1.00 carat Cushion Modified cut Solitaire engagement ring IN 18K White Gold James Allen1.00 carat Cushion Modified cut Solitaire engagement ring IN 18K White Gold James Allen

The Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings For Every Budget


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HomeDiamond AdviceChoosing a Ring Style, Setting, and MetalThe Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings For Every Budget

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Cushion-cut diamonds are the second most sought-after diamonds on the market today. The cut's popularity comes from combining two other popular cuts-the princess cut and the round brilliant cut. From the round brilliant cut, cushion-cut diamonds inherit sparkle and brilliance, while from the princess cut, they inherit symmetry and structure. The stone's inherent characteristics make it extremely versatile, allowing easy fitting to almost any type of ring setting. 

Diamond engagement rings make a lasting impression when presented to a loved one. Although they can cost thousands of dollars, you do not have to overspend to get an outstanding ring.  We have done the work and have broken down our top picks within every budget range in this guide to help you select a gorgeous design for this once-in-a-lifetime event.  

Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings Under $2500

What to Expect:

If you are shopping for a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring and have a budget of $2500, you can expect to see rings with a center stone of about 1-carat or less with simple settings in white, yellow, and rose gold or platinum. Aim to find a center stone with a clarity rating of SI2 or better. 

1. Cushion Modified Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Claw Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring (Flush Fit) © James Allen
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This beautiful ring features a traditional four-prong solitaire setting design set in 14K white gold. It comes with a 1.22-carat cushion modified cut center diamond with J color and I1 clarity rating. The stone's cut, symmetry, and polish are rated good. This ring gives you a slightly bigger stone for a reduced clarity rating (this stone is I1 - read this article to see what that means). You should decide whether that is a trade-off you want to make.

2. Cushion Modified Cut Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Solo Infinity Engagement Ring James Allen
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Infinity design engagement rings are a timeless classic, and this ring is no different. Featuring lustrous intertwining bands, the design includes pavé set diamonds in one strand to add to its appeal. At the center of the ring is a 1.01-carat cushion modified diamond rated K and SI2 for color and clarity, respectively. 

3. Cushion-Cut Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Infinity Engagement Ring James Allen
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This ring features a beautiful vintage infinity design accentuated by delicate milgrain and bead detailing. The 14K white gold engagement ring comes with a 0.70-carat cushion diamond rated G for color and VS2 for clarity. The center stone sits within unique V-shaped prongs set on the ring's continuous band. This ring is an outstanding value for the money.

4. Cushion Modified Cut Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

0.92 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring IN 14K Rose Gold
0.92 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring IN 14K Rose Gold © James Allen
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Elegant yet striking in design, this ring has a prominent halo design that circles the 0.92-carat cushion diamond with a ring of pavé set diamonds. The center stone is K color and SI1 clarity grade. The 14K rose gold setting has a unique partial bezel design that supports the crown jewels. 

5. Cushion Modified Cut Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

0.90 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring IN 14K Yellow Gold © James Allen
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You get a 0.90-carat J color and VVS2 clarity cushion diamond with this inspired ring. The center diamond sits within a pavé halo of small white diamonds set upon a ring of 14K yellow gold. In 14K yellow gold, the ring's band sweeps all-round, giving the ring a sense of poised continuity that culminates in the prominent center stone. 

Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings Under $5000

What to Expect:

At this budget, you can expect to find diamonds around 1-carat. You will need to make a trade-off between color or clarity.  As an example, you can get a D color diamond, but it will need to be more included. If you really want to amp up the sparkle and stay within budget, supplement the center stone with a setting that has pavé diamonds.

1. Cushion-Cut Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

1.01 carat Cushion cut Pave engagement ring IN 14K Rose Gold © James Allen
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We love the way this James Allen ring twists and turns. Getting it in rose gold - rather than yellow or white gold — is another unique touch. The diamond is a 1.01-carat, J color, VS1 clarity, and a very good cut. The setting has 0.40-carats of diamonds that are G-H color and VS2-SI1 clarity. This ring is a great value for the price!

2. Cushion-Cut Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

1.01 carat Cushion cut Pave engagement ring IN 18K White Gold © James Allen
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A stunning 1.01-carat, G color, VVS2 clarity center stone with a very good cut graces the four-pronged crown of this beautiful pavé-style diamond engagement ring. This is a great contemporary design for anyone who works with their hands - the setting, with 0.17-carats in F-G color diamonds, is durable. 

3. Cushion Modified Cut Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

1.20 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring IN 14K White Gold © James Allen
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A massive 1.20-carat, J Color, VS2 clarity cushion cut diamond with a good cut is the centerpiece of this vintage-style engagement ring.  Further accentuating the ring's design are 0.24 carats of G-H color pavé diamonds set along the 14K white gold bands. What is truly exceptional is the milgrain design running between the two lines of diamonds on each side of the band. 

4. Cushion Modified Cut Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

1.00 carat Cushion Modified cut Three Stone engagement ring IN 14K Rose Gold © James Allen
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This delicate three-stone design stands out amongst other three-stone rings. Petal-shaped side-stones alongside a bright 1.00-carat, G color, VVS2 clarity center stone gives the ring a unique floral appearance. Sweeping beneath the three-stone cluster is a 14K rose gold band, ending in an intricate basket that supports the ring's stones. This ring is perfect for someone with a subtle and classical style.

