Princess vs Cushion Cut: Which Diamond Shape Should You Choose?
TL;DR: Princess cut is a square brilliant with sharp, unrounded corners — more affordable per carat, but the corners need protective setting. Cushion cut softens those corners into a rounded pillow shape, with a mix of vintage and modern faceting options. Choose princess for a crisp, modern, better-value square; choose cushion for a softer outline with more romantic, vintage character.
Princess Cut
The princess cut is a square (or slightly rectangular) shape with brilliant-style faceting and sharp, unrounded corners — the second most popular diamond shape after round. Because it retains more of the rough diamond crystal during cutting than a round brilliant, it typically costs less per carat than round at equivalent quality, making it a genuinely strong value choice. The trade-off is those sharp corners: they're the most vulnerable point on the stone and need a protective setting (four-prong corners, or a bezel at the points) to prevent chipping over time.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut takes a similar square or rectangular outline but softens the corners into rounded, pillow-like curves — no sharp points to protect. Cushion cuts come in two main facet styles: modern cushion (brilliant faceting, more sparkle, crisper look) and vintage cushion (larger, fewer facets, a softer "broken glass" light pattern associated with antique and heirloom-style rings). This flexibility means cushion can suit either a contemporary or a romantic, vintage-inspired design depending on the specific stone.
Side-By-Side
| Factor | Princess | Cushion |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | Sharp, unrounded — needs protective setting | Rounded — no vulnerable points |
| Value per carat | Excellent — retains more rough diamond | Good, slightly less than princess |
| Sparkle | High, crisp brilliance | Modern: high. Vintage: softer, fewer larger flashes |
| Aesthetic | Crisp, modern, geometric | Soft, romantic, works vintage or modern |
| Setting consideration | Corners need protection | No special protection needed |
Which Should You Choose?
If you want the most value per carat and a crisp, modern square silhouette — and don't mind ensuring the setting protects the corners — princess is the stronger choice. If you want a softer outline with no vulnerable points, and like the option of a more vintage or more contemporary look depending on faceting style, cushion is the better fit.
Choosing at À Vie Diamonds
See our full princess cut guide and our cushion cut guide for the complete detail on each, or get in touch to compare video of both shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is princess or cushion cut more expensive? Princess typically offers better value per carat, since it retains more of the rough diamond crystal during cutting than cushion.
Does a princess cut chip easily? The sharp corners are the most vulnerable point and benefit from a protective setting, but a well-made setting largely eliminates this risk in normal daily wear.
Is cushion cut more vintage than princess? Cushion can go either way depending on faceting style — vintage cushion has larger, fewer facets for an antique look, while modern cushion uses brilliant faceting for a more contemporary sparkle.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds