Compass Set Cushion Engagement Rings, Built Three Ways
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: A compass set cushion has its four prongs at north, south, east and west, in the middle of each side, instead of on the four corners. The corners of the cushion stay open, so the stone looks a little rotated and softer in outline. We have built it three ways for clients: a 2.12 carat cushion over a tulip basket, a 3 carat cushion in 14K white gold with a tapered band, and a 3.51 carat cushion over a gallery rail.
Most cushions are set with a prong on each corner. Move those four prongs to the middle of each side and the same stone reads differently. Here are three cushions we set that way, straight from our client ring pages.
Ring 1: a 2.12 carat cushion over a tulip basket
Matthew's ring: 2.12 carat cushion, compass prongs, 4 prong tulip basket.
- Centre stone
- 2.12 carat cushion cut diamond
- Setting
- Compass set prongs, a 4 prong tulip basket underneath, cathedral
- Metal and band
- 14K yellow gold, 2 mm half round band
The compass prongs give the stone a subtle directional feel. Underneath, the four prongs become a tulip basket, so from the side you see petals, and the cathedral lifts the stone off the band. Nothing else is added. See it on Matthew's ring page.
Ring 2: a 3 carat cushion, all in white gold
Ryan's ring: 3 carat cushion with compass prongs and a gallery rail in white gold.
- Centre stone
- 3 carat cushion cut diamond
- Setting
- Four compass claw prongs and a gallery rail in 14K white gold, cathedral
- Band
- Half round, tapering from 2.8 mm near the diamond to 2.2 mm at the bottom
On this one the compass prongs make the stone look like it sits at an angle in the setting. The prongs, gallery rail and band are all 14K white gold. The band is wider near the stone and slimmer underneath. More on Ryan's ring page.
Ring 3: a 3.51 carat cushion over a gallery rail
Ashley and Brian's ring: 3.51 carat cushion in a compass setting.
- Centre stone
- 3.51 carat cushion cut diamond
- Setting
- Compass setting, cathedral, gallery rail
- Metal and band
- 14K yellow gold, 2 mm flat band
The biggest of the three, kept simple. A gallery rail under the stone adds structure and a clean side view, and the flat 2 mm band keeps it modern. See Ashley and Brian's ring.
Why choose compass prongs on a cushion?
- The corners stay open. With nothing on the corners, the soft outline of the cushion shows all the way round.
- It looks turned. Prongs at the points of a compass make a square or long stone read slightly rotated.
- It works on a longer cushion too. The cushion in ring 1 is visibly long, and the compass prongs still read.
If you want the turned look taken further, the stone itself can be set on its side, which we cover in east west engagement rings. For prongs on two sides only, see an old mine cushion with north-south prongs.
How to get a compass set cushion like these
Tell us the cushion shape you like (square or elongated), whether you want a tulip basket or a gallery rail underneath, and your metal. Not sure which cushion? Our cushion diamonds 101 compares the cuts, and the cushion collection shows settings you can start from.
We build rings like these over video for couples across Canada and the US, with no walk-ins or studio visits. Expect 10 to 12 weeks from deposit to your door. Still choosing the cushion itself? The diamond buying guide covers what to check.
Want your cushion compass set?
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateQuestions we get about this
What is a compass set engagement ring?
A ring where the prongs sit at north, south, east and west on the stone instead of on its corners. On a cushion it leaves the four corners open and makes the stone look slightly rotated.
Is a compass setting secure on a cushion?
Yes, when it is built for it. Each of the three rings here uses four prongs at the middle of each side, with a tulip basket or a gallery rail underneath for support.
Can I do compass prongs on an elongated cushion?
Yes. The 2.12 carat ring on this page is an elongated cushion with compass prongs.
Can a compass setting be done in white gold?
Yes. The 3 carat ring here is 14K white gold throughout: prongs, gallery rail and band.
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