Zendaya, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have all recently worn engagement rings with one detail in common: a cushion-shaped diamond.
Their rings are very different. Zendaya’s has a Georgian-inspired setting, Taylor Swift’s is distinctly antique in style, and Miley Cyrus wears hers horizontally in a bold yellow gold band. Yet each shows why the cushion cut has become such a popular choice.
Softly squared with rounded corners, the cushion cut offers more character than a classic round diamond without feeling overly modern. It can look romantic, antique, minimal or contemporary depending on how it is set.
Here are six ways to make the shape your own.
The Georgian-Inspired Cushion Cut Ring
Zendaya’s engagement ring helped bring renewed attention to Georgian-inspired button-back settings. Her elongated cushion diamond is set east-west, creating a design that feels historical and contemporary at the same time.
Our Georgian Style Cushion Cut Diamond Button Back Ring takes a similar approach. The cut-down setting and detailed metalwork give the ring the character of an antique piece, while allowing it to be made around your chosen diamond.
It is particularly effective with an elongated cushion cut set in yellow gold.
The Classic Cushion Cut Solitaire
A simple solitaire keeps all the attention on the diamond.
Our Cushion Cut Diamond Ring places the stone on a refined band with very little distraction. It is a timeless option, but the rounded square shape gives it more individuality than a traditional round solitaire.
A square cushion feels balanced and classic, while a longer cushion can appear larger across the finger.
The Compass-Set Cushion Cut
Claw placement can completely change the appearance of a diamond ring.
On our Compass Set Solitaire Ring, the claws are positioned at the north, south, east and west points of the stone rather than at its corners.
Although shown with a different diamond shape, the design can be created with a cushion cut. This leaves its softly rounded corners visible and gives the traditional solitaire a cleaner, more architectural finish.
The Wave Twist Setting
The curved band of the Wave Twist Solitaire Ring offers a softer alternative to a straight solitaire.
Created with a cushion diamond, its flowing lines would complement the stone’s rounded corners and create a design with movement from every angle. It is romantic without being overly ornate and distinctive without moving too far from a classic engagement ring.
The Sculptural Cushion Cut Ring
Our Amity Cushion Cut Diamond Ring places the diamond within a sweeping, sculptural setting.
The softness of the cushion cut contrasts with the stronger lines of the band, creating a ring that feels more individual than a fine-band solitaire. It is a good choice for someone who wants a recognisable diamond shape in a less traditional design.
The East-West Gold Ring
Miley Cyrus’s engagement ring shows how different a cushion cut can look when it is set horizontally within a wider yellow gold band.
Our Amity Emerald Cut Diamond Ring is currently shown with an emerald cut, but the setting could be adapted around an elongated cushion diamond.
The east-west position gives the stone a contemporary appearance, while the substantial gold band makes the design feel confident and modern.
Why Are Cushion Cut Diamonds So Popular?
Part of the appeal is that no two cushion cuts look exactly the same.
Some are almost square, while others are noticeably elongated. Older stones can have broad, irregular facets and a softer glow, while modern cushion cuts tend to produce more precise brilliance.
This means the shape can suit very different styles. It can feel like a genuine antique in a button-back setting, understated in a solitaire or thoroughly modern when placed east-west in a wider band.
Our team can help you compare cushion cut diamonds and adapt any of these designs around your preferred stone, metal and proportions. Book an appointment at our Hatton Garden mews house to begin creating your ring.
