The cushion cut moissanite is the most romantic shape in the moissanite market — its soft, rounded corners and warm, glowing brilliance create a stone with a distinctly romantic, vintage-inspired quality that no other shape can replicate. This guide covers everything you need to know about cushion cut moissanite.
What Is a Cushion Cut?
The cushion cut is a square or rectangular stone with rounded corners — its name comes from its resemblance to a pillow or cushion. It is one of the oldest gemstone cuts, with roots in the 18th and 19th century "old mine cut" that was the dominant diamond cut before the development of modern cutting technology.
The cushion cut has been continuously refined over the centuries, and today's cushion cuts are available in a wide range of styles — from the "antique cushion" that closely resembles the original old mine cut, to the "modern cushion" with its more brilliant faceting pattern, to the "cushion brilliant" that combines the cushion's form with the round brilliant's faceting.
Why the Cushion Is the Most Romantic Shape
The soft corners: The cushion's rounded corners give it a soft, gentle quality that no other shape has. Unlike the sharp corners of a princess or emerald cut, the cushion's corners are rounded and approachable — a shape that feels warm and romantic rather than architectural or geometric.
The warm brilliance: The cushion's faceting pattern creates a different kind of brilliance from the round brilliant — a warmer, more diffuse light that some buyers describe as a "glow" rather than a "sparkle." This warm brilliance is particularly beautiful in yellow gold and rose gold settings, where the metal's warmth complements the stone's warm light.
The vintage quality: The cushion's roots in the 18th and 19th century old mine cut give it a distinctly vintage quality. A cushion moissanite ring has a romantic, historical character that resonates with buyers who appreciate the aesthetic of antique jewelry.
The versatility: The cushion is available in a wide range of proportions — from nearly square (1.0:1 length-to-width ratio) to moderately elongated (1.2:1) — and in a wide range of faceting styles. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of aesthetic preferences and ring styles.
Modern Cushion vs. Antique Cushion: The Key Difference
The most important distinction in cushion cut moissanite is between the modern cushion and the antique cushion:
Modern cushion (cushion brilliant): A cushion with a faceting pattern similar to the round brilliant — many small, precisely cut facets that maximize brilliance and fire. The modern cushion produces more brilliance than the antique cushion and has a more contemporary appearance. This is the most common type of cushion moissanite available today.
Antique cushion (old mine cut style): A cushion with a faceting pattern that closely resembles the original 18th and 19th century old mine cut — larger facets, a higher crown, a smaller table, and a more open culet. The antique cushion produces a different kind of brilliance — larger, more dramatic flashes of light rather than the continuous sparkle of the modern cushion. It has a distinctly vintage, romantic quality that the modern cushion cannot replicate.
For buyers who want maximum brilliance, the modern cushion is the right choice. For buyers who want a vintage-inspired aesthetic with a distinctive, romantic light performance, the antique cushion is the right choice.
The Best Length-to-Width Ratios for Cushion Moissanite
1.00:1 — The Square Cushion: A perfectly square cushion with equal length and width. The most classic cushion proportion — symmetrical, balanced, and clearly a cushion cut. Best for buyers who want a square stone with soft corners.
1.05:1–1.10:1 — The Slightly Elongated Cushion: A cushion that is slightly longer than it is wide — the most popular range for cushion moissanite. This proportion creates a cushion that is clearly square but with a slight elongation that adds visual interest. This is our recommended range for most buyers.
1.15:1–1.20:1 — The Elongated Cushion: A more elongated cushion that approaches a rectangular form. This proportion creates a cushion with a stronger finger-slimming effect and a more distinctive appearance.
The Best Settings for Cushion Moissanite
Vintage-inspired halo: A cushion moissanite in a vintage-inspired halo setting — with milgrain edges, filigree work, or other decorative elements — is the most romantic and most historically resonant combination. This is the quintessential cushion moissanite ring.
Simple solitaire: A cushion in a simple four-prong solitaire setting allows the stone's form and brilliance to be the focus of the ring. The most wearable and most versatile cushion setting.
Pavé halo: A cushion in a pavé halo setting creates a ring with extraordinary visual presence and warmth. The halo's additional stones amplify the cushion's warm brilliance.
Cushion Moissanite in Different Metals
The cushion's warm, romantic quality is particularly beautiful in yellow gold and rose gold — the warm metals complement the cushion's warm brilliance and create a ring with a distinctly romantic, vintage-inspired character. In white gold or platinum, the cushion creates a more contemporary, sophisticated ring that is equally beautiful but with a different aesthetic quality.
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Related guides:
The Oval Moissanite Deep Dive
The Pear Cut Moissanite Deep Dive
Moissanite Cut & Shape Guide
Moissanite in Yellow Gold
Moissanite in Rose Gold