Princess Cut vs Radiant Cut Lab Grown Diamonds - Variation

Shape Comparison

Princess vs Radiant

Two brilliant squares.
One sharp. One trimmed. The difference is in the corners.

The Princess and Radiant are both square or rectangular brilliant cuts that deliver exceptional sparkle. The critical difference — the one that changes how each wears and looks — is in the corners: sharp and pointed in the Princess, safely trimmed in the Radiant.

Lab Grown Diamonds IGI Certified Expert Guide

Princess Cut

The brilliant square

Radiant Cut

The brilliant rectangle

Shape One

Princess Cut

The Princess Cut is a square brilliant cut with four perfectly sharp, uncut corners. Created in the 1980s, it quickly became the second most popular diamond shape in the world, behind only the round brilliant. Its sharp corners give it a bold, precise geometry that is distinctly modern.

The Princess Cut's sharp corners are its most distinctive feature — and also its main practical consideration. Sharp corners are a chip risk, and should always be protected by four-prong corner settings or a bezel. When properly set, the Princess is a durable and beautiful everyday stone with unmatched geometric precision.

Corners

Sharp and pointed — four uncut corners

Outline

Perfect square or near-square

Brilliance

Excellent — second only to the round brilliant

Chip Risk

Higher — sharp corners require protective four-prong or bezel settings

Character

Bold, precise, modern — strong geometric confidence

Best For

Solitaires, channel-set bands, three-stone rings with square side stones

Browse Princess Cut Collection

Shape Two

Radiant Cut

The Radiant Cut is a rectangular or square brilliant cut with cut (trimmed) corners — creating an octagonal-ish outline rather than the Princess's perfect square. The Radiant's 70-facet structure was specifically engineered to maximise brilliance in a non-round shape, and it shows.

The Radiant's cut corners make it more durable than the Princess in everyday wear — there are no vulnerable points to chip. Its 70 facets produce fine, dense sparkle comparable to a round brilliant, and its trimmed outline gives it a versatility the Princess, with its strict square geometry, cannot match.

Corners

Cut (trimmed) — creating a softer octagonal outline

Outline

Square or rectangular — versatile in proportions

Brilliance

Maximum for rectangular shapes — 70 facets engineered for light return

Chip Risk

Lower — cut corners remove the vulnerable points

Character

Geometric but versatile — modern with broader appeal

Best For

Solitaires, halos, three-stone rings, virtually any setting type

Browse Radiant Cut Collection

Important Note
The sharp corners of a Princess cut must be protected by prongs placed at each corner, or by a bezel setting. Never leave the corners unprotected — they are the most vulnerable point of the stone.

Side by Side

Princess vs Radiant — compared directly.

Every key characteristic, evaluated honestly. Use this to identify which shape aligns with what matters most to you.

	Princess Cut	Radiant Cut
Corner Style	Sharp and pointed — bold geometric precision	Cut and trimmed — softer, safer octagonal outline
Brilliance	Excellent — among the best non-round shapes	Exceptional — 70 facets deliver near-round performance
Chip Risk	Higher — sharp corners vulnerable to impact	Lower — trimmed corners are safer for everyday wear
Setting Requirement	Requires corner prongs or bezel for protection	No special setting requirement
Versatility	Best in square-focused, geometric settings	Works in any setting type without restriction
Proportions	Square (close to 1.00:1 ideal)	Square or rectangular — broader range of ratios
Character	Bold, precise, architecturally modern	Geometric and versatile — modern with broader appeal
Price Per Carat	Comparable to Radiant — slight variations by market	Comparable to Princess — very similar pricing
Sparkle Pattern	Fine, dense — chevron pattern visible from above	Fine, dense — closer to round brilliant in character
Heritage	Created in the 1980s — popular for 40+ years	Created in 1977 — one of the first non-round brilliants

Choose the Princess Cut if...

You want sharp geometric precision above all.

You want the sharpest, most precise geometric diamond outline available

You love the bold, architectural look of perfectly sharp corners

You are happy to ensure the corners are properly protected in the setting

You prefer a strictly square stone over a rectangular one

You are drawn to a shape that has been a bestseller for over four decades

You want a shape that works perfectly in channel-set bands alongside the centre stone

Shop Princess Cut Diamonds

Choose the Radiant Cut if...

You want maximum brilliance in a safer geometric shape.

You want a square or rectangular brilliant cut without any chip-risk considerations

You prefer the slightly softer outline of trimmed corners over sharp pointed ones

You want the highest possible brilliance in a non-round shape

You want flexibility in proportions — square, near-square, or elongated rectangular

You want a shape with no special setting requirements

You want a versatile diamond that works in the widest possible range of ring styles

Shop Radiant Cut Diamonds

The Verdict

There is no wrong choice — only the right one for you.

The Princess and Radiant are more similar than they are different. The decision often comes down to one thing: do you love the sharp corners of the Princess enough to account for them in your setting choice, or does the Radiant's trimmed corner design offer a more practical and equally beautiful alternative?

Choose Princess if

Sharp corners and bold geometry win

You love the architectural precision of perfectly square corners, you are choosing a setting that protects them, and you want a shape that has been one of the world's most loved diamonds for over forty years.

Choose Radiant if

Maximum brilliance with no compromises

You want the highest possible sparkle in a geometric shape, trimmed corners that require no special setting consideration, and flexibility in proportions from square to elongated rectangle.

Frequently Asked

Questions about Princess vs Radiant.

The most common questions we hear when customers are choosing between these two shapes. Still unsure? Talk to us directly.

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What is the main difference between a Princess and Radiant cut?

The key difference is the corners. A Princess cut has four sharp, uncut corners forming a perfect square. A Radiant cut has trimmed corners — creating a slightly softer octagonal outline. Both are brilliant cuts with similar sparkle, but the Princess's sharp corners require protective settings, while the Radiant's trimmed corners need no special consideration.

Are Princess cuts more likely to chip?

Yes — the sharp corners of a Princess cut are its most vulnerable point. A direct impact at the right angle can chip a corner. This does not mean you should avoid the shape, but it does mean the corners must be set with protective prongs at each corner, or the stone should be bezel-set. With the right setting, a Princess cut is perfectly durable for daily wear.

Which has better sparkle — Princess or Radiant?

Both are exceptional brilliant cuts. The Radiant's 70-facet structure is specifically engineered to maximise light return in a non-round shape and typically delivers slightly denser, finer sparkle. The Princess produces a distinctive chevron-pattern sparkle that is very beautiful. The difference is subtle in real-world viewing conditions.

Which is better for a square engagement ring?

Both are excellent choices for a square centre stone. The Princess gives you a more geometrically strict square with sharp corners; the Radiant gives you a softer square with trimmed corners. If the strict geometric precision of sharp corners is important to you, choose Princess. If you want a square shape without corner considerations, the Radiant is the practical choice.

Is the Princess cut still popular?

Yes — the Princess remains the second most popular diamond shape globally, behind only the round brilliant. It has been a bestseller since the 1980s. In the lab grown diamond market it remains widely chosen, particularly for its strong geometric character and the broad range of settings designed specifically for it.

Which is easier to find in a setting?

The Radiant is easier to set because its trimmed corners work in any standard prong or bezel setting without special modifications. The Princess requires corner prongs or a bezel — most reputable jewellers are entirely comfortable setting Princess cuts correctly, but it is worth confirming the setting is designed appropriately.

Ready to Choose?

Find your perfect lab grown diamond.

Browse our collection of IGI certified princess and radiant cut lab grown diamonds — or reach out on WhatsApp and we will help you find exactly the right stone.

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