Cushion Cut Diamond vs. Round

Here at Roman Malakov, our staff is committed to teaching you about the different aspects of jewelry buying and what factors you should consider as you explore your options. We aim to make the experience enjoyable and exciting, just as it should be!

As you look at different jewelry pieces, you’ll need to decide about the setting, metal, and gemstones. While the 4Cs of diamond quality are hugely important in ensuring you get the perfect natural diamond, one aspect that is often forgotten is the shape of the stone. The shape focuses on the stone’s overall outline and appearance, which can greatly impact the look of your jewelry. It’s different from cut, which is about the depth and facets on a stone. 

One of the most heavily debated topics regarding diamond shapes concerns cushion cut vs. round diamonds. These two shapes are by far the most popular options for diamonds, so they are often compared side by side. 

Let’s look at each stone shape on its own and then dive into their similarities and differences.

Round Diamonds 

Round diamonds have been the most popular stone shape for a very long time. About three-quarters of all diamonds are round in shape, and they work well in any and every piece of jewelry. Round diamonds are also flattering on everyone, particularly when they are set in rings. They tend to sparkle more than any other shape because of how they are cut, and they hide inclusions better than any other cut.

Round diamonds are incredibly classic and timeless, and they have an elegance about them that no other diamond shape can claim. Round diamond engagement rings, in particular, are one of the most purchased jewelry pieces. 

This 2.51 carat round diamond solitaire engagement ring is absolutely stunning, and its simplicity makes the round stone stand out even more as a measure of beauty and luxury. For a more embellished look, this 2.75 carat round diamond pave engagement ring has more sparkle on the band with that same iconic beauty only round diamonds can offer. For a non-traditional ring with round stones, be sure to ask about this round diamond halo cluster dome ring.

Cushion Cut Diamonds 

Cushion cut diamonds have a bit of a square shape with rounded corners. While this cut has recently grown in popularity, it has actually been around for longer than most other cuts of diamonds. There are a few variations of cushion cut diamonds, such as the cushion brilliant cut, the modern cushion cut, and the antique cushion cut (also known as the “miner cut” or “old mine cut”). Cushion cuts come in different shapes and sizes; some cushion cuts are more rectangular than square, and others have more rounded corners than others. 

The cushion cut diamond is a fun take on a more classic cut. It’s seen as a little more modern and playful, but it still brings a great deal of sophistication and style to any piece of jewelry. This cushion cut basket eternity wedding band is a great example of the stunning look these diamonds can create, particularly when it comes to cushion cut engagement rings. If you’re looking for a little more bling and sparkle from a cushion cut, consider this cushion cut double halo diamond engagement ring, which takes this style to a whole new level. 

Similarities of Round Cut vs. Cushion Cut Diamonds

If you’re caught in the debate of cushion cut diamond vs. round diamond, we are here to help. There are several similarities when looking at these two diamond cuts. Both typically have 58 facets. Both cuts are versatile and work well with halos and a variety of ring styles, such as solitaire, three-stone, or side-stone. Other pieces of jewelry besides rings can feature these gorgeous cuts, too, such as these cushion cut diamond halo drop earrings and these round diamond halo stud earrings. 

When looking at the popularity of cushion cut vs. round cut diamonds, round always wins. However, cushion cut diamonds are currently the third most popular, after round and princess cut diamonds. They continue to grow in popularity, particularly as younger people search for more unique jewelry options.

Differences Between Round and Cushion Cut Diamonds

The main difference when it comes to cushion cut vs. round cut diamonds is the overall style or look of the piece of jewelry. Round diamonds are classic and popular, whereas cushion cut diamonds have a more vintage look to them. Of course, if you want a modern ring with a cushion cut or a vintage ring with a round diamond, that’s absolutely doable.

When looking at the sparkle of a round vs. cushion cut diamond, round will win out a majority of the time, simply because the facets are smaller (which leads to more sparkle and shine). Since round is one of the oldest cuts, diamond experts have spent decades perfecting the best way to cut a diamond into a beautiful round shape that optimizes sparkle and minimizes visible inclusions. The larger facets on the cushion cut make it show inclusions a little more than round cut diamonds, but these diamonds are also less expensive than round diamonds due to availability and demand.

Shop Roman Malakov for Gorgeous Diamond Jewelry

Round and cushion cut engagement rings are some of the most popular. When deciding between the two, it’s really a matter of preference. 

Some individuals prefer the overall look of the round stone, while others enjoy a more unique cushion look. When deciding between round and cushion cut engagement rings, it’s important to learn about the diamonds’ differences and take into account how you feel about each diamond’s overall appearance, particularly when considering the piece of jewelry it will be set in.

Other pieces of jewelry with round or cushion cut stones are also extremely sought-after, so building a jewelry collection around these particular cuts is easy. 

If you’re struggling with selecting a cushion vs. round diamond in a piece of jewelry you want, trust Roman Malakov to help you make the best decision. We can create custom jewelry for you and yours, ensuring the highest quality materials and the finest craftsmanship in every piece. Our professional staff will help you compare the similarities and differences between cushion cut and round cut diamonds to bring you to the best decision for that perfect final design. 
To learn more about these stone shapes and others, visit Roman Malakov in NYC’s Diamond District. You can also book an appointment for an online or in-person consultation to explore our jewelry selection and ask questions.