Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant: Which Diamond Looks Bigger? (With Photos)

Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds

First of all, the elongated cushion cut isn’t actually its own distinct diamond shape. Rather, it is a modification of the cushion cut diamond shape. A cushion cut diamond is all soft curves and rounded corners. It looks like a cushion, if you will. And it’s a cut that has been around for a couple hundred years, evolving directly from old mine cuts back in the 19th century, and that (unsurprisingly) includes elongated cushion cut diamonds.

As you might imagine, an elongated cushion cut diamond is simply an elongated version of the cushion cut. That means the shape retains the romantic soft curves and sweet, pillowy corners, but appears longer than the usual square cut of the cushion.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

If the cushion cut is all soft corners and plush sparkle, then the radiant is its opposite. This rectangular cut maintains sleek, sharp lines and slanted, crisp corners, offering an eye-catching, geometric look that’s as sparkly as it is slick.

Unlike the cushion cut, which resulted as a natural progression from the Old Mine cut of the 19th century, radiant cut diamonds are new. Invented in the late 1970s, the radiant cut diamond is a cross-section of everything, and at its heart what we like to call a ‘mixed cut’, meaning it’s made up of different faceting styles. For instance, it has the radiating brilliant facets but the overall shape of a step-cut emerald with straight sides and slanted, cropped corners (instead of sharp points like a princess cut).

Faceting: Crushed Ice vs. Brilliant Sparkle

A quick reminder: we’re talking diamond cut here, not shape. Because yes, there’s an important distinction. A diamond’s cut is the specific faceting pattern and craftsmanship of those facets, not the shape in which the diamond appears. It’s confusing, we know. But think of it this way-a diamond’s cut influences its sparkle, its shape influences its appearance. And while the two are used pretty interchangeably their meaning can make a big difference, particularly when diamond shopping.

Elongated Cushions: Stretched to Sparkle

As we mentioned up above, elongated cushion cut diamonds are simply cushion cut diamonds that are longer than the normal cushion cut. The cushion cut, and by extension elongated cushion cut, is available in three faceting patterns: Brilliant, Modified Brilliant, and Cushion Modified Brilliant Hybrid.

Radiant Cut Diamonds: Rectangular & Radiant

Like the elongated cushion, you can easily find radiant diamonds with both that classic radiant look and more modern crushed ice sparkle. However, while cushions have an actual term for both – radiant’s don’t. In fact, quite annoyingly, most radiant cut diamonds are referred to as a “rectangular modified brilliant cut” even if they don’t have those facets known for that crushed ice look.

If you’ve got your heart set on a crushed ice radiant though, don’t fret. We can help you out. Simply ask for a radiant cut diamond with long mains and smaller facets with an extra layer of facets that break up the larger triangular facets just before the girdle.

How the Cut of Your Elongated Cushion or Radiant Affects Size

So you know the different faceting patterns of radiants and cushions. Now you’re probably wondering which faceting style creates a larger perceived appearance. Well, the answer might surprise you.

A Diamond’s Cut Determines Weight Distribution

Like people, all diamonds carry their weight differently. Some are top-heavy and spready. Some, bottom-heavy and deep. And what determines how a diamond carries weight? If you guessed cut, congrats, you’re right.

Diamonds that are cut too deeply or too shallowly will contain most of their weight on their bottoms and appear lifeless and dull. On the flipside, if a diamond is too shallow, it will appear glassy and dark, albeit present with a larger face-up size due to holding weight in its table. That’s not to say that carat weight also carries a lot of the weight. Pun intended. A larger carat weight will give you a larger diamond. Period. Now how that weight shows itself? That’s up to cut.

To prevent blah sparkle and ensure maximum face-up size, opt for Ideal to Guaranteed Brilliant cut elongated cushions and radiant cut diamonds. These high cut grades ensure an ideal depth percentage that balances sparkle and spread.

So Which Faceting Pattern Makes Your Diamond Appear Larger?

If we’re comparing two diamonds with the same characteristics except their faceting pattern, which would seem bigger? The brilliant elongated cushion and the modified-not crushed ice- brilliant of the radiant. This is because the crushed-ice look requires more facets. To achieve this, the diamond is cut with a higher depth percentage. And more depth = less face up spread.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t get a crushed ice, elongated cushion or radiant. The brilliant faceting is just barely bigger. And at the end of the day, it’s about what you prefer after all!

Basically 1.1-1.05: Basically a Square

Regular cushion cut diamonds are often found with ratios between 1:1 and 1:1.05, which makes sense for this squarish cut. And while uncommon, radiant cut diamonds are also available in this size. As you might expect, this ratio tends to be bottom heavy. It is a square after all.

Subtle Spread: 1.10-1.15

Alright, now we’re getting somewhere. Elongated cushion cut and radiant cut diamonds with a length-to-width ratio between 1.10 to 1.15 are definitely in the ‘rectangular’ category. And while they can still be relatively deep, this ratio provides a subtle spread that is as captivating as it is sparkly.