5. Cushion Modified Cut Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

1.20 carat Cushion Modified cut Pave engagement ring IN 14K White Gold © James Allen
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This ring seamlessly combines classic with modern. A significant highlight of the ring is its floral basket, designed to mimic a flower's petals. Resting inside the basket is a 1.20-carat, G color, VS1 cushion-cut diamond with a very good cut. Along each of the ring's shanks are two lines of 0.28 carats of pavé diamonds in G-H color separated by a thin strip of milgrain design. 

Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings Under $7500

What to Expect:

At this budget, we recommend you pick your most important "C" and focus your efforts there. Your options start to broaden at the $7500 price range, and you can expect bigger centerpiece diamonds that average around 1.30-carats plus larger accents and side stones. If you compromise on the size, you can also score an F color - or even a yellow - diamond with a VVS clarity grade.

1. Cushion Modified Cut Pave Engagement Ring

6201.07 carat Cushion Modified cut Pave engagement ring in 14K Rose Gold © James Allen
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A 1.07-carat, D color, VS2 clarity cushion cut diamond with a very good cut graces the centerpiece position on this fascinating ring. The modified cathedral gallery rests on a continuous 14K rose gold band. The band is accentuated with twirling channels set with pave diamonds.

2. Cushion Modified Cut Three Stone Engagement Ring

1.20 carat Cushion Modified cut Three Stone engagement ring in 14K White Gold © James Allen
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Adorned with exquisite detailing along the shanks and within the crown, this gorgeous ring features a three-stone design with additional channel set pave diamonds. The two side stones are pear-shaped, perfectly framing the 1.20-carat, F color, VVS2 clarity center diamond with a very good cut. 

3. Cushion Modified Cut Vintage Engagement Ring

1.20 carat Cushion Modified cut Vintage engagement ring in 14K White Gold © James Allen
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Vintage aesthetics are the hallmark of this delightful, modified halo diamond engagement ring. In the middle of a halo of melee diamonds is a 1.21 carat, H color, VVS1 clarity centerpiece diamond with a very good cut. On each side of the central gallery are two symmetrical strips of side stones, tapering off into a strip of four pave-style diamonds on each side running along a 14K white gold band. 

4. Cushion Modified Cut Three Stone Engagement Ring

1.40 carat Cushion Modified cut Three Stone engagement ring in 14K Yellow Gold © James Allen
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Yellow gold diamond engagement rings are popular for a good reason, they are absolutely gorgeous, and this piece is no different. Featuring a 14K yellow gold three stone setting, the ring has two pear-shaped side stones alongside a 1.40-carat, G color, SI2 clarity center stone with an ideal cut. A simple band design coupled with a modified cathedral makes it a simple yet timeless classic. 

5. Cushion Modified Cut Channel Set Engagement Ring

14K White Gold 0.42ct Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring © James Allen
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A bold, thick band coupled with inset accent stones gives this ring a prominent profile. Its center stone, a 1.23-carat, VVS2 clarity diamond, rests within the clutch of a four-prong basket, set deep within a gap between the ring's shanks. The ring's design makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a large ring that will make an audacious statement. 

Best Cushion-Cut Engagement Rings Under $10,000

What to Expect:

You have a wide array of choices at this budget. you will find high-quality diamonds between 1.50 and 2.00-carats with good color and clarity. We recommend buying a smaller diamond (around 1.50-carats) with a good color (D, E, F, or G color) and good clarity (VS grade) with a very good cut, and then scaling up the sparkle with a halo setting.

1. Cushion Modified Cut Pave Engagement Ring

1.50 carat Cushion Modified cut Pave engagement ring IN 14K White Gold ©James Allen
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Dazzling is the only way to describe this elegant ring. Encrusted with accent stones along the sides of the 14K white gold bands and along each prong of the cathedral basket, this gorgeous piece is the definition of elegance. At the center of it all is a stunning 1.50-carat, F color, VVS1 clarity white diamond with a good cut. 

2. Cushion-Cut Halo Engagement Ring

1.72 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring in Platinum © James Allen
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Nothing says a bolder statement than a halo of brilliants with a large rock in the middle. This gorgeous piece makes this statement through a delightful sprinkle of melee diamonds around a 1.54-carat, H color, VS2 clarity center diamond with a very good cut. Embellishing the ring's bands is a line of pave diamonds, set within a platinum band. 

3. Cushion Modified Cut Halo Engagement Ring

1.52 carat Cushion Modified cut Halo engagement ring in 18K Yellow Gold © James Allen
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Simple yet dazzling in appearance, this striking 18K yellow gold diamond engagement ring is the stuff of fairytales. Commanding the centerpiece location is a 1.52-carat, H color, VVS1 clarity white diamond with a very good cut surrounded by a ring of brilliant accent stones. This dazzling crown rests upon a four-prong modified halo, in turn, supported by sweeping shanks, themselves lined with a series of pave-style diamonds. 

4. Cushion Modified Cut Halo Engagement Ring

Platinum Falling Edge Pave Diamond Engagement Ring James Allen
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This striking ring combines a comfort-fit platinum band with a dazzling array of diamonds. The heart of the ring is a 1.72-carat, I color, VS2 clarity white diamond with a good cut surrounded by a double halo of accent stones. Along the band's shanks are pave style diamonds, while its gallery features an artistic knotted design. 

5. Cushion Modified Cut Pave Engagement Ring

1.81 carat Cushion Modified cut Pave engagement ring in 18K Yellow Gold © James Allen
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A menagerie of diamonds clustered around the 1.81-carat, J color, VS1 clarity center stone with an ideal cut is the crowning feature of this delightful ring. A modified cathedral gallery is tastefully highlighted with accent diamonds, while more brilliants line the ring's twin shanks. 


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