Women usually wear engagement rings typically adorned with diamonds. When buying an engagement ring, it’s important to consider certain aspects impacting the style most.

Choosing a diamond shape is a tedious task, as you’ll have to consider several aspects before making the final decision.

In this regard, note that both the cushion cut and the princess cut serve as popular options that often get compared. Both cuts are stunning but differ in appearance, sparkle, and style.

Here we will be breaking down key differences so that it becomes easy to make the final decision.

Understanding the Appearance

When making the buying decision, note that cushion cut is known for the soft, rounded corners, and these are the pieces that show off square or elongated shapes. That being said, the shape attains a pillow-like appearance.

The piece has proved a favorite since the 19th century and is regarded for its vintage charm. Cushion Cut is known for sharing a lot of similarities with the round brilliant and old mine cuts, so you can be sure of the look that blends traditional elegance with a contemporary edge.

What makes the shape stand out are the rounded edges creating a soft aesthetic. That being said, this is the cut that proves ideal for people who prefer a more classic look.

Princess Cut is known for its sharp, defined corners in addition to the square or slightly rectangular shape. This is the cut that was developed in the 1960s and, by now, has proved a relatively modern option.

What makes it stand out is its geometric, sleek look. You can get an incredible piece with a square or rectangular shape.

When set in a ring, it looks incredible. Rest assured, you will be getting the piece that proves elegant enough with the clean lines and sharp angles creating a striking, contemporary appearance.

One of the most popular cuts today, the Princess cut, is highly favorable, particularly among people who are looking forward to a piece with a more structured, modern style.

Considering the Sparkle

When it comes to spotting the differences between the two types, note the aspect that the cushion cuts can have larger facets, creating a “chunkier” sparkle.

These are the pieces that are known for reflecting light differently depending on a more vintage or modern cut.

Cushion cuts are the pieces that are known for “modified” brilliant patterns and usually are the ones that carry more fire. On the other hand, you’ll also find certain pieces that look elegant with more vintage cushion cuts boasting a softer, more romantic glow.

Princess cut is also a highly preferred choice that exhibits exceptional brilliance. Brilliant facet arrangement makes it stand out and incredible enough to be similar to the round brilliant cut.

The choice is highly preferred among the ones who are looking for a piece that would reflect light in an eye-catching way. Intricate faceting makes the princess cut favorable enough in terms of the impressive light return, offering a high level of sparkle.

With the choice of this diamond ring, you’ll be getting the “ideal choice for an engagement ring”, especially when you prioritize brilliance and want a square or rectangular diamond.

Deciding the Style

Cushion cut is known for boasting vintage-inspired designs. The cut is highly favored among some buyers because of the availability of soft corners and pillow-like shapes that go well with classic and antique settings, including halos or pavé bands.

Cushion cut is known for its versatility, making it popular in both modern and traditional styles. In addition to that, these are the pieces with rounded edges, giving a softer, more delicate appearance.

Brides who are in love with the old-world charm or a more romantic, timeless look are usually the ones who prefer the choice of cushion cut rings.

Princess cuts are the pieces that are known for their sleek, contemporary appearance. With these pieces, you will get the clean lines and sharp angles working well in modern settings, and you will be getting pieces as prongs or channel settings.

The design is something that will highlight the diamond’s defined structure. You’ll be finding the Princess cut diamonds going beautifully with minimalist settings or bold, geometric designs.

Determining the Durability

Cushion cuts are the ones that are known for the rounded edges, and these are the pieces that are usually less vulnerable to chipping.

These are the pieces that are durable choices; this is the type that will prove impressive, especially for those with an active lifestyle.

Princess cuts are known for having pointed corners, but these are the pieces that are more susceptible to damage; this usually happens for the reason that they aren’t protected by the setting.

When you pick one of these diamond pieces as a part of the ring, it is worth picking a more protective setting, including prongs or a bezel. The choice of this aspect will ensure that the corners are safeguarded.

