Cushion vs Princess
Both square. Both brilliant.
Soft corners or sharp?
The choice that changes everything.
The Cushion and Princess are the two most popular square diamond shapes in the world. Both are brilliant cuts that deliver exceptional sparkle. The difference is in the corners — rounded and soft in the Cushion, sharp and precise in the Princess — and in the centuries of heritage that separates them.
The Cushion Cut is a square or rectangular brilliant cut with fully rounded corners — the softness that gives it its name. It has roots going back over two centuries, descended from the "old mine cut" of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its larger facets produce a distinctive, warm sparkle pattern quite unlike the modern Princess, and its rounded corners make it feel romantic and approachable.
The Cushion's rounded corners are not just aesthetic — they are also practical. There are no sharp corners to chip, no special prong requirements, no vulnerability concerns. It is a durable, comfortable shape that suits a wide range of aesthetics from vintage to contemporary.
The Princess Cut is a square brilliant cut with four sharp, uncut corners. Created in the 1980s, it became the second most popular diamond shape in the world within a decade and has maintained that position ever since. Its sharp corners give it a bold, precise geometric identity that is distinctly modern — confident and architectural rather than soft and romantic.
The Princess's sharp corners are its most striking feature. They create a look of precise, modern geometry that is undeniably bold. The trade-off is practical: sharp corners are vulnerable to chipping if struck, and the setting must place prongs at each corner for protection. When set correctly, the Princess is as durable as any other shape.
Cushion vs Princess — compared directly.
Every key characteristic, evaluated honestly. Use this to identify which shape aligns with what matters most to you.
| Cushion Cut | Princess Cut | |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Style | Fully rounded — no sharp edges | Sharply pointed — four 90-degree corners |
| Character | Romantic, warm, heritage-rich | Bold, modern, architecturally precise |
| Chip Risk | Minimal — rounded corners are safe | Higher — corners must be set with protective prongs |
| Heritage | Over 200 years of history | Created in the 1980s — 40+ years of popularity |
| Sparkle Pattern | Broader, warmer flashes — distinctive and romantic | Fine, dense chevron sparkle — high brilliance |
| Setting Requirement | Works in any standard prong setting | Requires corner prongs or bezel at each sharp corner |
| Versatility | Works in vintage and contemporary settings equally well | Best in modern, geometric settings |
| Price Per Carat | Comparable — small variation depending on market | Comparable to Cushion — broadly similar pricing |
| Colour Sensitivity | Moderate — G or better for larger stones | Good — brilliant facets manage colour well |
| Square Options | Square (1.00:1) or rectangular elongated available | Best as a square; elongated versions less common |
There is no wrong choice — only the right one for you.
The Cushion and Princess are both exceptional square brilliant cuts. The difference is really a question of personality and aesthetic: soft and romantic with centuries of heritage, or sharp and modern with forty years of bestselling popularity.
Questions about Cushion vs Princess.
The most common questions we hear when customers are choosing between these two shapes. Still unsure? Talk to us directly.
Ask on WhatsAppFind your perfect lab grown diamond.
Browse our collection of IGI certified cushion and princess cut lab grown diamonds — or reach out on WhatsApp and we will help you find exactly the right stone.