Elongated Cushion Shape

Timeless with a Twist: The elongated cushion cut marries the vintage appeal of 1800s jewelry with a modern, fashion-forward edge. Its soft curves evoke romance, while the elongated silhouette feels undeniably current—ideal for buyers who want a diamond that’s classic but not cookie-cutter.

Flattering Illusion: The elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, making it a go-to for engagement rings. Unlike bulkier square cuts, the stretched design sits elegantly on the hand, offering a delicate yet impactful presence.

Brilliance with Character: Thanks to its hybrid faceting, this cut delivers a unique sparkle. Larger facets produce broad, radiant flashes (think "glow" over "glitter"), while rounded edges soften the overall look. It’s less about blinding brilliance and more about a warm, romantic shimmer.

Versatility in Design: Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, this shape works. Pair it with a plain band for understated elegance, surround it with a halo for vintage drama, or flank it with trapezoid side stones for a modern art-deco vibe. It’s a canvas for personalization.

Understated Rarity: While round diamonds dominate the market, elongated cushions offer exclusivity. They’re less common than ovals or radiants, making them a subtle flex for buyers who value individuality.

Durability Meets Comfort: The rounded corners are less prone to chipping compared to sharp-edged shapes (like princess or emerald cuts), making it a practical choice for everyday wear.

Elongated cushion diamonds stand out in a sea of traditional cuts, offering a balance of softness and sparkle that’s hard to match. Let’s break it down:

Vs. Round Brilliant: Round diamonds are the gold standard for sparkle, but they lack the elongated cushion’s vintage charm. While rounds prioritize symmetrical fire, elongated cushions offer a blend of brilliance and "crushed ice" scintillation, with a silhouette that feels more distinctive and handcrafted.

Vs. Oval Cut: Ovals share the elongated profile but lack the cushion’s rounded edges and chunkier facets. Ovals can show a "bowtie" effect (a dark area in the center), whereas elongated cushions distribute light more evenly, minimizing this issue. The cushion’s softer corners also feel more romantic compared to an oval’s pointed ends.

Vs. Emerald Cut: Emerald cuts prioritize clarity with their step-cut facets, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect. But they sacrifice the fiery sparkle that elongated cushions deliver. Cushions are better at hiding inclusions, too, making them a forgiving choice for buyers prioritizing brilliance over flawless transparency.

Vs. Princess Cut: Princess cuts are angular and modern, but their sharp corners are prone to chipping. Elongated cushions offer similar finger coverage with rounded edges that are both durable and cozy on the hand.

Vs. Radiant Cut: Radiants combine the cushion’s rounded corners with the brilliance of a round cut, but they lack the elongated cushion’s vintage appeal. Radiants also tend to appear smaller per carat compared to the stretched silhouette of an elongated cushion.

In short, if you want a diamond that’s equal parts nostalgic, versatile, and eye-catching—without sacrificing durability—the elongated cushion is in a league of its own.

Picking the perfect elongated cushion diamond is all about balancing artistry with practicality. Here’s how to nail it:

Certification First: Always start with a diamond graded by GIA or AGS. These labs assess critical factors like cut quality and symmetry, which are vital for maximizing the elongated cushion’s unique sparkle.

Focus on Cut Quality: Unlike rounds, elongated cushions don’t have a standardized "ideal" cut grade, so inspect the diamond’s faceting. Look for even light distribution—no dark patches or overly concentrated sparkle. A slight "bowtie" (a shadow across the center) is common in elongated shapes, but it shouldn’t dominate the stone.

Play with Ratios: The length-to-width ratio determines how stretched the diamond appears. A ratio of 1.25–1.35 is popular for a balanced look, but go higher (1.4+) for a more dramatic, runway-ready silhouette. View diamonds in person or via high-resolution videos to see how ratios affect proportions.

Prioritize Face-Up Beauty: Elongated cushions often hide color and inclusions better than other cuts. Opt for near-colorless grades (G-H) and VS1-VS2 clarity to save budget without compromising beauty.

Consider Setting Synergy: The right setting enhances the diamond’s shape. A bezel setting adds a modern edge and protects the edges, while a vintage-inspired filigree band complements its old-world charm. For maximum sparkle, pair with a halo or pavé accents.

Think Long-Term: Choose a setting that suits your lifestyle. Low-profile settings are great for active wearers, while cathedral settings add height for drama. At GLARINS, our experts help you match the diamond to a setting that feels uniquely "you."