Choosing between an elongated cushion cut and a radiant cut diamond often comes down to personal style and how you prioritize sparkle, finger coverage, and setting compatibility. Below, we break down the nuances of each shape, from cut anatomy and visual impact to pricing and setting options, so you can confidently choose the diamond that best suits your lifestyle and design vision.
What Is an Elongated Cushion Cut?
An elongated cushion cut is a stretched version of the classic cushion shape, known for its rounded corners and soft silhouette. With a typical length-to-width ratio between 1.15 and 1.25, this shape offers a balance between vintage elegance and contemporary appeal.
Instead of the square proportions of traditional cushions, elongated cushions have an oval-like outline that can create the illusion of a larger stone. The cut often features either a brilliant or modified brilliant facet pattern, which is a variation of the standard brilliant cut that adds extra facets to enhance scintillation and create a romantic, slightly diffused sparkle.
It’s a popular choice in elongated cushion engagement rings, especially for those drawn to a softer, more antique-inspired look that still delivers modern finger coverage.
What Is a Radiant Cut Diamond?
The radiant cut is a hybrid shape that combines the angular edges of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant. Radiant cuts, typically with 70 or more facets, are engineered to maximize light return and brilliance.
Radiant cut diamonds come in both rectangular and square silhouettes. Rectangular radiants typically have a length-to-width ratio between 1.15 and 1.35, offering elegant elongation, while square radiants fall closer to 1.00–1.05, ideal for those who love perfect symmetry and intense sparkle. Unlike the open table of an emerald cut, radiants mask inclusions better and offer exceptional brilliance, even in lower color and clarity grades.
If you’re drawn to sharp lines and high sparkle, a radiant engagement ring might be the ideal fit.
Elongated Cushion vs Radiant: Dimensions & Finger Coverage
One of the biggest factors in choosing a diamond shape is how it looks on your hand. Both cuts offer an elongated silhouette that enhances finger coverage, but there are subtle differences worth noting.
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Elongated cushion diamonds tend to have softer edges and a more fluid outline, which can appear slightly smaller face-up due to depth and facet pattern. However, their curved sides lend a flattering, finger-lengthening effect.
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Radiant cut diamonds often appear larger than cushions of the same carat weight. Their shallower depth and angular corners create a wider face-up spread, offering more visual real estate.
When comparing face-up size alone, radiant cuts typically win on perceived size. But if you're looking for a more romantic, organic feel, the elongated cushion holds its own.
Sparkle Showdown: Brightness vs. Fire
While both cuts are designed to reflect light beautifully, their sparkle profiles differ due to facet structure.
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Radiant cuts excel in brightness. Their brilliant-cut facet pattern means they return light in sharp, mirror-like flashes, creating intense sparkle from every angle.
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Elongated cushion cuts offer a deeper, more diffused glow, sometimes described as “fire.” Depending on the cut quality, they can deliver a soft, moody sparkle that shifts with the light.
Pitfalls to watch for:
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Cushions can suffer from the dreaded bow-tie effect or “crushed ice” appearance when cut poorly. Look for symmetrical facet arrangement and avoid overly deep stones.
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Radiants may occasionally “window” if cut too shallow, meaning the center appears see-through. Inspect light return across the table to avoid this.
Pricing & Diamond Availability
Price and availability can vary significantly between these two cuts, especially when comparing natural and lab grown options.
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Radiant cuts are more widely available, both in natural and lab grown diamonds. Their popularity has led to greater inventory, especially in the 1.5–3 carat range.
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Elongated cushions are more niche and can be harder to source, especially in higher quality ranges. Their variability in outline, from softly pillowed to more rectangular shapes, means cutters must achieve precise length-to-width ratios to meet demand for specific silhouettes. This combination of inconsistent availability and high consumer preference for certain ratios makes well-cut elongated cushions rarer and often more expensive.
Budget insight:
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Lab grown radiant cuts tend to be priced slightly lower due to higher availability.
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Elongated cushions, especially well-cut ones, often carry a premium because they’re less standardized.
If you're prioritizing size on a budget, lab grown radiant cut diamonds typically offer the best value.
Best Settings for Each Cut
Choosing the right setting is as important as choosing the diamond itself. Both shapes pair well with a range of styles, but some pairings can enhance their unique qualities.
For Elongated Cushion Cuts:
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Solitaire settings highlight the soft curves and vintage feel.
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Halo settings can amplify sparkle and balance the stone’s dimensions.
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East-west orientation adds a modern twist to a traditional shape.
For Radiant Cut Diamonds:
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Three-stone settings emphasize symmetry and angular brilliance.
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Bezel settings offer sleek protection while maintaining edge definition.
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Pavé bands complement the radiant’s high sparkle with added shimmer.
Want something unexpected? A custom elongated cushion setting with asymmetrical stones or mixed metals adds instant individuality.
Elongated Cushion vs Radiant Cut: How to Choose
Both shapes offer something distinct; choosing the right one comes down to how you prioritize appearance, sparkle, and lifestyle.
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If you love brilliance and want a modern, angular shape, go with a radiant cut engagement ring.
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If you're drawn to softness, fire, and vintage flair, the elongated cushion engagement ring might be the perfect match.
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If budget is a factor, radiant cuts, especially in lab grown options, often deliver more size for the price.
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If you want something one-of-a-kind, a hand-selected elongated cushion cut offers more individuality due to shape variation.
Whichever shape you choose, both are striking options that can be tailored to your story and aesthetic. Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our Elongated Cushion and Radiant Cut engagement rings, or begin a Create Your Ring consultation to design a custom piece that’s uniquely yours.
