Crash Course: Cushion Cut vs. Princess Cut Diamonds

You're taking the plunge and getting ready to pop the question, or perhaps you already have, and now you've got to decide on exactly what kind of diamond you want in your engagement ring. With so many diamond options on the market, it's a big decision, so we're here to help you break down all the details and go into the journey armed with as much knowledge as possible.

One of the biggest parts of choosing a diamond is deciding on a diamond shape. And two popular ones that often go head to head are the cushion cut and the princess cut. If you're torn, fear not! These two contenders might be dazzling but they're also quite different diamond shapes. Let's get into what makes each diamond shape unique and beautiful in its own way.

Let's dive into uncovering the brilliance between Princess and Cushion cut diamonds.

A Tale as Old as Timeless

A cushion cut diamond is many things, but most of all timeless. It dates back to the 18th century and is the modern predecessor of the old mine cut diamond. A cushion really does reflect its namesake, with its square or rectangular outline, with curved sides and rounded corners. It looks like a small, sparkling pillow! Cushion cut diamonds capture the essence of vintage charm and romance while providing exceptional brilliance, making them a favorite for anyone who appreciates a nod to the past with a modern twist.

On the other hand, princess-cut diamonds are anything but old school. They are bold, modern, and undeniably brilliant. Developed in the 1960s, the princess cut has quickly become a top choice for contemporary brides. They are the square version of a round brilliant cut diamond, with a square or rectangular shape, pointed corners, and brilliant facets that give them a sleek, edgy look that’s all about that sparkle.

In short:

• Cushion Cut: Soft, rounded corners, vintage appeal, and good brilliance with a romantic look.

• Princess Cut: Sharp, pointed corners, modern appeal, and exceptional brilliance with a contemporary look.

Seen here is a our, Finest Solitaire Engagement Ring With a 3.04ct Princess Cut Diamond.

Perfect Proportions

No matter what diamond shape you love for your engagement ring, choosing one with excellent proportions makes all the difference. Cut is the most important of the 4Cs because it has the most impact on the overall brilliance and beauty of a diamond shape. When it comes to a cushion cut, an ideal depth percentage is somewhere in the 61-68% range, with a table percentage of 58-68%. Princess cuts are slightly different and you should look for a depth percentage between 64-75% and a table percentage of 67-72%. On top of these factors, look for a diamond that has excellent polish and symmetry for even light distribution, more fire, and stunning brilliance.

Stunning brilliance is everything with our, Finest Solitaire Ring with a Princess cut diamond.

Length-to-Width Ratios

There's also the length-to-width ratio to consider for each of these two shapes. Length-to-width is how you know how elongated the diamond shape is. For both the cushion and princess cut, if you want a square shape diamond, look for a ratio of 1.00-1.05. For a rectangular shape, go with a higher ratio like 1.10-1.20, or even higher if you prefer a more elongated look.

This can also be influenced by your choice of engagement ring design. If you are interested in an east-west style engagement ring, with the diamond set horizontally across your finger, then you will want an elongated cushion cut or rectangular princess cut diamond to get the look.

Incorporate a half bezel for a sleek, modern look, like this Half Bezel Solitaire Ring With Cushion Cut Diamond.

Color and Clarity

Lucky for you, when considering either of these popular fancy shape diamonds, you can usually save a little budget by choosing a lower color and clarity grade. That's because both princess cut diamonds and cushion cut diamonds have lots of small facets that break up the surface to mask inclusions and color well. While princess cut diamonds do show a bit more color than round brilliant cut diamonds, it won't be drastically noticable.

The Signature Pavé Engagement Ring featuring a Cushion Cut Diamond sparkles with its perfectly cut stone and dazzling pavé band.

Carat Weight and Size Perception

When compared to other diamond shapes, such as round brilliants, princess cuts typically appear smaller for the same carat weight. This is because princess cuts have a higher depth percentage and a smaller table percentage, which means more of the diamond's weight is distributed towards the depth rather than spread across the surface area. As a result, a 1-carat princess cut may appear smaller in diameter than a 1-carat round brilliant cut diamond. However, princess cuts do have a higher face-up surface area compared to other fancy shapes like emerald or radiant cuts, making them an excellent choice for those who want a diamond that looks substantial without necessarily having a large spread.

Generally, cushion cuts tend to have a larger face-up appearance for their carat weight compared to princess cuts and other square or rectangular shapes like emerald cuts. This is because cushion cuts often have shallower depth percentages and larger table percentages, allowing more of the diamond's weight to be visible on the top surface. As a result, a 1-carat cushion cut diamond may appear larger in diameter than a 1-carat princess cut diamond, especially if it's a more elongated cushion shape. Cushion cuts are prized for their ability to offer a good balance between carat weight and face-up size, making them popular for those seeking a diamond with a substantial presence.

