When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond shape, your decision says a lot about your personality, your lifestyle, and your sense of style. Two of the most beloved cuts among modern women—both timeless and uniquely different—are the cushion cut and the princess cut. The debate between cushion cut vs princess cut isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about sparkle, symbolism, and how your jewelry makes you feel. If you’re torn between the soft romantic curves of a cushion cut or the crisp edges of a princess cut, you’re in the right place.
What Is A Princess Cut?
A princess cut is known for its sharp, square shape and brilliant facets. It was developed in the 1960s as a more modern alternative to the round cut, offering similar sparkle but with a geometric twist. The result? A dazzling diamond with a clean, symmetrical look that radiates modern glamour.
Its flat top and pointed corners make it ideal for solitaire settings, halo designs, and architectural ring styles. Women who gravitate toward the princess cut often appreciate structure, clarity, and elegance with an edge.
Because of its shape, a princess cut reflects light brilliantly from its center, giving off flashes of fire and a sharp sparkle. When comparing cushion cut vs princess cut, many choose the princess cut for its contemporary appeal and eye-catching brilliance.
One gorgeous example of this shape is BEATRICE Princess Cut Double-Halo Ring, where the structured symmetry of the cut meets luxurious layers of shine. It’s a piece that speaks to confidence and bold beauty.
What Is A Cushion Cut?
In contrast, a cushion cut is softer and more romantic. Also known as a “pillow cut,” its square or rectangular shape with rounded corners gives it a vintage-inspired look with a timeless glow. First introduced in the 19th century, the cushion cut has become popular again for its ability to balance old-world charm with modern-day sophistication.
Unlike the edgy brilliance of the princess cut, a cushion cut diamond offers a softer sparkle—a glow rather than a flash. Its larger facets allow light to reflect in broad patterns, creating a gentle radiance that’s often described as romantic and dreamy.
If you’re exploring princess cut or cushion cut options for an engagement ring or special gift, a cushion cut might appeal to you if you prefer classic elegance with a twist of femininity.
Cushion Cut Green Sapphire Pendant illustrates the shape beautifully. With its luminous center stone and delicate setting, it captures the very essence of the cushion cut’s poetic style.
Princess Cut Cons
While stunning, the princess cut isn't perfect for every lifestyle. Like any diamond shape, it has characteristics that may not suit everyone’s taste or daily habits. Understanding the drawbacks helps you decide more clearly in the cushion cut vs princess cut comparison.
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Delicate corners: The sharp points of a princess cut diamond are prone to chipping if not properly protected by prongs. This means more care is needed during wear.
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Shows inclusions easily: The angular shape and brilliant faceting pattern can make flaws more visible if the diamond isn't of high clarity.
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Less vintage appeal: While elegant and bold, the princess cut lacks the antique charm that some brides-to-be are looking for.
If you’re comparing princess cut or cushion cut styles for an engagement ring and prefer something low-maintenance, this might be a factor to consider.
Princess Cut Pros
Despite the few downsides, princess cut diamonds are beloved for good reason. Their crisp geometry and intense brilliance make them one of the most modern and glamorous choices available today.
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Brilliant sparkle: The princess cut rivals round brilliants in terms of fire and shine—perfect for women who love sparkle.
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Contemporary elegance: Its clean lines are ideal for minimalists or those who love bold, structured jewelry.
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Great value: Because princess cuts use more of the rough diamond, they tend to offer more size for the price.
A stunning representation of the princess cut’s brilliance is the Princess Cut Blue Topaz Halo Ring, where the square-cut topaz is framed with radiant accents. It’s an ideal choice for women who want eye-catching beauty with a strong silhouette.
Cushion Cut Cons
Although cushion cuts are romantic and timeless, they too come with limitations. When evaluating cushion cut vs princess cut, it’s important to understand how they perform differently.
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Less sparkle than princess cuts: Cushion cuts don’t reflect light as intensely, offering more of a glow than a glittering fire.
