The modern "Cushion Cut Diamond" can be squarish or rectangular in shape as pictured above, the presence of rounded corners creates a pillow-like shape, thus the name. The design is a modification of the Old Mine Cut diamond and generally features 58 brilliant-style facets. Cushion cut diamonds were developed about a hundred years ago when diamonds were ground down to the desired shape instead of being cleaved or sawn by laser, thus older cushion cut diamonds were lumpy and thick which resulted in blocky patterns of light return which were more or less unimpressive.

As with most diamond shapes, the modern cushion cut diamond has benefited substantially from advancements in diamond cutting and design. The modern cushion cut diamond can be extremely lively and exhibits a high degree of light return.