The short answer: choose a princess cut if you want a crisp, modern square with sharp corners, and a radiant cut if you want a similar square or rectangle with trimmed corners that are tougher and a more forgiving sparkle. A radiant is generally the more durable of the two.
Princess and radiant cuts are both brilliant style cuts with plenty of fire, and both come as squares or rectangles. The difference is in the corners and the faceting. Here is how they compare.
Side by side
| Princess | Radiant | |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | Sharp, pointed | Trimmed |
| Look | Crisp, geometric | Softer, lively |
| Durability | Corners need protection | More forgiving |
| Sparkle | Bright and fiery | Bright, with a warm glow |
| Shapes available | Mostly square | Square to rectangular |
The corners
A princess cut has four sharp points that can chip if they are left exposed, so it needs V claws, a bezel or a halo. A radiant has trimmed corners that are less likely to chip, though protection still helps.
The look of the light
A princess cut gives a crisp, geometric sparkle with strong flashes. A radiant gives a livelier, more scattered sparkle that tends to hide small inclusions well.
Shape options
Princess cuts are usually square, and radiant cuts come in a range from square to long rectangles. If you want a rectangular stone, a radiant gives you more choice.
Size for weight
Both cuts carry a fair amount of weight in their depth, so they can look a little smaller from above than a round or oval of the same carat weight. Compare the millimetre measurements on the report, not just the carats, to see how large each stone will look on the hand.
Colour and clarity
Both cuts have many facets, which helps them hide small marks. Colour can gather in the corners, so some people choose a slightly higher colour grade for either. A radiant tends to hold colour well, and a lower colour grade can look warm and pleasant in yellow gold. We can compare real stones with you on video.
Settings
Both suit solitaires, halos, bezels and three stone rings. A princess looks very modern in a bezel, and a radiant looks warm in a halo. See settings for a princess cut and settings for a radiant cut.
Radiant as a coloured diamond cut
The radiant cut is a favourite for coloured diamonds, because its faceting intensifies colour. Many yellow, pink and blue diamonds are cut as radiants for this reason. If you are thinking about a coloured stone, a radiant is worth a look. See lab grown fancy colour diamonds.
Everyday wear
If you are active, a radiant or a protected princess works well. A bezel is a very safe choice for either.
Metals
Platinum and white gold keep both crisp. Yellow gold gives a radiant a warm, vintage feel. Rose gold adds a gentle blush to either.
Natural or lab grown
Both cuts come as natural or lab grown diamonds. Both are real diamonds, and we label every stone clearly.
How to choose
- Decide between sharp and softened corners.
- Choose the proportions, from square to rectangular.
- Plan the protection for the corners.
- Look at both in real light.
Browse diamonds and lab grown colourless diamonds to compare real stones. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600. See also our diamond shapes guide and princess cut engagement rings.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more durable? A radiant is generally more forgiving at the corners.
Which is more sparkly? Both are very sparkly, with a slightly different character.
Which is more modern? A princess cut reads as crisp and modern.
Which suits a coloured diamond? A radiant, which tends to intensify colour.
Can I have a rectangular princess? Yes, though a radiant is more commonly found in rectangular proportions.