Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring: A UK Buyer’s Guide

The elongated cushion engagement ring is an alternative version of the classic cushion-cut diamond. Its soft angles make this diamond appear vintage, while the elongated shape gives it a slender effect when worn. If you appreciate the cushion-cut diamond but not the square one, then this is the diamond shape for you. This blog will help you with your selection of an engagement ring.

Table of Content

• What Is an Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring?
• Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Diamond?
• How to Choose the Right Length-to-Width Ratio
• Best Settings for Elongated Cushion Engagement Rings
• How to Select the Proper Diamond Quality for an Elongated Cushion Ring
• How Much Does an Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring Cost in the UK?
• Conclusion

What Is an Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring?

An elongated cushion diamond is one that has a rectangular shape but with the rounded corners of a classic cushion diamond. The facets of such diamonds can be similar to those of a brilliant diamond, giving off flashes of light, or can have wider shapes to give a more vintage look.

A square cushion diamond is one that has a more even proportion between its length and width compared to the elongated cushion diamond, which is longer than it is wide.

Why Choose an Elongated Cushion Diamond?

There are three reasons why people choose an elongated cushion diamond shape because of its characteristics.

• Long-shaped appearance: It can help to elongate a finger, and when combined with a thin band, it will look elegant.

• Vintage style and contemporary look at the same time: While the rounded edges resemble vintage rings, they will still be relevant due to modern settings.

• Perception of visual size: Since it has a long-shaped design, it could cover more of a finger compared to a square cushion diamond that is of a similar width. Nevertheless, the actual measurements matter

You can combine any material and settings for your ring and still preserve the unique outline of the diamond itself.

How to Choose the Right Length-to-Width Ratio

The length-to-width ratio is derived from the division of the length of the diamond by its width. The 1.00:1 ratio is a description of a square shape, while a high ratio implies that the diamond is elongated.

• Between 1.05 and 1.15: An elongation effect that preserves the square cushion look.

• Between 1.15 and 1.25: An elongation effect, but this time more pronounced, and it does not appear to be overly narrow.

• Over 1.25: It makes the diamond appear elongated, highlighting the characteristics of the cushion shape

These are just helpful guides for visualising the shape rather than strict grading standards. The correct length-to-width ratio depends on personal taste, finger shape, and setting. You need to compare several diamonds to see how they differ from one another, taking into consideration both the length and width of the diamonds.

Best Settings for Elongated Cushion Engagement Rings

The setting affects the way the diamond will look on your hand, how much of it you'll see, and whether the ring will be easy to wear every day.

• Solitaire: A single band emphasises the centre diamond. It could have four or six prongs holding the diamond, with plenty of room left open.

• Halo and hidden halo: The halo setting means there will be a circle of diamonds around the centre diamond, making it bigger visually. The hidden halo goes under the main diamond.

• Pavé and three-stone settings: The pavé setting will have a row of smaller diamonds going down the band. A three-stone setting has extra stones to the sides of the centre diamond.

• Bezel and protective settings: The bezel wraps the perimeter of the diamond in metal, protecting the edges of the stone

Before selecting a design, make sure that your wedding ring fits with the engagement ring. The raised settings will permit the straight wedding band to lie flat, whereas the low-set or differently shaped ring might create some space between the two rings. You can ask to see both the rings together.

How to Select the Proper Diamond Quality for an Elongated Cushion Ring

Cut and light performance

There are various cuts in cushion diamonds, which is why two diamonds of equal carat weights might exhibit completely different brilliance and scintillation levels. Brightness, life, and darkness should be equally distributed. Try viewing the diamond in different lights instead of one picture of it.

Not all fancy-shaped diamonds get an overall cut grade as is done for round brilliants. Go through the diamond grading report along with the pictures or video of the actual diamond.

Colour and Clarity

The scale for diamond colour grade starts at D, which means the colourless one, and goes further till yellow and brown tints become more prominent. It might be very hard to distinguish the difference between two diamonds after they get set because of the metal and diamond colour.

Clarity refers to internal imperfections and external flaws. A VS or SI quality that is invisible to the naked eye is a valuable stone, but do not forget to look at your particular stone rather than just buying a high-grade stone.

Carat Weight and Face-up Size

A carat is a measure of weight and not of size. Consider the millimetre length and width of the diamond, along with its depth, as this will tell you how much of the diamond will be visible when looking down on it. A deep diamond can contain more carats under the table without increasing its apparent size.

How Much Does an Elongated Cushion Engagement Ring Cost in the UK?

The cost of a diamond varies based on the carat weight, colour, clarity, cut grade, and metal type used in the ring setting. A 1-carat elongated cushion diamond costs approximately £600-£ 1000 without the setting. The price may vary based on the carat weight, cut, clarity, and color of the diamond.

When choosing rings from Friendly Diamonds, it is important to consider the total price of the item, not just the diamond itself. Compare grading certificates, dimensions, metal used in the setting, and the policy regarding resizing, refunds, and warranties. It might be possible to buy a slightly smaller diamond or a less elaborate ring band, allowing you to save some money for the preferred proportions of the diamond.

Conclusion

Selecting the right elongated cushion engagement ring is all about balancing the four factors of shape, sparkle, setting, and budget. Always compare actual stones and not just the ratio or carat weight, and think about how well the ring will look next to your wedding band. Friendly Diamonds carries several different lab-grown diamonds in different engagement rings that you can compare.