Guide to Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Call it vintage elegance or romantic allure, the elongated cushion cut diamond has been a top choice among those seeking an engagement ring that’s not only timeless but unique. The elongated cushion cut has all the reasons to steal your heart - it blends the brilliance of a classic diamond while offering a soft, romantic appeal with just the right amount of sparkle you’ve been looking for.

We understand that finding the perfect engagement ring is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks in your life, but with an elongated cushion cut engagement ring, your search might come to an end - it’s a captivating option that combines the old-fashioned grace with a modern silhouette. This type of engagement ring certainly stands out against the most common diamond shapes, and they’re well-known for certain attributes.

Eager to know what those are? Discover everything you need to know, from what makes elongated cushion cuts so unique to why they’ve become a favorite for brides looking for timeless beauty with a twist, all in this blog!

What is an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds?

Cushion cut diamonds are characterized by a square shape and rounded corners; they’re basically brilliant-cut diamonds with a touch of modern appeal. To be more precise, cushion cut diamonds or old mine cut diamonds are known for their exclusive faceting, the main reason behind their softer sparkle. Besides, there are modified cushion cut diamonds that come with extra facets, enhancing their brilliance.

Elongated cushion cut diamonds are so called because of their primary square shape. This type of diamond comes with a width ratio of 1.10 or more. Characterized by their elongated, squarish, triangular, or kite-like shape, these diamonds offer exceptional brilliance.

This distinctive cut flatters the finger and creates a noticeably larger look in an engagement ring. One thing to note is that the cushion diamond is more elongated if the length-to-width ratio is higher. Elongated cushion cut diamonds possess a length-to-width ratio between 1.10 and 1.60, resulting in an extended shape with consistent symmetry.

Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring?

Elongated cushion cut diamond started attracting attention since the 19th century, precisely in the Romantic and Victorian periods. During this time, diamond gradually turned out to be a preferred choice among those searching for standout engagement rings or jewelry pieces.

The popularity of the elongated cushion cut surged in the 1920s and 1930s, which was the Art Deco period. During a period that favored detailed craftsmanship and geometric aesthetics, the elongated cushion cut emerged as a leading preference for engagement rings. Centuries may have passed, but this type of diamond cut has continued to captivate people through its timeless appeal.

Here are some of the most important reasons that make elongated cushion cut diamond rings so popular.

1. Elegant & Unique Shape

Elongated cushion cuts strike the perfect balance between soft curves and a stretched silhouette, giving the ring a graceful and sophisticated look. They’re a beautiful twist on the classic cushion cut - ideal for someone who loves something slightly unexpected but still timeless.

2. Appears Larger Than Square Cushion Cuts

Thanks to their longer shape, elongated cushions naturally look bigger on the finger, even when the carat weight is the same. It gives you that wow-factor without having to size up. Who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle for the same value?

3. Exceptional Brilliance & Fire

With their rounded corners and brilliant-cut facets, elongated cushion cut diamonds know how to catch the light. They sparkle with a soft glow that’s romantic, radiant, and hard to miss, perfect for someone who wants elegance with a hint of drama.

4. Versatile & Timeless Appeal

Whether you love vintage-inspired settings or sleek, modern bands, this shape complements almost any style. It feels both fresh and classic, something you’ll fall in love with now and still adore decades down the line.

How to Choose the Best Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond

1. Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio

The length-to-width ratio plays a big role in how your elongated cushion cut looks on the finger. A ratio between 1.10 to 1.25 tends to strike that sweet spot - long enough to look elegant, but not so stretched that it loses its soft, cushiony charm. At the end of the day, though, go with what looks right to your eye - it’s your ring, after all.

2. Cut Quality Matters

Cut can make or break how a diamond sparkles. With elongated cushions, there’s no one-size-fits-all “ideal” cut, so it’s worth looking closely at how the diamond reflects light. Some have a crushed ice look, while others sparkle more like a brilliant cut. Try to view it in natural light, and trust your instincts - if it lights up when you look at it, that’s a great sign.

3. Clarity & Color Consideration

Because elongated cushion cuts have a big, open surface (called the “table”), inclusions and color can be more noticeable. You don’t need to chase the highest grades, but choosing something eye-clean and near colorless is usually a safe bet. Most importantly, make sure it looks stunning to you, not just on paper.

