Cushion Cut Fancy Color Diamonds vs. White Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

TL;DR: Cushion cut fancy color diamonds bring rare hues and personality—yellow, pink, blue, green and salt-and-pepper variants—while white (colorless) cushion diamonds prioritize brilliance and classic elegance. This guide breaks down color grading, pricing, best settings, care, and real buyer case studies to help you choose confidently.

What is a cushion cut?

The cushion cut is a hybrid of a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets designed to maximize fire (colorful flashes) and brilliance. It has a vintage feel and pairs beautifully with both modern and antique settings. Cushion cuts come in two main facet styles: brilliant-style facets (more sparkle) and pillow/antique facets (more fire).

Quick overview: Fancy color cushion diamonds vs white cushion diamonds

• Fancy color cushions: Naturally colored or treated diamonds with hues like yellow, pink, blue, green, brown, black, or salt-and-pepper. Color intensity and hue determine value.
  

• White (colorless) cushions: Range from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable color). High-grade white cushions (D-F) are prized for pure brilliance and traditional appeal.

Color grading & terminology (what 'fancy' really means)

Fancy color scale

Colored diamonds are graded differently than white diamonds. For fancy colors, labs use terms like Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Vivid. The rarer and more saturated the hue, the higher the price—especially for pinks and blues.

White diamond scale

White diamonds use the D–Z scale. The closer to D, the more colorless and typically the higher the price per carat (all else equal).

How cushion shape affects perceived color

Cushion cuts can concentrate color in the center because of their spread and facet pattern. That makes them ideal for showcasing fancy colors but also means lower-grade white cushions may look warmer (more yellow) than the same grade in a round brilliant.

Value & pricing: What drives cost

Several factors determine value: color intensity (for fancy), color grade (for white), carat weight, clarity, cut quality, and market demand. Fancy colors with high saturation—like Fancy Vivid pink or blue—can command astronomical premiums. By contrast, white cushions are priced heavily on color (D-F) and cut quality.

Example product references (for inspiration and purchase)

Explore cushion fancy color options and loose cushion white diamonds in the Lukhidiamond catalog to compare live inventory:

• 1.01 CT Natural Loose Cushion Green
• Cushion Salt & Pepper Collection
• Loose Diamonds Collection

Best settings to enhance color or brilliance

For fancy color cushions

• Yellow/gold settings: Warm metals (yellow gold, rose gold) intensify warm tones like yellow, cognac, and certain browns.
• Prong styles: V-prongs and low-profile bezels allow maximum light while protecting corners.
• Halo settings: Contrast halos (small white diamonds around a colored center) can make the center color pop.

For white cushions

• Platinum & white gold: Reinforce the colorless appearance and emphasize brilliance.

Pros & Cons

Step-by-step buying guide: How to choose

1. Decide on hue vs. brilliance: Do you want a bold color or classic sparkle?
2. Set a budget: Fancy Vivid colors will need more budget than white D-F cushions of similar carat weight.
3. Compare lab reports: For fancy colors, read the color grade (Fancy Intense/Vivid). For white, confirm D–Z grade and cut proportions.
4. Request imagery: Ask for 360° photos under daylight and artificial light to see real appearance.
5. Choose setting: Pick a metal that complements color or enhances whiteness.
6. Buy from a trusted source: For verified inventory, explore curated loose stones on Lukhidiamond.

Care & maintenance (dos and don'ts)

• Regular cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
• Avoid harsh chemicals—they can affect some treated stones.
• Store separately to avoid scratches and abrasion.
• For high-value fancy colors, obtain insurance and periodic inspections.

Comparison charts & quick reference

Color vs. Price (simplified)

Note: This is a simplified reference — real prices depend on many factors.

Case studies & real examples

Case Study 1: The Heirloom Upgrade

Client A inherited a 2.2 ct white cushion with G color and VS2 clarity. They wanted a warmer, more personal look. Re-cutting wasn't an option, so they chose a custom rose-gold setting with a thin halo of white melee. The rose gold made the stone appear warmer and the halo added the illusion of size—delivering the requested vintage vibe without changing the stone.

Case Study 2: Bold Statement — Fancy Yellow Cushion

Client B purchased a 1.35 ct natural cushion in intense yellow (see product sample). Set in a simple four-prong yellow gold solitaire, the stone became the centerpiece of a high-fashion engagement ring. The buyer prioritized hue and rarity over maximum sparkle.

E-E-A-T: Real-experience paragraphs (expertise & experience)

I have worked with clients choosing both white and fancy cushions. What repeats across purchases is this: buyers who choose fancy colors do so for emotional value (rarity, symbolism, uniqueness). Buyers choosing white cushions prioritize optical performance and resale familiarity. In both cases, transparency in grading reports and live imagery wins trust.

Infographic placeholders

FAQs

Call to action

Ready to compare stones side-by-side?

Prefer a personal consult? Contact Lukhidiamond's gem specialists to request 360° photos, videos, or certification reports.