Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Guide
In the sparkling world of diamonds, there are a myriad of different shapes to choose from, one of these is the very popular classic cushion cut diamond. However, did you know that the cushion cut can also be cut in several different ways, including the elongated cushion cut diamond?
We’ve put together this guide to elongated cushion cut diamonds, answering everything you’ve ever wanted to know about them.
What is an elongated cushion cut diamond?
An elongated cushion cut diamond is shaped how it sounds, as an elongated cushion cut diamond. A cushion cut diamond is a pillow-shape-like cut that is thought of as a hybrid between a Round and Princess (square) cut. The elongated cushion cut diamond is a cushion-cut that has been cut with a length-to-width ratio that is greater than the traditional cut. The elongated cushion cut has an elegant appearance thanks to its slender shape. Due to the longer shape, there are more variations available between elongated cushion cut diamonds. Some can be cut very tall and slender, while others might be only a little longer than the typical cushion cut diamond, this difference is called the ratio.
What is the ratio for elongated cushion-cut?
While there is no standardized measurement defining an elongated cushion cut, the general consensus is that a cushion with a length-to-width ratio of 1:1.15 or greater is elongated. Like regular cushion cuts, elongated cushion cut diamonds are typically brilliant cuts meaning they give off a lot of sparkle, perfect for that twinkling look in an engagement ring.
It is very important to note that, unlike princess cuts which need to be as close to perfectly square as possible, there is no right or wrong ratio when it comes to cushion cuts. How square or rectangular you choose is a matter of choice, style, and personal taste. A typical cushion cut has a 1:1 ratio, so technically as soon as your ratio is more than 1:1 then it changes from a cushion cut to an elongated cushion cut diamond.
Oval Vs Elongated Cushion Cut
When comparing oval cut diamonds with elongated cushion cut diamonds for an engagement ring, the main factor to consider is your personal choice. Due to their extended shapes, both oval cuts and elongated cushion cuts have the benefit of appearing bigger when compared to other cuts even if they have the same carat weight. Additionally, their elongated shapes give an illusion of longer, more slender fingers and are very flattering for the wearer.
If you’re choosing between an oval cut and an elongated cushion cut and like both shapes, then perhaps price might be a factor. Rounder diamond cuts like the oval cut can be more expensive due to the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting and polishing, so the cost of each carat retained is higher. This might be worth considering if you are trying to get the most carat weight for your money.
Elongated Cushion Cut Vs Cushion Cut
The elongated cushion cut diamond can often appear larger than its traditional counterpart, the cushion cut, thanks to its rectangular shape. Similar to choosing between elongated cushion cut and oval cuts, choosing your diamond cut is a personal and special choice that you should take your time over. You can talk to our diamond experts here at Brilliance who will be happy to help guide you to make the right decision for you.
Popular Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Rings
Are elongated cushions more expensive?
An elongated cushion-cut diamond is not typically more expensive than its classic square cushion-cut diamond counterpart, assuming factors such as cut grade, color, clarity, and certifying lab are the same. When compared to a round shape, cushion-cut diamonds (including elongated cushion-cut diamonds) can be up to 25% less expensive because less diamond is lost in the shaping of a rough stone to a square shape than a round shape.
Are elongated cushions rare and hard to find?
Elongated cushion-cut diamonds are sometimes harder to find as they are not cut as often as square cushion cuts. It depends on how long you want the rectangle shape to be, the higher the ratio, the rarer the diamond. Elongated cushion-cut diamonds with a smaller ratio of say, 1:1.1 and below are quite common, and therefore not very rare, while rectangular diamonds with a ratio of 1:1.19 and above are definitely not as common and can be difficult to source.
