Confused about choosing between two timeless and elegant diamonds which one is right for you? We have got you covered. The cushion cut is known for its soft corners like a cushion that’s why it is named as cushion cut. On the other hand, princess cut is well known for its perfect square shape with sharp edges. In this blog, we are going to learn about Cushion Cut vs Princess Cut and which one will be suitable for you.
Discover more diamond shapes in our comprehensive blog The 11 Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement.
What is a Cushion Cut?
Cushion cut diamonds feature a square shape with soft rounded corners just like a cushion so are called cushion cut. Its history is as old as the nineteenth century when it was discovered and was referred to as mine cut at that time. It was considered to be the most popular and in-demand diamond shape 200 years ago at the time of discovery. Their symbolic meaning “resilience and clarity in relationships” also makes them a popular engagement ring choice.
Here are a few Cushion cut sapphire engagement rings an affordable alternative to cushion cut diamond rings for engagement:
Why Choose Cushion Cut for an Engagement Ring?
Cushion cut is the perfect combo of traditional and modern culture and still is one of the most popular diamond cuts. Here are the reasons you should choose Cushion cut over other diamonds shapes:
1. Brilliance and Fire
The cushion cut is rich in brilliance and fire i.e. exhibits dazzling sparkle and reflects brighter colors.
2. Durability
Cushion cut features soft rounded corners which prevents interaction with other objects for scratches or damages. Hence, it is durable as the corners don’t scratch.
3. Popularity
The cushion cut is one of the most popular shapes for diamonds due to its dazzling brilliance, and fire. It features a combination of old and new culture making it aesthetic.
4. Symbolic Meaning
The cushion cut symbolizes resilience and clarity in relationships hence making relationships stronger in terms of meaning. These terms make the relationships stronger if are considered for a relationship which are also associated with this cut.
5. Larger Appearance Than Other Shapes
These cut gemstones appear larger than the round cuts as their tops per carat are bigger than the round cut. Moreover, they have larger facets which makes them look bigger.
6. Affordable
The cushion cut is one of the affordable diamond cuts. As compared to the most popular round-cut, they cost 25-50% less.
Why not Choose Cushion Cut?
Cushion cut is worth-buying shape but there are some considerations you must know before buying:
1. Clear View of Imperfections
It provides a more clear view of imperfections in the stone due to its open top which you may not like.
2. Retains More Yellow Color
As it retains more color as compared to other shapes so it can exhibit a more yellow tinited appearance.
3. Difficult to find High-quality Cut
It takes a long period to find a high quality and perfectly cut rectangular cushion cut.
Now let’s discover what is the princess cut and delve into its details:
What is a Princess Cut?
Princess cut features a perfect square or rectangular shape with sharp ends that give an angular appearance. It was discovered in the 1980s by Betazel Amber and Israel Itskowitz. Princess cut is considered one of the most popular diamond cuts after the cushion cut. Princess cut possesses more brilliance among the geometrical gemstones.
Here are a few Cushion cut sapphire engagement rings an affordable alternative to cushion cut diamond rings for engagement:
Why Choose Princess Cut for an Engagement Ring?
After the cushion cut, the princess cut is considered the most popular diamond cut for the following reasons:
1. Affordable Price
Princess Cut is one of the most affordable diamond cuts due to its pyramidal shape. Its pyramidal shape ensures, that less material is wasted in the cutting process.
2. Larger Appearance
Due to large surface area, the princess cut appears larger even a 1ct princess cut is enough to create the impact.
3. Brilliance
Princess cut shows a high level of brilliance as compared to other geometrical cuts for diamonds.
4. Modern
Princess cut is a modern style that adds class to the engagement rings. It is ideal for brides looking for affordable, modern, and classy rings.
5. Symbolic Meaning
Princess cut symbolizes strength, clarity and forward-thinking love ideal for couples who are committed to marry.
Why not Choose Princess Cut?
Here are some reasons or cons you must learn before buying:
Less Durable
Princess cut is less durable as it has angular and sharp corners that are most susceptible to chipping or damage. Hence, they must be taken care to use for the long term.
Clear View of Imperfections
They give a clear view of the imperfections in the stone due to their large table. AS they tend to display more colors than other cuts, they can have a color tint.
We learned about each other in depth. Now let’s have a quick comparison- Cushion Cut vs Princess Cut:
Comparison: Cushion Cut vs Princess Cut
| Parameter | Cushion Cut | Princess Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | Cushion cut features a square or rectangular appearance with soft round corners. | Princess cut features a perfect square cut or rectangular cut with sharp ends. |
| Symbolic meaning | The symbolic meaning of cushion cut is resilience and clarity in relationships. | The symbolic meaning of princess cut is strength, clarity, and forward-thinking love. |
| Durability | Cushion cuts are more durable due to their round corners. | Princess cuts are less durable due to their sharp corners with the risk of chipping. |
| Brilliance and fire | The cushion cut exhibits a softer and vintage sparkle. | Princess cut shows intense and modern sparkle due to lines and precise cuts. |
| Price | The cushion cut is less expensive than the princess cut. | The princess cut is more expensive than the princess cut. |
Which One to Choose?
The choice depends merely on your personal preference and the style you like. In general, if you want a vintage look, a combo of traditional and modern culture, opt for a cushion cut. But if you are interested in bold and contemporary shapes, go for the princess cut.
Where to buy?
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Conclusion
In this guide, we elaborated on Cushion Cut vs Princess Cut to make it easy to choose the right one. Both cushion cut and princess cut are timeless and elegant designs, which one is better, depends on your preference. If you prefer an affordable vintage look, go for a cushion cut. But if you want a contemporary design, a princess cut is for you.
FAQs
Why do cushion cut diamonds look bigger?
Cushion cut diamonds tend to look bigger due to their big tops or tables per carat and have large facets. Big tops per carat and large facets make them look bigger.
What are the benefits of a cushion cut diamond?
Its brilliance, fire, large appearance, and affordable price are the benefits of a cushion cut diamond. If you want a larger-looking diamond at an affordable price then opt for a cushion cut diamond.
Is princess cut always square?
Not always, the princess cut is usually found in square and rectangular variations making them versatile.
Does the princess cut look bigger?
Yes, a princess cut looks bigger as its large facets and an open table create the illusion of a larger diamond. Even a 1ct princess cut creates an impact.