Guide to Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Regarding engagement rings, your diamond shape can tell a lot about your style and personality. The elongated cushion cut is one shape that's been gaining popularity for its unique blend of beauty and versatility. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this stunning diamond shape, from its defining characteristics to how to pick the perfect one for your ring. So now let's explore this beautiful elongated cushion cut engagement ring more.

What is an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?

The elongated cushion cut is a modern twist on the cushion cut diamond. While the traditional cushion cut is known for its soft, rounded square shape, the elongated version stretches the diamond into a rectangular form. This gives it a more beautiful look while retaining the shape of the original cushion cut diamond.

The elongated cushion cut features rounded corners and larger facets, which help it catch and reflect light beautifully. It's a shape that combines the best of both worlds. The first one is the beauty of the cushion, and the second one is the modern lines of an elongated shape.

Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring?

Elegant & Unique Shape

One of the biggest reasons people choose the elongated cushion cut diamond is its unique shape. It's not as common as round or princess cut diamonds, which means your ring will stand out. The elongated shape also has a sophisticated, elegant look that works well with various settings and styles.

Appears Larger Than Square Cushion Cuts

Because of its elongated shape, this diamond looks larger than a square cushion cut of the same carat weight. The stretched-out design creates the illusion of a bigger diamond, making it a great choice if you want maximum impact without breaking the bank.

Exceptional Brilliance & Fire

The larger facets of the elongated cushion cut allow it to sparkle brilliantly. It's known for its ability to reflect light in a way that creates both brilliance, white light, and fire, colored light. This makes it a beautiful choice for an engagement ring.

Versatile & Timeless Appeal

Whether you prefer a solitaire setting or something more intricate, like a vintage-inspired or modern-inspired design, the elongated cushion cut works well with almost any style. Its appeal ensures that your ring will never go out of fashion.

How to Choose the Best Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?

Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio

The length-to-width ratio expresses the relationship between the rectangle's length and width. It's calculated by dividing the diamond's length by its width. For example, if a diamond is 6mm long and 4mm wide, its length-to-width ratio is 6/4 = 1.5:1. This means the diamond is 1.5 times longer than it is wide.

Now, let's talk about how this applies to elongated cushion cuts. Unlike perfectly square cushion cuts (which have a 1:1 ratio), elongated cushions have a ratio greater than 1:1. This gives them their distinctive rectangular shape. For most people, a ratio between 1.35 and 1.50 is ideal. A ratio closer to 1.35 will give you a slightly more square shape, while a closer to 1.50 will look more rectangular.

Cut Quality Matters

The cut of a diamond affects how well it reflects light. Look for a diamond with a good or excellent cut grade for an elongated cushion cut. This ensures the diamond will sparkle beautifully and make the most of its unique shape. We always suggest choosing a diamond with a cut quality that falls in the Good or Excellent category.

Clarity & Color Consideration

When it comes to clarity, aim for eye clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions to the naked eye. Elongated cushion cuts hide color well, so you can often go with a slightly lower color grade, like G or H color grade, but not lower than that.

Best Ring Settings for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

Solitaire Setting

A solitaire setting is a classic choice that lets the elongated cushion cut diamond take center stage. The simplicity of this setting highlights the diamond's unique shape and sparkle.

Halo Setting

If you want to add sparkle or make your ring even more beautiful, a halo setting is a great option. A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, making it appear even larger and more radiant.

Three Stone Setting

The three stone setting is symbolic, representing your relationship's past, present, and future. This setting is meaningful and stunning, with an elongated cushion cut diamond in the center and two smaller stones on either side.

Vintage Inspired Settings

Consider a vintage-inspired setting for a touch of old-world charm inspired by the old times. Intricate details like edges, filigree, or engraved bands complement the elongated cushion cut beautifully.

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Other Popular Diamond Shapes

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Oval Cut:

• Shape: Both are elongated, but the oval has a consistently rounded shape, while the elongated cushion has softer, slightly squared corners. Think of the difference between a racetrack (oval) and a rounded rectangle (elongated cushion).

• Brilliance & Fire: Both offer excellent brilliance and fire. Ovals can sometimes display a "bow-tie" effect (a dark area in the center), which isn't usually present in elongated cushions.

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Radiant Cut:

• Shape: Both are rectangular with cut corners, but the radiant has more facets and a different pattern.

• Brilliance & Fire: Radiants are known for their intense brilliance and sparkle, often described as "crushed ice." Elongated cushions offer a softer, more subtle sparkle with good fire.

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Emerald Cut:

• Shape: Emerald cuts are rectangular with step cuts, creating a "hall-of-mirrors" effect. Elongated cushions have a brilliant cut, focusing on sparkle.

• Brilliance & Fire: Emerald cuts emphasize clarity and transparency, showcasing the diamond's inner beauty. Elongated cushions prioritize brilliance and fire.

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Princess Cut:

• Shape: Princess cuts are square with sharp corners. Elongated cushions have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

• Brilliance & Fire: Both offer excellent brilliance and fire. Princess cuts are known for their intense sparkle, while elongated cushions have a softer, more romantic glow.

Elongated Cushion Cut Vs. Pear Cut:

• Shape: Pear cuts are teardrop shaped, with one rounded and one pointed end. Elongated cushions are rectangular with rounded corners.

• Brilliance & Fire: Pear cuts can have good brilliance and fire, but it depends on the cut. Elongated cushions are known for their brilliance and fire.

Conclusion

An elongated cushion cut engagement ring is a wonderful choice for someone who wants a beautiful and unique diamond. With its soft, romantic shape, exceptional sparkle, and versatile appeal, it's a shape that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Considering the factors we've discussed, you can find the perfect elongated cushion cut diamond and create an engagement ring as special and unique as your love story. Remember to work with a reputable jeweler like us who can guide you through the process and help you choose a diamond you'll adore.