Diamond Face-Off: Cushion vs. Radiant

Cushions and radiants may appear similar at first glance, but these two brilliant cuts have have a few distinct differences. How do these shapes compare: Cushion vs. Radiant.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds date back to the diamond cutting technique itself. However, the newest versions are the result of technological advancements and refinements in diamond cutting methods.

Cushion cut diamonds are known for their rectangular or square shape with soft, rounded edges giving them their distinct pillow-like appearance. One of the most popular shapes, many celebrities have chosen this as the center stone of their rings including Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle, Zoë Kravitz, and Kate Bosworth. 

There are numerous cut styles available in the market for these diamonds including the modified brilliant cut, the antique cut, and the crushed ice cut.

The Brilliant Cut

Brilliant cut cushions are more often similar to round brilliant cuts as they have beautifully cut facets that add plenty of sparkle and offer a larger appearance. This stone's base is conical, increasing the face-up appearance and offering brilliant light that returns from the top of the gleaming diamond.

4.58 carat Cushion Cut Lab Diamond Engagement Ring

The Crushed Ice Cut

When it comes to crushed ice, you might think of a glass of chilled drink that has pretty crushed ice in it. But when it comes to diamonds, crushed ice diamonds are characterized by numerous tiny facets that look like shattered ice or glass. However, crushed ice cuts are not ideal as their small faceting yields less brilliance.

The Old Mine Cut or Antique Cut

The primary difference between modified brilliant and antique cushion cuts is the faceting: while they both have “larger” faceting, antique cushion facets are the only cut with “chunky” facets. Additionally, antique cushions feature an open, visible culet at the bottom and a steeper crown where modern brilliant cushion cuts do not.

4.39 carat Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring

Radiant Cut Diamonds

The radiant cut diamond was first manufactured in 1977 by Henry Grossbard who wanted to create a diamond shape that embraced the structured elegance of the emerald cut with the fiery sparkle of the round brilliant cut.

Radiant cuts are often rectangular or square in shape with cut corners. It is a popular option for those who love the shape of an emerald cut but desire the brilliance and sparkle associated with the round.

3 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Pave Basket Engagement Ring

Ratio Comparison: Cushion vs. Radiant

The Cushion Cut

The cushion cut's beauty lies in its various and beautiful cut styles. It comes in a pleasant array of ratios, ranging from a squarish silhouette that gives more of a vintage vibe to a more elongated appearance that flatters fingers that are shorter or bulkier. At Lauren B, we offer elongated or rectangular cushion cuts with ratios up to 1:1.4. 

However, when it comes to the average elongated cushion cut diamonds ratio is around 1:1.2 while the best ratio for a square cushion-cut is closer to 1:1.

The Radiant Cut

When it comes to the radiant cut, there are numerous options including a square radiant cut and an elongated radiant cut. We at Lauren B offer a square radiant cut with a ratio of 1:1 or a little above that is ideal as a center gemstone. However, when it comes to an elongated radiant cut, you can always opt for a 1:1.3 to 1:1.4 ratio that will look perfectly fine as your ring.

Cushion vs. Radiant Cut Comparison

Cushion cuts have rounded edges and are usually more square than elongated. Radiant cuts have cut corners and are typically more rectangular in shape. While square radiants do exist, they are far less popular than their elongated counterparts.

When it comes to faceting, both cuts are very similar. However, cushions only have 58 facets where radiants have 70. However, both are brilliant cuts with similar faceting patterns that are meant to maximize sparkle.

Quality Comparison: Cushion vs. Radiant

A brilliant cushion cut with a GIA color grade of I or J would look more like a diamond with a G or H color grade. In other words, cushion cuts hide color fairly well so you are able to sacrifice slightly when it comes to color if necessary. Cushion cuts are also great at hiding inclusions so we can confidently recommend going low as an eye-clean SI2.

Radiant cuts are great at hiding color and inclusions so we can confidently recommend a color graded as low as J and an eye-clean SI2 for clarity. Both cuts can have a minimum color grade of J and clarity of (eye-clean) SI2.

Cushion vs. Radiant: Which are You Choosing?

If you love the a soft, romantic silhouette, a cushion cut will always be a timeless option. If you are looking for something more modern and striking, then a radiant cut is perfect for you.

Regardless of which shape you choose, Cushion vs. Radiant or something else, Lauren B has an extensive inventory of loose diamonds. Our skilled design consultants can help you custom make the engagement ring of your dreams withing your budget. Schedule an appointment today or browse our Instagram and Pinterest for inspo to figure you figure out what you want!