This section will welcome you to the world of diamond shapes, focusing on current trends. It will introduce the cushion cut's renewed popularity and explain the need for a comparison guide. You will understand why knowing the differences between shapes is helpful for your jewelry choice.
- Keywords: cushion cut comparison 2025, diamond shapes, popular diamond cuts, engagement ring trends.
- User Intent: Hook the reader, establish the article's purpose, and set expectations for learning about diamond shape comparisons.

What Makes the Cushion Cut Special?
This section will describe the cushion cut diamond, outlining its unique characteristics and why it is seeing a strong comeback in 2025. You will learn about its visual appeal and historical context.
Keywords: cushion cut features, diamond shape characteristics, vintage appeal, modern popularity.
User Intent: Understand the defining traits and current relevance of the cushion cut diamond.
Defining Characteristics
- This part will list the key physical attributes of a cushion cut diamond.
- It will help you recognize this shape.
- Rounded corners, like a pillow.
- Square or rectangular outline.
- Large facets for sparkle.
- Often described as having a "chunky" or "crushed ice" sparkle, depending on the facet pattern.
- Keywords: cushion cut shape, rounded edges, diamond facets.
Why It's Popular Again in 2025
- This section will explain the reasons behind the cushion cut's rise in popularity.
- You will understand its appeal to today's jewelry buyers.
- A blend of classic and modern styles.
- Soft brilliance and fire.
- Versatility in various ring settings.
- A comforting, romantic feel.
- Keywords: cushion cut trends 2025, diamond shape popularity.

Oval vs Cushion Cut Diamonds: A Close Look
This section will provide a direct comparison between oval and cushion cut diamonds. You will learn about their visual differences, sparkle, and how they appear on the hand.
- Keywords: oval vs cushion, cushion cut comparison 2025, diamond shape differences.
- User Intent: Distinguish clearly between oval and cushion cuts to help you decide which you prefer.
Shape and Appearance
- This part will describe how the two shapes look and how they might wear on your finger.
- Oval Cut:
- Elongated, symmetrical rounded shape.
- Can make your finger appear longer and more slender.
- Modern and sophisticated.
- Cushion Cut:
- Softer, pillow-like shape with rounded corners.
- Often appears fuller or wider than an oval of the same carat weight.
- Romantic and classic.
- Keywords: oval diamond shape, cushion diamond appearance, finger coverage.
Brilliance and Sparkle
- Here, you will learn about how light interacts with each diamond shape, creating different sparkle effects.
- Oval Cut:
- Bright, lively sparkle, similar to a round brilliant.
- Known for its "bow-tie" effect, a dark area across the center that varies in visibility.
- Cushion Cut:
- Fiery sparkle, often with larger flashes of light.
- Can have a "chunky" or "crushed ice" facet pattern, each with its own sparkle style.
- Keywords: oval sparkle, cushion brilliance, diamond fire.

