When shopping for a cushion-cut diamond, you will discover two primary styles: "cushion brilliant" and "cushion modified brilliant." While similar in shape, these two cuts differ significantly in how their facets are arranged, affecting their sparkle, style, and price.
Suppose you are considering a cushion-cut engagement ring or simply want to understand what makes these diamonds tick. In that case, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about brilliant versus modified brilliant cushions, especially when shopping for lab-grown diamonds.
What Is a Cushion-Cut Diamond?
The cushion cut has been around for nearly 200 years, making it one of the oldest diamond cuts still popular today. Picture a square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners and larger facets that create a pillow-like appearance, that's where the "cushion" name comes from.
What makes cushion cuts special is their romantic, vintage appeal combined with exceptional brilliance. They're softer than emerald cuts, more distinctive than rounds, and offer something truly timeless. Whether you're drawn to vintage-inspired engagement rings or contemporary settings, cushions adapt beautifully.
Why Cushion Cuts Are Popular?
Cushion cuts have experienced a massive resurgence in recent years, and it's easy to see why. They offer excellent light performance while maintaining a distinctive, non-traditional look. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara, and Chrissy Teigen have all sported cushion-cut engagement rings, bringing them firmly into the spotlight.
Beyond celebrity influence, cushion cuts are beloved for their versatility. They work beautifully in halo settings, solitaires, three-stone designs, and vintage-style mountings. Their larger facets also mean they are more forgiving with clarity. Small inclusions tend to be less visible than in step cuts.
Defining the Two Cushion Styles
Understanding the two cushion styles is the first step to knowing which one matches your preferences.
Cushion Brilliant Cut
The cushion brilliant cut is the traditional style with larger, chunkier facets arranged in a pattern similar to a round brilliant diamond, typically having around 57 facets. Its pavilion facets create a clear star-like pattern that reaches the girdle. This cut produces bigger, bold flashes of light, often described as a "chunky" sparkle, giving the diamond a vintage, defined look. Cushion brilliant diamonds are rarer and often command higher prices. The classic facet pattern makes inclusions and color slightly more visible compared to modified cuts.
Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut
The cushion modified brilliant is a more contemporary variation that includes an extra row of facets below the girdle, which alters the pavilion facet arrangement. This results in a greater total facet count, usually between 64 and 70 facets, and creates a sparkling appearance often called "crushed ice" with many smaller, lively sparkles that resemble glistening water.
This style tends to hide color and inclusions better due to its scintillating, diffused light pattern. Cushion modified brilliants are more common, typically less expensive, and favored by cutters because they retain more rough diamond weight.
With the basics covered, here’s how the Cushion Brilliant and Cushion Modified Brilliant compare.
Cushion Brilliant vs Cushion Modified Brilliant
This quick guide outlines how Cushion Brilliant and Cushion Modified Brilliant differ, making it easier to decide which one fits your style.
|
Category |
Cushion Brilliant |
Cushion Modified Brilliant |
|
Sparkle Style |
Chunky, bold flashes (classic brilliance) |
Many tiny sparkles (“crushed-ice” look) |
|
Facet Structure |
Larger, fewer facets with a clear star pattern |
More facets with an extra row below the girdle |
|
Overall Look |
Vintage, structured, defined |
Modern, glittery, fluid |
|
Face-Up Appearance |
May look slightly smaller for the same carat |
It can look slightly larger due to facet distribution |
|
Color Visibility |
Color shows a bit more due to open facets |
Hides color better through scattered reflections |
|
Clarity Impact |
Inclusions may be easier to see |
Inclusions are better hidden |
|
Availability |
Less common |
More common |
|
Price Range |
Generally higher |
Typically more budget-friendly |
|
Best For |
Buyers wanting a classic cushion with bold brilliance |
Buyers wanting maximum sparkle and a modern look |
Now that you know how both cuts differ, the next step is figuring out which one suits you best.
How to Choose the Right Cushion Cut?
Here’s how to choose the right cushion cut:
Sparkle Look
Cushion brilliant delivers broad, defined flashes that feel more structured. Cushion modified brilliant creates a lively crushed-ice effect with many small points of light. Buyers who want higher visual activity often prefer the modified style.
Style Preference
Cushion brilliant carries a classic, heritage look with a visible facet pattern. Cushion modified brilliant offers a smoother, contemporary sparkle. Retailers often select the style based on the aesthetic their customers lean toward.
Face-Up Size
Some cushion modified brilliants appear slightly larger at the same carat weight because of their cut proportions. Actual face-up spread still varies by stone, so reviewing measurements is essential for inventory selection.
Color and Clarity
The complex faceting of cushion modified brilliants can soften the appearance of color and help hide small inclusions. Cushion brilliants are more open, so color and clarity are easier to evaluate, but also more noticeable to the naked eye.
Budget
Cushion brilliant cuts usually command a higher price since they require more rough diamond loss. Cushion modified brilliants tend to be more cost-efficient and offer strong value for buyers, managing margin and assortment.
Setting Match
Cushion brilliant works well in classic solitaires or designs that highlight facet structure. Cushion modified brilliant pairs easily with halos, pavé, and modern high-sparkle settings that benefit from its brighter, busier look.
After understanding both cushion styles in depth, it's time to make your final choice.
Making Your Final Choice
Choosing between a cushion brilliant and a cushion modified brilliant isn’t about which is better. It’s about which style feels right to you. The cushion brilliant offers bold, defined flashes, while the modified brilliant delivers a soft, continuous “crushed-ice” sparkle. With lab-grown diamonds, you have the flexibility to focus on the look you love without the budget pressure of mined stones.
Solitaire Lab Diamond offers both styles in a carefully curated collection of certified lab-grown diamonds. Our team can walk you through the differences with real-light videos and expert guidance so you can choose with confidence. Whether you’re drawn to structured brilliance or shimmering sparkle, we’ll help you find a diamond that fits your vision, quality preferences, and budget.
Explore both styles, trust what catches your eye, and choose the cushion cut that makes you excited every time you see it.