A method of forming a cutting element is disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a substrate body, forming an intermediate layer on the substrate body, forming a diamond table, and positioning the diamond table on the intermediate layer, such that the intermediate layer is disposed between the substrate body and the diamond table. The intermediate layer has a base portion having a base height and a ring portion having a ring height HR, wherein the intermediate layer has a height HT equal to the sum of the base height and ring height. The diamond table has a cutting layer having a cutting layer diameter D1 and a cutting layer height HE and a protrusion having a protrusion diameter D2 and a protrusion height HP.