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Oval vs elongated cushion: two soft, long shapes

Both are long, soft and flattering on the finger. The oval is a smooth curve all round; the elongated cushion keeps gentle corners and a more vintage feel.

The short answer: choose an oval for the most length on the finger and an even, modern sparkle. Choose an elongated cushion for a softer, vintage look, and pick its style, crushed ice or chunky, on video.

01 · Size

Which looks bigger?

The oval. At the same weight a typical oval is about 17% longer than a typical elongated cushion, with about 10% more face-up area: a cushion carries more of its weight in its depth and its corners.

  • Oval 1 ct
    7.5–8.2 × 5.3–5.8 mm
  • Elongated cushion 1 ct
    6.4–7.0 × 5.0–5.4 mm
  • Oval 2 ct
    9.4–10.3 × 6.7–7.3 mm
  • Elongated cushion 2 ct
    8.1–8.8 × 6.3–6.8 mm
Carat Oval, length × width Elongated cushion, length × width Oval length vs elongated cushion Oval face-up area
0.5 6.0–6.5 × 4.2–4.6 mm 5.1–5.6 × 4.0–4.3 mm +17% +10%
1 7.5–8.2 × 5.3–5.8 mm 6.4–7.0 × 5.0–5.4 mm +17% +10%
1.5 8.6–9.4 × 6.1–6.6 mm 7.3–8.0 × 5.7–6.2 mm +17% +10%
2 9.4–10.3 × 6.7–7.3 mm 8.1–8.8 × 6.3–6.8 mm +17% +10%
3 10.8–11.8 × 7.6–8.4 mm 9.2–10.1 × 7.2–7.8 mm +17% +10%

Drawn at actual size at 100% zoom. Typical sizes; real stones vary with their depth, so always check the certificate. Percentages compare typical stones of the same weight.

02 · Outline and sparkle

Modern curve or vintage pillow?

An oval is a brilliant cut with a smooth, unbroken outline and an even, lively sparkle. Most ovals show some bow tie: a light one that moves is fine, and we check every oval on video.

An elongated cushion has gently rounded corners and curved sides, like a pillow. It is cut in two styles: “crushed ice”, with many small sparkles, or chunky, with larger old-style flashes. The certificate does not say which; the video does.

Oval: smooth outline
Elongated cushion: soft corners

03 · On the finger

How they look on the hand

Both draw the eye along the finger. The oval looks longer and slimmer; the elongated cushion looks a little wider and softer, with a romantic, antique feel.

Neither has points, so both suit active hands. Four or six prongs hold an oval; four or double prongs suit a cushion.

See any shape on your ring size in the shape guide →

Oval 1 ct · size 6
Elongated cushion 1 ct · size 6

Drawn at actual size on a size 6 finger.

04 · Price

Which costs less?

There is no fixed rule between these two: prices are close and change with size, colour and clarity. Cushions show warm colour more, so you may want a higher colour grade in a cushion, which can raise its price.

Compare live prices at the weight you want.

Compare live prices, 1 carat

05 · Which one is for you

Oval or elongated cushion: how to decide

Choose an oval if…

  • you want the most length on the finger for your budget
  • you like a smooth, modern outline
  • you want an even, lively sparkle
  • you are happy to judge the bow tie on video (we check it for you)
Read the oval diamond guide →

Choose an elongated cushion if…

  • you love a vintage, romantic look
  • you like soft corners rather than a pure curve
  • you have a favourite style: crushed ice or chunky
  • you want a look that is a little less common
Read the elongated cushion guide →

06 · In stock now

Ovals and elongated cushions, side by side

Oval diamonds, 1–1.5 ct

Oval

Lab-grown · IGI

CaratColourClarityScore
1.00DVVS198
CA$540 Ratio 1.40

Returnable – 5 days

View details →

Oval

Lab-grown · IGI

CaratColourClarityScore
1.02DVVS297
CA$520 Ratio 1.39

Returnable – 5 days

View details →

Oval

Lab-grown · IGI

CaratColourClarityScore
1.04DVVS297
CA$530 Ratio 1.46

Returnable – 5 days

View details →

See all oval diamonds →

Elongated cushion diamonds, 1–1.5 ct

See all elongated cushion diamonds →

07 · Questions

Oval vs elongated cushion questions

What is the difference between an oval and an elongated cushion?

Both are long and soft. The oval is a smooth curve all round; the elongated cushion keeps gentle corners and curved sides, for a more vintage look.

Which looks bigger, an oval or an elongated cushion?

The oval: at the same weight it is about 17% longer, with about 10% more face-up area.

Which sparkles more?

An oval has an even, lively sparkle. A cushion depends on its style: crushed ice cushions glitter, chunky ones flash. Only video shows which.

Do elongated cushions have a bow tie?

Less often than ovals, but it can happen. We check every stone on its 360° video.

Which shows colour more?

The cushion. If you see warmth on the video, go up to F–G.