A Complete Guide to Cushion Cut Diamond Rings
The cushion cut, one of the oldest diamond cuts, is having a resurgence, with Zendaya leading the charge.
Zendaya and Tom Holland are officially engaged with a stunning cushion cut natural diamond ring. The actress stepped onto the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet decked out in Bulgari jewels, but dedicated fans on the internet spotted what appeared to be an engagement ring on her left ring finger that was not Bulgari. Sources confirmed that Holland proposed with a 4-carat elongated cushion cut diamond engagement ring, set east-west in a Georgian-style button-back setting. The ring is almost certainly a Jessica McCormack design, estimated to cost between $100K and $150K.
The Origin of the Cushion Cut
The cushion cut is one of the oldest diamond cuts, known for its rounded corners and curved sides. Reminiscent of the old mine cut, it dates back to the 1700s. The cushion cut features a square or rectangular shape, often called an elongated cushion cut. At the time, cutting and polishing technology was less advanced than today, so diamond cutters focused on preserving as much carat weight from the rough as possible to save time and money.
Cushion cut diamonds come in three main styles: brilliant, crushed ice, and antique (old mine). Brilliant cuts resemble the traditional round brilliant diamond, while crushed ice diamonds feature numerous small facets that create a shimmering effect, similar to a layer of crushed ice. Antique cuts, on the other hand, have larger facets that produce broader flashes of light, appealing to those who prefer a vintage-inspired stone.
The Cushion Cut’s Rise to Fame
The cushion cut has gained popularity over the years, particularly in 2013 following Kim Kardashian’s engagement to Kanye West. West proposed to Kardashian with a 15-carat D-color, internally flawless cushion cut diamond from Lorraine Schwartz. In 2016, thieves broke into Kardashian’s Paris hotel room and stole the engagement ring. The diamond still remains unrecovered.
Prince Harry also proposed to Meghan Markle with a special cushion-cut diamond in 2017. Her three-stone engagement ring features a 3-carat center stone sourced from Botswana flanked by two round diamonds passed down from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Only Natural Diamond’s cover star, Gabrielle Union, received an 8.5-carat natural diamond cushion cut ring from her husband Dwyane Wade.
Union told Only Natural Diamonds that she was nervous about wearing her ring, saying, “They started writing little op-eds about it and estimating what the cost might be, and I became terrified to wear it in public without a full armed security detail.”
Ready to find the perfect cushion cut diamond? Use this guide to discover the most unique and stunning options available.
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AARYAH
The latest iteration of AARYAH’s iconic “Sofie” ring features a 5.20-carat elongated light brown cushion cut diamond. The stone is perfect for the bride-to-be who is looking for something modern and classic yet has a vintage and warm feel from the cut and color of the diamond. The sleek and simple setting showcases the sparkle and ties in the unique warmth of the brown diamond.
Ashley Zhang
Similar to Zendaya’s ring, Ashley Zhang’s Collet Cushion Cut Ring is a 3.10-carat diamond on a Georgian-style button-back set in platinum on a 14K thin gold band. “This style of setting is called a collet setting, which is almost a mix between a bezel and prong setting,” Zhang tells OND. “It was very popular during the Georgian era circa 1814-1837.” She continues, “The settings were made from thin sheets of metal that were burnished around stones and were often made of silver-topped yellow gold.” Zhang explains for antique jewelry lovers and collectors, this style has been a long-time favorite. She adds, “This style has become popular with many designers who also specialize in antique diamonds as a nod to the past, with many adding their own version of the design.”
Brent Neale
The Brent Neale Pillow Ring features a 2.2-carat bezel, east-west set cushion cut diamond. This sleek and modern one-of-a-kind cushion cut diamond ring can also be fully customized with unique and personal touches.
Darius Jewels
This extraordinary brown, cushion cut diamond from Darius Jewels is set in a thick, gypsy set 18K fairmined gold band. The rich warmth of the gold with the brown natural diamond complements each other beautifully, creating a perfect ring for the coolest, trendsetting bride-to-be.
Ellis Mhairi Cameron
This extra special ring from Ellis Mhairi Cameron, the Lemon Cushion Ring features a yellow natural diamond set in a 14K textured gold band that brings character and uniqueness to an engagement ring. Cameron finds the softness of the yellow color to be most intriguing, “It’s a quiet kind of luxury,” she tells Only Natural Diamonds. She adds, “The balance between the geometric shape of the diamond and the molten setting is also an interesting contrast for me.”
HOWL
Maximalists, this one is for you! The HOWL (Handle Only With Love) Jove Ring features a 3.02-carat cushion cut diamond at the center, flanked by half-moon diamonds on all sides, weighing an extra 1.25 carats. The natural diamonds are set in 18K chunky gold, making this the perfect standout ring.
Jewels by Grace
If you are searching for an engagement ring with a timeless, classic feel, yet love a unique and distinctive stone, then this elongated cushion cut diamond from Jewels by Grace is the one for you. The stone is set in an east-west setting in a thin 18K yellow gold bezel setting, highlighting the stone’s elegant shape.
Jessica McCormack
This incredible east-west cushion-cut diamond ring from Jessica McCormack closely resembles Zendaya’s engagement ring. Set in a platinum Georgian-style button-back setting, the special stone embraces the iconic diamond cut’s history with a vintage feel.
Lauren Addison
This 8-carat antique-style cushion brilliant diamond from Lauren Addison is a true statement piece. Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, “We chose a bold yellow gold setting,” says designer Lauren Addison. “The bold choice gives the ring a modern, casual elegance while maintaining a timeless, effortlessly cool charm.”
Lizzie Mandler
This stunning cushion-cut diamond ring from Lizzie Mandler features a 3-carat natural diamond, set in the brand’s signature knife-edge band. The ring is complete with two-tone prongs that not only securely hold the diamond in place but also add a modern, sleek design.
Marrow Fine Jewelry
This Marrow Fine ring features a 1.20-carat cushion cut diamond in a bezel setting. This timeless yet modern design highlights the diamond and looks great in a stack, might we suggest a natural diamond eternity band?
Prounis
The Prounis Caspa Ring features a cushion cut diamond set east-west in an oval-shaped gypsy setting. On the sides, a raised gold ring around the band symbolizes a subtle balance of scales.
Rahaminov
If you are looking for a substantial cushion cut diamond, look no further than Rahaminov. This natural diamond speaks for itself, set on a thin yellow gold band to maximize the sparkle.
Retrouvai
Retrouvai’s unique bezel set cushion cut ring features a 5.03-carat natural diamond. This ring features an intricate design in the 18K gold setting and band. Retrouvai handcrafts each piece in Los Angeles, creating heirloom-quality jewelry. This ring through its distinct design, is created to be passed down through generations.
White Space
This beauty is White Space’s Bubble Solitaire Cushion Bezel Ring and it features a natural brown diamond set on a sleek gold band. The unique bezel setting and minimalist design let the diamond’s natural beauty shine.
