What is an Elongated Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond?

Diamonds are forever, but let's be real—not all diamonds are created equal. If you're looking for an engagement ring that mixes sustainability with stunning beauty, check out the elongated cushion-cut lab-grown diamond. In this blog, we'll dive into what makes these gems unique and how they can bring your dream ring to life.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond

Cushion-cut diamonds, also known as "pillow cuts" or "candlelight cuts," have been charming jewelry fans for centuries. They offer a great mix of vintage charm and modern style. With their square or rectangular shape, rounded corners, and bigger facets, they give off a soft, romantic sparkle that's both captivating and subtle.

These cuts have a pretty interesting history, going back to the early 19th century when they evolved from the older "rose cut." They really took off in the Victorian era as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Today, cushion-cut diamonds are still a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry.

These cushion-cut diamonds have really become popular because they show off a diamond’s brilliance and fire so well. They usually have 58 facets, but with modern techniques, you can add even more for extra sparkle. It’s not as sharp as a princess cut or as round as a brilliant cut, making it a cool mix of both styles and giving it a unique look that really stands out.

What Makes a Cushion Cut ‘Elongated’?

An elongated cushion cut diamond mixes the classic cushion cut’s rounded corners with a more rectangular shape, giving it a unique blend of vintage charm and modern elegance. Here’s what makes a cushion cut ‘elongated’:

1. Length-to-Width Ratio: This style usually has a length-to-width ratio greater than 1:1.15, so it looks more rectangular than the traditional square cushion cut.
2. Faceting Pattern: The facets are arranged to bring out maximum brilliance and fire, with larger table and crown facets that really enhance the way light reflects and refracts.
3. Visual Impact: The elongated shape gives you more finger coverage, making the diamond look bigger and more noticeable.

When we say “elongated,” we mean stretched or extended in length. A cushion-cut diamond means it’s longer and more rectangular than the usual square shape. This cut is super popular for engagement rings because of its distinctive look and the way it creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers.

Unique Properties of Elongated Cushion Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds

Elongated cushion-cut lab-grown diamonds are taking the jewelry world by storm with their unique mix of vintage charm and modern elegance. This stunning cut, with its elongated shape and gently rounded corners, has so much going for it that it's no wonder it’s a top pick for those with an eye for style.

1. More Brilliance and Fire

With a faceting pattern designed to boost brilliance and fire, these diamonds shine. The larger facets and broader crown facets mean they catch the light beautifully and sparkle big time. Elongated shapes make a statement in any piece of jewelry.

2. More Visual Size

One of the cool things about elongated cushion cuts is they look more prominent on the finger than they are. Elongated shapes create the illusion of extra length, so the diamond appears more substantial and prominent. Great if you want to make a statement without breaking the bank.

3. Soft and Romantic

Soft rounded corners and a vintage-inspired faceting pattern make this cut classic and romantic. It’s reminiscent of old mine-cut diamonds and has a nostalgic and sophisticated feel. For anyone who loves classic beauty and timeless designs.

4. Versatility and Suitability

These diamonds are super versatile and can be worn in all types of jewelry. Whether in engagement rings, pendants, earrings, or other fine jewelry, they shine. And the elongated shape fits all finger shapes and hand sizes so it’s a flattering choice for many.

5. Ethical and Sustainable

Lab-grown diamonds are a win-win—they’re ethical and a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. They’re identical to mined diamonds in physical and optical properties but made in a lab, so they sidestep the environmental and social issues of mining.

What is the Length/ Width Ratio for an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond?

For an elongated cushion cut diamond, the sweet spot for the length-to-width ratio is usually between 1.33 and 1.50. This range gives you that perfect balance between an elongated look and the cushion cut's classic square shape. If you go outside this range, the diamond might end up looking too stretched or too boxy, which can take away from its beauty.

The length-to-width ratio is super important because it affects how the diamond looks and sparkles. When you get a diamond with a ratio in the ideal range, you're likely to see excellent symmetry and a captivating sparkle. But if the ratio is too extreme, the diamond could look less appealing and might not shine as brilliantly.