Understanding the Price Points

Differentiating between two cuts for making the final decision requires considering different aspects, including the price.

In this regard, it can be said that cushion cuts are more affordable than princess cuts, and the reason behind the same is that they retain more of the rough diamond when they are held during the cutting process.

So keep in mind while shopping for one of the pieces that the extra retained carat weight is responsible for a lower price per carat.

When buying one of the engagement rings, be mindful of the fact that the Princess Cut Diamonds are slightly more expensive than cushion cuts due to popularity and the complexity involved in cutting. But you can be assured of a great balance between brilliance and price compared to other shapes.

Looking at the Advantageous and Disadvantageous of the Two Cuts

The Pros of Cushion Cut Diamonds

• Cushion cut diamonds are more durable with rounded corners, making them less prone to chipping.
• Cushion cut diamonds have more variety in terms of the length-to-width ratios available changing their overall appearance. When picking from the range of cuts, note that the length-to-width ratios influence whether the stone will be square or rectangular.
• You will find the elongated cushion cut diamonds more rectangular in shape than the classic square-shaped cushion cut; in addition to that, the former also proves increasingly popular.

Note- When you are looking forward to buying an elongated cushion cut, it is highly recommended to choose a length-to-width ratio of 1.15 or higher.

• Cushion cut diamonds have more fire, and here, the reference is to the rainbow-colored sparkles a diamond produces. When you’re comparing the different cuts for making the buying decision, keep in mind that the “Fire” is very desirable. Well-cut cushion cut diamonds produce more fire when compared to other fancy-shape diamonds, including the princess-cut.

The Cons of Cushion Cut Diamonds

• Like there are several advantages, there are negatives as well. Note that the Cushion Cut Diamonds look smaller.
• Cushion cut diamonds are cut deeper and hold weight under the girdle, generally appearing smaller compared to fancy shapes of the same carat weight. In addition to that, these are the diamond pieces that especially appear smaller than the princess cut.
• When making the buying decision also keep in mind that the Cushion Cut Diamonds are less sparkly. Cushion cut diamonds have a softer, understated sparkle in comparison to brilliant-cut diamond shapes.
• Cushion cut diamonds are known for being very distinct from the rest and for exhibiting more color. That’s the reason it often becomes tedious to find a diamond that appears colorless with a Cushion cut diamond. When you are making the choice of cushion cut diamonds, make sure you understand the color aspect of the diamond shapes.
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The Pros of Princess Cut Diamonds

• Compared to several other cuts, princess-cut diamonds appear larger and happen due to the fact that the sharp corners appear larger than a Cushion cut diamond.
• Princess-cut diamonds have more sparkle because of their smaller facets. Cushion cut sparkles, but the princess-cut sparkles intensely.

• The princess-cut hides inclusions and color and that is the reason it is highly popular among the shoppers desiring a diamond that appears colorless. Shape’s brilliance makes the princess cut hide any color or inclusions, and it proves incredibly fine compared to the cushion cut.

Save on your princess-cut diamond by going lower on the color as well as the clarity scale.

The Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds

• Princess-cut diamonds prove more fragile compared to several other cuts as these are the pieces that have sharp corners, making them more prone to chipping.
• Princess-cut diamonds don’t prove timeless. In this regard, it can be said that the princess cut is an extremely modern shape and looks more contemporary. For a timeless look, consider a cushion cut diamond.
• If you’re curious to know whether cushion cut diamonds have a cut grade or not, it is worth noting that cushion cuts are graded like other cuts, but standards vary more than with other cuts. Cushion cuts lack brilliance compared to a princess cut, but have a lot of fire.
• Cushion cuts have three different pavilion patterns, and in this regard, the third is classified as a modified cushion cut closely resembling a radiant cut. Cushion cuts are available commercially as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor similar to other diamond cuts.
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Most Expensive Cut of Diamond

Neither the cushion cut nor the princess cut is the most expensive. Note that the round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond cut available. What makes it quite expensive over several other cuts is the demand, and a good portion of the diamond is wasted when it’s being cut and shaped.