Best Ring Settings for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

The beauty of an elongated cushion cut diamond is showcased better through the right setting. Whether you love timeless elegance or have a soft spot for vintage flair, the setting can make all the difference, reflecting your style.
Below are the different types of settings:

Solitaire Setting

The solitaire setting is all about keeping things simple and classic. It puts your elongated cushion cut front and center, letting its shape and sparkle do all the talking. If you love a clean, timeless look with minimal distractions, this one’s a winner. It also pairs beautifully with almost any wedding band, making it super versatile.

Halo Setting

A halo setting surrounds your center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, which can make your cushion cut look even larger and more brilliant. It’s a great choice if you love extra sparkle and a touch of drama. The halo also helps enhance the stone’s shape, making the elongated proportions pop even more.

Three-Stone Setting

In a three-stone setting, your cushion cut is flanked by two smaller side stones, often round or pear-shaped. It adds a lovely sense of balance and symbolism (past, present, future, anyone?). This style is perfect if you want something meaningful and a little more elaborate without going over the top.

Vintage-Inspired Settings

If you love the charm of antique jewelry, vintage-inspired settings could be your style match. Think intricate details like milgrain edges, filigree designs, or engraved bands. These settings add a sense of romance and character to your elongated cushion cut and can make your ring feel like a family heirloom from the start.

Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Other Popular Diamond Shapes

The shape of the diamond is a crucial factor when selecting a diamond. Wondering what the different diamond shapes are other than elongated cushion cut? There’s round brilliant cut, princess cut, and more. Don’t stop reading because we’ll help you understand the difference among them all!

Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Oval Cut

While both elongated cushion and oval cuts offer a flattering, lengthened look on the finger, they differ quite a bit in personality. The elongated cushion cut has soft, rounded corners and a pillow feel that adds vintage romance. In contrast, the oval cut is sleek and more modern, with an even spread of brilliance.

Ovals tend to show slightly more finger coverage and sparkle more uniformly. But if you’re looking for engagement rings with a blend of softness and bold brilliance, the cushion cut might win your heart. It also tends to hide inclusions better due to its faceting style.

Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Radiant Cut

Both cuts share a similar contour, but their sparkle and vibe are quite distinct. The elongated cushion cut leans toward a softer, more romantic aesthetic, while radiant cuts deliver sharp brilliance and defined corners. Radiant cuts have a more geometric, angular look, making them great for someone who prefers a contemporary edge.

On the other hand, elongated cushions bring an old-world charm that feels classic yet unique. If you’re all about fiery sparkle and crisp lines, go radiant. But if warmth and softness are more your style, the cushion cut is a beautiful choice.

Elongated Cushion Cut vs. Emerald Cut

These two shapes couldn’t be more different when it comes to sparkle and style. The elongated cushion cut offers a brilliant, multi-faceted shimmer that catches light from every angle. Emerald cuts, however, have a step-cut design that gives off a hall-of-mirrors effect, more subtle and elegant, but less fiery.

Emerald cuts emphasize clarity and clean lines, making imperfections more noticeable. Meanwhile, cushion cuts are more forgiving and give off a dreamy, romantic vibe. If you’re drawn to timeless sophistication and understated glamor, emerald might be the one. But for a soft, radiant glow, the elongated cushion cut is hard to beat.

Conclusion

An elongated cushion cut engagement ring isn’t only a beautiful piece of jewelry; it’s a work of timeless elegance with a touch of modernity. Its soft edges and extended shape perfectly showcase a graceful charm, giving a vintage yet fresh look. Whether you’re attracted to its flattering appearance on your finger or its one-of-a-kind brilliance, this cut offers something special for every preference. There may be countless options out there, but focus on what truly reflects your style.

After all, the perfect engagement ring shouldn’t only sparkle but narrate your love story as uniquely as possible. At CaratBee, discover lab grown diamond engagement rings in a wide variety of cuts, from elongated cushion cut to round, princess, heart, and more. Looking for the perfect ring within your budget? CaratBee is the right place to look at. Visit today!