How to Choose an Elongated Cushion Cut Lab-Grown Diamond

When picking out an elongated cushion cut lab-grown diamond, there are a few things to think about to make sure you get a gorgeous and worthwhile stone that fits your style and budget. Here's what to keep in mind:

Cut Quality:

• Length-to-Width Ratio: The ideal ratio for an elongated cushion cut is between 1.15 and 1.40. This creates a noticeable elongation without appearing too narrow.
• Table Percentage: Aim for a table percentage around 65-68%. This ensures optimal brilliance and prevents the diamond from appearing too shallow or too deep.
• Depth Percentage: A depth percentage of around 62-65% is generally considered ideal for elongated cushion cuts.
• Symmetry and Polish: Look for a diamond with excellent symmetry and polish. These factors contribute to the diamond's overall brilliance and sparkle.

Color:

• Grade: Even though elongated cushion cuts can mask some color imperfections, it's best to go for a diamond with a color grade of H or better to get that perfect brilliance and clarity. 
• Eye Cleanliness: The critical thing is that the diamond looks eye-clean, so any color flaws aren't noticeable when you look at it.

Clarity:

• Grade: For elongated cushion cuts, it's generally a good idea to aim for VS2 or SI1 clarity. But if you're trying to save some money, you might consider SI2 or even I1 clarity, as long as the imperfections aren't too noticeable.
• Eye Cleanliness: Just like with color, the critical thing is that the diamond looks eye-clean to you.

Carat Weight:

• Desired Size: Think about what size you're aiming for and what fits your budget when picking the carat weight. Keep in mind that elongated cushion cuts can look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because of their shape.

Certificate: 

• Reputable Laboratory: Make sure your diamond has a certificate from a top-notch lab like GIA, IGI or, AGS. It gives you peace of mind about the diamond's quality and features.

Things to Think About:

• Setting: The setting can really change how a diamond looks. Think about the style and how it matches with the elongated cushion cut.
• Personal Preferences: At the end of the day, the best diamond is the one you love. Consider what fits your style and what you really like when deciding.

Ideal Settings for Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

Elongated cushion cut diamonds, with their unique blend of brilliance and vintage appeal, require settings that highlight their distinctive shape. Here are some popular options:

• Solitaire Setting: If you like simple and classic, a solitaire setting lets the elongated cushion cut shine all on its own, showing off its brilliance and uniqueness.
• Halo Setting: Want some extra sparkle? A halo of smaller diamonds around the elongated cushion cut makes it pop, making the diamond look bigger and brighter.
• Three-Stone Setting: Want some symmetry and classic? A three-stone setting with two smaller diamonds or gemstones on either side of the elongated cushion cut does just that, showing off the center stone beautifully.
• Vintage Settings: If you like timeless, vintage-inspired settings like filigree or milgrain can really bring out the classic-ness of the elongated cushion cut and add some intricate details and old-world magic to the design.

Pros and Cons of an Elongated Cushion Cut Lab-Grown Engagement Ring

Sure! Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of choosing an elongated cushion-cut lab-grown engagement ring:

Pros

1. Unique Appearance: The elongated cushion cut mixes the soft, rounded vibe of a cushion cut with a longer, more rectangular shape. It gives the diamond a standout, elegant look.
2. Enhanced Brilliance: With 58 to 64 facets, these diamonds shine bright with excellent fire and sparkle. Plus, the elongated shape can make it look bigger and even more dazzling.
3. Affordability: Lab-grown diamonds generally won't break the bank compared to natural ones. The elongated cushion cut can also be cheaper than round ones with the same carat weight.
4. Durability: Those rounded corners? They help prevent chipping, unlike cuts with sharp edges like the princess cut.
5. Flattering Shape: The elongated style can make your fingers look longer and more slender, adding to the ring's overall elegance.

Cons

1. Size Perception: Sometimes, elongated cushion cut diamonds can look smaller than other shapes of the same carat weight because their weight is in their depth.
2. Color and Clarity: With a bigger surface area, any inclusions or color tints can stand out more. You might need to go for higher clarity and color grades.
3. Rarity: These cuts are less common than the traditional cushion cuts, which might mean fewer options when you're shopping.
4. Setting Considerations: While the rounded edges add durability, the elongated shape might need specific settings to keep the diamond securely in place.

Conclusion

Elongated cushion-cut lab-grown diamonds are a great mix of elegance, sustainability, and versatility. Their unique shape and eco-friendly origins make them perfect for anyone looking for an engagement ring, especially if you're an eco-conscious shopper or a diamond enthusiast. By getting to know the unique features of this beautiful cut, you can make an intelligent choice and find the perfect ring to symbolize your love.