Next up on our series is going to be a diamond face off on Oval vs. Cushion. Oval and cushion cut diamonds are easily the most popular fancy cut diamonds shapes right now. Cushions have been hot for almost a decade now and ovals have shot up the charts in the past three years. Their rounded appearances and brilliant sparkle make them an amazing option for someone wanting a bright and modern appearance. Both cushion and oval cut diamonds work very well in hundreds of custom ring design options. If you have been following us on Instagram or staying up to date with our website you will notice these are the most used center-stone shapes. In this post we will break down the shapes and then compare. You can watch the full length HD quality video comparing oval and cushion cut diamonds, to go along with this post by clicking here
1. Oval: Oval cut diamonds have become a huge player in the diamond world. They bright sparkle and large face up appearance make them an amazing option for diamond engagement ring 
centers. Additionally they are one of the most flattering diamond shapes on most people's hands due to their elongated, graceful appearance. Oval diamonds are on of the trickiest diamond shapes because they come in so many variations. Oval cut diamonds are a brilliant cut diamond meaning they have clear faceting and a lot of sparkle. As with any other fancy shape diamond, there is NO cut grade on the GIA report so you would need some sort of visual to go with before making a decision and use the certificate as a guide (depth, table, ratio, polish, symmetry). This is where we come into play- at Lauren B we provide HD videos of all diamonds sold which is why we do not have a database of loose diamonds on our website because it would be impossible to sift through and find an amazing diamond using that tool alone. Instead we personally tailor each selection per client based on their specifications. Some will want an oval with a fuller and more rounded appearance meaning they should stay with a length to width ratio of around 1:3-1.35:1. If you prefer a more elongated oval shape stay around the 1.38:1 ratio and up.
centers. Additionally they are one of the most flattering diamond shapes on most people's hands due to their elongated, graceful appearance. Oval diamonds are on of the trickiest diamond shapes because they come in so many variations. Oval cut diamonds are a brilliant cut diamond meaning they have clear faceting and a lot of sparkle. As with any other fancy shape diamond, there is NO cut grade on the GIA report so you would need some sort of visual to go with before making a decision and use the certificate as a guide (depth, table, ratio, polish, symmetry). This is where we come into play- at Lauren B we provide HD videos of all diamonds sold which is why we do not have a database of loose diamonds on our website because it would be impossible to sift through and find an amazing diamond using that tool alone. Instead we personally tailor each selection per client based on their specifications. Some will want an oval with a fuller and more rounded appearance meaning they should stay with a length to width ratio of around 1:3-1.35:1. If you prefer a more elongated oval shape stay around the 1.38:1 ratio and up. Color: Ovals are not the best at hiding any color and will look warmer in comparison to most other diamond shapes This is due to their large surface area giving off more color saturation. Take a look at this video comparing oval diamond colors D through I side by side. In most cases we would recommend ovals to be at I color and above. In some cases J is acceptable depending on the diamond if it leans more toward an I color. Ovals are excellent at hiding imperfections, so we recommend that the diamond should be of SI2 clarity and above. This video shown here displays an SI2 clarity oval with beautiful sparkle, no visible imperfections to the naked eye, all the inclusions are dispersed within the diamond to produce a beautiful and clean looking diamond with intense sparkle. This again truly varies on a case by case basis! Some SI2’s may not be as great so once again do not base your purchase on the certificate alone.
2. Cushion: Cushion cut diamonds alongside round cut diamonds have been the most popular diamond shape of the past decade now. Cushion cut diamonds come in square and rectangular 
shapes but their specifications don't really end there. There are even more classifications such as cushion modified/crushed ice, cushion brilliant style and antique cuts. At Lauren B we focus mainly on cushion brilliant style diamonds because their sparkle can easily rival the brilliance and fire of a round cut diamond. The appeal of a cushion shape is that a well cut Cushion brilliant style diamond's sparkle can easily rival the brilliance and fire of a round cut diamond. Take a look at this video comparing a brilliant style cushion next to excellent cut rounds. Doesn't the sparkle appear similar? When it comes to a cushion. As with oval cuts, there is NO cut grade on the GIA reports so these are a must see either in person or via HD video before making any sort of confident purchasing decision. For a ton of sparkle like the above video, we recommend a cushion brilliant style diamond with 4+ main pavilion facets that reach the edge of the diamond. The cushion brilliants are cut with a lower depth percentage resulting in a larger face up look. Take a look at this video comparing the depths side by side. Notice the cushion brilliant is cut with straighter lines like a round cut which eliminates losing carat size at the bottom of the diamond. This type of cushion makes up about 5% of the cushion cut market however the result is a beautiful fiery diamond. This type of special cushion makes up about 5% of the cushion cut market however the result is a beautiful fiery diamond. There is of course a premium for these better cut cushions, however in our opinion they are worth every cent. See this video comparing an F color crushed ice cushion cut vs a brilliant cut H color. Which one would you pick? Now regardless of the inner faceting also comes down to the shape of the cushion. For a square cushion cut diamond, keep the ratio close to 1:1 meaning the length and width measurements of the diamond are very close to each other. For a slightly more elongated cushion start around 1.08:1 and up. Cushion and oval are similar when it comes to clarity meaning that they hide inclusions very well. For this reason we recommend SI2 and up provided the diamond is viewed beforehand since come SI2's will NOT be eye clean. For color we will recommend J color and above. The only time J color is acceptable is if the cushion cut is a cushion brilliant style diamond since these perfectly cut cushions are very good at hiding any color within the diamond. (Show comparison of regular cushion J vs brilliant J)
