Round Cut vs. Cushion Cut Diamond: Which Is Better?

TL;DR: Round vs Cushion Cut Diamond 

• Maximum sparkle and white light bounce make round diamonds the classic choice that pairs with everything.
• Softer, vintage-inspired appearance with more color play appeals to those seeking distinctive character.
• The same carat weight appears similarly sized to the eye. Cut quality matters more than shape for perceived size.
• Round diamonds run 25-50% more expensive for identical quality, giving the cushion better value per carat.
• Diamond hardness is identical; the cushion's rounded corners may feel slightly more comfortable for everyday wear.
• Neither is objectively better. Choose the round vs cushion cut diamond shape that makes you feel special when you look at it.

When it comes time to choose your engagement ring or a special diamond piece, the decision can feel overwhelming. Two shapes that often capture hearts are the round brilliant and the cushion cut. But which is truly better for you? The honest answer: it depends on what speaks to your personal style. 

Let's break down cushion cut vs round cut diamonds so you can make a choice that feels right.

Understanding the Differences Between Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds

Cushion versus round diamond choices come down to how these stones are cut and the way they reflect light. Both are brilliant cuts, meaning they're specifically designed to maximize sparkle, but they achieve this in different ways.

A round brilliant diamond features 58 facets arranged in a mathematically precise pattern. This shape has been perfected over decades and remains the most popular choice for engagement rings. It's timeless, symmetrical, and instantly recognizable.

Cushion-cut diamonds have a softer, more romantic appearance. They're square or rectangular with gently rounded corners, resembling a pillow (hence the name). These diamonds have been around for centuries, evolved from the Old Mine cut, but modern versions feature updated faceting for better light reflection.

Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds: Sparkle and Brilliance

The way light dances through your diamond matters more than you might think.

Round Diamonds 

Round diamonds are engineered for maximum sparkle. They deliver what jewelers call "brilliance"—that bright white light you see bouncing around the stone. This produces unmatched fire and scintillation from every angle.

Cushion Diamonds 

Cushion diamonds create a different kind of beauty. They show more fire (color play and rainbow flashes) alongside brilliance. Many showcase what's called the crushed ice effect, multiple smaller flashes of light rather than one big bright center. This creates a softer, more romantic glow. Some people find this more appealing; others prefer the traditional sparkle of a round.

Here's what matters: there's no wrong choice. Your preference for one over the other is simply that: your preference. Both are genuinely beautiful.

Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds: Style and Aesthetics

A round diamond is the little black dress of engagement rings. It pairs with everything and never goes out of style. A diamond cushion-cut engagement ring makes a bolder statement. It says you appreciate something with history and personality.

Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds: Size and Appearance

Here's a question we hear often: Does one look bigger than the other?

When comparing a cushion diamond and a round diamond of the same carat weight, they appear quite similar in size to the eye. Round diamonds maximize their perceived size due to their brilliant sparkle. Cushion cuts have a slightly larger surface area on top, but this is subtle.

If size and appearance matter to you, focus on cut quality first. A well-cut diamond, whether round or cushion, will look noticeably larger than a poorly cut one of the same weight. The way light bounces through affects how big it appears.

Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds: Durability and Everyday Wear

Both diamonds are equally hard. Diamond hardness is identical regardless of shape. However, there's a practical difference worth noting: cushion-cut diamonds have rounded corners, while rounds are perfectly circular. This means cushion cuts may feel slightly more comfortable for everyday wear, with less risk of snagging on fabric. The durability of your piece truly depends on the 14k gold setting and your care habits.

Cushion Cut vs Round Diamonds: Price and Value

Let's talk about something practical. Cushion-cut and round diamonds have a significant price difference.

Round brilliant diamonds typically cost 25-50% more than cushion cuts of the same quality and carat weight. 

This is because:

• Round diamonds require more rough diamond material to cut
• They're in higher demand, so pricing reflects that
• They're considered the standard premium option

If budget is a consideration, a cushion versus a round diamond choice might shift in the cushion's favor. You can get a genuinely stunning diamond with more carat weight in a cushion for the same price as a smaller round.

Which Diamond Shape Is Right for You?

Stop for a moment and ask yourself these questions:

• Do you prefer timeless classics or unique designs? Round = classic. Cushion = distinctive.
• What kind of sparkle appeals to you? Bright white brilliance = round. Soft, romantic glow with more color play = cushion.
• What's your budget? More flexibility with the cushion. Maximum sparkle matters more = round worth the investment.
• How do you envision wearing it? Solo solitaire? Round shines. In a halo or paired with other stones? The cushion looks stunning.

Here's our philosophy at Dana Rebecca Designs: your jewelry should make you feel as comfortable as your favorite t-shirt and as amazing as your little black dress. Whether that's achieved through a cushion cut or a round diamond is entirely up to you.

Both shapes offer something beautiful. Both can become cherished keepsakes. The better choice is the one that makes your heart happy when you look at it.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Diamond?

Whether you're drawn to the timeless brilliance of a round or the romantic charm of a cushion cut diamond, we're here to help you choose confidently.

Schedule a Consultation with our team to explore both shapes and find the one that feels right for your story.

Because the best diamond isn't the one everyone else has. It's the one that makes you feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which diamond shape looks larger? 

When comparing the same carat weight, they appear nearly identical in size. Round diamonds look slightly larger due to their brilliance, which our eyes perceive as size.

Q. Are cushion-cut diamonds less durable? 

No. Both diamonds are equally hard. Cushion's rounded corners might feel slightly more comfortable for everyday wear.

Q. Do I need to prioritize cut quality for cushion cuts? 

Yes, more than with rounds. Cushion diamonds have more variables (ratio, facet pattern), so choosing an excellent cut grade matters.

Q. Can I customize either shape? 

Absolutely. We offer customization on request for both round and cushion diamonds in 14k gold.

Q. Which shape is more trendy? 

Round remains the most popular choice globally. Cushion has gained popularity recently, but both are classic shapes that won't feel dated.

Q. What if I can't decide between the two? 

Many people find it helpful to view both in person. Come visit our Chicago showroom or schedule a virtual consultation. Seeing them side-by-side often makes the choice clear.