1.5 Carat Cushion Cut Diamonds

At 1.50 ct a cushion is roughly 6.5 mm across in its square form, or noticeably longer if elongated. This is the size where the antique character of the shape shows properly: it descends from the old mine cut, and a well made one keeps some of that softness rather than mimicking a round.

Decide square or elongated first. Ratios of 1.00 to 1.09 read as square; from 1.15 upward the stone starts to look rectangular, and elongated cushions have become the more sought after of the two. Neither is a compromise, but they suit different hands.

The crushed-ice versus chunky distinction matters more at this size than at one carat, because the facets are larger and the difference in how the stone behaves in low light is obvious. Compare two candidates in the 360° view before deciding — most buyers have a clear preference once they have actually seen both.