AltGems
Updated as of June 2026

Cushion cut

The cushion cut is a soft square with rounded corners, romantic and vintage in feel. Here is how it behaves and which stones show it off best.

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Best gemstones for a cushion cut

7.0

Paraiba Tourmaline

Blue · Mohs 7.25
8.4

Diamond

Colorless · Mohs 10
8.0

Alexandrite

Green · Mohs 8.5
7.0

Red Beryl

Red · Mohs 7.75
8.0

Padparadscha Sapphire

Orange · Mohs 9
7.4

Taaffeite

Purple · Mohs 8
7.8

Ruby

Red · Mohs 9
6.8

Emerald

Green · Mohs 7.5
6.6

Benitoite

Blue · Mohs 6.5
7.2

Lab-Grown Diamond

Colorless · Mohs 10
7.2

Demantoid Garnet

Green · Mohs 6.75
7.8

Black Diamond

Black · Mohs 10

Each link opens the cushion guide for that stone, with price by carat and the best settings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cushion cut?
A cushion cut is a soft square with rounded corners, romantic and vintage in feel. It works across engagement rings, pendants, and earrings.
Is the cushion cut a good choice?
Yes for the right look. A soft square with rounded corners, romantic and vintage in feel. Match it to the stone and setting you love, and check that the cut is well proportioned and symmetrical.
Which gemstones suit a cushion cut?
Most faceted stones are cut this way. Popular cushion choices include Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond, Alexandrite, Red Beryl.