’ll handpick a few lab-grown cushion cuts that check your boxes.
   

3. Design Time: Choose your setting, your metal, your sparkly sidekicks.
   

4. Crafting Magic: We bring it to life right here in Toronto.

5. That Big Yes Moment: When you see your ring for the first time—cue happy tears.

TL;DR – Should You Go Cushion?

If you want a diamond shape that’s romantic, versatile, sparkle-happy, and perfect for custom lab diamond rings—yes, you should absolutely consider the cushion cut. 

So whether you're proposing soon (!!!), designing together, or just doing a little pre-engagement research, the cushion cut might be the diamond you didn’t know you were dreaming about.

FAQs – Fast Answers for the Cushion Curious

Q: Is a cushion-cut diamond good for engagement rings?
A: Totally. It's timeless, sparkly, and looks amazing in just about any setting.

Q: Do cushion-cut lab diamonds look different from natural ones?
A: Nope! They have the same optical and physical properties—just a more wallet- and planet-friendly origin story.

Q: What’s better—chunky or crushed-ice cushion cut?
A: Personal preference! Chunky = bold facets, crushed ice = sparkle party.

Q: Can I make a custom cushion-cut ring in Toronto?
A: Absolutely. We specialize in custom designs and offer local consultations (and virtual ones too!).

Q: Will a cushion-cut diamond chip easily?
 A: Less likely, thanks to those soft corners. Still, a good setting is key.

With over 20 years of experience crafting custom lab diamond engagement rings in Toronto, AGI Design helps Canadians create personalized, ethical, and seriously stunning rings. We bring clarity, creativity, and a little sparkle to every step.