IGI Certified Cushion Cut Lab Grown Diamond Rings: A Buyer's Guide

A cushion cut lab-grown diamond gives you the soft, romantic look of a vintage stone with the sparkle and certainty of a modern, graded diamond. This guide explains what makes the cushion cut special, how lab-grown diamonds compare with mined ones, what an IGI report tells you, which settings flatter a cushion, and what these rings cost.

What is a cushion cut?

A cushion cut is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners and curved sides, a little like a pillow. Its large facets throw back big, bold flashes of light, and its soft outline gives it a romantic, vintage character. There are two main outlines:

• Square cushion: about as wide as it is long. Classic and balanced, and it looks especially full inside a halo.
• Elongated cushion: noticeably longer than it is wide. It looks larger for its carat weight and makes the finger look longer and slimmer.

Because the corners are rounded rather than pointed, a cushion is less prone to chipping than a princess cut, which makes it a practical choice for a ring worn every day. Compare it with other shapes in our engagement ring shapes guide.

What is a lab-grown diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It's made of the same carbon, with the same crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and sparkle as a mined diamond. The only difference is its origin: it's grown in a controlled environment instead of formed deep in the earth. Because it doesn't have to be mined, a lab-grown diamond costs much less than a natural diamond of the same size and quality, so you can choose a larger or higher-grade center stone for the same budget. For a comparison with moissanite, read moissanite vs. lab-grown diamond.

What does "IGI certified" mean?

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the world's largest independent diamond grading laboratories, and it grades a large share of the lab-grown diamonds sold today. An IGI report records the diamond's:

• Carat weight and exact measurements
• Color grade, on the D (colorless) to Z scale
• Clarity grade, from Flawless to Included
• Cut details, such as polish and symmetry
• Origin: the report states that the diamond is laboratory-grown

Many IGI-graded diamonds are also laser-inscribed on the edge (girdle) with their report number, so the stone can be matched to its report. Each of our IGI certified rings includes the grading report for the center stone. Learn more in IGI vs. GIA certification.

F-VS2 and G-VS2: what the grades mean

Most of our IGI certified cushion diamonds are F or G color and VS2 clarity, and many listings show the grade right in the title.

• F color is in the colorless range, and G is the top of the near-colorless range. Both look icy white once set, especially in white gold.
• VS2 (very slightly included) means any inclusions are minor and normally can't be seen without magnification.

Together, F or G and VS2 is a sweet spot: a bright, clean-looking diamond without paying for grades you can't see.

Settings that suit a cushion

• Solitaire: four prongs and a simple band, so the cushion's big flashes are the whole show. See this 3.00 CT cushion solitaire, G-VS2.
• Halo and double halo: one or two rings of small diamonds around the center, the cushion's classic partner. They make the center look larger and add sparkle. See this 3.00 CTW cushion double halo.
• Hidden halo: a row of diamonds under the center, seen from the side, for a clean top view with a surprise of sparkle. See this 5.50 CTW cushion hidden halo.
• Three stone: a cushion between two side stones, such as half moons, which echo its curved sides. See this cushion and half moon three stone ring, F-VS2.
• Bezel set: a smooth rim of gold around the center, the most protective setting for an active lifestyle. See this bezel set cushion halo, F-VS2.
• Bridal sets: an engagement ring with one or two matching bands made to sit flush. See this elongated cushion three-ring bridal set, or browse all bridal ring sets.

CT vs. CTW

On our listings, CT usually refers to a single center stone, and CTW (carat total weight) adds up every diamond in the ring, including halo stones, side stones and, in a bridal set, the bands. The specifications on each listing give the center stone's weight on its own, so you always know how big the cushion is.

Choosing the metal

White gold keeps an F or G diamond looking as white as possible and suits a modern halo. Yellow gold gives a warm, vintage feel that suits the cushion's antique roots. Rose gold adds a soft, romantic glow. Our rings are made in solid 14K gold, and many are offered in all three colors.

What does an IGI certified cushion lab-grown diamond ring cost?

In our IGI certified cushion lab grown diamond rings collection, most rings and bridal sets cost about $1,500 to $3,000. Halo rings start around $1,200, and large statement pieces of 5 to 7.5 carats total weight run about $3,000 to $5,500. Every piece includes the IGI report for the center stone, is made in solid 14K gold and ships free in the US and Canada.

Shop IGI certified cushion lab-grown diamond rings

See every style in our IGI certified cushion lab grown diamond rings collection, or browse all cushion engagement rings and lab-grown diamond engagement rings. Each piece is handcrafted in Los Angeles. Need your size first? Use our ring size guide. Questions about a specific diamond or report? Call us at 310-486-8838 or email knrinc@att.net.