The short answer: soft square and rounded square diamonds belong to the cushion family, and the right one for you depends on how square or how soft you want the outline. They share a pillowy look and a romantic, vintage feel.
People use many names for these shapes, including cushion, soft square, rounded square, pillow cut and antique cushion. They are all variations on a squarish diamond with rounded corners. Understanding the differences helps you choose a stone that suits you.
The cushion family
| Name | Typical look |
|---|---|
| Cushion | Rounded square or rectangle with brilliant faceting |
| Soft square | A very rounded square outline |
| Rounded square | A square with gently rounded corners |
| Antique cushion | A vintage proportion with larger facets |
The names are not always used consistently, so we look at the actual stone with you rather than relying on labels.
Faceting styles
- Crushed ice: many small facets and a glittering look.
- Chunky or open: larger facets and a more open, bold look.
- Modified brilliant: a balance between the two.
The history of the shape
Cushion shapes descend from the old mine cut, one of the most common diamond shapes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Those early stones were cut by hand to keep as much weight as possible, which gave them their soft outline and large facets. Modern cushions keep that outline but usually have more refined faceting for extra brightness. An antique cushion sits closest to the original look. See old mine and old European cut diamonds.
Square or rectangular
Some are almost perfectly square and others are more rectangular. A rectangular cushion can be set east west or north south, like an oval or an emerald cut. A squarer stone feels more vintage and sturdy, and a longer one feels more modern and elegant.
Why the name matters less than the stone
Two stones sold under the same name can look quite different. One may have a crushed ice sparkle and another a chunky, open look. A certificate gives measurements and grades, but it does not show how the stone behaves in light. That is why we recommend looking at the actual stone on video before you choose.
Settings
Halos, hidden halos, bezels and simple four claw solitaires all work. Milgrain and engraved detail suit the antique feel. See settings for a cushion cut for more.
Colour and warmth
Cushion family stones can show more body colour than a round brilliant. Some people choose a higher colour grade to keep the stone white, and others enjoy the warmth of a lower grade in yellow gold. It is a matter of taste. Our lab grown warm antique diamonds show that warmer look.
Comparisons
If you are deciding between cushion shapes and others, see round vs cushion diamonds, cushion vs oval diamonds and princess vs cushion cut.
How to choose
- Decide how soft or square you want the outline.
- Choose the faceting style.
- Check the proportions on the actual stone.
- Pick a setting that suits the character.
Look through diamonds and lab grown colourless diamonds to see the range. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600. See also our diamond shapes guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a soft square the same as a cushion? It is a type of cushion with a more rounded outline.
Which looks most vintage? An antique cushion.
Can I request a specific proportion? Yes, we can help you find or source a stone that suits.
Are all cushions the same sparkle? No, crushed ice and chunky styles look quite different.
Can I order from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.