The two most popular square diamond shapes would be the cushion cut and princess cut diamonds. Getting stuck between the two is common since they do share some similarities. However, we will highlight some of the main differences between cushion vs. princess cuts here for you to see!
Shape
When comparing cushion vs. princess, one of the main differences is the shape outline. The princess cut diamond has perfectly straight edges creating a modern and edgy look. The princess cut diamond also has sharp corners in contrast to the rounded corners of a cushion cut diamond.
Ratio
The ratio for square shape diamonds are going to be in the 1:1 range or a ratio of 1.0. Once you start going to the 1.1 ratio range the shape will appear more elongated. While this does look beautiful you would no longer be in the “square” shape cateory. Rather it would be a rectangular diamond shape
Cushions will come in a wider variety of ratios.
A princess cut would be most common in the range of 1.0-1.1. A 1-1.05 ratio princess cut will look square to the naked eye. The 1.2 ratio princess cuts are definitely more rare.
Cut Comparison
The cut for a princess and cushion varies based on whicht type you are after. Princess cut diamonds come within a few different varieties. Essentially the princess cut diamonds are cut with varying numbers of chevrons or faceting that reach the edge of the diamond. Typically when there are more chevrons it would have a crushed ice or splintery type of sparkle. Princess cuts with less chevrons will have more broad but fewer sparkles.
Cushion cut diamonds will have varying degrees of sparkle based on which cut you select. For example, crushed ice cushions will have many small sparkles. There are also variations of cushion brilliant, cushion modified, and antique cushion. We are popular for having a wide inventory of cushion brilliant style cushion cuts that feature sparkle similar to a round brilliant cut that catch the light beatifully! Check out this video comparing a crushed ice cushion cut to cushion brilliant style cushions
Quality Comparison
Diamonds with a lot of brilliance are great at hiding imperfections and color saturation. For the cushion brilliant style cushions, you can easily opt for J color and above and SI2 clarity and above. The crushed ice cushions, having less brilliance, will show more color saturation so you may want to stay at I color and above. Princess cut diamonds have broad flashes of light and we recommend J and above and SI2 and above, provided there is no brown tint or strong visible imperfections.
Weight Distribution
Princess cut diamonds can be slightly deeper cut than the brilliant style cushions. Princess cut diamonds can give off a large illusion due to the sharp corners. The sharp corners fill out the edges making the diamond appear larger. For example, a 2 carat square cushion cut diamond will be around the 7-7.3mm length range. A 2 carat princess cut diamond will be around the 6.9-7.2mm range. This is a pretty minimal difference but something to make note of.
The Verdict
We hate to tell you but there is no right answer here! Do you like straighter edges and a sharper look? Than a square princess cut is your best bet. If you like a softer, more rounded appearance than a square cushion is perfect for you