Elongated Cushion vs Radiant Cut: Which Is Right for You?

In this guide

    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 27, 2026

    Short answer: Both are rectangular brilliant cuts. An elongated cushion has soft, rounded corners and a pillowy outline with a softer, chunkier sparkle. A radiant has cut corners and straight sides with a crisper, crushed-ice sparkle. Pick the cushion for a vintage feel and the radiant for a sharper, modern one.

    These two get confused all the time. Here is the quick way to tell them apart.

    How do they look different?

    Corners. A cushion's corners are rounded. A radiant's corners are clipped straight across, like an emerald cut. From across a room the cushion reads soft, the radiant reads geometric.

    Which one sparkles more?

    Both are brilliant cuts. Radiants often show a busy crushed-ice look. Cushions can go crushed ice or chunkier, depending on the facet pattern. An old mine cushion shows big, slow flashes. We send video so you see the actual sparkle.

    Which hides colour better?

    Radiants and crushed-ice cushions are forgiving with colour, so near colourless stones look whiter in them than in a step cut.

    How do you set them?

    Four claw prongs is our default, placed on the corners to protect them. Both work in a tulip basket, a hidden halo or a cathedral.

    Want us to look at your idea?

    A free 30 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.

    Book a free callSee our process

    Questions we get about this

    Is a radiant or cushion cut more expensive?

    Price per carat is similar. Availability of the exact ratio you want matters more.

    What ratio is an elongated cushion?

    Usually 1.2 and up. Below that it reads square.

    Are old mine cuts cushions?

    An old mine is an antique style cushion with a small table, tall crown and big chunky facets.

    Can you make a hybrid cushion-oval?

    Yes. It is one of the shapes we source or cut to order.

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