There’s a necessity of investing a lot more time and skill to get it right. Expect to pay 20-25% more for a round diamond cut compared to other diamond cuts, including a princess or cushion.

The reason Cushion Cut is cheaper is that it is very similar to a princess cut; while cutting and shaping this cut, there is a chance of less waste. Both cuts are more affordable than a round brilliant cut. Demand increases, and with that, pricing increases as well.

Currently, princess cuts have been witnessing second demand next to round brilliant cuts, and that is the reason it can be said that these pieces deserve to be more expensive than a cushion cut.

But the truth is that that’s not always the case; cushion cuts are more expensive than princess cuts. But when making the buying decision, it’s worth noting that both always beat the price of round brilliant cuts.

A princess vs cushion cut battle is a never-ending one, and there is no clear winner. You will find pieces from both cuts that are beautiful, brilliant, and stylish. The preference of the piece that proves the best lies in the eye of the beholder.

Understanding the Important Aspects Concerning the Two Cuts

When it comes to making the buying decision, note that the Princess cut diamonds and cushion cut diamonds look similar in terms of appearance, but the truth is that they are different from one another.

Brilliance And Fire

When it comes to the determination of cushion cut versus princess cut, note that the brilliance and fire of the diamond play a key role. Numerous small facets make a princess-cut diamond look more brilliant and sparkly compared to a cushion cut diamond. Cushion cut diamonds have larger facets, appearing less brilliant but look incredibly fiery with better fire dispersion properties.

Settings

When it comes to deciding between cushion cut vs princess cut, the setting plays an important aspect. Most settings go favorable enough for princess diamonds – channel setting, V prong setting, bezel setting, as well as the classic prong setting. Cushion diamonds are a tad less brilliant, and in this regard the classic four-prong setting allows more light to pass through.

Style

Princess and cushion cuts have a square shape, the difference becomes clear when you look closer. A princess cut diamond looks geometric and exhibits sharp, angular lines from every angle. The cushion cut diamond features rounded edges. Princess cut offers a modern and glamorous look; on the other hand, cushion cut engagement rings are known for a classic, romantic vibe.

Understanding the Cut Quality

The cut quality impacts durability, brilliance, and shape appeal. Round diamonds have cut grades specified on their diamond certificates. Some labs give cushion cut diamonds an official cut grade, including round brilliant diamonds.

Besides choosing ideal proportions, measurements, and cushion cut ratios, go ahead with making aesthetic choices for cushion cut gemstones. Cushion cut diamonds are usually available in square shapes.

However, some people like the idea of picking the elongated cushion cut diamonds cut the same way as square cushion cuts with a rectangular shape.

Most inventories don’t filter out elongated cushions; in addition to that, it isn’t easy to separate crushed ice from chunky cushions. Choose your length-to-width ratio of cushion diamond with the idea that elongated cushion cuts have a ratio between 1.1-1.2.

When it comes to comparing modern cushion cuts vs modified brilliant cushion cuts, note the aspect that the modern cushion cut diamond can have squared edges or rounded edges in addition to the rounded corners. You’ll find the modern cushion cut featuring eight larger kite-shaped facets.

A modified cushion cut or modified brilliant cushion diamond is one that sports large facets modified to have more facets than the classic cushion cut.

Also, often, buyers are interested in crushed ice cushion cuts vs chunky cushion cuts. In this regard, there’s a lot to do with the style of a modified cushion cut.

The facet patterns that are designed during the cutting process lead to the development of different aesthetic appeal.

You can get the chunky cushion cut with wider facets. These are the pieces that exhibit flash as the light enters the diamond shape. Crushed ice cushion cut diamonds feature more facets and are known for exhibiting glittering light performance, and in this regard, they hold similarity to round diamonds.

