IGI-certified. SEEPZ direct. $580–$980 vs $4,500–$7,000 for the natural equivalent.
Price Comparison — Cushion Cut 1 Carat
Save 75–92% vs the natural equivalent. Same optical and chemical properties — different origin.
Cushion cuts are the romantic choice — soft corners, pillowy outline, and a dispersed sparkle that's warmer and more vintage-feeling than rounds. The chunky facets produce large flashes of color ("crushed ice" on modern cushions vs "large pattern" on classic cushions) — specify which you prefer when ordering.
One carat is the most searched diamond weight globally — it hits a psychological threshold where the stone is unambiguously significant. A 1ct lab-grown at StudsDirect runs $580–$980 depending on shape, cut, and clarity — versus $4,500–$7,000 for an equivalent natural diamond at retail.
A 1ct round brilliant is approximately 6.5mm diameter — clearly present in all settings, photographs beautifully, and reads as the classic engagement ring weight.
G–H for white metal. Cushions show color more than rounds due to the larger facets — I is borderline in platinum, fine in yellow gold. Old-mine style cushions read warmer by design.
VS2 is reliable eye-clean for cushions. SI1 can work if the inclusion is off-center — always request a clarity photo before purchasing.
Cushions look exceptional in halo settings — the shape contrast between the cushion and the round halos creates a lush, vintage look. Solitaire settings emphasize the cut's softness.
The 1ct size works on all hand sizes. On smaller hands (size 4–5), it reads as a statement piece. On larger hands, it reads as refined.
"Every cushion diamond we carry goes through the same QC process I applied when grading for export clients at SEEPZ. The cut grade isn't a box to check — it's the difference between a stone that looks alive and one that sits flat. For the 1 Carat cushion, I look specifically at the table percentage and crown angle. We don't carry stones that don't meet that standard."
IGI certified. SEEPZ direct sourcing. Free shipping on all orders.
Our complete framework for buying lab-grown diamonds — cut scores, what retailers don't tell you, and how to avoid the markup traps.