The 1.15 -1:35: The Classic, Elongated Diamond Look

Ok, we’re firmly in elongated territory now. Considered the classic look, a length-width-ratio of 1.15 to 1.35 offers undeniable finger coverage and head-turning sparkle. What’s more, it’s here where you can begin to see a slight difference in perceived size with radiant cut diamonds stretching oh-so-slightly out.

1.35 and Beyond: Super Stretched

Alert Marvel, we’ve just hit Mr. Fantastic-mode. Super stretchy, a length-to-width ratio of 1.35+ ensures maximum spread. However, it often comes at the cost of depth. And try as you might, a bow-tie is unavoidable here. But fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this effect.

Our Ratio Cheat Sheet & The Ideal Elongated Ratio

Looking for a go-to guide that will help you discover your ideal ratio? Say no more, we’ve got you.

Elongated Size and Color – Is One Shape Better?

Both elongated cushion cut and radiant cut diamonds have deeper pavilions than many other shapes, which allows their brilliant bottom facets to really reflect light. Problem is: Deeper stones with more weight in the pavilion also tend to show more of their body color. Which is great if you like a warmer-toned or colored diamond, and also why you see many colored diamonds and other gemstones in these shapes (because then the point is to show off the color). But not so great if you’re looking for something super colorless. 

Both elongated cushions and radiant cut diamonds are great with color. But, you should just know that if you want white metal and a colorless stone, we’d suggest not going any lower than an H color grade in either shape. If you like yellow gold or a warmer stone tho, then slide on down that scale and save yourself some cash!

Which Is More Popular? Elongated Cushion or Radiant Cut Diamonds

When it comes to high-octane glamour, radiant cut diamonds have held the crown for decades. Their sharp, geometric lines and intense brilliance make them a go-to for icons who want maximum red-carpet impact.

However, the tides are shifting toward a softer, more romantic aesthetic. While radiants have reigned for years, the elongated cushion cut diamond is officially coming for the throne as celebs like Zendaya and Taylor Swift rock elongated cushion (and elongated old mine) cut engagement rings.

Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant: Which Costs More Per Weight?

Cushion cut diamonds, while less popular than the round, are still pretty popular (and have been for years) so they won’t save you as much cash as other fancy shapes. But a crushed ice cushion cut will usually be a bit less expensive than a comparable standard cushion, brilliant cut, if you’re looking at ways to cut the budget. Now, elongated cushion cuts, on the other hand, might run a bit more expensive simply because they’re more rare, but it’s not a drastic difference when comparing side by side. Radiant cut diamonds will actually run pretty similarly in price to cushion cuts with comparable weights and qualities. So this one’s a tie.

So Which Diamond Shape Looks Bigger Face-Up?

Drumroll please…….

If your goal is to maximize visual impact, the radiant cut generally holds the edge over the elongated cushion. While both shapes offer more surface area than a round diamond of the same weight, they distribute that weight differently.

• Surface Area (Spread): Radiant cut diamonds are designed with a shallower profile, which pushes more of the carat weight to the top (the table) of the stone. This results in a larger “face-up” appearance compared to other shapes.
• Depth (The “Belly”): Elongated Cushions often carry more of their weight in the “belly” or pavilion of the stone. Because more of the diamond is hidden below the setting, it can appear slightly smaller than a radiant of the identical carat weight.
• The Silhouette Illusion: The straight edges and cropped corners of the radiant create a clean rectangular border that looks expansive. The curved, pillowy edges of the Cushion tend to “soften” the silhouette, which can make the stone appear more compact on the finger.

Comparison Table: Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant Cut Diamonds

Category	Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds	Radiant Cut Diamonds
Average 1.5ct Dimensions	7.8mm x 6.2mm	8.0mm x 6.0mm
Visual Perception	Slightly smaller thanks to weight in the base of the stone	Slightly larger due to its broad table and shallower depth
Color	Shows color due to depth	Cut of choice for fancy color diamonds
Clarity	Crushed ice faceting hides inclusions	Crushed ice faceting hides inclusions
Cut	Available in cushion brilliant and cushion modified brilliant	Available in rectangular modified brilliant
Cost	Might run a bit more expensive thanks to growing popularity and rarity.	Potentially less expensive than elongated cushion thanks to market demand.
Trendiness	The diamond cut of the season (Thank you, Taylor Swift)	In the Queen Bee Clique.

How to Cheat the Size of Your Elongated Diamond

If you want to cheat the system and score a diamond that looks significantly larger than its carat weight, the secret is weight distribution. Unlike round diamonds, elongated shapes like ovals, marquises, and pear cuts spread their mass across a larger face-up surface area. This creates a stone that can appear 10–15% larger than a round brilliant of the exact same weight.

To maximize this “spready” look, prioritize a shallow cut and a higher length-to-width ratio. A ratio of 1.40 or higher for radiants and cushions slenderizes the finger and pushes the diamond’s silhouette to its visual limit.

Finally, pair your stone with a delicate band or a studded, diamond halo. A thin shank creates a dramatic contrast that makes the stone pop, while a halo acts as a “push-up bra,” adding significant visual volume for a fraction of the cost.