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Can appear smaller: Because of their rounded corners and deeper cut, cushion diamonds sometimes face up smaller than a princess cut of the same carat.
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Style limitations: While beautiful in vintage or soft styles, cushion cuts may feel too classic for those who prefer ultra-modern aesthetics.
When debating princess cut or cushion cut, this softer aesthetic may or may not fit your desired look.
Cushion Cut Pros
If you're someone who values timeless beauty and romantic softness, the cushion cut may be the perfect match. This cut is especially loved for its versatility—it looks equally stunning in both classic and contemporary settings.
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Romantic appearance: The curved edges and pillow-like shape make this cut feel warm, vintage, and elegant.
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Masking inclusions well: Due to its faceting, the cushion cut tends to hide imperfections better than sharper shapes.
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Versatile styling: Works beautifully in solitaire, halo, or three-stone settings.
Cushion Cut Ruby CZ Necklace is a perfect example. With its deep red hue and delicate halo, this necklace shows how the cushion cut adds emotion and softness to even the boldest colors.
What Is The Main Difference Between A Princess Cut And A Cushion Cut Diamond?
The most noticeable difference between the two cuts is their shape and how they reflect light. A princess cut is square or rectangular with sharp, pointed corners and a modern geometric appeal. It tends to reflect light in a way that produces brilliant sparkle from the center outward.
A cushion cut, on the other hand, features rounded corners and a more pillow-like shape. It reflects light in softer, broader flashes that give off a warm, glowing effect rather than intense brilliance.
When comparing cushion cut vs princess cut, the princess cut is often chosen for bold, contemporary statements, while the cushion cut appeals to those who prefer vintage charm and romantic styling.
Another great way to see this in action is through BEATRICE Princess Cut Double-Halo Ring. Its precise square design and stunning layered halos showcase exactly what sets a princess cut apart.
Is Cushion Cut Better Than Princess?
That depends entirely on your taste and how you intend to wear the piece. In the cushion cut vs princess cut debate, “better” comes down to lifestyle, personal preference, and the statement you want to make.
Choose a princess cut if:
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You love sharp lines and structured elegance
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You prefer intense sparkle and contemporary aesthetics
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You want a stone that looks slightly larger for its carat weight
Choose a cushion cut if:
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You gravitate toward softness and vintage-inspired design
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You prefer a glowing, romantic sparkle
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You want a stone that hides inclusions well
Whether you're choosing a princess cut or cushion cut, there’s no wrong answer—only what reflects your personality and daily life best.
To experience cushion cut beauty firsthand, Cushion Cut Green Sapphire Pendant captures all the soft edges and dreamy light play this cut is known for.
Is Cushion Cut Or Princess Cut More Expensive?
Price depends more on diamond quality (cut, clarity, color, carat) than on shape alone. That said, princess cut diamonds generally offer better value per carat. Their shape allows more of the rough diamond to be used during cutting, which can reduce waste and, in turn, cost.
Cushion cut diamonds, while slightly less efficient to cut, have recently gained popularity—especially in halo and vintage settings—which can raise their price depending on demand and design.
In the cushion cut vs princess cut pricing debate, it’s often about setting style and brand rather than the cut alone. Still, if you're trying to decide between a princess cut or cushion cut ring within a specific budget, it’s worth comparing similar-quality stones side by side to see which offers more visual impact for the price.
Which One Speaks to You?
The beauty of jewelry lies in how it makes you feel. Whether you're drawn to the clean, architectural sparkle of a princess cut or the soft, romantic elegance of a cushion cut, your choice tells your story.
The cushion cut vs princess cut decision isn’t about trends—it’s about timelessness, individuality, and emotion. Your jewelry should match your life, your rhythm, your light.
At Deylan Diamond, each piece is handcrafted with precision and passion, celebrating not just style, but the soul behind every selection. Whether you're exploring a gift, choosing a bridal set, or treating yourself, our princess cut or cushion cut collections are designed to bring your story to life—brilliantly.