CUSHION-CUT DIAMONDS BUYING GUIDE
Your Jewelry Consultant is ready to talk!
They will be on video but won't see you.
Make sure to enable your mic if prompted.
Language:
Your Jewelry Expert is ready to meet!
You will both be on video, but you can turn off your camera if you'd like.
Make sure to enable your microphone and video if prompted.
CUSHION-CUT VS. PRINCESS-CUT DIAMONDS
Find out HOW CUSHION-CUT AND PRINCESS-CUT DIAMONDS COMPARE
CUSHION-CUT VS. PRINCESS-CUT DIAMONDS: KEY DIFFERENCES
Finding the perfect diamond engagement ring starts with choosing your ideal diamond shape. Cushion-cut and princess-cut diamonds are two highly sought-after shapes, admired by celebrities and everyday couples alike. Get to know how these diamond shapes compare and learn what makes each one an attractive engagement ring option, so you can choose the shape that celebrates your unique love story.
SHAPE
Also called pillow-cut diamonds, cushion-cut diamonds feature a square or rectangular face with rounded corners, resembling a soft, pillow-like shape.
Princess-cut diamonds feature a square or slightly rectangular face with four pointed corners, offering a more modern, geometric shape.
POPULARITY
The cushion-cut diamond is the fourth-most popular diamond shape in the United States. Immensely popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the cushion-cut diamond is making a comeback, largely thanks to a myriad of celebrities seen sporting opulent cushion-cut diamond engagement rings.
Even though it didn’t emerge until the 1970s, the princess-cut diamond is a highly coveted engagement ring style among celebrities and modern-minded couples. The princess-cut diamond is the second-most popular diamond shape, behind the round-cut diamond.
STYLE
Given its historical popularity and recent resurgence, the cushion-cut diamond is celebrated for its vintage charm. The unique shape and soft corners of a cushion-cut diamond give it an elegant, romantic look.
As a relatively new diamond shape, the princess-cut diamond is admired for its contemporary, fashionable style. With crisp lines and pointed corners, the princess-cut diamond offers a more modern, geometrical look.
PRICE
Cushion-cut diamonds and princess-cut diamonds are similarly priced, and both generally cost less per carat than a round-cut diamond. This is due to the fact that the round-cut diamond is in high demand as the most popular diamond shape. Round-cut diamonds also have a higher production cost, since they require more material to create their shape from the rough diamond. A round-cut diamond will only retain about 40% of the rough diamond after the cutting process, whereas a princess-cut diamond will retain about 80%.
SETTINGS
The rounded edges of cushion-cut diamonds lend well to a variety of ring settings. Princess-cut diamonds also look great in a range of ring settings; however, its four sharp corners can be prone to chipping. For added protection, you might consider a bezel or four-prong ring setting. For larger stones of either shape, a six-prong setting will provide extra protection.
Some of the most popular settings for both cushion-cut and princess-cut diamond engagement rings include:
- Solitaire: A single diamond takes center stage in this classic setting.
- Three-Stone: Two side stones flank the center stone, accentuating its beauty.
- Halo: A halo of smaller stones surround the larger center stone for a standout style.
| KAY Diamond Comparison | cushion-cut Diamonds | princess-cut Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square with rounded corners | Square with pointed corners |
| Popularity | Fourth-most popular | Second-most popular |
| Style | Vintage, elegant | Modern, on-trend |
| Price Comparison (of comparable quality and size) | $$ | $$ |
| Independently Certified | Yes* | Yes* |
| 100% Conflict-Free | Yes | Yes |
| KAY Responsible Sourcing Commitment | Yes | Yes |
| Industry Sourcing Standards Established | Yes | In Development |
| Included in the Lifetime Diamond Commitment | Yes | Yes |
| Eligible for Trade-In | Yes | No |
| *Select styles & carat weights | ||
SHOP CUSHION-CUT AND PRINCESS-CUT DIAMOND RINGS
Celebrate your milestone moment with a diamond that expresses your unstoppable love. Shop KAY’s selection of cushion-cut and princess-cut diamond rings now to discover your perfect match.
SPEAK TO A JEWELRY CONSULTANT
Not sure which diamond cut is right for you? Connect with KAY for one-on-one expert advice! Simply book a virtual or in-store appointment at a set time convenient for you.
Diamond Education from the Experts
EXPLORE OUR JEWELRY LIBRARY
KAY’s Jewelry Library is your one-stop resource for jewelry education! Our collection of articles includes everything from jewelry basics, style guides, shopping tips, and gift-giving advice to ideas and inspiration for your milestone moments.