Princess cuts offer a larger face-up surface area than emerald or radiant cuts, making them ideal for those seeking substantial sparkle in a more compact diamond, like our Finest Solitaire with a 3ct Princess Cut diamond.

Ice Breakers

When it comes to cushion cut diamonds, there are actually two varieties to consider: regular cushion cuts and crushed ice cushion cuts, each with a distinct visual appeal. Regular cushion cuts, also known as "chunky" cushions, feature larger facets that create broad flashes of light, resulting in a distinctive pattern of brilliance. This type of cushion cut is reminiscent of the classic, old-mine cut diamonds and is prized for its vintage charm and romantic appeal. The clear, defined facets give these diamonds a traditional look, making them a favorite for those who appreciate a timeless, elegant aesthetic.

On the other hand, crushed ice cushion cuts are all about intense sparkle and modern flair. Unlike regular cushion cuts, these modified cushion cut stones have smaller facets that create a “crushed ice” appearance, similar to the dazzling effect of a radiant cut diamond. This means light is scattered in many directions, resulting in a dazzling, shimmering effect that gives the diamond an ultra-brilliant look. Crushed ice cushions are ideal for those who want a diamond with maximum sparkle and a contemporary feel. While both types of cushion cuts are beautiful in their own right, the choice between regular and crushed ice comes down to personal preference and the type of brilliance you desire in your diamond.

Let the sparkle do the talking with our, Thin + Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring With Cushion Cut Diamond.

What to Look Out For

One of the most important things to keep in mind with your diamond shape is durability, especially in an engagement ring you plan to wear every day. The pointed corners of princess cut diamonds can, unfortunately, be prone to chipping. If you are rough on your hands or just want a little more protection, ensure that your ring setting protects the corners of your diamond well.

While cushion cut diamonds do not have this concern, they can have a minimal bow-tie effect, especially in a more elongated cushion cut shape. This is a dark, bow-tie shape visible across the center of the diamond due to the cut and loss of light (instead of it being reflected back to the eye). Make sure to get a good look at your diamond before purchasing to make sure the unique diamond shape looks just right!

The Pricing Breakdown

A big part of choosing a diamond engagement ring is pricing. When comparing prices of cushion cut vs. princess cut diamonds, the factors can vary beyond just the shapes themselves. Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular and expensive diamond shape. Princess cut diamonds are generally priced lower per carat compared to round brilliant cuts, primarily because the diamond cut retains more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, minimizing waste.

Cushion diamonds, especially those with a crushed ice appearance or more unique faceting patterns, can vary widely in pricing. Traditional cushion cuts often come with a premium due to their vintage appeal and the skilled craftsmanship required to cut them. Cushion cuts with larger tables and shallower depths, which may appear larger face-up, can sometimes command higher prices. Overall, while cushion cuts can be priced similarly to princess cuts depending on the specific characteristics and market demand, they also offer a range of pricing options from more affordable to higher-end pieces, catering to various preferences and budgets in the diamond market.

Just remember that no matter what, diamond pricing can increase with higher clarity and color grades, as well as with larger carat weights.

Why have one diamond, when you can have three? Try our fan favorite, Triad Engagement Ring With Cushion Cut Diamonds, for a stunning three stone engagement ring look.

Cushion Cut vs. Princess Cut Engagement Rings

You'll also want to consider setting design styles when choosing between a cushion cut diamond and princess cut diamond for your engagement ring, as each shape has different styles it looks best with. Cushion cut diamonds' understated romance shines in vintage-inspired ring settings, halo settings, and solitaire settings that accentuate their soft, rounded shape. When looking at a ring with side stones, you may also want to go with rounded accents to create a harmonious look. This popular diamond shape looks fantastic when accented by tiny pavé set diamonds as well.

The sharp edges of princess-cut diamonds are a wonderful choice for more modern and geometric settings. Their square shape looks stunning in angular solitaire settings, channel settings, and three-stone rings. The sharp, clean lines of the princess cut are perfect for those who want a ring that's big and bold and bright. Set it with angular accent stones, tapered baguettes, or in a three-stone princess cut diamond setting.

Princess cut diamonds bring modern geometric elegance to the forefront.

Find Your Dream Diamond

Choosing between a cushion cut and a princess cut diamond for your engagement ring is a matter of personal style and preference. But now that you're armed with a bit more knowledge, you're ready to rock your shopping journey with confidence. If you’re drawn to a vintage, romantic look with soft sparkle, a cushion diamond is your perfect match. If you lean towards a modern, edgy appearance with brilliant sparkle, princess diamonds will be your ideal choice.

Engagement ring settings also come in countless designs to suit any love story. Shop for your dream diamond ring from our complete collection. And remember, no matter which cut you choose, your ring should reflect you. If you need help choosing a beautiful diamond shape for your dream ring, our team is here to find cushion cut, princess cut, or any other diamond shapes you need!