Cushion-cut and princess-cut diamonds are both variations of square-cut diamonds, each offering a different balance of a diamond’s brilliant features. Cushion-cut and princess-cut diamonds are often compared when it comes to choosing a diamond shape; however, each has unique qualities, attributes, and styles.
If you’re in the market for a diamond or an engagement ring, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two most popular square-cut diamonds. Here’s everything you need to know about cushion cut vs princess cut diamonds.
A cushion-cut diamond is a square or rectangular diamond with rounded (instead of pointed) corners to create a softer appearance. The shape resembles a pillow, hence the name “cushion cut.” A cushion-cut diamond has between 58 and 64 facets, offering more brilliance and fire than a round diamond.
The cushion-cut diamond has existed for almost 200 years and was the most popular during its first century. The design has evolved from a vintage and antique style with a small table, chunky facets, and a steep crown angle into a modern, brilliant cut.
Due to the long-standing history of the cushion cut, the style works well in more traditional and antique-inspired settings. That’s not to say that it can’t also feature in a more modern ring - it’s just typically the diamond choice for someone who wants a timeless, delicate engagement ring. A cushion-cut diamond is often featured for vintage-inspired settings, like the halo, four-prong, and three-stone.
A princess-cut diamond combines a square diamond with a facet arrangement and is the most brilliant square-cut diamond. A princess-cut diamond has sharp corners and straight sides, and generally has 76 facets. The symmetry of these facets is what gives them the cut high levels of brilliance and fire.
A princess-cut diamond is cut like an upside-down pyramid, with most of the weight in the pavilion (the part of the stone that reflects light through the crown). This makes the face-up appearance appear smaller and more delicate than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight.
A princess-cut diamond offers a sleek and contemporary appearance. It is often featured as a solitaire in a four-prong or bezel setting, which protects the sharp corners and edges from damage and highlights the diamond’s defined structure.
Each cut is known for its distinct characteristic features. The cushion-cut diamond offers a vintage charm with contemporary accents; the round corners create a soft and romantic aesthetic. The princess-cut diamond has pointed corners and a more angular and sharper appearance, making it ideal for a more structured and modern style.
The sparkle and brilliance is a result of the facets of the diamond. A diamond’s facets are flat surfaces cut into its surface, acting as mirrors to reflect light. This gives a diamond its sparkle, fire (flashes of light), and brilliance; the more facets it has, the more it sparkles.
A modern cushion-cut diamond has between 58 and 64 facets to create more fire and brilliance, whereas the more vintage cushion-cuts have a softer glow. The princess-cut diamond, with around 76 intricate facets, is particularly known for its exceptional brilliance and maximised light reflection.
Diamonds are more durable than any other gemstone; however, how a diamond is cut can affect its strength and longevity. A cushion-cut diamond’s rounded and softer edges are less prone to chipping, whereas a princess-cut diamond’s pointed corners may make it more susceptible to damage. A prong or bezel setting can protect a cushion-cut diamond, prolonging longevity and providing more structural strength.
A cushion-cut and a princess-cut diamond generally come with similar price tags, for the same weight. This is because more rough stone is maintained during the cutting process than other diamonds, like the round brilliant diamond. However, a cushion-cut diamond can be less expensive than traditional diamond shapes, simply as it does not have the same demand as a princess-cut diamond.
The price of a diamond depends on the 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Generally, the higher each C ranks, the greater the value of the diamonds. However, another key factor affecting a diamond's price is popularity and demand.
Princess-cut diamonds are more popular than cushion cuts, and as demand increases, so does pricing. With that said, a princess-cut diamond is not always more expensive than cushion-cut diamonds, but neither is as costly as a round brilliant cut diamond.
Each diamond cut provides a flattering, brilliant, and stylish option. There is no right answer when it comes to determining which is the better diamond cut – both cuts offer their own uniquely beautiful attributes.
When choosing between a cushion-cut and a princess-cut diamond, consider the differences discussed above, as well as your preferences and taste. A cushion-cut diamond is the perfect choice if you prefer a more vintage, softer style. If your style is more modern and sleek, a princess-cut diamond is what you’re after.
