A woman wears a cushion cut diamond ring and a diamond band. Jewelers can determine what is the best size for a cushion cut diamond.
  |  

What Is the Best Size for a Cushion Cut Diamond?

The best size for a cushion cut diamond depends on your personal preferences, style, and how you intend to wear it. A cushion cut diamond between 1.00Ct to 2.00Cts is generally considered an ideal range, offering harmony between size, appearance, and cost.

Consult a master jeweler to find the right balance between cushion cut, diamond size, and individual taste. Whether you are looking for a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry, professional guidance will help you find the ideal match.

A woman wears a cushion cut diamond ring and a diamond band. Jewelers can determine what is the best size for a cushion cut diamond.

How Carat Weight Affects Cushion Cut Diamond Size

Carat weight is the unit of measurement used to describe the weight of a diamond or other gemstone. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, and each carat is further divided into 100 points, allowing for precise measurement.

Cushion cut diamonds have a unique charm, with their weight being beautifully distributed in their depth rather than their width. This gives them distinctive character, whereas the carat weight may not fully convey their size. It's important to appreciate that while carat weight influences the size of a cushion cut diamond, it doesn’t directly represent the diamond's full dimensions.

When choosing a carat weight for your cushion cut diamond, consider the following:

  • 1.00ct to 1.50ct: A cushion cut diamond in this range offers an appealing combination of size and affordability, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. A cushion cut diamond in this range offers a good balance between size and affordability, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
  • 1.50ct to 2.00ct: This size range is ideal if you appreciate a stone that stands out more, offering a distinct presence while making an elegant statement.  
  • 2.00ct  and above Larger cushion cut diamonds create a striking visual impression and are often selected for their bold presence in statement pieces or luxury engagement rings. 

Generally, as carat weight increases, diamond pricing rises exponentially, especially when crossing common carat thresholds like 1.00ct, 1.50ct, and 2.00ct. When choosing a cushion cut diamond, consider carat weight together with other quality factors such as cut, color, and clarity to ensure a well-proportioned stone.

A cushion cut diamond engagement ring is presented in a deep blue jewelry box.

 

Finding the Best Proportions for Your Cushion Cut Diamond

Cushion cut diamonds are a popular shape that features a square or rectangular outline with rounded corners. The length-to-width ratio of a cushion cut diamond can significantly impact its visual appeal.

The choice between a square or elongated cushion cut diamond is largely a matter of personal preference. Some individuals may prefer the more compact and square appearance, while others may be drawn to the elegant and elongated look of a rectangular cushion cut diamond.

Rectangular Cushion Cut Diamond

A cushion cut diamond with a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.10  typically has a more square shape. Diamonds within this ratio range often feature a slightly wider table and a more compact shape, which can create the illusion of a larger diameter, making the diamond appear bigger than its actual carat weight.

This square-like shape is popular among those seeking a symmetrical look, and such diamonds are often referred to as "square cushions."

Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond

A cushion cut diamond with a length-to-width ratio between 1.20  and 1.30  has a more rectangular appearance. Diamonds within this ratio range feature a more elongated shape, which can create a sophisticated look.

While the increased length-to-width ratio of rectangular cushions may make the diamond appear slightly smaller in diameter compared to a square cushion, it enhances the stone's elongated aesthetic. Diamonds with this ratio are often referred to as "rectangular cushions" or "elongated cushions."

 

A woman wears a cushion cut diamond ring on every finger.

Tailoring the Perfect Cushion Cut Diamond Size to Your Finger

The way a cushion cut diamond looks can be influenced by how it sits on your finger. Achieving the right balance ensures that the diamond enhances the hand's beauty without appearing either too modest or too overwhelming.

When selecting a cushion cut diamond, it's helpful to consider how the diamond's size complements the finger it will be worn on. For a larger hand, a bigger cushion cut diamond can enhance the overall look, creating a balanced and harmonious appearance.

Similarly, choosing a diamond that feels just right for a smaller finger can maintain an elegant and well-proportioned look. The goal is to find a diamond size that feels right and highlights the beauty of both the stone and the hand.

A woman wears a cushion cut yellow diamond engagement ring on top of her wedding ring.

 

Setting Impacts on the Ideal Size for a Cushion Cut Diamond

The setting plays a significant role in enhancing the cushion cut diamond's perceived size. For instance, a diamond in a delicate setting, such as a simple solitaire, can appear more prominent and showcase the stone's beauty.

Alternatively, a more ornate setting with additional metal and design elements can create a unique, intricate look. 

Conversely, a diamond in a more substantial setting, such as a high-profile head, can amplify the cushion cut diamond's perceived size, giving it an even more impressive appearance.

Your setting’s shape and profile can also beautifully complement the diamond, with elongated or rectangular settings highlighting diamonds with a higher length-to-width ratio, while square or circular settings may pair harmoniously with diamonds of a more balanced ratio. 

Mark Broumand Will Help You Find the Best Size for a Cushion Cut Diamond

At Mark Broumand, we understand that a cushion cut diamond's size is not solely about the carat weight but also the stone's visual impact.

We will work closely with you to assess factors such as the length-to-width ratio, the depth, and the face-up appearance of the cushion cut diamond.

By considering these characteristics, our team can recommend the ideal size that will balance the desired aesthetic appeal with the ring or jewelry piece.