Why Cushion Engagement Rings Are Making a Soft Yet Powerful Comeback

I’ll be honest — when I first started working in the jewellery industry, I thought engagement rings were all about sparkle and size. The bigger the stone, the better the story. But over the last few years, something interesting has happened. Couples are leaning away from the flashy, overly perfect look and reaching for something that feels a bit more… human. That’s where cushion engagement rings have quietly stepped back into the spotlight.

Now, if you haven’t heard the term before, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Cushion-cut rings aren’t new; in fact, they’ve been around for centuries. But their renewed popularity says a lot about where our tastes — and our values — are heading.

A shape that tells a story

A cushion cut isn’t your typical diamond shape. It’s got that slightly rounded square silhouette, somewhere between a modern princess cut and an antique oval. There’s a softness to it — a kind of vintage charm that feels effortlessly romantic. I’ve seen people describe it as “the Audrey Hepburn” of diamond cuts, and honestly, that fits.

The cut was first seen back in the 18th century, long before laser-cutting tools and high-precision machines. Jewelers then relied on skilled hands and patience, carving each facet to maximise the glow of candlelight. That’s right — cushion cuts were literally designed to shimmer under candlelight dinners. How’s that for romance?

What I love most, though, is how this shape manages to bridge eras. It’s classic but not old-fashioned, refined but never pretentious. You can wear it with jeans and a tee or with a ballgown, and it still looks completely at home.

The modern touch: lab created diamonds

While we’re on the topic of old meeting new, let’s talk about what’s really changed the game for modern jewellery: lab created diamonds.

If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of diamond shopping, you’ve probably heard about them. They’re real diamonds — chemically, physically, optically identical to mined ones — but grown in a controlled environment rather than deep within the earth. What makes them fascinating isn’t just the science (though it’s pretty mind-blowing). It’s how they’re redefining the idea of luxury.

Lab-grown stones tend to cost significantly less than mined diamonds. That means more people can afford a beautiful, ethically sourced ring without compromising on quality or design. And for a generation that values sustainability and transparency, that’s a big deal.

As a jeweller, I’ve noticed couples asking more questions now than ever before — about origin, carbon footprint, working conditions. People want to know their purchase reflects their principles. And the truth is, lab-created options have opened the door to a new kind of meaningful luxury.

Why the cushion cut and lab-grown diamonds are a perfect match

There’s something poetic about combining a vintage-inspired shape with a cutting-edge stone. The cushion cut carries history, romance, and character. The lab-grown diamond represents innovation and progress. Together, they symbolise the balance most modern couples are striving for — timeless love with a conscious heart.

It’s no surprise that many jewellers now offer full collections of cushion engagement rings using lab-created stones. The cushion’s larger facets catch light in a way that enhances the fire and brilliance of lab diamonds, making them appear even more radiant.

Some designers play with the idea further — setting cushions in minimalist solitaires for an understated elegance, or surrounding them with micro-pavé halos that evoke that Gatsby-era glamour. The versatility is endless.

It’s not just aesthetics — it’s emotion

What often surprises people when they come into the studio is how emotional the process can be. Choosing a ring isn’t really about the ring itself; it’s about what it represents. It’s a marker of love, commitment, a shared future — all packed into a few precious millimetres of metal and stone.

And cushion cuts have this almost subconscious emotional pull. They’re softer than a square cut, less symmetrical than a round brilliant — and maybe that imperfection feels comforting. Love, after all, isn’t perfect symmetry. It’s warmth, kindness, laughter, sometimes chaos. The cushion shape captures that.

One customer I worked with recently said she chose a cushion cut because it reminded her of her grandmother’s ring. It wasn’t identical, but it had the same gentle corners, the same subtle glow. “It just feels like home,” she told me. I couldn’t have described it better myself.

The practical perks no one talks about

Aside from the obvious romance, cushion engagement rings come with some practical benefits. The rounded edges make them more resistant to chipping than sharp-cornered cuts like princess or emerald. They’re also excellent at hiding inclusions (those tiny natural imperfections inside the stone), which means you can often go for a slightly lower clarity grade and save a bit of money without compromising on sparkle.

And let’s be real — in Australia, where we’re constantly juggling beach days, barbecues, and everyday wear, a ring that balances beauty and durability just makes sense.

Another thing to consider? The setting. Cushion cuts tend to look stunning in both classic four-prong solitaires and modern bezel settings. Whether you lean toward the sleek minimalism of white gold or the warm glow of rose gold, the cushion cut adapts beautifully.

Customisation and craftsmanship

These days, custom designs are on the rise — especially with lab-grown stones making personalisation more affordable. People aren’t just walking into a store and picking something off the shelf anymore. They’re designing rings from scratch: tweaking the band thickness, choosing unique accent stones, engraving initials or dates on the inside of the shank.

I’ve seen couples spend hours perfecting tiny details together. And that’s part of the magic — creating something truly one-of-a-kind. A cushion-cut diamond becomes a canvas for storytelling.

One of my favourite projects was a ring we made using a 1.5-carat lab-grown cushion diamond set in a hidden-halo design. From the top, it looked like a simple solitaire — timeless and refined. But beneath the setting, a delicate halo of tiny diamonds hugged the base of the centre stone, visible only to the wearer. It was a secret sparkle, a private detail only the couple shared.

That’s what makes modern jewellery so exciting — it’s personal, intentional, and deeply connected to the people wearing it.

The social shift behind the sparkle

It’s also worth noting the cultural shift driving these choices. There’s less pressure now to conform to the traditional “rulebook” of engagement rings. The old idea that a ring should cost three months’ salary feels outdated to most couples I meet. People would rather invest in something that feels meaningful than something that simply ticks a societal box.

And honestly, I find that refreshing. Love isn’t measured in carats or price tags — it’s measured in thoughtfulness. Whether that means choosing an ethically sourced diamond, a vintage-inspired design, or even a coloured gemstone, the meaning matters more than the market value.

The growing popularity of lab-created cushion rings reflects this beautifully. It’s about merging romance and responsibility, sentiment and sustainability.

Trends we’re seeing in 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of individuality in engagement design. Cushion cuts remain a favourite, but we’re seeing creative variations — elongated cushions, crushed-ice faceting, and hidden halos that play with depth and light.

Yellow gold is making a strong comeback, too, adding warmth and contrast to lab-grown cushion diamonds. There’s also a rise in mixed metal designs, where the band and setting feature different tones for subtle contrast.

Another emerging trend? East-west settings — where the cushion is turned horizontally instead of vertically. It’s a small change, but it creates such a modern, distinctive look.

And if you’re planning a proposal soon, here’s my advice: don’t rush the process. Try on different shapes. See how the light catches. Sometimes the right ring surprises you — it’s not what you thought you wanted, but it just feels right.

Final thoughts — love, light, and legacy

At the end of the day, a ring is more than jewellery. It’s a symbol, a memory, a daily reminder of love’s resilience. The resurgence of cushion engagement rings shows that we’re craving designs with character — pieces that hold history while reflecting modern values.

Whether you choose a mined diamond or a lab-created one, what matters most is that it speaks to you.

Personally, I think the cushion cut embodies everything an engagement ring should be: romantic, enduring, and quietly powerful. It’s not trying too hard — it just shines in its own way, the way love often does.

So if you’re exploring options, take a closer look at cushion engagement rings. You might just find that perfect mix of heritage and heart you didn’t know you were searching for.