An Overview of Each Shape
A round cut engagement ring introduces a timeless touch to any engagement, maintaining its charm through the ages. Known for their simplicity and elegance, round cut diamonds shine the brightest due to their light-reflecting properties. This versatile cut fits seamlessly into any setting, making it a suitable choice for brides of all hand types, unlike other cuts which may flatter specific finger shapes more.
Contrastingly, a cushion cut diamond has a square shape with curvy, rounded corners, reminiscent of a pillow — hence the name. With a history of over 200 years, the cushion cut remains a favorite. It particularly excels in halo settings, a detail that’s increasingly popular.
Despite both round and cushion cuts enjoying widespread popularity, the cushion cut currently leads in popularity. Interestingly, it wasn’t always this way; the cushion cut lost some of its favor in previous years but has seen a resurgence in the last decade. On the other hand, round cuts persist in their appeal thanks to their excellent ability to hide imperfections and their unmatched brilliance.
Round vs Cushion: Shape Comparison
The round cut is the go-to shape for engagement rings, maximizing light reflection, brilliance, and brightness. Comprising 58 facets split between the crown (top), girdle (widest part), and pavilion (base), the round brilliant cut is engineered for optimal sparkle.
Cushion cuts combine the dynamism of a round brilliant with the symmetry of a radiant cut. With larger facets, they offer less sparkle than round cuts but can show clarity inclusions more easily. It’s essential to check the diamond plot in the certificate to evaluate inclusion locations. Opting for a crushed ice cushion cut may help conceal these imperfections.
Round vs Cushion: Considerations for Choosing
When selecting a diamond shape, your bride-to-be’s preferences should be paramount. However, if both shapes are equally appealing, it’s worthwhile to compare their strengths based on her priorities, such as clarity, brilliance, and color. Here are some tips to guide your decision-making between round and cushion cuts:
- Factor in the setting style (solitaire, tri-stone, side stone, halo, etc.)
- Due to their numerous facets, round cut diamonds mask inclusions better than cushion cuts.
- A straightforward choice for round cut diamonds is an excellent cut, but cushion cuts offer more variety, necessitating decisions between different types (brilliant, modified brilliant, hybrid) and considering crushed ice options.
- Round cut diamonds do a slightly better job of concealing color compared to cushion cuts, especially over crushed ice cushions.
Round vs Cushion: Price Differences
Typically, cushion cut diamonds are about 25% cheaper than round cut diamonds. The reason lies in the cutting process: shaping a round diamond results in more rough stone loss, increasing the cost per carat retained.
Below are some of our top round and cushion cut engagement ring styles, showcasing their versatility, which accommodates both minimalist and artisanal designs. Remember, when choosing a ring, personal taste is what matters most, ensuring there’s no wrong choice.
Tapered Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
This trendy petite halo setting features 1/6 Cts of accent diamonds that twist around the center stone.
Split Shank Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring
The split shank diamond band offers extra sparkle and connects with a trellis design.
Twisting Solitaire Diamond Ring
This modern twist on a classic solitaire ascends to the center stone in a crisscrossing pattern.
French Cut Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
This ring showcases petite French set pave diamonds that highlight the center stone with 1/5 cts.
Rising Accents Diamond Engagement Ring
Featuring 1/5 cts of accent diamonds, elevated rows ascend towards the center stone.
Average Prices for Round and Cushion Natural Diamonds
G color, VS2 clarity, excellent cut.
| 0.5 Carat | 1.0 Carat | 1.5 Carat | 2.0 Carat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Round Diamonds | $1,300 | $6,400 | $13,900 | $22,800 |
| Natural Cushion Diamonds | $850 | $3,600 | $10,500 | $12,300 |
Average Prices for Round and Cushion Lab Diamonds
G color, VS2 clarity, excellent cut.
| 0.5 Carat | 1.0 Carat | 1.5 Carat | 2.0 Carat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Round Diamonds | $630 | $2,300 | $3,800 | $6,300 |
| Lab Cushion Diamonds | $490 | $1,800 | $3,100 | $5,200 |
