The cushion cut is one of the most romantic and timeless shapes — a hybrid between a square outline and soft, rounded edges. In 2025–2026, cushion moissanite is trending for its vintage glamour and dramatic sparkle.
1. Two types of cushion cuts: Brilliant vs Crushed Ice
Cushions come in two distinct optical styles:
Brilliant Cushion:
- large, bright facet flashes,
- higher brilliance and fire,
- more diamond-like in high-end cuts.
Crushed Ice Cushion:
- tiny, scattered flashes,
- “shimmering” appearance,
- more common in lower-cost diamonds.
2. Sparkle behavior: moissanite vs diamond
| Category | Cushion Diamond | Cushion Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | Medium–High | High |
| Fire | Moderate | Very High |
| Sparkle Pattern | Soft flashes | Bold, colorful flashes |
| Low Light Performance | Romantic, subtle | Dramatic, fiery |
Cushion cut moissanite produces more dramatic fire than diamonds due to its higher dispersion.
3. Color behavior in cushion cuts
Cushion cuts reveal color slightly more than round or radiant cuts because of deeper facets.
Diamond:
- color shows at corners first,
- H/I/J diamonds are noticeably warm indoors.
Moissanite:
- DEF looks icy indoors and out,
- GH looks natural and realistic,
- IJ may reveal warmth in 2.5ct+ stones.
4. Finger coverage & size perception
Cushion cuts have large crowns and broad surfaces. Moissanite accentuates this further.
- A 2ct cushion moissanite often looks like a 2.3–2.5ct diamond.
- Square cushions appear largest; elongated cushions look slimmer.
5. Cushion cut ratios: what looks best?
- 1.00–1.05: Square cushion (vintage look)
- 1.05–1.15: Slightly elongated (most modern)
- 1.15–1.25: Elongated (slimming effect)
Most moissanite vendors favor ~1.05–1.10 because it maximizes brilliance.
6. Cushion brilliance vs cushion crushed ice
Brilliant Cushion (Moissanite):
- bigger facet flashes,
- higher sparkle intensity,
- less “shimmer” and more “burst.”
Crushed Ice Cushion (Diamonds):
- shimmery texture,
- tiny light points,
- less fire but more scintillation density.
7. Setting compatibility
Best settings for cushion moissanite:
- Hidden halo
- French pavé
- Double claw prongs
- Vintage milgrain settings
Cushions pair extremely well with ornate or romantic designs.
8. Pros & cons summary
| Category | Cushion Diamond | Cushion Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle Strength | Soft brilliance | Bold fire + brilliance |
| Color Masking | Medium | Medium–High |
| Face-Up Size | Medium | Large |
| Aesthetic Style | Classic / vintage | Romantic / modern |
| Cost | Very high | Low |
9. Final decision guide
Choose **cushion moissanite** if you want:
- maximum fire in low light,
- a large, romantic appearance,
- soft edges with bold sparkle,
- the best value in the shape category.
Choose **cushion diamond** if you want:
- a classic crushed-ice vintage look,
- softer and more understated sparkle,
- a warm, old-Hollywood feel.
Next Steps:
- Compare sizes and savings using the Moissanite Savings Calculator.
- Browse vetted cushion-cut sellers in the Vendor Directory.
- Continue the Shape Cluster:
The cushion cut blends vintage charm with modern brilliance — and moissanite enhances its beauty dramatically.