shapes but their specifications don't really end there. There are even more classifications such as cushion modified/crushed ice, cushion brilliant style and antique cuts. At Lauren B we focus mainly on cushion brilliant style diamonds because their sparkle can easily rival the brilliance and fire of a round cut diamond. The appeal of a cushion shape is that a well cut Cushion brilliant style diamond's sparkle can easily rival the brilliance and fire of a round cut diamond. Take a look at this video comparing a brilliant style cushion next to excellent cut rounds. Doesn't the sparkle appear similar? When it comes to a cushion. As with oval cuts, there is NO cut grade on the GIA reports so these are a must see either in person or via HD video before making any sort of confident purchasing decision. For a ton of sparkle like the above video, we recommend a cushion brilliant style diamond with 4+ main pavilion facets that reach the edge of the diamond. The cushion brilliants are cut with a lower depth percentage resulting in a larger face up look. Take a look at this video comparing the depths side by side. Notice the cushion brilliant is cut with straighter lines like a round cut which eliminates losing carat size at the bottom of the diamond. This type of cushion makes up about 5% of the cushion cut market however the result is a beautiful fiery diamond. This type of special cushion makes up about 5% of the cushion cut market however the result is a beautiful fiery diamond. There is of course a premium for these better cut cushions, however in our opinion they are worth every cent. See this video comparing an F color crushed ice cushion cut vs a brilliant cut H color. Which one would you pick? Now regardless of the inner faceting also comes down to the shape of the cushion. For a square cushion cut diamond, keep the ratio close to 1:1 meaning the length and width measurements of the diamond are very close to each other. For a slightly more elongated cushion start around 1.08:1 and up. Cushion and oval are similar when it comes to clarity meaning that they hide inclusions very well. For this reason we recommend SI2 and up provided the diamond is viewed beforehand since come SI2's will NOT be eye clean. For color we will recommend J color and above. The only time J color is acceptable is if the cushion cut is a cushion brilliant style diamond since these perfectly cut cushions are very good at hiding any color within the diamond. (Show comparison of regular cushion J vs brilliant J)3. Oval vs Cushion comparison: Side by side these two shapes are pretty different. In terms of sparkle a cushion brilliant will provide the most sparkle from those two choices. ! In terms of sparkle a cushion brilliant will provide the most sparkle from these two choices because the brilliance and facets are more centralized as opposed to an oval which is more spread out. When it comes to overall appearance ovals will always look larger than a cushion cut diamond if you compare identical weights side by side. This is due to the elongated appearance of an oval taking up more space length wise therefore giving the illusion of a larger diamond. Cushions will have a slightly boxier appearance and therefore take up more space on the width of your finger resulting in a "fuller" appearance. Take a look at this video showing a side by side of identical carat weight diamonds. The oval does appear larger than the bunch. So how do you pick?? If you want extra sparkle and a fuller look similar to a round cut- a perfectly cut cushion cut is the way to go. If you want a big face up look to the diamond along with sparkle then oval is a perfect choice.
Ring comparisons:Now onto the fun part: the rings! Let’s start with the simpler designs and go up from there.
Solitaire: For someone after a very streamlined look and wanting to keep the focus on their center-stone a solitaire ring is the way to go. If you are in love with the cut of diamond you chose and really want it to be the focal point check these out. Shown here is an oval cut in a solitaire cathedral design. We added diamonds along the basket for an extra touch of sparkle viewed from the profile of the ring. Note the thin rounded band as well for a very comfortable feel. For a cushion cut option take a look at this square band solitaire design in all yellow gold. The square band gives a more modern sleek look and the classic yellow gold metal adds extra color without taking away from the center.Pave bands: Now onto some of our most well known models let's start with the oval in an invisible gallery pave setting and a diamonds on the basket RS-232. This low set ring is a great option for someone wanting their setting to feel flush on the hand and still allows a wedding to slide right next to it. Take a look at this model compared to our classic RS-63 cushion cut diamond set in a pave band with diamonds on the basket. The RS-63 sits a bit higher off the hand for a more pronounced look. Once again a band will fit perfectly flush.
Three stone: While we will get into classic three stones in a different episode today we will go into three stone designs that are a bit more modern. For a modern take on a three stone ring consider this oval paired with matching oval side stones, diamonds along the basket, thin band, and invisible gallery design. Here you have the appeal of a classic ring but the additions of the extra detailing make it a very fun look. Now on to the cushion: Take this Cushion cut center paired with matching cushion cut side stones. This design features a thin rose gold band, diamonds along the basket of each of the bigger stones, and allows for a perfectly flush fit band. While this model is shown with big diamonds it will also look amazing done with moissanite stones for the center and side stones for a more cost effective design. We had the top portions holding the main stones set in white gold to add brightness to the ring and allow those diamonds to stand out against the contrast of the rose gold band.
Halo: Classic halo designs are something we are well known for featuring our delicate pave work. Both oval and cushion centers blend in perfectly with a halo and are the most common diamond shapes to be found in a halo! This oval model is our signature oval RS-128 design with a delicate halo and delicate pave band. In contrast we have our RS-61 model shown with a double edge halo, diamond stems, and thin pave band. These are all able to be customized to your liking and preferred look so you can mix and match features from different custom rings to create your own unique design.Moissanite: Oval and cushion moissanite rings are incredibly popular as well. All of our rings can be custom crafted with a moissanite center for a cost effective diamond alternative. Check out our moissanite collection of oval and cushion cut rings for ideas.
Between oval and cushions we love them both equally! Either of these shapes make amazing choices for a custom ring and as you see work amazing with so many different custom ring design choices. Opt for the shape you love best and that you feel suits you most.
