IGI-certified. SEEPZ direct. $1,400–$2,400 vs $15,000–$25,000 for the natural equivalent.
Price Comparison — Cushion Cut 2 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.
Two carats is unambiguous luxury. The jump from 1.5ct to 2ct is a meaningful step in visual presence — about 20% larger face-up — and would cost $15,000–$25,000 in a natural equivalent. At StudsDirect's lab-grown pricing, a 2ct is within reach of a serious buyer's budget.
A 2ct round is approximately 8.1mm diameter — dramatically present on the hand, no ambiguity about size. This is "across the room" visible.
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.
At 2ct, hand size matters for proportion. On hands size 7+, a 2ct round or oval is perfectly balanced. On smaller hands, elongated shapes (oval, pear, marquise) distribute the carat weight visually and prevent the "too big" look.
"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 2 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.