Understanding the Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight

Regardless of the style you’re looking for when choosing the cushion cut diamond, take into consideration the concept that all styles are brilliant cut diamond shapes. This diamond-shaped sparkles between a bunch of tiny facets. Brilliant cut shape hides unwanted natural clarity imperfections.

The downside to cushion cut diamonds is that the yellow tint shows more, and in this regard, the high color grade is recommended when you are making the choice of one of the cushion cuts.

Princess cut diamond is the second most popular diamond shape and competes with the round brilliant cut diamond. A princess-cut diamond engagement ring proves timeless, just like the classic round-cut diamond.

Rest assured that the choice of this piece proves impressive, as it is stunning in both modern and vintage engagement rings settings.

You will find the cushion cut might appear slightly larger than a round cut, even when it’s the same carat weight. The faceting pattern makes it look bigger than a round table.

Princess cut diamonds appear larger than both, also when you are making the choice of the same carat weight.

In the case when you aren’t concerned about the look of a big diamond, you won’t get bothered by the cut that you want to buy.

When shopping ethically sourced lab-created diamonds, find a cushion cut diamond with higher color and clarity grades, and you will get the availability of the piece at an affordable price, especially when you wish to purchase earth-mined cushion cut diamonds.

So, which one to choose?

Both princess cut and cushion cut diamonds are impressive in terms of the attributes they carry, but you will have to consider essential aspects before finalizing.

Princess-cut diamonds are more popular, and in this regard, cushion cuts of similar quality are usually less expensive.

Regarding the Brilliance, note the point that both princess cuts and cushion cut engagement rings sparkle regardless of the piece you choose.

Well-cut princess diamond rings have more fire than cushion cut rings, even when you are picking both of similar quality.

Regarding Durability, note the point that the rounded square corners of a cushion cut diamond will be offering the much needed better protection for engagement rings when compared to the princess cut diamonds.

Knowing the differences and similarities between a princess cut and a cushion cut ensures that you will get a better idea of the right one for you.

Princess-cut diamond shapes are expected to have pointed corners, but the sides usually prove square or round. Princess cut diamonds are brilliant cut between 40-58 facets. The majority have 57 facets and prove a square modified brilliant.

Additional Points to note: Cuts that best complement a Princess Cut Diamond

A princess-cut diamond proves the contemporary, modern cut and works with angular cuts on the side of the gemstone.

Either smaller princess cuts or baguette diamond side stones prove incredibly fine. Using tapered baguettes allows for a narrower, daintier band.

Brilliance and geometry in a balanced manner in the princess cut go perfectly well with fancier shapes, including step-cut bullets or step-cut trapezoids. Note the point that the sharp, angular lines complement the entire engagement ring.

Final words

Regarding whether to make the choice of the cushion cut and princess cut are popular, note that with each of these shapes, you will get beautiful choices that look great in any setting. You’ll have to go ahead with the consideration of “personal preference” for determining the ultimate “BEST”.

Diamonds that prove modern, contemporary choice. You may choose a cushion cut diamond that will also be incredible in terms of the chic sparkle. Again, note that the princess cut has earned a reputation for itself in the form of fashionable choice, with sharp lines feeling fresh and elegant. The diamond shape proves timeless with its incredible scintillation.

The princess cut proves a highly economical choice, less expensive per carat weight than a round diamond, and it will provide a larger face-up compared to several other fancy cut diamonds. Regarding the princess cut diamond, the engagement ring will appear larger in size even when you are paying the same amount.

If you’re wondering why it’s worth choosing a cushion cut diamond, keep in mind that the cushion cut diamond proves a classic, traditional choice with beauty. When making the choice of one of the rings, consider the cushion cut with a vintage feel to it, suiting an engagement ring with an art deco style.

Go ahead with choosing the beautiful diamond shape regardless of the shape to wear for the rest of your life by considering the different aspects that increase the suitability of the diamond choice.