Though the terms may seem interchangeable, they are far from it. The cut of a diamond refers specifically to its sparkle effect, or light reflection, the color shown within the diamond, and its symmetry. A diamond’s shape refers to the design in which the gem was cut into.

The cushion shape is known to be on the more affordable side of diamond shapes.

The popular cushion shape was designed under the influence of a few shapes in history. This cut first came around in the 1800’s. Originally referred to as the “mine cut” or “old mine”, the cushion shape got these nicknames from the Brazilian and South African diamond mines.

Imagine a room full of mirrors and lights. Facets are the smooth surfaces all over the diamond, reflecting light, creating sparkle, and showing off the geometrical pattern of the diamond shape. The cushion shape traditionally had 58 facets, but the modern design contains 64 brilliant facets.

Referencing a pillow-like surface, the cushion shape received its name from the plush look of it. The cushion shaped diamond offers a rounded edge square design.