Radiant vs Cushion Cut Diamonds: What's the Difference?
This section will compare radiant and cushion cut diamonds. You will discover their key distinctions, especially in their facet patterns and overall look. Both have rounded corners, but their sparkle is quite different.
- Keywords: radiant vs cushion, cushion cut comparison 2025, diamond cuts.
- User Intent: Understand the specific differences between radiant and cushion cuts.
Facet Pattern and Sparkle
- This part will explain how the unique facet arrangements of each shape affect their sparkle.
- Radiant Cut:
- A mixed cut, combining step-cut and brilliant facets.
- Offers a "shattered ice" or intense, lively sparkle.
- Known for its high brilliance and ability to hide inclusions well.
- Cushion Cut:
- Typically a brilliant cut, with larger, more distinct flashes of light.
- The sparkle can be described as "chunky" or "broad."
- Its fire is a key characteristic.
- Keywords: radiant facets, cushion facets, diamond sparkle.
Overall Look
- Here you will learn about the general aesthetic and feel of each diamond shape.
- Radiant Cut:
- Crisp, geometric lines with trimmed corners.
- Modern and bold, often chosen for its intense sparkle.
- Cushion Cut:
- Soft, romantic, and classic.
- Its gentle curves offer a timeless appeal.
- Can look vintage or contemporary depending on the setting.
- Keywords: radiant diamond look, cushion diamond aesthetic, diamond shape style.
Other Popular Diamond Shape Guide Options
This section will briefly introduce other popular diamond shapes you might consider. While the main focus is on the cushion cut comparison 2025, understanding a broader range of options can help you make an informed decision.
- Keywords: diamond shape guide, popular diamond shapes, different diamond cuts.
- User Intent: Gain a quick overview of other common diamond shapes beyond the main comparisons.
Round Brilliant
- This part will describe the most popular diamond shape.
- Known for its exceptional brilliance and fire.
- A classic choice that suits almost any setting.
- Keywords: round brilliant diamond, classic diamond shape.
Emerald Cut
- This part will describe the elegant emerald cut.
- Features long, rectangular facets that create a "hall of mirrors" effect.
- Offers a sophisticated, understated sparkle.
- Keywords: emerald cut diamond, step cut diamond.
Choosing Your Diamond Shape in 2025
This section will offer guidance on how to select the right diamond shape for you. It will emphasize that your personal style and preferences are most important, especially after reviewing the cushion cut comparison 2025.
- Keywords: choosing diamond shape, personal style, cushion cut comparison 2025.
- User Intent: Get practical advice on making a personal choice for their diamond shape.
Consider Your Style
- This part will prompt you to think about your personal aesthetic.
- Do you prefer a modern, vintage, or timeless look?
- What kind of jewelry do you usually wear?
- Does a softer, romantic sparkle appeal to you, or something more intense?
- Keywords: personal preference, diamond style, jewelry aesthetic.
Think About the Setting
- This part will explain how the diamond shape works with different ring settings.
- Some shapes look better in certain settings (e.g., halo, solitaire, three-stone).
- The setting can bring out the unique qualities of your chosen diamond.
- Keywords: diamond setting, ring design, mounting options.
Visit Us in Gig Harbor, WA
- This part will encourage you to see diamonds in person at Ken Walker Jeweler.
- Seeing diamonds up close helps you understand their sparkle and how they look on your hand.
- Our team in Gig Harbor, WA, can offer personalized advice and show you various options.
- Keywords: Gig Harbor jeweler, in-person consultation, diamond viewing.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with a detailed cushion cut comparison 2025, looking at how it stands against popular shapes like oval and radiant. The cushion cut offers a lovely balance of classic charm and modern appeal, making it a strong choice. Remember, your diamond choice should reflect your unique story and personal preferences. At Ken Walker Jeweler, we are here to offer honest, caring advice and help you find a diamond that celebrates your milestones for years to come.
- Keywords: cushion cut comparison 2025, diamond shape choice, Ken Walker Jeweler, personalized advice.
- User Intent: Summarize key takeaways and provide a clear, supportive final thought, encouraging further engagement with the brand.
Featured Image Suggestion
A brightly lit, clean studio photograph displaying three distinct diamond rings side-by-side on a simple, neutral background. The rings should feature, from left to right: an oval cut diamond, a cushion cut diamond, and a radiant cut diamond. The image should clearly highlight the unique shape and sparkle of each stone, inviting direct visual comparison.
FAQs
What does "cushion cut" mean for a diamond?
A cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and sides, resembling a pillow. It combines a classic shape with a brilliant facet pattern, creating a soft, fiery sparkle.
Is a cushion cut diamond a good choice for an engagement ring in 2025?
Yes, the cushion cut is a very popular choice for engagement rings in 2025. Its blend of classic elegance and modern appeal, along with its unique sparkle, makes it a favored option for many couples.
How does a cushion cut diamond look different from a princess cut?
A cushion cut has rounded corners, giving it a softer, pillow-like appearance. A princess cut has sharp, pointed corners and a more geometric, square outline. Both are brilliant cuts, but their shapes are distinct.
Do cushion cut diamonds appear smaller than other shapes?
A cushion cut diamond's face-up size can sometimes appear slightly smaller than an oval or radiant cut of the same carat weight, due to its depth and rounded edges. However, the exact appearance depends on the diamond's specific proportions.
Can I see different diamond shapes in person at Ken Walker Jeweler in Gig Harbor?
Yes, we welcome you to visit Ken Walker Jeweler in Gig Harbor, WA. Our team can show you various diamond shapes, including cushion cut, oval, and radiant, so you can compare them directly and find the perfect one for you.